KidZania’s English Wednesday’s: A Fun Experience For English-Speaking Kids

KidZania is a city where kids take the lead, trying out all kinds of real-world jobs. My daughter loved it when she was little, and I wanted my nephews to experience the same fun she had, even if they don’t speak Japanese. We visited on “English Wednesday,” when most activities are run in English, but what is it really like? Can kids still enjoy themselves if they don’t understand any Japanese? Here’s a closer look into our day at KidZania Tokyo.

I wanted my nephews to have a fun experience on their first trip to Japan, and English Wednesday sounded like a great idea, so we decided to give it a try.

1. Tickets and Reservations

There are a few different ticket plans to choose from, and you might be able to get same-day tickets. But the spots go fast, so booking in advance is the way to go.

Guest Guide
https://www.kidzania.jp/en/guide

2. Reception and Admission

KidZania has two shifts, and each has slightly different admission procedures. Check-in starts one hour before your session, and you can enter 30 minutes before the activities begin. Even on weekdays, it can get surprisingly busy, so it’s a good idea to arrive with plenty of time.

Admission to KidZania
https://www.kidzania.jp/en/guide/flow/tokyo.html

Getting Started with Activities

Once we passed through the gates, it felt like a whole new world, and my nephews were instantly excited. Kids use a “Job Schedule Card” to check in for activities themselves. The staff explained everything in English, so it all went smoothly.

Experiencing Activities
https://www.kidzania.jp/en/guide/how

3 Fun Jobs We Tried at KidZania

1. Firefighter

The first activity my nephews tried was the firefighter job. The staff explained everything in English and used gestures, so it was easy for them to follow. They practiced moving quickly, hopped in a fire truck, and even tried putting out a pretend fire. My nephews had a blast and it was just as fun for us to watch!

2. Car Modeler

Next, they tried the car modeler job, where the kids design the shape of a car. In the design studio, they used clay to sculpt the car while following a design plan. All instructions were in English, and the best part? They got to take their finished clay model home! My nephews were thrilled with their creations.

3. Game Creator

Finally, they tried the game creator job, where kids design their own video game. I’d heard the instructions would be a mix of English and Japanese, but the staff helped a lot, so it was no problem.They set up backgrounds, characters, and sounds, testing the game as they went. My nephews loved every minute of it!

What We Thought

My nephews had a great time at KidZania’s “English Wednesday”! They explored the city, opening a bank account and shopping with KidZania’s special currency, “Kidzos,” which made it feel very real. Even if kids don’t speak Japanese, the staff are very helpful. This program is great for families visiting Japan and Japanese kids who want to try activities in English. If you get the chance, it’s definitely worth it!

KidZania English Program
https://www.kidzania.jp/en/tokyo/english