Here is a one day itinerary for children in Shinjuku.
See here for my full list of things to do with kids in the Shinjuku area.
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.
Start the day at Shinjuku Chuo Park Children’s Square Playground
When looking for the playground here, I put Shinjuku Chuo Park Children’s Square into google to save you from having to walk from the opposite end of the park etc.
There is a fair amount of shade but I still recommend bringing sunscreen and bug spray.
The breastfeeding and nappy changing space is open from 10:30am-4pm.
There are vending machines and toilets next to the playground (and others on the far side)
The far side of the playground also has this change table, toilet, breastfeeding, wheelchair friendly restroom space. It is open from April-September from 9am‐5pm & October-March 9am-4pm.
There is a decent sized playground and a toddler splash pool in the summer months.
IN 2025: The water splash area was open in July and August.
In the heat of summer, there are misting machines at some benches next to the playground. There is also a security guard who goes around in summer to check the temperature of the slide. Only in Japan!
SHINJUKU CHUO (CENTRAL) PARK
PUT SHINJUKU CHUO PARK CHILDREN’S SQUARE INTO GOOGLE MAPS AS THE PARK IS VERY BIG
I have an entire blog post here dedicated to helping you explore Shinjuku with kids.
There is a Starbucks within Shinjuku Chuo Park too (right near the Hyatt Regency side of the park.)
Next, walk for 4 mins to “More Than” Bakery
after a play in the park, I highly recommend breakfast, a snack or lunch at the‘More Than’ Bakery. It is a part of ‘The Knot’ Hotel in Nishi-Shinjuku.
It is located literally right on the edge of the park. This bakery also sells many vegan breads and sweets. Sunday is VEGAN BAKERY day here too!
MORE THAN, BAKERY
新宿区西新宿4-31-1
4-31-1 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 8AM – 6PM
THE KNOT SHINJUKU WEBSITE
OR walk for 8 mins to Denny’s for breakfast
If you’re looking to start the day with a western-style breakfast, I recommend heading to Denny’s. The Denny’s Shinjuku Chuo-Koen branch is open from 6:30am-11pm.
Denny’s Japan (note, not the same as Denny’s in the US.)
They have a low (common) allergens menu. There is a change table in the toilets here. No bookings. Walk-in only. They accept most major credit cards.
Here is the full Denny’s Japan menu. Please note, if you are vegan, that Denny’s in Japan do have a zero meat hamburger steak (like a vegan rissole – for the fellow aussies.)
This is us ordering on the Denny’s ipad at our table. See here for more (and less random) suggestions when craving vegetables in Japan.
Then, walk from 8 mins to Robert Indiana’s Love Sculpture
While in the West Shinjuku area, why not wander along to take a picture at the Shinjuku LOVE sculpture? You may have already seen one of these famous pop art monuments, designed by Robert Indiana in the 1970s, in New York, Philadelphia, Jakarta, Neuss-Holzeim, Valencia or London ( to name a few.) Tokyo has two LOVE Sculptures. This large one in Shinjuku and a very small version on a roundabout in Chiba. The statue is just near the Shinjuku I-Land tower (search ” Love Statue Shinjuku” on google maps for an exact location).
Then walk for 3 mins to the Sompo Museum of Art to see Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
This is the Sompo Museum of Art – and on the 5th floor you can see Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (!!) You are allowed to take photos even – just can’t use a flash. Entry is 800 yen and free for kids younger than 18 (as always, you will need to have your passport with you while walking around Japan. They may ask to see your passport here for proof of age.) They accept both cash and card here.
Please note that the museum is open from 10am-6pm (last entry at 5:30) and is closed on Mondays – but best to still check the Sompo Museum of Art website before you go. Read more abou how the Sunflowers came to “live” in Tokyo here. You can enter here with a stroller as long as it isn’t too busy. There is a place to change baby on the second floor (there is also a space to breastfeed.)
Take a cab for 10 mins to the Tokyo Toy Museum
Please note it is closed on Thursdays. I have written in detail about the Tokyo Toy Museum here.
Walk for 11 mins to the FREE Fire Museum
Kids can climb in the helicopter on the rooftop too!
