Akasaka is a lovely place to spend time with kids in Japan and not too many people know about this area.
It’s a really central area but it also feels like a suburb – lots of little alleyways and windy streets to explore. I like to recommend Akasaka with kids as there is a lot of fabulous family friendly accommodation and is also close to Roppongi, Hiroo and Azabu-Juban – areas which have some of the best inner city playgrounds in Tokyo.
This is also the area of the Harry Potter Cafe & Shop (there is another Harry Potter Store in Harajuku now too.) I have a link to the reservation website for the Harry Potter Cafe in Akasaka here.
The Harry Potter Cafe in Akasaka has space for strollers. It costs approx 2500 yen per person for lunch and more like 3000 yen at dinner time. Make a reservation at the Harry Potter Cafe in Akasaka here.
Please note that this blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Extra tip: If you arrive into Akasaka via subway station “Akasaka-Mitsuke” and you need an elevator for a stroller or suitcases, use the elevators inside Bic Camera electronics department store to help you get to the ground level.
Hie Shrine is in Akasaka and although it is small – it’s a great little stop-off if you’re in the area.
The Torii gates make for great photos too.
It’s 6 minutes in a cab from Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi ( or 20 minutes walk on foot – which is what we did. )
There are a lot of steep stairs ( although its not a hike or anything – still an inner city shrine) so, if you’re travelling with kids and a stroller , it could be a bit tricky.
There are restrooms in the main building.
If you wanted to be up to date on the shrine etiquette, their English page on the hie shrine website is pretty good.
HIE SHRINE
千代田区永田町2-10-5
2-10-5 NAGATACHO, CHIYODA-KU
WEBSITE ( THEIR ENGLISH PAGE OF THE WEBSITE IS PRETTY GOOD)
OPEN 5AM-6PM (APRIL – SEPTEMBER)
OPEN 6AM-5PM (OCTOBER-MARCH)
Bic Camera (just above Akasaka-Mitsuke Station )
For shopping in Akasaka with kids, I recommend heading straight for Bic Camera above Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. The 8th floor is all toys and nintendo and bath bombs etc. Lots of lego and arcade games too.
Take the elevator or escalator – this building is less busy on weekends compared to weekdays.
Open 10am-10pm.
Also, while in Bic Camera, you may like to look for Nintendo Amiibo.
I must admit that I know NOTHING about Amiibo. However, my son always tells me that the Amibo selection in Japan is way better than other countries. If you are amiibo “shopping” then I recommend first going to your closest Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera. Toys R Us Japan also has a good selection of Amiibo.
Delifrance– a Japanese bakery chain (1 min walk from Akasaka Station – inside the Biz Tower which is connected to the station)
Delifrance in the Biz Tower is on the B1 floor in the basement. Open 7:30am-9pm (from 8am on weekends.) There is a small dine-in space but most people do take-away. They accept most major credit cards. See examples of the Delifrance menu items here.
Also did you know that you can pop into the lobby of the hotel manned by robots?
The lobby is on the second floor of the hotel so you’ll need to take the elevator. You can go check it out for a second even if you aren’t staying here. It’s a bit cheeky but , why not?!
There isn’t a lot to do than just say hi to the robots but … still …. it’s worth just taking a look.
If you think this is cool, you’ll also like the same brand of hotel out by Disneyland. The hotel is manned by dinosaurs.
These hotels are actually very very reasonably priced. Nothing fancy happens in the rooms but they are clean and new.
The only downside is that there are no humans to direct questions but if you’re happy to do your thing? This is a very economical option.
HENN NA HOTEL AKASAKA
港区赤阪2-6-14
2 -6-14 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
WEBSITE
( Can also be found on booking.com)
Souvenirs & American Candy Shopping
We like the brand “Plaza” for makeup, candy and some souvenir shopping. Lots of fun little novelty items. This one is called Plaza Newsstand. It is open 11am-8pm.
Ramen & Tsukemen in Akasaka with kids
For ramen or tsukemen for lunch or dinner with kids, I recommend Mendokoro Tomo Premium. This ramen/tsukemen restaurant is 7 mins walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station.
