Disney ! Disney! Disney!! I swear – my kids can smell the place when we get close by!
Two of my most detailed and lengthy posts are my Disneyland with Kids tips and DisneySea with Kids suggestions. I also talk about including Tokyo Disney into a grownups only date night.
But what else can you do in that area? Or maybe you are staying in the area just to go to Disney and want to do after you’re all “disney-ed” out?
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel or make a purchase using one of my links – at no additional charge to you.
Need a coffee at 7am in the Disney area?
Go to the lobby of the Hilton Tokyo Bay. They have a coffee shop in the lobby called Bean By The Bay. It is open from 7am-10pm.
I talk a lot in this post about the complex called Ikspiari, an area that is often referred to as Japan’s answer to Florida’s Disney Springs ( I have been to both and I believe that to be a huge call but… regardless… we all love spending time at Ikspiari. )
Go here if you’re thinking “Where to eat with kids after Tokyo Disneyland?” as it’s right out the front and I have our favourite restaurants listed below!
Did you know that you can rent a stroller to use while in the Ikspiari Complex?
This can be really handy for keeping little sore feet moving while you look for somewhere to eat. Rental is only available for use within the complex and between 10am – 10:30pm. It costs 100 yen (coins only.) More information on renting a stroller at Ikspiari here. To use the strollers – kids must be shorter than 100cms and younger than 4.
Starbucks in the Disney Area in Tokyo
There is a Starbucks inside the Ikspiari Complex but there is also a Starbucks right next to the exit of Maihama Station. Exit the train gates for Tokyo Disneyland and look to the left (it shares a wall with the station building. Open 7am-10pm.
Unlike in the US, there are NO Starbucks options inside the Tokyo Disney Parks.
Exit at Maihama Station. Look left. It shares a wall with the station building.
Where else to get coffee in the Disney area?
Tully’s Coffee – just opposite the hotel entrance- opens at 8am. The breakfast menu is available until 11:30am. See the Tully’s breakfast menu here. Breakfast options here include a grilled chicken toasted sandwich, an english muffin tuna cheese toastie, an egg sandwich, a grilled croque monsieur, a ham & cheese salad sandwich, a hot dog in a bun (these items are ready-made so can’t be customised.)
Looking for where to buy diapers/ nappies in the Tokyo Disney area?
If it’s the day you’re visiting Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea, I recommend buying them inside the Baby Centre inside the Disney Parks.
However, if you’re looking for places to purchase nappies outside of the parks, I recommend going to Tomods Drugstore on the second floor of the Ikspiari complex (near the Rainforest Cafe) outside of Tokyo Disneyland (opens at 10am.)
Bottom shelf : (left to right) Moony tape type size M, Moony pants (pull up) type size L (boys type and the next one ago is girls type.)
Pampers tape type for newborns, S size, M size pull ups.
See here if you’re confused about the types of nappies available in Japan.
Another option for buying nappies / diapers in near Tokyo Disneyland – go to Drug Seims Drugstore in Urayasu which is 5 mins in a cab, approx 900 yen, from Tokyo Disneyland (opens at 8am.) You can also take a train just 1-2 stops toShin-Urayasu Station and go to the giant Aeon Mall there – on the ground floor is a large supermarket and they also stock nappies here. (I have a whole guide here on the Shin-Urayasu Station area – where to shop, eat, play etc.)
Here is an extra tip if you are exploring the Disney area or staying at a hotel near Disney at the end of the day, if the weather is nice (so nice that they aren’t cancelled) you can see the Tokyo Disneyland fireworks from Maihama Station at 8:30pm each night.
*Please note that park entry tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea are NOT included in your hotel price like in some other Disney parks around the world. You will need to buy Tokyo Disney Park tickets separately (I explain how here) or, if you are staying in an official Tokyo Disney Hotel, you can purchase while you check-in for your stay. The exception? If you’ve purchased some sort of vacation package. *
The Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel gift shop “Sunset Sundries” also sells small packs of nappies (you don’t need to be a guest to shop here.) This hotel is on the non-disney side of the Ikspiari Complex – just walk the length of the complex to get there – past the Disney store and Cinema and it’s right there. Open 6am-midnight.
I’ve written in detail about the Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel here.