Note: closed on Mondays.
I have written in more detail about the Fire Museum here.
Take the train from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station + 5 mins walk (11 mins total*) to Sushiro for a sushi train that also has mini games at the table.
*If you take a cab, it will take 12 mins.
This Sushiro branch is the Sushiro, Shinjuku Nishiguchi Store (on the 6th floor of the Uniqlo building.).
I recommend visiting between meal times if you can OR first thing in the morning (11am on weekdays or 10:30am on weekends) to avoid having to wait.
Just a warning – the games appear after you’ve ordered a certain number of plates (every 4-5 plates or so) but they only last for a few sections. So best to get kids to take turns and warn them that it will be very quick.
Please note that, although there are many sushiro stores all over Japan – not all have the games. But I cover as many as I can that do – you can search my blog by area or by “sushiro” to find more options.
If you order from the kids section of the menu, you will get a gatchapon coin for kids to use on the gatchapon machines within the restaurant. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
They accept most major credit cards here. I recommend budgeting 3000 yen per adult for a meal here.
See the full Sushiro menu here. Sushiro is great for gluten free diners as they have an allergen menu.
Please note that Sushiro technically doesn’t have any truly vegan sushi options as they use fish extract-vinegar – you may want to look at alternative sushi train restaurants if this is a deal breaker for you.
SUSHIRO, SHINJUKU NISHI-GUCHI
新宿区西新宿1-1-1 新宿パレットビル 6F
6F SHINJUKU PALETTE BUILDING, 1-1-1 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-11PM
Walk for 3 mins to the 3 cat billboard
Put “3D Cat Cross Shinjuku Space” into google maps to find this 3D billboard easily. It often means walking through the underpass under the train lines – google maps will help get you there.
Walk for 5 mins to spot Godzilla looming over Shinjuku
He can be seen from the intersection with the Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store on the corner. The statue is well lit at night too.
This intersection is 9 minutes walk from the JR Shinjuku Station South Entrance.
and while you’re here. Pop into Don Quijote for this box of a big selection of kit-kats.
DON QUIJOTE SHINJUKU EAST EXIT HEAD OFFICE STORE
新宿区歌舞伎町1-16-15
1-16-5 KABUKICHO, SHINJUKU
OPEN 24 HOURS
Walk for 8 mins to Keio Department Store and visit the 7th Floor – the toy floor!
If you’re shopping and need other places to entertain children in the meantime, I recommend the Keio Department Store in West Shinjuku. The 7th floor has a fantastic toy section with lots of toys to touch and play with (the toys are considerably cheaper than Takashimaya too.) There is also a small play space that would keep toddlers happy. This department store also lends out strollers to customers (for use in within the Keio Department store only). There is a whole model train section on this floor too and kids love watching the trains go round and round – lots of train related merch too.
I bought these bath bombs (called Bath Balls in Japan) on the toy floor. They have a little toy inside. I’ve included these bath bombs in my Japan gift suggestion for kids.
Walk for 11 mins to Hands Shinjuku in Takashimaya Times Square
This is a great place to shop for cards and stationery. Seasonal cards are on the 2nd floor.
It’s also a great place for unique souvenirs.
I love the stationery section in Hands (formerly known as Tokyu Hands) – especially as I love beautiful cards.
Many of these also play songs.
They also sell regular old tourist postcards here.
See more christmas related things for when spending christmas in Japan here.
And then, the food hall floor is truly spectacular (even just for a walk through if you’re not hungry!)
There is traditional food – amazing kit-kat flavours, salads, soups.
My little boy loves the karage (fried chicken).
I just recently found veggie gyoza (spinach and cabbage) at one of the counters. The name of that shop is ‘Yokohama China Town’s Heichinrou.’For hard core veggies, the guy in the shop did tell me the gyozas were cooked on the same plate as the meat options – so be warned if the idea of this is not for you.
And one of my favourite cheat meals is to buy a salad and a few of the pizza/foccacia breads from the Italian bakery counter.
