KidZania might just be the best thing to come out of Mexico since chocolate and tequila. Currently in 10 countries and more in the process, KidZania is a chain of family entertainment centers where children can 'work' in adult jobs and earn currency in a child-sized replication of a real city with real-life brands to boot.

Aimed at kids aged 3 to 15, they earn KidZos currency performing work and their earnings are kept in the KidZania bank which they can later blow at the gift shop or on fee-based KidZania activities, or save for the next time they visit KidZania. Kidzania Tokyo is located in the LaLaport complex in Toyosu, and provides over 90 occupations for kids to try out. There are two shifts a day and visitors are required to leave at the end of their shift, regardless of what time they entered. Shift 1 runs from 9:00am - 3:00pm and shift 2 from 4:00pm - 9:00pm. Children select a job, change into the uniform, and then after some on-the-job training, they start working, which takes about half an hour. Parents can watch from special viewing areas and they can also relax in the Parent's Lounge on the 2nd floor where there is also free internet access.

This is how it works. Children (and parents) read details about the various occupations in front of the pavilions, and after deciding what activity to do they will need to join the line for that activity. Children of all ages can try any activity, but there are height restrictions on a couple. There's sure to be an occupation or 50 that your child wants to try including such gems as dentist, delivery person, chef, catwalk model, firefighter, daycare worker, doctor, pilot, train driver, TV cameraman, and more. Since popular activities can have long waiting times, it would be a good idea to help children decide on a few activities, locate them on the map, and then plan the day accordingly. Additionally, weekends, holidays and Shift 1 during weekdays gets very busy, so to avoid the crowds, coming for Shift 2 on a weekday is highly recommended.

For security purposes visitors are allocated bracelets on entry. While adults can exit and re-enter during the shift, children are not allowed to leave and return. In fact, the security bracelets are scanned so that children can only exit the park with the adults they entered with, so you need not be concerned about your child leaving without you. If children are aged below 6, then at least one adult must remain in KidZania at all times. If the children are elementary school age or more, then they can remain at the park by themselves but you will be required to fill out a Letter of Consent (available on the website) and you will need to provide proof of ID and a cell phone so that you may be contacted if required.

Food or drink is not allowed to be brought into KidZania so do come cashed up. For infants though, you can bring bottles and baby food, and children with special dietary requirements may be able to bring food in, but will need to speak to a staff member before entering.

KidZania is open year-round though it is occasionally closed for maintenance. You should call and check before you go to avoid disappointment. Admission is cheaper on weekdays and cheaper during Shift 2 which only lasts 5 hours. On weekdays kids age 3-15 pay 3,800 yen for Shift 1 and 3,200 yen for Shift 2, and on weekends and holidays, the fee is 4,400 yen and 3,500 yen respectively. There is a flat fee of 1,900 for adults. Parents may also bring younger children (0-2) for free but they cannot participate in activities. There is however a play area for children aged 2 and under called Urbano's House  which parents can take them to, and there is a nursing room on the 2nd floor. There is also half price admission rates for children with disabilities and for one adult per child.

Ticket reservations are available one day prior to entry beginning at midnight. As availability is limited it is highly recommended you call as early as possible. Reservations can be made 24 hours a day by calling 03-3536-8405 (English instructions follow the Japanese). You will be given a confirmation number and you are required to pay for your tickets when you arrive. You can also purchase tickets at the ticket booth located on the first floor of Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu Center Port, from 7:40am. They go early but if there are any remaining after 10:00am, then you can purchase them at the Airport Counter locatd at the entrance of KidZania Tokyo.

For Shift 2, you can also get an Order Ticket which will determine in what order you enter KidZania. The tickets are available at the airport counters from 10:15am - 3:00pm, but can only be issued after you have already completed the admission procedures. If you require further information about KidZania you can call 03-3536-2100 during office hours (10:00am - 6:00pm).

KidZania is located at Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu, North Port 3rd floor, 2-4-9 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo. It is an 8 minutes walk from Toyosu station (Yurakucho and Yurikamome lines). You may also come by car and park at LaLaport. LaLaport itself is a great destination for shopping, dining and movie-going, and outside there's a sprawling courtyard, lovely ocean side boardwalk, grassy lawn area, fountain, and lots of places to just sit and relax.