Last month I recommended the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park — a place where both children and adults can learn about earthquake safety in an enjoyable way. Maintaining that theme, this month we move to the other side of town to the Fire Museum in Shinjuku.
Located next to an operating fire station, this museum is dedicated to the people, machines and science involved in fire prevention. While likely to appeal to toddlers and tots who aspire to slide down the pole one day, I believe the museum's free entry, engaging displays and central location make it a nice stop for groups of any age. The front desk offers audio guides in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean, and while they are nice for details and the broad sweep of history, families can enjoy most exhibits with or without them.
You'll first notice the massive fire engines on the underground floor near the entrance. If you're short on time, head directly to these since they are what your kids will want to see anyway. But if you have an hour or two to spare, proceed directly to the elevator and work your way down. The 10th floor doesn't offer much in the way of exhibits, but the view can be great on a clear day when Mount Fuji is visible. The main purpose for this floor, however, is to serve as a rest area. There is no food for sale, but if you pack lunches like we do, then the tables, vending machines and view make this a great place for lunch or a snack.