It’s inevitable that during your Japanese adventure, your mother will visit at some point. She’ll want to see where you work, where you live, what your friends look like without purikura airbrush, and of course, the magnificent capital. You’ll probably leave her alone to snap selfies at the Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Crossing while you’re at work, and then in the evenings and weekends, rustle up these much more fun, mother-son/daughter activities. Here are five ideas for a smashing time in Tokyo with Mom.

Image: courtesy of KKDay

Take a Fancy Cruise in Tokyo Bay

Can you really picture mum struggling along the Rainbow Bridge in the summer heat? We thought not. She’ll want to reach Odaiba in style, and that of course means by boat. KKday’s Tokyo Sumida Boat Cruise Tour boards at Umayabashi Bridge and finishes at the fabulous man-made island. You’ll blissfully sail past Tokyo Skytree and Rainbow Bridge whilst enjoying lunch, including a 2.5 hour Kasuga Set with snow crab, steamed clams and tempura. If Mommy is prone to sea sickness, there are plenty of other authentic experiences from KKday including The Robot Restaurant and Skytree Aquarium package, all at the best or discount rates.

Peak of Joy experience at Park Hyatt Tokyo

Show Her What a Classy “All You Can Drink” is Like

The kind of “all you can drink” spots you usually frequent in Roppongi probably aren’t the kind you should take Mom to, especially if you don’t want her to worry when you say you’re on a night out. Take her to the classy sort, and by that we mean Park Hyatt Tokyo. Don’t worry, five star hotels don’t mean CEO bank balances; Park Hyatt Tokyo has an awesome “Peak Of Joy” experience at The Peak Lounge daily from 5-9pm. For ¥5,800 plus service, you’ll both enjoy sit-down seasonal dishes such as pan-seared fresh market fish and roasted Japanese pork shoulder. Most importantly, you’ll get to experience two hours of unlimited drinks. These include wines, cocktails, sake, beer and mocktails, all elegantly served over stunning views of the city for the ultimate “cheers” to a wonderful time together.

Phantom Of The Opera

Let Her Be Found in Translation

It’s easy to feel all Scarlett in Lost in Translation, especially for first-time visitors to Japan. Enjoy a night at the theater, in English, at the Tokyo Orb in Shibuya, and give Mom a break from 24-7 language confusion. Here you’ll find Japanese tours of popular Broadway shows such as A Chorus Line, a Tony-Award winning spectacular about the glamor of showbiz. And from the end of August 2018 you’ll even be able to buy tickets for the classic (and Mom-friendly favorite) Phantom of the Opera. Who needs New York when you have Tokyo, eh?!

Itamae Sushi

Get Some Awesome Souvenir Snaps

If your mom is anything like ours, chances are she will most definitely want plenty of mother-son/daughter photos to take home and show the neighbors. Dress-ups can be costly in the city, so book a table at Itamae Sushi Edo in Akasaka – an Edo-themed restaurant modeled after sajiki-seki box seating in a Kabuki theatre. It is decorated with Japanese panel screens, ukiyo-e paintings, lanterns, and rolls of actual kimono fabric. And the best part? Guests are presented free of charge with colorful yukata to wear while they dine. You’ll both probably find yourselves snapping more than dining in these traditional garbs, but the good thing about sushi is you don’t have to worry about it going cold.

Tea ceremony at Keio Plaza

Learn the Art of the Tea Ceremony

Mumsy will love a good cup of tea after a long day navigating the streets, so take her to the Sho-fu-an tea ceremony room on the 10th floor of Keio Plaza in Shinjuku to experience a lesson in traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The 30-minute course is in English. In addition to receiving explanations of utensils and practices, you’ll sip on fine matcha teas accompanied by sumptuous sweets. There is space for up to four guests at a time, and four sessions per day (except Thursdays and Sundays), all for a bargain of ¥2,000 each. Tea-total fun!