In case you’ve never had tsukemen before, the noodles arrive to the table outside the broth/soup and you then dip them in the soup before eating. They also sell meat gyoza here. This casual restaurant has a place to store strollers while you dine. For lunch or dinner I would budget for approximately 2000 yen per person. They do accept credit cards here. They also have an English menu. Children and babies are welcome. They do take reservations but I would just go and, if busy, wait. If you are going to just share one person’s portion with a child – the polite thing to do is to ask if that’s ok to do so as you are entering the restaurant. They do have kid sized plates and cutlery.
MENDOKORO TOMO PREMIUM
港区赤坂4-3-30 横川ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, YOKOGAWA BUILDING, 4-3-30 AKASAKA, MINATO-Ku
OPEN MON-SAT 11AM-3PM & 5PM-10PM
CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
If anyone in the family is after a blow dry while in Tokyo, I recommend English speaking blow-dry bar JetSet Drybar in Akasaka.
Tonkatsu in Akasaka with kids
And how about some Tonkatsu (Japanese crumbed and fried pork cutlets) for lunch? Tonkatsu Sueyoshi welcomes families. This restaurant is 3 mins walk from Akasaka Station (via Exit 1) or 6 mins walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke (Exit 11). Tonkatsu Sueyoshi first opened in 1977, The entire restaurant in non-smoking. Please note that this restaurant iscash only. Menu options include beautiful crunchy Tonkatsu with a cabbage salad, Tonkatsu sandwiches, Tonkatsu Oyakodon (Tonkatsu with cooked egg and green onions on rice), hamburger patty lunch plates, fried shrimp and fried oysters. All meals are between 1000-2000 yen here. It is polite to order at least 1 item for each number of people you are bringing into the restaurant (even if your child eats nothing and you just get two things for yourself.) You can make reservations here or just walk-in and wait your turn if it is busy. if you would like to make a reservation, it is best to ask your hotel to make a phone call on your behalf as this restaurant does not have a website.
Please have google translate on your phone for the menu (this makes it sound way more complicated than it is though as there really are only the menu items I have listed above.)
This restaurant has space for you to put a baby in a stroller next to you at the table (by removing a chair.)
TONKATSU SUEYOSHI
港区赤坂4-3-10
4-3-10 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-2PM & 5PM-8:45PM
OPEN SATURDAYS 11:30AM-2PM
CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
Or if you are keen to try Unagi-Don (Grilled and marinated Eel on Rice – it’s actually really good!) then I recommend going to Akasaka Fukinuki for lunch. This restaurant is 3 mins from Akasaka Station and 4 mins walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. For lunch here I would budget for 3000 yen per adult and more like 6000 yen at dinner time. They accept most major credit cards. The restaurant is non-smoking but there is a designated smoking section outside. Children and babies are welcome. There is space to store a stroller while you dine. Just a heads up, this is a hard place to come if one of you doesn’t want to eat Unagi. There isn’t too much else to choose from. They can do takeout bentos if that’s easier.
AKASAKA FUKINUKI
港区赤坂3-6-11
3-6-11 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10PM (LUNCH HOURS ARE 11AM-3PM)
Teppanyaki with kids in Akasaka
Or if you’re in the mood for something a bit more fancy, I recommend Teppanyaki Sato. It is 5 mins walk from Akasaka Station (Exit 1) or 8 mins walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station.
I have written about how teppanyaki is probably different to what you are expecting here so please have a read before you make a reservation. For this restaurant you will need to budget around 12,000 yen per person. You wil definitely need to make a reservation here. It is cozy and cute and so yummy. It’s a really special place to eat at as a family.
They do accept credit cards here. Please note that there is a service charge of 500 yen for each person – and, just like in many Japanese restaurants, as a thank you for that service charge you will receive a small tapas size seasonal dish to try ( you don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to.) The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Children and babies are welcome (please let them know ages when you make the reservation.)
It’s a little bit hidden so leave time to go on a bit of a hunt for this place (with google maps in hand.)
It’s best to get your hotel to book this spot on your behalf.
TEPPANYAKI SATO
港区赤坂4-12-4 タンゴハイツ赤坂 1F
GROUND FLOOR, TANGO HEIGHTS BUILDING, 4-12-4 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN MON-SAT 6PM-10PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS
Casual restaurant with really yummy Udon & Tempura bowls – 2 mins walk from Akasaka Station
Tsurumaru is casual but always popular for a reason. It is SOOOO good.
