In all of my “by area” blog posts, I make sure I include as many gluten free options as possible.
If you are gluten free or vegan in Japan, it is important to remember that Japan is not just about the convenience stores- the supermarkets in Japan are amazing and have so many more gluten free and vegan to choose from. You can always enter “supermarket near me” once in Japan at anytime.
But I wanted to make this like of restaurants where you can sit down and have a nice or fancy meal as a family – not just a gluten free ramen type option.
All of these restaurants have gluten free options AND allow children.
Please be sure to reserve these restaurants in advance AND make sure you give them at least two weeks heads up that you require a gluten free menu (if there isn’t a permanent vegan menu item on the menu, that is.)
I have extra hints and tips on what to prepare ahead of time for travelling to Japan if you are gluten free here (including my thoughts on those translation allergy cards).
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
MY RECOMMENDED OPTIONS FOR GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS ALL OVER JAPAN
Google “Sushiro near me.” This sushi train chain has a low allergen menu – see the menu here.
MY RECOMMENDED GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS IN SHIBUYA
Trunk Kitchen, Shibuya
Trunk Kitchen is an incredible spot for lunch and Trunk Kushi (skewered meat & veg) restaurant out the front of the hotel is also lovely- with outdoor seating and enough space for kids to have a little wriggle.
This hotel / restaurant is also very accommodating when it comes to guests/diners who require gluten-free dishes.
TRUNK HOTEL (KITCHEN)
渋谷区神宮前５-31-7
5-31-7 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST: 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
OPEN FOR DINNER: 6:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
Momo Paradise
Momo Paradise used to be one of the Nabezo restaurants in Shibuya and has since switched hands. This is fantastic place to come and eat A5 Rank Wagyu (or not if you’d like to eat the non-branded kind of meat and save some money) and also a fabulous option if you all need some more veggies in your life! ( I speak about this a lot here but lots of families worry about getting enough fresh western style salads and veggies while in Japan and this is literally all you can eat veggies and salads! It’s amazing!)
When you enter the restaurant, the staff will guide you through the menu (they speak english here!). You choose your menu package – wagyu meat or local meat, pork or beef or pork AND beef ( I don’t eat meat but I still need to pay for it to dine here so I can access all of those yummy all you can eat veggies and tofu – side note: tofu in sukiyaki is heaven!) and then you can go up to the veggie buffet to choose your veggies for the table. They give everyone little paper aprons and little paper covers for bags etc too.
The price for your meal also includes all you can drink soft drinks and juice, ice-cream, dumplings (to cook in the hot pot at your table) and unlimited steamed rice.
We went on a weekday lunch time and were able to walk right in without a booking. It was approx 2200 yen for me and 1700 yen for my kids (less if your kids are younger than 7.) *Please note that Wagyu is, of course, extra.
My kids love sukiyaki more than shabu shabu because it’s sweeter. They also love doing the “cooking.”
Ask the staff for lots of help if you’re not sure how to do it. You are also handed an instruction card.
This restaurant has high chairs but it is the type that don’t have a strap at the front so it’s probably better for toddlers than babies.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. If your kids love this restaurant, there is another branch in Shinjuku and Asakusa.
It is possible to make a reservation on the Momo Paradise website here.
When you start cooking, they give you a cover for your bags and little aprons for everyone at the table.
The Aftermath for us wasn’t pretty but we were in an amazing happy food coma and I loved that they pulled out their scratch art from the Daiso (100 yen store) at Mark City in Shibuya and I could just “be” for a second.
MOMO PARADISE, SHIBUYA
渋谷区宇田川町31-2 渋谷BEAM 6F
6TH FLOOR, SHIBUYA BEAM BUILDING, 31-2 UDAGAWACHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDER 2:3oPM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10:30PM (LAST ORDER 10PM)
Ginza no Steak , Shibuya Branch
Or perhaps you would like to eat some Teppanyaki Wagyu for lunch (or dinner)?
*Please note that this restaurant only accepts children who are 6 years old and older and children will need to also order an adult sized course*
This restaurant is called Ginza no Steak Shibuya Branch (it comes up Ginza Steak Shibuya on google maps.)
