Please note that this isn’t a sake tasting tour type guide.
This article is written for parents who would like to choose a family-friendly restaurant in Tokyo – somewhere yummy for the whole family BUT THEY ALSO want to be able to sample some different types of Japanese sake with their dinner.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a reservation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
While at the kid-friendly Tokyo restaurants I have listed below –I recommend trying these types of Japanese sake.*
*Please note that I am not a sake connoisseur, by any means (I do like to drink it though, does that count?) These are the equivalent to me telling you “while in a pub in Australia, be sure to try a cider, a pale ale, a shandy, the local house white, a glass of bubbles, espresso martini, gin sour etc….* (so, in short, this is the “basic b” guide to trying sake… I just want to give you the basics and you can google around or talk to actual experts about actual sake information for people who actually know a lot more – and care a lot more – than I do.) If you’ve come here for tips on the kinds of rice in your sake selection – you’re talking to the wrong lady… and if I tell you that “this has orange undertones.. ” or something like … I’ve had TOO MUCH sake and I’m now completely just on a tangent and am making up complete rubbish. (!)
Okay – so the most important thing to realize is that the word “Sake” in Japanese – actually just translates to the word “liquor.”
So if you want to try sake as in rice wine etc… it’s easiest to say that you’d like to try “Japanese sake” (there are other variations of this but this is the easiest way to get directions to the part of the menu you want to see.) Especially if you mean the type that comes in the little baby-sized vase looking bottle with the little tiny cups.
The easiest way to try a few different types of sake while also having happy children in tow – is in an izakaya. This is a casual Japanese style restaurant/pub kind of deal. The food is all meant to be shared. You order lots of little dishes for the table to share and then you re-order something you loved and/or add on as you go – it’s not really the done thing to pour over the menu and make all food decisions in one go. The normal thing to do is probably sit down, choose a drink and get some edamame or fried chicken etc while you kind of settle in and have a look at the menu from there. The wait staff expect to see you many times over the evening as you refresh drinks and add to your selection of nibbles.
An easy way to start is to order a “sour” or a “chuhai“
At almost all izakaya in Japan, you’ll find a range of sours – they are written with the flavour + sour on the menu. Eg. Lemon Sour. Lime Sour. Plum Sour. This just means it is a mixed drink. The alcohol in a “sour” is shochu. Shochu is a hard liquor made from sweet potato, barley, rice, buckwheat and sugar cane. So a “Lemon Sour” is lemon flavouriing (like a cordial) with soda water and shochu.
A chuhai is a shortening of the two words shochu + highball. It’s basically the same as a sour but the term “sour” is more popular in restaurants. Most Japanese people expect a sour to be made fresh while a chuhai is like a pre-mixed drink (usually in a can sold at convenience stores.). Sours are usually a fruit flavour or fruit juice + a soft drink while chuhai allows for more pre-mix ingredient flexibility such as mixing softdrinks like coke or tea etc.
The drink is an alcoholic peach flavoured chu-hai.
Shochu can also be ordered on it’s own (it’s a hard liquor like vodka) and it’s usually ordered with a water or soda mixer. If you’re just having a shochu with water- ask for a mizu-wari. With soda? soda-wari.
*My friend @flying_foodlover. helped me out for some of these suggestions, by the way. As she ACTUALLY knows what she is talking about with this stuff *
For rice wine (Japanese sake), I recommend ordering Nihonshu. Nihonshu is served hot or cold. If you’d like to order it hot (my fave!)- please say you’d like to order atsukan. Understandably, it’s more popular in cooler months. Hot or cold, your nihonshu will appear in a little vase like jug with small cups (some restaurants will bring a tray of little cups and you choose your own.) As much as you may be tempted – it’s NOT a shot glass. You are meant to sip.
If you are dining with Japanese friends or colleagues – remember that no-one is ever meant to fill their own glass. Do it for them first. They will most likely offer to fill up yours for you too.