Read about Tsurumaru Akasaka on TripAdvisor here. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Please note that this restaurant only accepts cash. The way to eat here – pick up a tray and use the tongs to choose any tempura you may like. Then order your main dish while paying at the register. This is a walk-in restaurant only. Warning: it is most popular with the office crowd between midday – 1:30pm.
The chairs here are mostly stool-type chairs so please be careful with toddlers perched on the top.
All meals here are under 1000 yen.
TSUMARU AKASAKA
港区赤坂5-5-8
5-5-8 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 7AM-8PM
OPEN SATURDAYS 11AM-5PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS
A sushi option for families!
Tsukiji Sushiko welcomes families. They have a kids menu here too (only sushi though so if your kids don’t eat sushi it’s best to go elsewhere. The kids plate has a few nigiri sushi, a few rolls with salmon or tuna inside, rice with cod roe on top and a few pieces of cooked egg.) This sushi restaurant accepts most major credit cards and is non-smoking. Lunch is approximately 2000 yen per person and I’d budget for 4000 yen per adult at dinner time. Here is the Tsukiji Sushiko individual sushi menu in English and Japanese. Here is the sushi set / sushi small platter menu for Tsukiji Sushiko. This is the Tsukiji Sushiko seafood rice bowl and sushi roll menu. This link leads to the side menu for Tsukiji Sushiko – includes salads and cooked fish. This restaurant is 1 min from Akasaka Station.
TSUKIJI SUSHIKO, AKASAKA
港区赤坂3-13-6 国際天野ビル１Ｆ
GROUND FLOOR, KOKUSAI TENNO BUILDING, 3-13-6 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-2PM & 5PM-10:30PM (LAST ORDERS 10PM)
OPEN SAT 11:30AM-10:30PM
OPEN SUN & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-10PM
Kid-friendly, delicious Katsudon bowls are sold here! The restaurant is called Katsudon wa Hito o Shiawase ni Suru Akasaka Ten (also called “Happiness is Katsudon” in English on the door. 5 mins walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station.
You can make reservations here or try for a walk-in. The accept most major credit cards. Budget 2000 yen per person at lunchtime and 3000 yen for dinner.
KATSUDON WA HITO O SHIAWASE NI SURU, AKASAKA
港区赤坂3-15-4 レアルタ赤坂ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, RIALTA AKASAKA BUILDING, 3-25-4 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN 11AM-10PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS
365 Sakaba Beer & Gyoza (2 mins walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station)
This izakaya specializes in beer, gyoza and “Shibuya style” yakisoba (Yakisoba served under potato salad, corn, onions and seaweed.) The beer is crazy cheer here – under 200 yen! They welcome kids. The restaurant seats 72 – so you can try for a walk-in but they also take reservations (with more than 2 children – or with particularly wriggly kids – I strongly recommend a reservation so you can have a table kind of to the side though.) I recommend budgeting for 3000 yen per adult if you’re having a meal here. The entire restaurant in non-smoking. You will like this place if you want a casual rowdy pub with the locals. Please note that some of the sashimi is horse sashimi and others are beef tongue or liver (just a heads up as I know that is not for everyone.) For kids, I recommend ordering edamame, dashimaki (Japanese omelette made with fish stock), fries, karaage (fried chicken), vanilla ice-cream with chocolate sauce. This is not the type of restaurant that will adjust to custom orders – I don’t recommend this place if you have specific dietary requirements. This is more of a nibble and take in the vibes type of place rather than “grab a proper square meal” type of place.
365 SAKABA BEER & GYOZA
港区赤坂3-11-19 UF3ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, UF3 BUILDING, 3-11-19 AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN 3PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10:30PM)
*Please note that hours change during the New Year, Obon and Golden Week holidays
10 mins walk from Akasaka Station AND Akasaka-Mitsuke Stations is Crisp Salad Works.
Crisp Salad Works is a salad chain store where you can choose all of your salad ingredients and how finely chopped you’d like it to be. Salads are between 1000-2000 yen. They accept most major credit cards. There is a dine-in area. See the full Crisp Salad Works menu here. Crisp Salad Works have vegetarian, vegan, halan and gluten free options.