And if you like really ‘interesting/gourmet’ sandwiches, there is a shop here for you ! Note the options like ‘Grapes & Cream’ ‘Fried Salmon Roe & Cheese’, ‘Potato & Minced Meat.’
And if you or your kids need some fresh air, take the elevator up to the 13th floor. This is where many of the sit down restaurants are located but there is also a rooftop garden.
The 9th floor is the Children’s Floor. There are some very pricey clothing items but the toy section is great fun and has a small area where children can try out some of the toys on sale.
There is also a small baby playspace on this floor too (next to the ‘Familiar’ store.) My children, as always, love the Disney and the Hello Kitty Store.
How about a haircut, in a car, holding a bus, watching a show about trains?! Yes??!!!
The children’s hair salon, Zusso ‘s stylists are seriously talented. They somehow manage to style children’s hair like a trendy fashion model. Best to book ahead, take a picture of what you’d like, tell them what kind of thing your child is into so they can set up the dvd player accordingly (ie. trains, mickey mouse, princess…etc) and choose a salon vehicle!! (Just a heads up : this experience is adorable but be ready to pay 4000 yen for the pleasure. ) The salon is on the 9th floor of Takashimaya in Shinjuku.
And the hairdressers whipped up this braid on my little girl in Just a few minutes! So clever!
ZUSSO KIDS, TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE
5-24-2 SENDAGAYA, SHIBUYA
渋谷区千駄ヶ谷
OPEN: 10AM-7PM
WEBSITE
Takashimaya Times Square actually has some incredible restaurants with fantastic family-friendly dining options.
Remember, another advantage to eating lunch or dinner here is also all the kid-friendly (and baby friendly) toilets and change rooms within the building too. Please see here for my favourite places to eat with kids at Takashimaya Times Square, Shinjuku.
Options include tempura and italian food as well as kids meal options and restaurants with high chairs.
A different suggestion:
Take the train for 4 mins to Takadanoba Station. This area of Tokyo is where Osamu Tezuka set his animation series Astro Boy. There are multiple murals under the station bridge and the station song is the Astro Boy theme song!
I have written more about this astro boy themed station here.
DINNER SUGGESTIONS:
The Newoman Food Hall .
There are so many beautiful eateries inside and it has a range of different types of food and it’s just such a beautiful use of space. In other words – it feels special for grown ups too.
The hall is made up of lots of separate restaurants: an Oyster Bar (I’ve seen a few parents pull their strollers right up to the Oyster Bar seating while dining with a napping baby here), High-end Sushi, Butcher & Beer counter, Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura (this place has great coffee too by the way) and a stunning restaurant called “Tavern S” at the back.
The entire hall is completely non-smoking until 11pm.
Children are welcome anytime before 11pm but the hall is full of officeworkers and hand-holding daters in the evening so lunch just feels a little more appropriate with kids -but that’s your call.
The Tavern on S next to the murals has free wifi.
NEWOMAN FOOD HALL
新宿区新宿4-1-6
4-1-6 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM
DEPARTMENT STORE WEBSITE
You can rent a stroller to use within the Newoman department store on the 4th floor.
On the ground floor of the NeWoman complex, you may also want to grab a matcha latte at The Matcha Tokyo. 100% organic Matcha. They accept most major credit cards and all food and drink items are under 1000 yen. There are only 6 seats here so it is probably best to get it to go.
THE MATCHA TOKYO
新宿区新宿4-1-6
4-1-6 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 10AM-9PM (UNTIL 8:30PM ON SUNDAYS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS)
Kyomachi Koishigure, a retro modern Izakaya
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
Italian food made with Hokkaido dairy produce
My kids also love an Italian restaurant in Takashimaya Square Department Store called Mia Bocca: Hokkaido Italian. All of their cheese is beautiful, fresh Hokkaido produce. They have a kids plate for just 980 yen – which includes orange soup, gnocchi in tomato-based pasta sauce, bread, marinated mushrooms and chicken and panacotta for dessert (only for children elementary school age and younger and no menu alterations.)
However, my kids also like ordering what they like from the general menu. Like most kids, they love a restaurant with a “push to order” button at the table.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. Budget for lunch here – around 2000 yen per adult and more like 3000 yen at dinner time.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. This restaurant has high chairs.