A lovely little sweeter sake you may like to try is Umeshu. Umeshu is a plum wine and is almost always served over ice. Appearance wise, it looks a bit like apple juice – but it definitely tastes alcoholic. It’s a little on the sweet and a little on the sour side. I, personally, can really only have one of these before I go back to another drink as it feels a bit like having sweets to me. Some restaurants make Umeshu-based cocktails.
Here are some restaurants where you can dine with children in Tokyo where you can also try some different types of sake..
GINZA
Japanese izakaya & hot pot restaurant Iinoji is also a fabulous place to go to eat Japanese food as a family. As with almost all izakayas in Japan, the idea is that you order lots of small dishes to share and then order more as you go (of the same things you enjoyed or different dishes.) I recommend ordering the wagyu beef sukiyaki bowl (this dish is actually designed to be one per person,) the sweet potato or shrimp tempura, edamame, wagyu sukiyaki croquette, the grilled miso rice ball. You can see the full Iinoji dinner menu here.
You can see the full lunch menu for Iinoji here.
This restaurant welcomes babies and children. They also have space for strollers. This is a wonderful place for parents to try different types of sake (hot and cold.) They accept most major credit cards. There is a 550 yen per person cover charge on top of your bill when you dine after 5pm. When eating lunch here, I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult and more like 6000 yen per adult for dinner. You can make a reservation via table check here. When making a reservation, you can choose to sit at a table at a counter, at a counter or at a booth. I don’t recommend a counter seat with kids – with smaller kids, get a booth and seat kids on the inside so they can wriggle a bit more and colour etc.
To get to Iinoji, take a train to Mitsukoshimae Station or Shin-Nihonbashi Station (you can walk underground from both stations directly to the restaurant.) It is 14 mins walk from Tokyo Station or 11 mins in a taxi from Ginza Station.
Book using this ByFood link now if you have allergies or want to choose your exact course ahead of time. You can tell them exactly what you can and can’t eat and order your exact course online. This is also a great option if you’re worried about any language problems while in the restaurant – it can all be done in English ahead of time.
IINOJI
日本橋室町3-2-1 コレド室町テラス 1F
GROUND FLOOR, COREDO MUROMACHI TERRACE, 3-2-1 NIHONBASHI MUROMACHI
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11AM-3PM
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM (UNTIL 11PM ON FRIDAYS)
Kid-friendly Yakiniku
If you’re feeling like some Korean BBQ for dinner (or lunch!) (aka Yakiniku) there is a family friendly restaurant just 5 mins walk from Ginza Station (2 mins from Yurakucho Station, 1 min walk from Ginza Itchome Station, 5 mins from Higashi Ginza Station, 3 mins from Kyobashi Station.) The restaurant is called Yakiniku Ushigoro, Ginza. This is a special dinner kind of restaurant (with “special dinner” prices too.) You will be seated at a table with a grill in the middle and you barbecue your own thin slices of meat to then dip in different marinades. It’s a great interactive experience with kids. This restaurant welcomes children and babies. This restaurant has a beautiful view over the city at night. They have an English menu and accept most major credit cards. This restaurant is very popular so you will need to make a reservation. You can make a reservation for Yakiniku Ushigoro Ginza online in English here. You can also see the food menu at Yakiniku Ushigoro Ginza online here. And the Yakiniku Ushigoro Ginza Seasonal Menu here. This is also a wonderful place for the grown ups to taste different types of sake.If you decide to visit Yakiniku Ushigoro Ginza for lunch you can see all of their lunch courses here.
At lunch time, I would budget for 8000 yen per adult and more like 15, 000 yen for dinner (this restaurant has won awards for fabulous service and high meat quality.)
This restaurant has space to store strollers while you dine and ALSO space to pull the stroller up next to the table by removing a chair.
YAKINIKU USHIGORO GINZA
中央区銀座1-8-19 キラリトギンザ 7F
7F KIRARITO GINZA BUILDING, 1-8-19 GINZA, CHUO-KU
OPEN MON & TUES 5PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDERS 10:30PM)
OPEN WED-FRI 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)& 5PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDERS 10:30PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS 11:30AM-11:30PM (LAST ORDERS10:30PM)
CLOSED FOR THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS
THE TOKYO STATION AREA
Family-friendly izakaya just 10 mins walk from Tokyo Station
For lunch or dinner, I recommend dining at Japanese izakaya restaurant Nihonbashi Ichi no Ichi no Ichi.