CRISP SALAD WORKS, AKASAKA (There is a second branch in Akasaka in the Biz Tower too. So google which one is closest to where you are.)
港区赤坂1-8-1 赤坂インターシティAIR 2F
2ND FLOOR, AKASAKA INTERCITY AIR BUILDING, 1-8-1 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-6PM
There is another Crisp Salad Works in the Biz Tower in Akasaka that opens from 10am. It is in the same building as the Harry Potter Cafe and is next to Maruetsu Petit supermarket (which I also speak about in this article.)
Sushi with kids in Akasaka
Umegaoka Sushi No Midori is in the Akasaka Biz Tower – connected to Akasaka Station. They have a kids’ menu (and an English menu too.) Budget 1500 yen per adult for lunch here and more like 4000 yen for dinner. They have high chairs. They also have space for strollers. You can also get takeout. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Make a reservation if you plan on eating right at traditional lunch or dinner times. The kids’ plate is 1000 yen and has Salmon Sashimi, Boiled Shrimp, Salmon Roe, Rolled Japanese Omelette, Salmon & Cucumber Sushi Roll (no alternations can be made to the plate – it’s a set plate.) See pictures of some of the main menu here. The sashimi here is all directly from Toyosu Market.
UMEGAOKA SUSHI NO MIDORI, AKASAKA
港区赤坂5-3-1 赤坂Bizタワー 2F
2F AKASAKA BIZ TOWER, 5-3-1 AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN 11AM-10PM
CLOSED JANUARY 1st
Soba & Tempura
Tokyo Akasaka Yabusoba in the Akasaka Biz Tower – connected to Akasaka Station – also welcomes children and has a kids’ menu . They have space for strollers. They also have an English menu. Budget 4000 yen at dinner time and 3000 yen at dinner time. Best to make a reservation if visiting between 12-1:30pm on weekdays and dinner times. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. This is a good restaurant for parents to try some different types of sake. See the full menu (in English) for Tokyo Akasaka Yabusoba here.
TOKYO AKASAKA YABUSOBA
港区赤坂5-3-1 赤坂Bizタワー 2F
2F AKASAKA BIZ TOWER, 5-3-1 AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN 11AM-10PM
Also remember that Roppongi is right next to Akasaka. Here are my Roppongi with Kids suggestions, but I want to highlight the kid friendly places that are not far away on foot. For example, Tokyo Midtown. 14 minutes walk from Akasaka Sacas department store. It has a lovely park out the back and then a few more minutes away and you’re right in the heart of Roppongi.
My kids do like the Midtown park a lot.
It is located right behind Tokyo Midtown department store is a large open park (Hinokicho Park) with a few pieces of playground equipment. There is also a pond and area to have a sit-down picnic. There are often art installations and special events held in certain sections of the park grounds. In the hot months, take a pair of swimmers and towel too – there is a little splash pad too (Down near the slide.)
This park is gorgeous about cherry blossom time.
9-7-1 AKASAKA
赤坂9-7-1
OPEN 5am-11pm
A farm to table lunch or dinner in Akasaka
I’m obsessed with We are the Farm in Akasaka.
Lunch is especially good value but the dinner is also amazing.
The lunch course at this Farm-to-Table restaurant includes soup & a kale side salad and you can choose your own main : a vegetable gratin, a “choose your own ingredients salad” or a grilled vegetable platter (see pictures below) for 1500 yen.
This place is popular so you’ll need to make a reservation (or just call to make sure that they have seats available.)
This restaurant does not have high chairs.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
I also love the We are the Farm’s lunch salad buffet (although they might not like me visiting as I just keep eating and eating.)
If you get the chance, they sell the amazing cheese and tomato dish at all times of the day.
My husband and I go here for date nights often and, I know it sounds weird to say but, this simple marinated onion served with rock salt was to die for!
We both love their ‘Chunky Veg’ gratin and the plate of all the amazing Japanese varieties of mushrooms was one of my favourites.
WE ARE THE FARM AZABU, AKASAKA
港区赤坂2-17-69
2-17-69 AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30AM-3PM
WEEKDAY DINNERS: 6PM-11:30PM
WEEKEND DINNERS: 5PM-11:30PM
WE ARE THE FARM AKASAKA
There are other We are the Farm restaurants in Azabujuban and in Ebisu.