This is an all you can eat steak restaurant. They can accommodate gluten free customers but please ask which appetizers are gluten free as you order (and they are happy to change the dessert to fruit, if you need.) Steaks arrive without sauce so you can add your own sauces and seasonings (or avoid sauces completely if you have allergies.)
Just a little warning that teppanyaki may be different to teppanyaki you are used to at home so you might want to read this before making a reservation.
Budget for lunch is approximately 9000 yen per adult.
Budget for dinner is approximately 15,000 yen per adult.
Please note that there is a service charge of 10% added to the bill and also a seating charge of 300 yen per person.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking. There is an English menu.
Ginza Steak accepts most major credit cards. Reservations required.
This restaurant is 7 mins walk from Shibuya Station,West Exit (from that exit, walk across the pedestrian bridge to make your way there.)
GINZA NO STEAK SHIBUYA BRANCH
渋谷区桜ヶ丘町15-17渋谷グランベルホテル 2F
2F SHIBUYA GRANBELL HOTEL, 15-7 SAKURAGAOKACHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-4PM (LAST ORDER AT 3:15PM & LAST LUNCH SEATING AT 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5:30PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 9:15PM & LAST DINNER SEATING AT 8:30PM)
CLOSED DEC 31 – JAN 4
*Please note that this restaurant only accepts children who are 6 years old and older and children will need to also order an adult sized course*
The Rigoletto, Shibuya
I recommend making a reservation at The Rigoletto in Shibuya. The cuisine is Spanish-Italian. They do welcome children but don’t (of course!) welcome outside food. Also, they have limited seating areas for families with kids under 6 years old so it is best to make a reservation to avoid missing out. This restaurant is a bit of a “special celebration” kind of vibe so, if your kids aren’t great at staying in their seats for meal times it might be worth skipping until they are a bit bigger.
You can see the entire The Rigoletto menu online here. Something handy for families – they are happy to do “half & half” pizzas at all times except for during weekday lunchtime hours. The Rigoletto also have several vegan dishes and a gluten free fettuccini option.
Please note that this restaurant charges a service charge of 440 yen per person for those who dine after 5pm everyday (and 220 yen per person from opening until 5pm on weekends.)
This restaurant is just 2 mins walk from Shibuya Station (via Exit B1).
THE RIGOLETTO SHIBUYA
渋谷1-23-21 渋谷キャストGF 1F
OPEN MON-THURS 11:30AM-10:30PM
OPEN FRI & SAT 11:30AM-MIDNIGHT
OPEN SUN 11:30AM-10PM
Kaikaiya by the Sea
If you’d like to eat an early dinner with kids near Shibuya Crossing and like the kids of cozy restaurant where you’ll be dining with the locals…
I recommend Kaikaiya by the Sea. The food is Japanese fusion and mostly based around seafood. Here is the Kaikaiya by the Sea menu.
Please note that kids are welcome to dine here but ONLY until 6pm. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. I highly recommend making a reservation. This place is tooooo good to miss out on. With advance warning, Kaikaiya by the Sea can also accommodate gluten free diners- they can even do the 9 dish tasting menu gluten free (and that includes wagyu beef and prawns and they also have gluten free soy sauce.)
KAIKAIYA BY THE SEA
円山町 23-7 星野円山ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR HOSHINOMARUYAMA BUILDING, 23-7 MARUYAMACHO
OPEN 5PM-10PM
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
MY RECOMMENDED GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS IN HARAJUKU
If you are looking for gluten free meals or vegetarian options for lunch or dinner – I recommend British Indian Cafe 1930. This restaurant welcomes kids and has a sweet curry plate for children. It is 8 mins walk from the Takeshita Exit of Harajuku Station. Budget for 1000 – 2000 yen per person to dine here. They accept most major credit cards. This restaurant does accept reservations.
BRITISH INDIAN CAFE 1930
渋谷区神宮前3-27-7
3-27-7 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9PM)
* Lunch menu is available until 4pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends.
MY RECOMMENDED GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS IN 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.)