Like most izakaya in Japan. The idea is that you order lots of small dishes and share – and then order more of the same or more of other small dishes as you go. It’s a great way for everyone to try new foods. At dinner time, I recommend ordering the dashi-maki (rolled Japanese omelette, cooked with a little fish broth), fried chicken, crab miso and charcoal grilled wagyu beef. See the full english dinner menu here.
While for lunch (Sat and national holidays only) , I recommend ordering the tempura or the sukiyaki lunch set. See the full lunch menu here.
This is also a fabulous place for the adults at the table to try lots of different hot and cold sake. This restaurant welcomes children. When you are making a reservation (use tablecheck link here) you can ask for seats on the terrace, in the booth or at a table (I recommend the booth if you have smaller kids as you can put them on the “inside” and they can do some colouring or stand up sometimes on the seats (with shoes off “) if they need to.
I recommend budgeting 6000 yen per adult at dinner time and more like 3000 yen per adult for lunch. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
Nihonbashi Ichi no Ichi no Ichi is 1 min walk from exit B9B of Nihonbashi Station. It’s 10 mins on foot if you’re coming from Tokyo Station.
If anyone in your family studies Japanese – take note of the address and try and work out where they got the name from…
NIHONBASHI ICHI NO ICHI NO ICHI
日本橋1-1-1 国分ビルディング 1F
GROUND FLOOR, KOKUBU BUILDING, 1-1-1- NIHONBASHI
OPEN WEEKDAYS 5PM-11PM
OPEN SAT & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-3PM & 5PM-10PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS
YOYOGI-UEHARA
I recommend visiting The Washin as a family at lunchtime. The lunch sets are like little grid style bentos. So delicious and so beautiful to look at too! Budget 3000 yen per adult at lunchtime and 9000 yen at dinner time. Please note that there is a 12% service charge added to the bill at dinner time. They accept most major credit cards. This restaurant is 1 min walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station. You must make a reservation if you’ll be dining here with children – no high chairs here but they can do kids’ meal plates if given advance notice. This is also a great restaurant for parents to try hot and cold sake.
THE WASHIN BY JOETSU YASUDA
渋谷区代々木5-7-5 ポータルポイント代々木公園 1F
GROUND FLOOR, PORTAL POINT YOYOGI KOEN BUILDING, 5-7-5 YOYOGI, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5:30PM-10PM
CLOSED ON MONDAYS
EBISU
If you would like to try Omakase Sushi Menu that also allows children, I recommend jumping on public transport or a cab for 10 mins (approx 1500 yen by cab) to Sushi Asahi in Gotanda. Sushi Asahi, Gotanda
Sushi Asahi welcomes families. Omakase course are either side of 15,000 yen and children will also need to order a course (lunch courses are more liken 5000-8000 yen though.) They accept most major credit cards. There are 6 seats at the counter and 24 table seats. Sushi Asahi is 3 mins walk from the East Exit of Gotanda Station. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. For adults, this is an excellent place to try a sushi and sake pairing menu. Reservations can be made via table check (deposit required.) If dining here with children isn’t an option for you, check out the Sushi Asahi incredible INCREDIBLE takeout sushi options here (can also be ordered by tablecheck (easisest if you’re clicking through on their site though with the help of a Japanese speaker.)
Please note : OMAKASE IS NOT FOR FUSSY / PICKY EATERS.
OMAKASE SUSHI IS FINE DINING AND THE CHEF CHOOSES THE MENU. THAT MEANS YOU WILL LIKELY GET SUSHI ITEMS LIKE FISH EGGS, SQUID, FISH SPERM, SEA URCHIN ETC. YOU CANNOT CHOOSE WHAT YOU DO AND DON’T LIKE. THAT IS OMAKASE. IT MEANS THE CHEF CHOOSES.
You don’t have to eat everything on your plate*. You don’t even have to try everything. You are the customer. But you don’t get to choose the menu.