Top row: Cold Forehead Patches for Kids with Fevers, Mosquito Deterrent Mickey and Mickey Stickers, Cold Wet Wipes for Staying Cool, -3 Degrees Cool Wipes (these are only sold in summer)
Middle Row: Hand Sanitiser, Cold Forehead Patches for Kids with Fevers, Cold Towels for Necks (keep necks cool for up to 1 hour), Cold wipes for staying cool, Blotting Sheets (for sweat), Instant Icepack, Travel Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Soaps, Cleansers and Moisturizers .
Do you want to buy Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea merchandise without going into the parks?
Just along the walkway between Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland is a gift store called “Bon Voyage” that sells a large portion of the park merchandise.
It’s a great option if you want to shop for Tokyo Disney Resort merchandise without going into the Disney Parks or you want to buy additional treasures before or after your park days.
My little boy drew a pic of Woodchuck Donald and asked for a signature.
See here for my guide on Shin-Urayasu (just a few stations away) for even more shopping, supermarket and restaurant options.
LOOKING FOR BREAKFAST BEFORE VISITING TOKYO DISNEYLAND?
The Ikspiari area isn’t a great place to grab breakfast. Like I speak about in my Tokyo Before 10am blog post, Japan opens later than many other countries.
If you’re looking for breakfast in this area there is really only convenience stores to choose from and McDonalds doesn’t open until 8am.
Did you know that instead of fries at McDonald’s Japan you can order a side of edamame and corn. My daughter LOVES it!
A reader of my blog also gave me such an amazing suggestion – you can order a McDonald’s side salad and mix it with the edamame and corn to make a slightly heartier salad for under 600 yen!
*side note: McDonald’s fries are not vegetarian/vegan – they are fried in beef fat.
There is also an elevator close by.
To get to this spot – exit Maihama Station turn left and walk for a few steps to the Ikspiari entrance (where you will find yourself here.)
On the same floor as McDonalds is a Japanese-French Fusion bakery called Heart Bread Antique. It’s take-out only and the selection is incredible. They accept most major credit cards. All breads, sandwiches, cakes and donuts here are less than 1000 yen.
You can use google translate but – just to give you an idea of the options
Salted Dough Pizza Bread, Melty Cheese Pizza Bread with Bacon, Long Wiener Hot Dog Bread.
Top Shelf: Salted Bread filled with Red Bean Paste & Whipped Cream, Cod Roe Crossiants, Red Bean Gipfeli (German style Croissant), Cannelé de Bordeaux、Small Weiner Sausages in Cheese Curry Bread, Melted Cheese Croque monsieur
Bottom Shelf: Onion & Chicken Zopf Bread, Frankfurter Hot Dog Roll, Crunchy Pork Bun, Beef Stew Pie, Cheese Cream Pie, Apple Pie.
HEART BREAD ANTIQUE
浦安市舞浜1-4 1Fザ・コートヤード
GROUND FLOOR OF IKSPIARI, 1-4-1 MAIHAMA, URAYASU
OPEN 10AM-9PM
Another delicious breakfast / bakery / cafe option in the Ikspiari Disney Area
Chez Madu is also delicious! Opens from 10am. My kids LOVE the Oreo Muffins from here. I love the 3 kinds of mushroom bread. See pictures of all their breads and menu here. See pictures of the Chez Madu menu here. It’s on the same floor as the station so it’s 3 mins walk from Maihama Station or 2 mins walk from Resort Gateway Disney Resort Liner Station. It’s also just 5 mins walk from Tokyo Disneyland.
If you decide to dine in – the cafe seats 60 people. It is completely non-smoking. They have space for strollers. We always just get take away pastries and bread here – but you can sit for a meal (and you can even ask your hotel to make a reservation for you, if you like.)
Pictured here –
Top shelf: Shrimp & Tomato Genovese Bread, Salted Caramel Walnut Bread.
Bottom Shelf:
Spinach & Bacon Quiche, Mayo & Corn Bread, Curry Bread, Egg, Aparagus & Bacon Bread, Fried Eggplant & Mappo Bread
Cookie (Oreo) Muffins, Croissants, Almond Croissants, Melon Pan, Chocolate Croissants, Chocolate Matcha Muffins.