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 Akasaka Branch (it comes up Ginza Steak Akasaka on google maps.)
This is an all you can eat steak restaurant or alacarte. 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.)
I have written my advice for those with severe food allergies travelling in Japan here.
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 2 mins walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station
GINZA NO STEAK AKASAKA
渋谷区赤坂3-10-9 赤坂グランベルホテル 2F
2F AKASAKA GRANBELL HOTEL, 3-10-9 AKASAKA, 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*
5 mins walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station (via Exit 10) is Udon Restaurant called Akasaka Sanuki Udon Hoshino. Just so no-one gets mixed up – udon is almost always served in a soup/broth in Japan (and if it isn’t is it called “yakiudon” which means grilled udon – and this is less common in restaurants.) Akasaka Sanuki Udon Hoshino also serve tempura and it’s so reasonably priced-vegetable tempura is approximately400 yen a serving. They also serve beef and chicken rice balls. This restaurant only accepts reservations for dinner so if you are going for lunch, please remember it is a first come first serve basis (there is often a queue on weekdays.) This restaurant also has kids plates and cutlery.
At lunchtime, I would budget 1000 yen per meal and more like 3000 yen at dinnertime. It is polite to order a dish for every person at the table -even a toddler.
There is space near the entrance to the restaurant for stroller parking.
Please note that this restaurant is cash only.
The menu is only in Japanese but there are pictures so you can point and go. You can also use the menu on this website to help too.
Please don’t try and dine here if you have special dietary requirements – it will just be confusing for all involved and you probably won’t get what you need either.
AKASAKA SANUKI UDON HOSHINO
港区赤坂4-3-3 赤坂レジデンス壱番館 1F
GROUND FLOOR, AKASAKA RESIDENCE ICHIBANKAN BUILDING, 4-3-3 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-4PM & 5PM-10PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 11AM-9PM
Yamamoto no Hamburg Akasaka Mitsuke
This restaurant welcomes kids and has the cutest kid’s plate. It is 3 mins walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station. Budget 1100 yen per adult for a meal here. See the full menu for Yamamoto no Hamburg Steak here. They accept most major credit cards. This is a walk-in only hamburger steak spot (no reservations.) The restaurants seats 38 people. The entire venue is non-smoking. They have different types of hamburg steaks and then you choose your own toppings such as fried egg, bacon, melted cheese etc. Side dishes include fried chicken, sausages, a few small salads etc. They have lots of soft drinks and alcoholic drinks and they also do their own blended vegetable juice.
Top row: The Yamamoto (Classic) Hamburger Steak, The Homemade Hamburger Steak, Grated Daikon Radish in Ponzu Sauce Hamburger Steak.
Second Row; Avocado Cheese Hamburger Steak, Garlic Hamburger Steak, Cheese Hamburger Steak.
Third Row: Sunny Side Up Fried Egg Hamburger Steak, Kimchi Cheese Hamburger Steak, The Double Hamburger Steak.
Bottom Row: Sesame Yuzu Ponzu Hamburger Steak, The Kids Plate.
YAMAMOTO NO HAMBURG STEAK, AKASAKA MITSUKE
港区赤坂3-2-3 APA赤坂見附ビル Ｂ１F
BASEMENT FLOOR 1, APA AKASAKE MITSUKE BUILDING, 3-2-3 AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11AM-3PM ( LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)
Although this dinner suggestion is in my Date nights post here , I have also seen bigger kids (as in kids who are old enough to sit on a stool) dine here with their parents.
I mean, champagne might not appeal to kiddies but it will to the Mummies and Daddies, right? And gyoza? That is for every body!!!!
This place is lovely and casual. Who would have thought that bubbles and dumplings could be such a yummy match?
There is just one guy behind the counter with a gigantic bucket of different champagne bottles and he cooks gyoza on the spot. I don’t know how he keeps up!
There are vegetarian gyoza options (but I don’t recommend if you’re a strict vegie as they are all cooked on the same hot plates.)