*Japanese people do dislike food wastage (don’t we all?!) and so I recommend at least trying each dish OR if you are not the type to want to try lots of new and wonderful delicacies – then I don’t think omakase style is the best choice for you. Go for a restaurant where you order the dishes you want to eat (a la carte or tanpin as it’s called in Japan.)
Here are a whole lot of my personal tips on dining etiquette in Japan.
SUSHI ASAHI, GOTANDA
品川区東五反田1-11-8 大阪屋ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, OSAKAYA BUILDING, 1-11-8 HIGASHI-GOTANDA, SHINAGAWA
OPEN WEEKDAYS FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-2PM
OPEN EVERYDAY 4:30PM-11:30PM
HIROO
Sushi Dan, Hiroo
This restaurant welcomes children. Please budget 4000 yen per person at lunch and more like 6000 yen for dinner. This omakase, high end sushi restaurant is also a great place for the adults in the family to try hot and cold sake. They accept most major credit cards. You need to make a reservation via the tablecheck link here. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. As with all sushi restaurants – please don’t wear any perfume or cologne. See the full Sushi Dan menu here. This restaurant can also cater for gluten-free diners (please let them know you are gluten-free when you make a reservation.)
Please note : OMAKASE IS NOT FOR FUSSY / PICKY EATERS.
OMAKASE SUSHI IS FINE DINING AND THE CHEF CHOOSES THE MENU. THAT MEANS YOU WILL LIKELY GET SUSHI ITEMS LIKE FISH EGGS, SQUID, FISH SPERM, SEA URCHIN ETC. YOU CANNOT CHOOSE WHAT YOU DO AND DON’T LIKE. THAT IS OMAKASE. IT MEANS THE CHEF CHOOSES.
You don’t have to eat everything on your plate*. You don’t even have to try everything. You are the customer. But you don’t get to choose the menu.
*Japanese people do dislike food wastage (don’t we all?!) and so I recommend at least trying each dish OR if you are not the type to want to try lots of new and wonderful delicacies – then I don’t think omakase style is the best choice for you. Go for a restaurant where you order the dishes you want to eat (a la carte or tanpin as it’s called in Japan.)
Here are a whole lot of my personal tips on dining etiquette in Japan.
SUSHI DAN, HIROO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-2PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 5:30PM-9PM
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
SHIBUYA
This is a standing sushi bar in Shibuya. This is an easy way to quickly try a few (not the kind of place where you linger for ages with kids though as it’s a standing bar situation.)
If you don’t have a stroller (no room) and have kids old enough to stand still and be reasonably quiet while they eat, you might want to pop into Uogashi Standing Sushi Bar in Shibuya. This is a walk-ins only restaurant. It is non-smoking. And, as the name suggests, you stand while you eat. Uogashi accept most major credit cards. It is just one minute walk from Shibuya Crossing. It’s not a Michelin star restaurant by any means, but it is a great place to try some new kinds of sushi and sashimi without breaking the bank. I would budget for about 1000 yen per person for a meal here or half that if you just want to try a few things.
It’s a great spot for bigger kids to try their Japanese skills actually as the chef is right in front of them . They can try “Ebi kudasai” (Prawn, please.) “Aburi Toro Salmon kudasai” (flame-seared salmon sushi please)
Parents can also try out some sake!
This place is small so it would be hard to dine here with more than 3-4 people and still remain all together.
UOGASHI NIHON TACHIGUI SUSHI
渋谷区道玄坂2-9-1
2-9-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10PM)
Washoku En Toki no Toki Izakaya is an izakaya with a view – they also welcome children. This is inside the Shibuya Hikarie building. Like most izakaya in Japan, the idea is that you order lots of little dishes and try lots of little things and then order more as you go, if you wanted to. This is a wonderful place for adults to try Japanese sake (hot and cold) or lemon sours etc while still dining as a family. I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult here at lunch time and more like 5000 yen at dinner time.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking and they do accept most major credit cards.
You can ask you hotel to make a reservation for you or you could try for a walk-in (I only recommend attempting this before 7pm.)