CHEZ CAFE MADU
浦安市舞浜1-4 イクスピアリ 2F ミュージアム・レーン
2F (SAME FLOOR AS THE STATIONS) OF IKSPIRARI’S MUSEUM LANE
OPEN 10AM-8PM (UNTIL 9PM ON WEEKENDS)
Cafe Kaila ( Hawaiian Pancakes)
One of my favourite cafes in this area is Cafe Kaila. It is just near the Maihama Station Disney-bound exit inside of Ikspari Shopping Complex. This is a Hawaiian cafe in Oahu that has won several awards for best breakfast and Japan wanted a (literal) taste too.
The Maihama branch isn’t as spacious as its Omotesando counterpart but the food is the same and, like I said, the wait time is significantly less.
The service is fantastic and the portion sizes are generous!!! However, it is around 2000 yen for each meal. They also serve curries, salads. omlettes and burritos so not everyone in your group has to be a sweet tooth.
(oh and my daughter would like to highly recommend the pink lemonade.)
CAFE KAILA
千葉県浦安市舞浜1-4
1-4 MAIHAMA, URAYASU, CHIBA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM-6PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 9AM-7PM
Seijo Ishii Supermarket
Seijo Ishii has a number of international food items and many gluten free options too. Seijo Ishii supermarkets also stock gluten free bread. *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.”
We also really like the English muffins sold here.
You can use google translate while you’re there but to give you an idea of what is on offer:
Top shelf:
Tuna & Spring Onion Sushi Handrolls, Ham & Egg Sandwiches, Cooked Shrimp & Brocolli Sandwiches, Mixed Veg Sandwiches, Colourful Veg Sandwiches ± a range of salads (sorry I can’t read the labels in the pic)
＊Dressings for salads are sold seperately – get the sesame dressing . Trust me!
Second shelf; Corn & Locally Sourced Colourful Veg Salad, Locally Sourced Green Veg Salad (sold out in this pic), Vermicelli Salad made with Okinawaーgrown Mozuku Seaweed, Burdock Root, Carrot, Sesame Mayo Salad, Crab & Quinoa Coleslaw Salad, (Can’t read this one in the pic- sorry!), Seafood Pasta Salad, (Can’t read the rest of the salad labels here -sorry!)
Second from bottom shelf:
Green & Yellow Veg Duck Salad, Quinoa & Walnut Ingredient Grain Salad, Chicken & Quinoa Salad with Olive Oil Dressing, （can’t see the other salad labels here – sorry!)
Bottom shelf:
Taco Meat Tortilla Wraps, Mixed Tortilla Wrap Pack with Ham & Egg and Cheese & Chicken, Yakiniku Beef & Root Veg Tortilla Wraps, Shrimp Fresh Spring Rolls with Coriander, Steamed Chicken & Egg Salad Spring Rolls, Salmon & Cheese Spring Rolls with Coriander, Shrimp & Steamed Chicken Spring Rolls, Smoked Salmon ＆Avocado Spring Rolls, Potato Salad.
Cornflakes from Seijo Ishii Supermarket, 7-Eleven low fat milk, Strawberry Jam from Seijo Ishii supermarket, Strawberry Milk, Cheesestick from 7-Eleven, Bread from Seijo Ishii Supermarket, Salad from Seijo Ishii, Bananas from Seijo Ishii, Margarine from Seijo Ishii, Vegemite and paper plates and cups from the suitcase.
See here for my guide on making easy throw together meals from supermarket and convenience store items in Japan (including a list of pantry staples.).
See here for my tips on buying different types of milk in Japan.
If you are needing to feed or change baby while in the Tokyo Disney Area, I recommend going down to the ground floor (on the same floor as McDonalds in Ikspiari) to the Nursery/Baby Room.
There is also a nursing room section with 3 feeding rooms (little changing room style booths with a chair and a curtain to pull across for privacy) and another change table. Only women are allowed in this part.
100 yen store
There is a Daiso in the Ikspiari complex. This is a great place to grab a picnic sheet for watching the parades at Tokyo Disneyland . It’s also a great place to grab toys or colouring in for restaurants etc. In winter, this is also a cheap way to get some extra pairs of gloves or more beanies and scarves. This particular store is open from 10am-9pm.
3 COINS
This is mostly a 300 yen store and some bigger items are 1000 or 1500 yen. It’s a great spot to get an extra bag to check if you have too much luggage ( I may be speaking from experience!!!)
Glocal Food Bazaar
This is a small imported food store and can be a great option for international families who have kids who are missing certain items from home. Open 10am-7pm. There are options like different flavours of chips, chocolate, condiments, curry paste etc.