SUSHI DAN, HIROO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-2PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 5:30PM-9PM
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
See here for my other recommendations for the Hiroo area with kids (the park here is so beautiful.)
MY RECOMMENDED GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS IN GINZA
If you require gluten free options in Ginza, I recommend dining at Hyatt Centric in Ginza. They also host a gluten free high tea.
MY RECOMMENDED GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS IN ASAKUSA
Gonpachi Asakusa
Just outside of exit 4 of Asakusa Station is Gonpachi Asakusa. This izakaya restaurant has yakitori as well as other casual Japanese pub style food. They also have a separate gluten free menu (two pages of gluten free options including gluten free tempura, yakitori and sushi.) Gonpachi Asakusa welcomes children and babies and also has space for strollers.
I would budget 2000 yen per adult at lunchtime and more like 4000 yen at dinner time. The entire restaurant is non-smoking and they accept most major credit cards. Gonpachi Asakusa has an English menu, vegetarian menu and a gluten free menu.
The tuna belly here is my favourite. This restaurant is also recommended on the Halal in Japan website.
If you are going to turn up here for a walk-in I recommend just arriving at 11:30am and you will most likely be able to get a table right away.
GONPACHI ASAKUSA
台東区 雷門 2-1-15 中川ビル 1F 2F
GROUND AND FIRST FLOOR OF THE NAKAGAWA BUILDING, 2-1-15 KAMINARIMON, TAITO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-11PM (LAST ORDER 10PM) – LUNCH MENU FINISHES UP AT 3PM
OPEN AS USUAL OVER THE NEW YEAR PERIOD
Otaco
If you’re looking for a gluten-free dessert option, Otaco, is just two minutes walk from Sensoji Shrine.
They bake and sell their own gluten-free cakes (sold by the slice) made with rice flour in plain or several other different flavours such as Earl Grey or Matcha Milk. They also have one dairy-free option which is coffee flavoured.
It’s a small shop just 2 mins from Sensoji and across from Sensoji Hospital.
OTACO
台東区浅草3-5-1
3-5-1 ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU
OPEN 10:30AM-6PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS & MONDAYS
Just 1 minute walk from the Ninja & Samurai Museum in Asakusa: Yakiniku
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 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. 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)
Just 3 mins walk from Sumida Playground is a vegan and gluten free restaurant in Asakusa called Marugoto Vegan Dining.
This restaurant serves tempura, soba noodles, falafel, sandwiches and salads. Marugoto Vegan Dining accept most major credit cards. They have indoor and outdoor seating.
It’s a beautiful spot to sit by the river and have a lovely slow meal. One of the most popular menu items is their sweet potato donut or the rice waffle.
I would budget around 2000yen per adult when dining here. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
You might also meet some local pets here as they are allowed in the outdoor dining area.
They also serve alcohol. The back of this store’s business card they have an allergy card with Japanese, English and also pictures.
MARUGOTO VEGAN DINING
OPEN ON WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30AM-5PM
CLOSED ON MONDAYS (OR TUESDAYS IF MONDAY IS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY)
For another dinner option in Asakusa, I recommend eating at casual Yakitori chain restaurant Torikizoku Asakusa. Best to make reservations one day ahead or on the day to make sure you can get a table. The restaurant is next to exit 8 of Asakusa on the metro line or 2 mins walk from A4 exit of Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line. They accept credit cards here. Please note that some parts of the restaurant allow smoking and also the restaurant will feel a bit smokey regardless as it is a yakitori place. Children and families are welcome here. It’s loud and lively – but in a good way.
I would expect to pay around 2000-3000 yen per adult for a meal here. The idea is you order lots for your table and share.
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.) Ask your hotel to phone ahead and see if this is possible.
If one person in the family doesn’t love yakitori, there are a couple of other options like sliced cold tomato, edamame, fried chicken, fries, camembert croquettes etc. (I can’t guarrantee that these options are gluten free though, of course – but may be useful for other non-gluten free members of the family?)
TORIKIZOKU ASAKUSA
台東区浅草1-1-17 3Ｆ
3RD FLOOR, 1-1-17 ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 3PM-11PM
CLOSED FOR THE NEW YEARS PERIOD
In fact, any Torikizoku store is a great option. Google “Torikizoku near me” for your closest option while you are in Japan.