The view here at night is really special (oh-so very Tokyo.)
Shibuya Station is connected to the Shibuya Hikarie building so, if coming by train, follow the signs within the station.
WASHOKU EN TOKI NO TOKI , SHIBUYA HIKARIE
渋谷区渋谷2-21-1 渋谷ヒカリエ6F
6TH FLOOR, SHIBUYA HIKARIE, 2-21-1 SHIBUYA, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10:30PM (CLOSES AT 10PM ON SUNDAYS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS) *Lunch menu available 11am-4pm
OTSUKA
High Quality Izakaya (a Bib Gourmand Michelin Guide Restaurant)
This izakaya, Otsuka Miyaho, is popular for a reason. You will need a reservation here to ensure you can get a table AND they say dining with kids here is ok but they must know ahead of time (so reserve a few days in advance.). Budget 3000 yen per adult at lunch time and 10,000 yen per adult at dinner time (dinner is omakase courses.) This restaurant is cash only. If you have more than 4 people in your group, you must order a course. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. See the full menu in English and make an online reservation here. The menu is mostly seasonal so, I’m afraid, this is not the place to go if you have specific dietary requirements. This is also a wonderful place for the adults in the group to try high quality hot and cold sake.
This restaurant is 3 mins walk from the South Exit of Otsuka Station.
Please note : OMAKASE IS NOT FOR FUSSY / PICKY EATERS.
OMAKASE SUSHI IS FINE DINING AND THE CHEF CHOOSES THE MENU. THAT MEANS YOU WILL LIKELY GET SUSHI ITEMS LIKE FISH EGGS, SQUID, FISH SPERM, SEA URCHIN ETC. YOU CANNOT CHOOSE WHAT YOU DO AND DON’T LIKE. THAT IS OMAKASE. IT MEANS THE CHEF CHOOSES.
You don’t have to eat everything on your plate*. You don’t even have to try everything. You are the customer. But you don’t get to choose the menu.
*Japanese people do dislike food wastage (don’t we all?!) and so I recommend at least trying each dish OR if you are not the type to want to try lots of new and wonderful delicacies – then I don’t think omakase style is the best choice for you. Go for a restaurant where you order the dishes you want to eat (a la carte or tanpin as it’s called in Japan.)
Here are a whole lot of my personal tips on dining etiquette in Japan.
OTSUKA MIYAHO
豊島区南大塚3-48-5 大明ビル１Ｆ
GROUND FLOOR, TAIMEI BUILDING, 3-48-5 MINAMI-OTSUKA, TOSHIMA
OPEN FOR LUNCH : 11:30AM – 1:30PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 5:30PM-10PM
UENO
How about Yakitori for lunch or dinner? Yakitori (grilled and chargrilled chicken skewers) restaurant Torimitsukuni is just 1 min walk from Ueno Station. This restaurant welcomes young families. This restaurant is entirely non-smoking and they also accept most major credit cards. In terms of budget, I would set aside 1500 yen per adult at lunchtime and more like 4000 yen at dinner time. Unfortunately it is only in Japanese but you can see the menu online with pictures here – and you can put it through Google translate if you like. In the actual restaurant, however, they do have an english menu (you just can’t check it out in English ahead of time.)
If you are gluten free in Japan- Yakitori can be a good option. But be sure to ask for it to be prepared with salt, not tare (sauce/marinade as “tare” is made using soy sauce.)