It is located on the 2nd floor of the Ikspiari complex.
Buying Suitcases
If you need to buy a suitcase in the Tokyo Disney area – go to a luggage store in Ikspiari called Ace Bags & Luggage.
Cute Japan Souvenirs
For cute souvenir shopping in this area, I recommend visiting a shop called Tobi-Bito. If you like these suggestions, I think you’ll like my full list of recommendations for cute souvenirs in Japan.
LUNCH OR DINNER IN THE DISNEY AREA:
The Rainforest Cafe
OUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT AS A FAMILY IN THIS AREA IS DEFINITELY THE RAINFOREST CAFE!!
It gives proper “we are going to Disney tomorrow!” vibes
Even if you don’t eat here- go into the shop out front so see a few animal animatronics (for example: a big crocodile.)
It’s so cheesy and fun. The food is overpriced but the portions are good and every 15 mins or so the “animals” in the cafe move around and there is a fake rainstorm. There are also a giant fish tank.
Please note that this restaurant is so busy once the disney crowd disperse for the the day. This is a fabulous restaurant to visit if it is your child’s birthday – they will sing for your table and make a fuss.
Please note that there is no elevator down to the restaurant – the staff will help you carry your stroller down though. Please budget for 2000 yen per adult at lunch and more like 4000 yen at dinner time. They do have a kids menu.
It is possible to make a reservation at the Rainforest Cafe. Please make a reservation for the Rainforest Cafe here.
They accept most major credit cards.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking. See pictures of the full menu here.
THE RAINFOREST CAFE, IKSPIARI
浦安市舞浜1-4-132 イクスピアリ・シアターフロント 2F
SECOND FLOOR, IKSPIARI THEATRE FRONT, 1-4-132 MAIHAMA, URAYASU
OPEN 11:30AM-10:30PM (LAST ORDERS AT 9:30PM)
Seafood & Steak
Red Lobster don’t take reservations and are VERY busy from about 7pm onwards (when everyone starts leaving Disney.) But the restaurant does seat more than 100 people so it’s worth joining the line or going for lunch. This is a fabulous option for gluten free meals too. They also have vegetarian options. They have space for strollers and they accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting 3000 yen for an adult meal at lunch time and more like 6000 yen each for dinner. They have a kids menu. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. See the full Red Lobster menu and prices for each item here.
RED LOBSTER
浦安市舞浜1-4 イクスピアリ 3F グレイシャススクエア内
3RD FLOOR, INSIDE “GRACIOUS SQUARE”, IKSPIARI, 1-4 MAIHAMA, URAYASU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-10:30PM (LAST ORDERS 10PM, LAST ENTRY 9:30PM)
“Australian” Steak and Seafood
Hate to break the hearts of Americans that love the Outback Steakhouse – but it isn’t even a little bit “Australian” to me. I am partial to a “bloomin’ onion” from here though. The portions are generous and it’s very kid friendly. This is also on the 3rd floor of “Gracious Square” within the Ikpiari Complex. They welcome children- they have a kids menu and space to store strollers while you dine. It is very busy in the evenings as the crowds exit Disney (the restaurant does seat more than 270 people though, so you hopefully won’t have to wait long.) Please note that a 10% service charge is added to your bill when you dine here. They do accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting 2000 yen for an adult lunch meal and more like 4000 yen at dinner time. This restaurant is completely non-smoking. See the full Outback Steakhouse menu here. Many gluten free diners said they have had gluten free options here without a reaction.
If it’s your birthday, these guys can do a dessert with a candle, sing you happy birthday and do a commemorative photo. See all the Outback Steakhouse birthday details here. They also have two birthday cakes available for purchase.
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
浦安市舞浜1-4 イクスピアリ 3F グレイシャススクエア内
3RD FLOOR, INSIDE “GRACIOUS SQUARE”, IKSPIARI, 1-4 MAIHAMA, URAYASU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM & 4:30PM-10:30PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS 11AM-10:30PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
Korean Teishoku Meals
Vegego have colourful veggie and meat meals. It’s on the 3rd floor of Ikspiari. It’s super family friendly. Budget 2500 yen per adult to dine here. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. See the full Vegego menu here.
This restaurant has space for you to enter with a stroller. They also have lots of cakes and ice-cream parfaits for dessert.
