One week in Tokyo
 

Travelling in April with my 12 year old granddaughter as a treat since she is interested in anime and all things Japanese. I have never travelled to Japan before and could use a few ideas on what to do, what's the best area to stay and should we venture outside the city - say bullet train to Kyoto? Thank you

With only a week, I'm not sure Kyoto would be your best choice. Much as I loved Kyoto, IMO it really deserves at least 4 days, if not more.

Nikko makes a good day trip from Tokyo (and an even better overnight stay). Kamakura is another nice day trip.

For a wealth of very helpful info, see:
http://www.japan-guide.com

Thank you, I'm quite happy to stay in Tokyo - I'm sure there are lots of things to do and see with a 12 year old little girl - just not sure where to start.

Although I've travelled widely in Japan, I'm not into Anime so I cannot offer any personal recommendations. I suggest you (and your grand daughter) take a look through this list and see if anything appeals: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3052.html

I've heard that the Ghibli museum is good. The Cosplay scene in Harajuku might appeal: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html

I hope you both have a good time.

On our trip to Japan we especially loved the Edo Tokyo Museum. I think it would be great for kids too. Vivid displays and good English. http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english/

Also consider staying in a more traditional neighborhood. We enjoyed Asakusa with its temples and markets. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html

We stayed in the Shingetsu Ryokan style hotel there. You have traditional tatami mats and futon beds. Very atmospheric. http://shigetsu.com/e/

We didn't actually do it but there are also river boats in that area (and elsewhere) which can give a good perspective of the city http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3042.html

Department stores are also great for food and souvenirs and great public restrooms. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2072.html

Finally, for a unique experience check out a home visit program. Here is one, but there are others. http://www.nagomivisit.com/

Thank you for all your suggestions. I'll do my research and hope to be well organized before we go.

Others have given you great suggestions. Something else you could do is take an excursion to Hakone, which would be a contrast to what you're seeing in Tokyo. You could visit the open - air museum, visit the volcanic valley, and take a lake cruise. If you're lucky, you may see Mt. Fuji. Hakone is best done with an overnight, but a day trip is possible if you leave early and plan on staying all day.

Thank you tripplanner001, I'll have to look into that.

Cheers,

K