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
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : High-End Kobe Beef and Wagyu Yakiniku
Yakiniku Washino Shinjuku are the most incredible high end yakiniku restaurant. Let them know when you make the reservation if you’re gluten-free as they can accommodate accordingly. This is a wonderful place to try wagyu and Kobe beef. They sell meat as yakiniku or steak. See visual examples of their menu items on the Yakiniku Washino Shinjuku’s instagram here. This restaurant welcomes children in their private tatami rooms (no additional charge, it’s just your own space so you needn’t worry about kids sitting completely still or being really quiet. Since it’s tatami, that means that babies can even do tummy time or nap while you’re eating dinner.) They also have space to store strollers while you dine. They have an English menu. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Make a reservation for Yakiniku Washino Shinjuku via tablecheck here.
They accept most major credit cards. Please note that this is definitely a special occasion type meal so please budget for approx 17,000 yen per adult for a meal here.
This restaurant is 1 min walk from Exit C6 of Shinjuku Sanchome Station or 12 mins walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station.
YAKINIKU WASHINO SHINJUKU HONTEN
新宿区新宿3-11-11ダイアン新宿ビル4F
4F DIANE SHINJUKU BUILDING, 3-11-11 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10PM)
For many vegan and gluten free items to take back to your accommodation I recommend visiting department store called “Marui” (the logo looks like “OIOI” and on the B1 floor is a specialty supermarket called Bio-Ral. Bio-Ral stocks MANY MANY MANY gluten free and vegan items – including cakes, cookies, gluten-free soy sauce, noodles and pasta, curries etc. *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.” Used google translate to check the ingredients but the purple label usually signifies gluten free items. There are also lots of delicious vegan soups here. They also sell Oat Milk chocolate.
BIO-RAL SHINJUKU MARUI
新宿3-10-13, マルイ新宿本館 B1
B1 FLOOR, MARUI SHINJUKU’S MAIN BUILDING, 3-30-13 SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-9PM
MY RECOMMENDED GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS IN ROPPONGI
Mon Cher Ton Ton
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)
Obica (Italian restaurant) has an outdoor terrace and a great happy hour (for the Mummies & Daddies.)
They sometimes call themselves Obika with a K too.
They also have high chairs.
Their kids’ plate is also adorable. In the same complex as Obica are restrooms that also have a change table ( located in the complex behind the restaurant.)
The menu is on their website here.
Obica has gluten free pasta. They also allow you to take your stroller into the restaurant.
It’s also one of the few restaurants that allows for pizza leftovers to be taken home (well, ‘legally’ – I’m famous at discretely shoving some leftovers in a ziplock bag.)
This is the kids plate. (Photo courtesy of the Roppongi Hills website)
OBICA, ROPPONGI HILLS
港区六本木6-4-1 六本木ヒルズ ハリウッドビューティープラザ 1F
GROUND FLOOR, ROPPONGI HILLS HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY PLAZA
6-4-1 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 9AM – 11:30PM
MY RECOMMENDED GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS IN 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)
How about booking a gluten free, muslim-friendly and/or vegan cooking class in Tokyo?
I highly recommend booking a cooking class with “At Home with Nahoko.” See her website here for class details and prices (most classes require a minimum of two people.)
Nahoko is knowledgable and cautious about cross contamination too (separate mats and chopping boards for those with different dietary requirements and allergies) and understands the importance of handwashing and changing utensils when moving between students. Gluten free ramen is a skill that not everyone can master easily (without it turning into mush) but she is happy to share her tips and techniques to make it all work out and create a truly stunning meal.
A gluten free & vegan udon and tempura cooking class in Tokyo
This cooking class is for children 10+ OR adults with children who are sitting (or, hopefully, sleeping?) in a stroller. See all the details for this vegan & gluten free Tokyo cooking class for families here.
A sushi-making class in Asakusa (can be made gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan upon request)
This class welcomes children. Children under 4 are free (they will need to share the dishes with the paying participant/guardian though.) See all the details or this sushi-making class here.