TORIMITSUKUNI YAKITORI & SAKE RESTAURANT
台東区上野公園1-54 B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, 1-54 UENO-KOEN, TAITO-KU
OPEN MON-THURS 11:30AM-2PM & 5PM-10:30PM
OPEN FRI 11:30AM-2PM & 5PM-11PM
OPEN SAT 11:30AM-2:30PM & 4PM-11PM
OPEN SUN & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-2:30PM & 4PM-10:30PM
SHINJUKU
Family-friendly Kyoto-themed izakaya in Shinjuku
Kyomachi Koishigure, Shinjuku. I love taking first timers to Japan here. It’s English friendly and, while a bit gimmicky, there is no denying that the whole set up is so cool. See lots of pictures of the set-up here (I find it hard to capture the vibes with just my iphone.) Please note that there is a 600 yen service charge per person to dine here (you will each receive a small otoshi appetiser as you sit down though – you don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to- but don’t hand it back – just leave it on the table.). They accept most major credit cards. Budget approx 4000 yen per adult to dine here. Ask for non-smoking seating as some private booths do allow cigarettes. This is a great place for parents to try hot and cold sake while having lots of little dishes to share (that’s the way to order in an izakaya in Japan – lots of small dishes to share and you order more of the same or different dishes as you go. no one expects anyone to order for the whole evening in one go at the start.) Children are welcome here. If you can’t find it – look for Zara and take the elevator near the entrance. It is just 30 seconds walk from the Central East Exit of Shinjuku Station.
KYOMACHI KOISHIGURE
新宿3-27-10 武蔵野会館 6F
6TH FLOOR, MUSASHINO KAIKAN, 3-27-10 SHINJUKU
OPEN ON WEEKDAYS 5PM-11PM (UNTIL 2AM ON FRIDAYS)
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 1PM-10PM
For dinner with kids in an Izakaya in Nishi-Shinjuku, then I recommend going to Kanagari. Reservations required and this is the kind of restaurant where you order lots of little dishes and share. Kids are welcome but it isn’t the kind of place you’d take an iPad etc. so if your kids aren’t great at sitting at the table and trying new foods, this might not be the place for you. The style of dining is Robatayaki. I would expect to pay around 5000 yen per adult to dine here. There is a 660 yen service charge per person (and, as a thank you, every customer is given an ootoshi -which you don’t have to eat if you don’t want to.) This is a great place for Mums and Dads to try some different types of sake.
Please be aware that smoking is allowed in some sections of the restaurant.
Kamagari accepts credit cards. It is 9 mins walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
KANAGARI
新宿区西新宿7-16-12 新YSビル 3F
3RD FLOOR, SHIN-YS BUILDING, 7-16-12 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 5PM-11PM – OPEN FROM 4PM ON WEEKENDS (LAST ORDER 10PM)
See other things to do in Shinjuku with kids here.
AOYAMA
A kid-friendly sushi-izakaya
If you’re looking to eat more traditional Japanese food for lunch I highly recommend Hachibei, a self-titled Sushi Izakaya (an Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub) and their lunch sets are incredibly good value. They have sushi set lunches, teishoku which, depending on the particular day, includes options like grilled fish of the day, vegetable tempura or pork hamburg (a Japanese style plump hamburger patty.)
Each set includes miso soup, green tea and pickled vegetables and prices range between 1000 -2000 yen.
For the Mummies and Daddies, a glass of wine or sake is only 500 yen!
This is a casual, local eateries that is filled with business people on their lunch break and often families with small children. They have table, counter and sofa seating available.
They also have an English menu (out front and inside the restaurant.)
They welcome kids here. They only do walk-ins for lunch and dinner has an 880 yen charge per person ( you will also receive and otoshi as you sit down – if you don’t want it just leave it on the table , don’t hand it back)
SUSHI IZAKAYA HACHIBE
南青山3-15-13 青山グリーンヒルズ1F
GROUND FLOOR, AOYAMA GREENHILLS BUILDING, 3-15-13 MINAMI-AOYAMA
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDER AT 2:30PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5:30PM-2:30AM
See here for other things we love to do in Aoyama with kids.
AKASAKA/ROPPONGI
Another izakaya pub that is VERY casual (a little rowdy but in a good way) and reasonably priced is Uoshin – which is located close to Tokyo Midtown Department Store.
You will knock elbows with the locals and can also try lots of different types of food.
Ask about their nomihodai (all you can drink) and food course which costs 5000 yen per person for a few hours. The course is pre-determined by the chef so if you’d rather have a say – maybe go for just normal a la carte instead.
I recommend ordering the assorted tempura, a sashimi platter, a lemon sour ( sake mixed with lemon soft drink) and crab croquettes. Soooo yummy.