VEGEGO
浦安市舞浜1-4 イクスピアリ 3F グレイシャス･スクエア
3RD FLOOR, GRACIOUS SQUARE SECTION OF 1-4 IKSPIARI, MAIHAMA, URAYASU
OPEN 11AM-10:30PM
Yakiniku
If you are looking for gluten free lunch and dinner in the Ikspiari / Tokyo Disney area, I recommend going to Toraji Yakiniku. It’s on the 3rd floor of the Gracious Square section of Ikspiari. Use the coupon on the Ikspiari site here for a free serving of pork while dining at Toraji Yakiniku. For lunch here I would budget approx 3500 yen per adult and 7000 yen at dinner. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. You can make a reservation but also, the restaurant seats 180 people so you could also try for a walk-in. They have a kids menu here and also you can store your stroller in the restaurant while you dine.
TORAJI YAKINIKU
浦安市舞浜1-4 IKSPIARI3F グレイシャスクエア
3RD FLOOR, GRACIOUS SQUARE SECTION, IKSPIARI COMPLEX, 1-4 MAIHAMA, URAYASU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10:30PM
Chibo Okonomiyaki is a great place for lunch or dinner. Here are my tips for ordering a vegetarian okonomiyaki in Japan. Budget 2000 yen per adult for lunch and 3000 yen at dinner time. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They have space to store strollers while you dine. Ask your hotel to make a reservation for you in Japanese online or try for a walk-in. They have free wifi and also an English menu. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. This is the type of okonomiyaki place where they cook for you – if you’re at the counter you can watch and there is also table seating (which gives you more space with kids.)
MAI CHIBO, IKSPIARI
浦安市舞浜1-4 イクスピアリ 3F
3RD FLOOR OF IKSPIARI, MAIHAMA, URAYASU
OPEN 11AM-10:30PM (LAST ORDERS 10PM)
Pizza
Pitta 00 (pronounced Pitta Zero Zero) is on the third floor of the Ikspiari Complex. The restaurant is quite large (seats 122) and in the middle of the restaurant is a giant woodfire oven.
They have an English menu and also a children’s menu ( a kids plate that has a hamburger pattie, a fried prawn, juice, fries and rice – for kids 12 and under.) See the full menu for Pitta 00 here. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The restaurant is non-smoking (although there is a closed off smoking room.) This restaurant does accept reservations and walk-ins. Make an online reservation here. For lunch here I would budget for 2000 yen per adult and more like 3000 yen at dinner time. This restaurant also has high chairs and places to store a stroller while you dine.
PITTA ZERO ZERO
3RD FLOOR OF THE GRACIOUS SQUARE SECTION OF IKSPIARI
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10:30PM
Kua’Aina Hawaiian Burgers, Sandwiches and Pancakes (they also have Acai bowls)
This is a great option for getting some fresh greens into kids. See here for all of my recommended spots in Japan that help get fresh salads, veggies and western style vegetables into kids while travelling around Japan. The restaurant is next to the Disney Store in Ikspiari and pretty much opposite the cinema too. Budget 1200 yen per adult to eat a meal here. It gets busy from 6pm onwards. You can also do takeout. They have a kids menu. Kua’Aina accepts most major credit cards. See the full Kua’Aina menu here.
KUA-AINA
2ND FLOOR OF THE THEATRE FRONT SECTION OF THE IKSPIARI COMPLEX
OPEN 10AM-9PM
McDonalds Ikspirari
This McDonalds is open until 10pm at night. It is on the ground floor (so you’ll need to go down a floor from the Disney ramp/walkway into Ikspiari. Open from 8am
Saizeriya
This family diner style Italian/Japanese fushion casual restaurant is a cult favourite with expats in Japan, uni students and young families. The meals here are sooooo reasonably priced (300-400 yen per plate of food.) It’s not the best quality food ever but if you think of it as the “McDonalds” of Japanese-Italian food- youll love it. The vibes here are super casual so it doesn’t require kids to stay still or be super quiet. See pictures of the menu and restaurant interior at Saizeriya Ikspiari here. There aren’t many vegan options at Saizeriya but they do have a vegan lemon sorbet dessert.
It is also just 160 metres from Resort Gateway Station on the Disney Resort Liner.
There are two Saizeriya restaurants in this immediate area – one under Maihama Station and another within the Ikspiari Complex.
Both are very very busy after 7pm.