MIA BOCCA: HOKKAIDO ITALIAN
千駄ヶ谷5-24-2 タカシマヤ タイムズスクエア13F
13TH FLOOR, TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE, 5-24-2 SENDAGAYA
OPEN 11AM-11PM
Japanese / Italian Fusion Izakaya
One of my favourite family friendly restaurant in this area is definitely Kichiri Mollis. I wrote about their Ebisu counterpart in my Ebisu with Kids post too. They are a chain of Japanese fusion izakaya restaurants in Japan and most of them are kid-friendly – especially this one in Shinjuku.
Kichiri has such yummy food and a grown up vibe but it is also good for kids. Even small babies,in fact, as staff will organize a seat with a large cushion backing so babies could even get in some “tummy-time” while you eat!
Kichiri is a chain of restaurants so, if you’re a fan, you can keep an eye out for them all over Japan. I would call the food ‘Japanese fusion’. The menu is in English.
The restaurant’s interior is minimal, chic and futuristic. I love it!
I recommend making a booking (especially if there are more than 2 of you.) Please note that tables are only available for 2 hour seatings – and last orders to be placed 30 mins prior to those 2 hours coming to an end.
Once you enter the restaurant, shoes go in a locker and you hang on to your key….
then you’ll be shown to your table….
After you’ve placed your order, your waiter will bring you an “otoshi” which is a tiny appetizer of the day. It’s probably best to think of this as a compulsory “table charge.” (This is standard practice in Japanese Izakaya Pubs)
The menu has so many options and their seasonal specials are also full of table theatrics. There is also a children’s plate that usually has rice, a hamburger pattie, some vegetables and a small serving of fries.
It looks quite fancy inside but I think it’s pretty reasonable. With drinks and ordering a few dishes each , I’d probably budget for 4000 yen per person? (way less for children, of course) There are also course menu options. There are other Kichiri’s all over Tokyo. For example: Ebisu, Ikebukuro, Ginza & Shibuya.
KICHIRI MOLLIS
新宿3-26-13新宿中村屋ビル6F
6th FLOOR, SHINJUKU NAKAMURAYA BUILDING, 3-26-13 SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY (EXCEPT AROUND THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD)
LUNCH: 11AM-3PM
AFTERNOON TEA: 3PM-5PM
Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu
Momo Paradise Shinjuku San-chome is a hot pot place and …oh…my god……it gets busy busy busy!!! You need a reservation.
They do take reservations but you’ll need to make sure you’re prompt as they will cancel your booking if you’re more than 10 minutes late.
The staff are so sweet to kids and they have high chairs and everything.
You can choose from a variety of nabe (hot pots) and the most popular are sukiyaki or shabu shabu.
We chose sukiyaki. It was 2400 yen per adult for all you can eat meat and vegetables (from the self-serve buffet) for 100 minutes.
My 5 year old’s same meal was 500 yen and my 3 year old was completely free.
I recommend using one of your hot plates for cooking and leaving one without a hot pot at all – and sit the kiddies up that end. Then you don’t need to worry little fingers touching hot cooking equipment or boiling hot pot contents. (You’ll need to request this as the staff will automatically set up a hot pot at each end.)
Two pots could be extra handy though if some of your family need to avoid certain foods.
The menus here are in English (and so are cooking instructions!)
If you love this spot, make sure you check out their website below as they have lots of other branches all over Tokyo.
MOMO PARADISE SHINJUKU SANCHOME
新宿 3-30-11 新宿高野第二ビル8F
8F SHINJUKU TAKANO DAINI BUILDING, 3-30-11 SHINJUKU
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30AM-3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5PM-11PM
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30-11PM
There is another Momo Paradise called Momo Paradise Shinjuku Meiji Dori too which is also very family friendly!
AFTER DINNER:
Check out the projections on the Tokyo Metropolitan Goverment Building. The best viewing point is from the Citizen’s Square. No tickets required – it’s free to watch! Details and timing for the projection mapping at night in Shinjuku here.
See my full list of Shinjuku with kids suggestions here (this is just a slice.)