The place gets REALLY hot so have a thin layer on underneath. Also wear easy on and off shoes incase your seats are on the tatami (although you can specify when you book.)
The restaurant is surrounded by red, blue and white lanterns. You can’t miss it.
Warning: the restaurant is not smoke free. There is a smoking and non-smoking section but…. smoke doesn’t exactly stay where it is told to, right?
They have child-friendly cups, plates and spoons etc.
Make a reservation AND tell them all of your dietary requirements or any additional information about allergies by booking using this ByFood link here. Makes it all so much easier.
UOSHIN NOGIZAKA
港区赤坂9-6-32
9 -6-32 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
WEEKDAY DINNER 5PM – MIDNIGHT
Make a reservation AND tell them all of your dietary requirements or any additional information about allergies by booking using this ByFood link here. Makes it all so much easier.
See here for other things to do with kids in Roppongi with kids.
ROPPONGI
And if you are after a family-friendly Teppanyaki experience in Roppongi – I recommend Mon Cher Ton Ton. This teppanyaki restaurant specializes in Kobe Beef.
This restaurant can also cater to gluten free customers. Mon Cher Ton Ton has these beautiful shiny hot plates where you can watch the chefs do their thing. For lunch, please budget for 9000 yen per person. For dinner, more like 19,000 yen. Please note that there is a 10% service charge here that will be added to the bill at the end.
They welcome child_ren here but you do need to let them know you will be dining with children when you make a reservation. Make a reservation using the Mon Cher Ton Ton website in English here.
This is also a great spot for adults at the table to try Japanese sake.
This restaurant is very english-friendly. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
Mon Cher Ton Ton is 2 mins walk from Roppongi Station.
MON CHER TON TON, ROPPONGI
港区六本木3-12-2 B1
BASEMENT 1 FLOOR, 3-12-2 ROPPONGI, MINATO
OPEN FOR LUNCH ON WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS MIDDAY-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER EVERYDAY 5PM-10:30PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
ASAKUSA
Lunch and Dinner Suggestion in Asakusa- gluten free tempura
This restaurant only seats 10 so you need to make a reservation. Also, this restaurant only welcomes children 6 years and older. The restaurant is called Tempura Asakusa Sakura. They accept credit cards. They also have an English menu. Tempura Asakusa Sakura is well known for delicious gluten free tempura and also delicious gluten free wagyu beef tempura. The gluten free tasting menu with sake pairing is also fabulous here. See the full Tempura Asakusa Sakura menu here. This is the Tempura Asakusa Sakura instagram.
Book using this ByFood link now if you have allergies or want to choose your exact course ahead of time. You can tell them exactly what you can and can’t eat and order your exact course online. This is also a great option if you’re worried about any language problems while in the restaurant – it can all be done in English ahead of time.
The entire restaurant is gluten free – the tempura is made with rice flour. There is even a Wagyu & Tempura Bowl.They even home make their own gluten free soy sauce. This is also a great place to try different types of sake.
This restaurant is opposite the A4 Exit of Asakusa Station.
At lunch time I would budget for 3000 yen per adult but more like 7000 yen at dinner time.
TEMPURA ASAKUSA SAKURA
台東区雷門2-18-16 THE CITY 浅草雷門 7F
7TH FLOOR, THE CITY ASAKUSA KAMINARIMON BUILDING, 2-18-16 KAMINARIMON, TAITO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY MIDDAY-8PM (LAST ORDERS 7:30PM)
See here for other things to do in the Asakusa area with kids.
Tokyo Yakiniku Heijoen Asakusa Sohonten was founded in 1970. The restaurant is beautiful and it’s a great place to try A5 Grade Wagyu. Eat table has it’s own grill. If you are gluten free, ask for lemon with the meat for dipping rather than using the marinades provided. They accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult lunch and more like 7000 yen at dinner time.
They welcome children here. They are happy to store strollers for you while you dine. The restaurant is non-smoking but there are enclosed smoking rooms on each floor. This is a great place for parents to also try different types of sake. Ask your hotel to make a reservation on your behalf.