A Casual Food Court inside Ikspiari (ground floor)
There is a very family friendly food court just opposite Seijo Ishii.
Restaurants in this small food court all have kid menu options. And the best part – everyone can order from one of the restaurants and still sit together (there are more than 400 seats here.) They have high chairs here and you are also welcome to enter with a stroller.
All restaurants here are open from 11am-10:30pm (last orders at 9:30pm.) It’s really really casual here – you can charge devices at power points – kids can be noisy and wriggly and it doesn’t matter at all.
Food Court Restaurants here include:
Kitchen Rockies (Steaks and Hamburger Steaks served on hot plates)
They accept most major credit cards. Pretty much all dishes are less than 1,100 yen. See the full Rockies menu here.
Kitchen Maihama Youshokuken (Omurice, Beef Stew or Hamburger Steak with Rice or Fries, Fried Shrimp)
They accept most major credit cards. Pretty much all dishes are less than 1,100 yen. The kids plate is omurice with fries, a hamburger steak, a juice and a jelly dessert. See pictures of the Maihama Youshokuken menu here.
Yotsuba Noka (Udon served in a Soup Stock – customers can choose to add a fried vegetable or meat product to the top of their udon bowl)
They accept most major credit cards. All dishes are less than 1000 yen. See photos of the Yotsuba Noka menu here.
Shinken Sobu Ramen (Ramen)
They accept most major credit cards. All dishes are less than 1,300 yen. See pictures of the full Shinken Sobu menu here.
The kids plate is a small bowl of ramen, a drink and a jelly dessert.
The kids meals available here.
Top Left: Maihama Youshokuken kids menu: Omurice, Hamburger Patty, Fries, Jelly Dessert, Juice
Top Right: Udon, Fried Veg, Juice.
Bottom Left: The Rockies Kids Menu. Rice, Steak, Juice and a Jelly Dessert.
Bottom Right: Kids’ Ramne, Jelly Dessert, Juice.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE DISNEY AREA:
Moreru Mignon (Photo sticker Booths)
And in the same complex as the pancakes place… is the most adorable place to … take a photo…. before you take your photo in a purikura machine ( those photobooths with all the filters that print out as little stickers.)
This shop is called Moreru Mignon.
It’s pink, candyland heaven and the attention to detail is incredible.
I’ve written in detail about Moreru Mignon Photo Sticker Booth shop here.
Or if this print club photo spot is too far from the centre of Tokyo, there is another, smaller, Moreru Mignon just next to Shibuya Crossing. See my Shibuya with Kids post for all the details.
The Disney Store at Ikspiari (just outside Maihama Station and the Resort Gateway Disney Liner Station)
The big Disney Store right near here has a bigger selection of toys etc than inside Disneyland, in my opinion. If you haven’t been here for a few years – you’ll like the reservations they’ve done here. There are now screens on the walls in some sections and it’s made to look like a lots of disney characters are taking an elevator – and some of the screens are interactive too. For example, kids can push a button etc.
We bought these Disney cups at this store. They cost 800 yen each.
And if you’re out in this area and your child needs a wriggle and a run around? Just go out the doors on the ground floor (1F) of the Ikspiari complex and you’ll find this open outdoor space – I even saw lots of parents who had packed their own lunch. Several kids were loving rolling down the little grass wall incline. You can also buy a bento or bakery goods at Seijo Ishii or Heart Vintage (also listed in this article) to eat with you.
Inside the Ikspiari Complex there is also a cinema which may be an option for a really rainy day.
In Japan more than half of western movies are shown in English with Japanese subtitles. I talk more about this here.
See here for the movies and movie times at Ikspiari near Tokyo Disneyland.
The back side of Ikspiari backs on to the Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel.
While in this complex you have probably gotten all the Disney vibes – just by being so close to Disneyland – but, even then – you should take a walk through the Disney Ambassador Hotel. My kids love the gift shop, the lobby and the bakery.
This is the ceiling in the lobby.
and this is the hotel gift shop.
Disney version of Polly Pockets
I bought these at the Disney Ambassador Hotel lobby Disney store. They were 1500 yen each.
The small diner-looking bakery looks like this. I recommend going here between midday – 5pm so you don’t have to wait. My little boy LOVES the mickey shaped banana bread here.
TICK TOCK DINER
千葉県浦安市舞浜2-11ディズニーアンバサダーホテル
2-11 MAIHAMA, URAYASU, CHIBA
OPEN 7AM-11PM
WEBSITE
I actually have never stayed at the Disney Ambassador Hotel ( I have heard that their Mickey breakfast is great fun.)
*EDIT !! I HAVE NOW !!!!!!!!!! IT WAS AMAZING ! As was the Chef Mickey breakfast!!!**** I have written all about our stay at the Disney Ambassador Hotel in Tokyo here !
We have also stayed at another of the Disney hotels – in a themed room. I wrote about our stay at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel here.
Just behind the Disney Ambassador Hotel (so 5 mins walk from the hotel or 7 mins walk from Ikspiari) is the Urayasu Athletic Park. This park is popular with local families on weekends. There are public restrooms here and ice-cream vending machines too!
For toddlers, small kids and baby – did you know there is a playcentre full of soft play options in the Tokyo Disney area?
It is located within the Sheraton Grande Bay Hotel (one of the official Disneyland hotels) and is open to non-guests. The playcentre near Tokyo Disney is called WizKids. There is a climbing wall, soft play section with mini rotating sections, drawing areas, bouncy domes.
For bigger kids, there is also a game centre just outside the entrance. There is space to store your stroller while at the playcentre.
Please be aware that on busy days, hotel guests will be given preferential entry.
WIZKIDS PLAYCENTRE
LOCATED WITHIN THE SHERATON GRANDE BAY HOTEL (Non-Guests are welcome)
FOR CHILDREN AGED 1-12 YEARS OF AGE (BABIES UNDER 1 ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THE PLAYCENTRE)
OPEN EVERYDAY 10AM-7PM
ADMISSION FOR 1 HOUR : 900 YEN FOR KIDS & 600 YEN FOR ADULTS ( THEN 450 YEN FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 30 MINS)
ADMISSION FOR 3 HOURS: 2000 YEN FOR KIDS & 1,400 YEN FOR ADULTS ( THEN 450 YEN FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 30 MINS)
RIDE THE TOKYO DISNEY LINER
This is so cute. I’ve written about riding the Disney liner in detail here.
This is how cute the day pass tickets are. Don’t use a suica card for this – pay cash and get to keep the tickets at the end. They are so cute. We love our toy story tickets and the christmas themed options are also especially cute.
AEON SHIN-URAYASU SHOPPING CENTRE
There is a big shopping mall with a large supermarket close by….
For a big Shopping Mall in the area (with a really big supermarket) I also recommend trying out a shopping mall called Aeon Style ShinUrayasu Semmontengai – (this shopping mall has a large supermarket, an H&M, a few large sporting goods shops, Karaoke, games arcade, electrical goods store and a 100 yen shop – and many others.) To get here from Disneyland takes 18 mins on public transport and 15 mins (approx 2800 yen.)
SEE HERE FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON TAKING KIDS OUT TO KARAOKE IN JAPAN.
There are also lots of family friendly restaurants.
There are fast food restaurants such as KFC and Mos Burger.
**If you are looking for a vegan option at Mos Burger in Japan, there is one option: the new Avocado Basil Burger – made with a plant based patty (please note that it is cooked on the same grill as the meat patties ) The fries and onion rings here are vegan.
For a gluten free option at Mos Burger Japan, you can order the allergy safe pork burger and purchase a salad to go with. Warning though- it’s a really small burger so you’ll probably want more than one!**
Rice bowl restaurant Yoshinoya offer two kids’ meals – a mini gyudon (beef on rice) set and mini curry rice set – both meals come with a juice and a jelly.
The following restaurants all have children’s menus: a Yakiniku restaurant called Gyukaku, Japanese style pasta restaurant called Kamakura Pasta*, Charcoal Grilled Hamburger Steak restaurant Sumiyaki Hamburgu Wa.
Here is the full menu allergen list for Kamakura Pasta.
This shopping centre is the closest to Tokyo Disneyland that sells children’s clothing and has H&M etc too.
To get from Disney to Shin-Urayasu Shopping Mall – it takes 10 -15 mins on the train. The shopping centre is connected to Shin-Urayasu Station.
See here for my guide on Shin-Urayasu (just a few stations away) for even more shopping, supermarket and restaurant options.