They are 3 mins walk from Asakusa Station or 1 min walk from the Ninja & Samurai Museum in Asakusa. You can also organise for a small birthday cake with your birthday name written in chocolate on top if it’s your birthday.
TOKYO YAKINIKU HEIJOEN ASAKUSA SOHONTEN
台東区雷門1-15-10
1-15-10 KAMINARIMON, TAITO-KU
OPEN 11:30AM-11PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10PM)
Lunch & Dinner in Asakusa with kids: A Japanese Izakaya with a soba noodle focus – excellent for gluten free diners too!
Tokyo Asakusa Sarashina Tenko is 4 mins walk from Asakusa Station or 12 mins walk from Tawaramachi Station. Stunning fresh produce here. Children are welcome here and they also have space for strollers. Budget for 2000 yen per adult at lunch time but more like 8000 yen at dinner. They accept most major credit cards. There is a 550 yen service charge per person to dine here (and as a “thank you” for that service charge you will receive an otoshi appetizer of the day when you sit down – if you don’t want to eat it just leave it on your table.) This entire restaurant is non-smoking. They have lots of gluten free options so please ask. They have an English menu here -with pictures. See the full lunch menu here. See the full Tokyo Asakusa Sarashina Tenko menu here.
This is a great option for parents who also want to try hot or cold sake too.
Make a reservation to dine at Tokyo Asakusa Sarashina Tenko on their website here.
I don’t recommend this restaurant for kids that can’t stay in their seats at a restaurant yet. Pack a few puzzles or sticker books – they don’t need to be quiet or anything but bums do need to be on seats.
TOKYO ASAKUSA SARASHINA TENKO
台東区浅草2-7-25
2-7-25 ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5:30PM-9PM
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
KOENJI
Tachi Sushi Yokocho Koenji is a fabulous option. It is also in the PAL Shotengai Shopping Arcade Street in Koenji. They welcome children here and the restaurant gives the most beautiful traditional Japanese restaurant vibes. They have more than 65 different sushi plate options. Because it’s a standing sushi bar, it’s a great place to try a few things without having to commit to a full meal. There are a few tables. Ask your hotel to make a reservation on your behalf and you can request a table if you like- there are limited options though. All 65 sushi plate options are between 130-400 yen. For kids who aren’t feeling super adventurous right away, you can order just cooked egg sushi, fried shrimp sushi, cooked egg on its own. They also have sushi platters. Their takeout sushi platters are incredibly beautifully presented – so gorgeous. They do take reservations and they also accept most major credit cards. This restaurant is 3 mins walk from Koenji Station. If one parent wants to venture out in the evening to try some sushi and maybe meet some locals – this is great spot. This is a fabulous way to try different types of sake and other alcoholic drinks in Japan – while also being in a family-friendly spot.
TACHI SUSHI YOKOCHO KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南4-25-9 三治ビル B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, 4-25-9 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN MON-WED MIDDAY-3PM & 5PM-10:30PM
OPEN THURS-FRI MIDDAY-3PM
OPEN SAT 11:30AM-11PM
OPEN SUN 11:30AM-10:30PM
See here for other family-friendly suggestions in Koenji
TSUKIJI
A sit-down sushi and izakaya restaurant that has been running for more than 100 years!
A lovely sushi restaurant just 1 min from Tsukiji Station is Tsukiji Tamazushi Honten.
They welcome children here. This restaurant can also cater to gluten-free diners. Please be sure to let them know ahead of time if you are gluten free. They specialize in sushi, seafood bowls (seafood over rice) and some general izakaya style food options (designed to be shared.) The vibes here are casual, cozy and yummy. This restaurant has been in operation for more than 100 years!
Please budget for 2000 yen per adult at lunch time and 6000 yen at dinner time. See pictures of the menu options here.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking. This is also a great place for adults in the family to try different types of sake.
TSUKIJI TAMAZUSHI HONTEN
中央区築地1-9-4
1-9-4 TSUKIJI, CHUO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-3PM & 5PM-10PM (FROM 11AM-10PM ON SUNDAYS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS)
See other options in Tsukiji for families here.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a reservation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