An Aussie breakfast in the Tokyo Disney area
10 mins by car from Shin-Urayasu Station or 15 mins by car from Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea you can find an Aussie cafe called Bountiful Coffee. They don’t take reservations so best to just walk-in. They accept most major credit cards. They have high chairs. They also do take-out. They have vegetarian & vegan menu options. See the full menu at Bountiful Coffee here. My daughter was so happy that they also have vegemite! The cafe is on the second floor but there is an elevator (as well as stairs.)
The Falafel Plate, Green Peace Smoothie, Potato Wedges, Vegemite on Toast! Oh and some colouring.
BOUNTIFUL COFFEE
浦安市明海6-1-10 トレードポート 2F
2ND FLOOR, TRADEPORT BUILDING, 6-1-10 AKEMI, URAYASU
OPEN EVERYDAY 8AM-4PM
Then, if you travel a little bit out to Kasai…..
Tokyo Metro Museum
I would count this next place as a “well…if you’re already in the area” kind of place but my 2 year old was shattered when it was time to go. It’s called the Tokyo Metro Museum and all exhibits are about the Tokyo city subway system. It bought us about 45 minutes or so which was good considering the museum is quite small. I’ve written in detail about the Tokyo Metro Museum here.
Super Family Friendly All-You-Can-Eat Sukiyaki (10 mins in a cab from Tokyo Disneysea OR 14 mins in a cab from Tokyo Disneyland)
Syabu-yo Urayasu Higashino
When you dine here, you choose the amount of time they would like to have unlimited meat brought to their table (usually 60 or 90 mins) and that price also includes access to a salad and vegetable buffet and ice-cream. The instructions on how to make your meal at the table are here on the Syabu-Yo website but the staff will also help you. My kids prefer sukiyaki to shabu-shabu as it is so sweet and more-ish.
If everyone has different dietary requirements (for example if one family member is vegetarian etc) you’ll need to ask for separate pots or half /half as , otherwise, all the food is cooked in one pot. They have pots like the one pictured below that has two sections (that’s what I normally do.) This is mostly so you can cook two different flavours but it could also work for a meat side and a veg side too, I guess
Worried about language issues? DON’T ! You order everything on an ipad at the table in English!
To eat here I would budget for around 3000 yen per adult. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Syabu-Yo accept most major credit cards. Even if you don’t eat meat – just order an all you can eat meat portion for you so you can take advantage of all of the other parts included (the salad and veggies and desserts). The all you can eat meats come out a tray at a time so you just order more as needed for the table anyway (within your all-you-can-eat time frame.)
*Dining etiquette tip: the giant chopsticks are for putting the meat into the hot pot. The normal chopsticks are for eating. This also means you don’t have kids eating off chopsticks that have touched raw meat.
If you like this restaurant – I’m pretty sure you will! Then you are in luck as you can always google your closest Syabu-Yo branch as they are all over Japan.
They have free wifi.
There is a change table in the bathroom at this restaurant. They also have the little robots that bring the meat to your table. My kids love this!
They do have high chairs here – they are the wooden type that clips on to the table (and it does have a strap to keep baby secure.)
I’ve never had to make a reservation at this store before. Just walked in. Budget 3000 yen per adult to dine here (you will leave SO full!) There is a big supermarket (it’s called R. Genki – open 10am-8pm) in the same complex so get sweets and treats to take home afterwards. There is also a 7-Eleven right across the road.
SYABU-YO, URAYASU HIGASHINO
浦安市東野3-4-1 アクロスプラザ浦安東野 1F
GROUND FLOOR, ACROSS PLAZA URAYASU HIGASHINO, 3-4-1 HIGASHINO, URAYASU
OPEN 11AM-11PM (OPEN FROM 10:30AM ON WEEKENDS)
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel or make a purchase using one of my links – at no additional charge to you.
*Please note that park entry tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea are NOT included in your hotel price like in some other Disney parks around the world. You will need to buy Tokyo Disney Park tickets separately (I explain how here) or, if you are staying in an official Tokyo Disney Hotel, you can purchase while you check-in for your stay. The exception? If you’ve purchased some sort of vacation package. *
Where can I buy a swimsuit in the Tokyo Disney Area?
If you’ve forgotten your swimmers and need one for the pools at the hotels, there is a swimwear store inside the Ikspirari Complex outside of Maihama and Resort Gateway station (close to Tokyo Disneyland). It is called Local Motion Hawaii.