STANDO SHAN CHAMPAGNE & GYOZA BAR, AKASAKA
港区赤坂3-15-4
3-15-4 AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN 5PM-1:30AM (3PM-11PM ON SATURDAYS)
And 5 mins walk from Stando Shan Champagne & Gyoza Bar is casual Italian restaurant, Palermo. Palermo is also 2 mins walk from Subway Station Akasaka-Mitsuke. This restaurant welcomes children and has an English menu. This restaurant looks so casual but the food here is really good. This restaurant is non-smoking and they have free wifi. For kids, like mine, who love Pizza… there are four types here: Napoletana, Seafood, Four Cheese & Margherita.
PALERMO, AKASAKA
港区赤坂3-10-4 赤坂月世界ビル １Ｆ
GROUND FLOOR, AKASAKA GESSEKAI BUILDING, 3-10-4 AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN TUES-FRI 11:30AM-4PM (LAST ORDERS 3PM) & 5PM -10:30PM (LAST ORDERS AT 9:45PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
For Tacos and Craft Beer go to The Barragan – they welcome children. This is a good place to go if you have a larger group (make a reservation though.) There is a 500 yen service charge per person. Budget approximately 3500 yen per adult for a meal here. They accept most major credit cards. If arriving here by train, take exit 2 from Akasaka Station and then walk for 2 mins. Tacos are half price on Tuesdays !
THE BARRAGAN
赤坂3-6-20 ポールスタービル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, PULLSTAR BUILDING, 3-6-20 AKASAKA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 5PM-2AM
CLOSED WEEKENDS
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
OPEN 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.
For Japanese curry rice, vegetarian and vegan options as well as lots of salads, I recommend the casual curry house chain Cocoichi Curry.
There are two in the area. Open 11AM-11PM.
This is the one we frequent. It is 1 min walk from Akasaka Station (take exit 1 from the station to pop up at the right spot.)
Cocoichibanya is a Japanese curry house chain -and all options are customisable – from spicy-ness level to what sides go next to the curry to the size of the rice portion. Very casual and so easy to take kids. For kids who don’t ilke curry you can also order just rice or a side of fries etc. I speak in detail about this curry chain here – including pictures of the menu. They accept most major credit cards. Budget for 1000-2000 yen per person to dine here (depending on what you order.)
COCOICHIBANYA, AKASAKA
港区赤坂三丁目14番7号ユニ赤坂ビル1階
GROUND FLOOR, YUNI AKASAKA BUILDING, 3-14-7 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN 11AM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10:45PM)
And how about some Karaoke with kids in Akasaka?
Big Echo is only a min or two from the station. Here are all of my tips on making Karaoke with kids the best best time ever!
An American Diner in Roppongi / Akasaka
Technically in Roppongi, but also very close to Akasaka is American restaurant Bubbys. Bubbys is an American restaurant and pie shop that originated in New York.
Bubbys is open for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. To dine here I would budget around 2000 yen per adult. Bubbys accept most major credit cards and they do take reservations. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. They welcome children. This restaurant is less than 4 mins walk from Roppongi Itchome Station or 13 mins walk (or 4 mins/ approx 500 yen in a cab) from Akasaka Station.
BUBBYS NEW YORK ARK HILLS ROPPONGI
港区赤坂1-12-32 アーク森ビル2F
2ND FLOOR, ARK MORI BUILDING, 1-12-32 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN FOR LUNCH EVERYDAY: 10AM-4PM
OPEN FOR BRUNCH ON WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS: 10AM-4PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 4PM-10PM (LAST ORDER 9PM)*OPEN UNTIL 11PM ON WEEKDAYS
In the same complex is Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar Akasaka Hills restaurant.
They have a kids menu & also highchairs.
Warning, there is a table charge of 350 yen per adult.
We also find this restaurant to be overpriced but if you’re at the ANA Intercontinental and kids are craving pizza etc – it can be a nice close and easy option.
WOLFGANG PUCK PIZZA BAR AKASAKA HILLS
赤坂1-12-32 アーク森ビル １F
GROUND FLOOR, ARK HILLS, 1-12-32 AKASAKA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM
In the same complex, is Ruby Jack’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant.
The prices and vibes are very “special occasion” but they welcome children and babies. At dinner time, kids must be 6 or older (with the exception of Sundays and Public Holidays where they are welcome anytime.). There is a kids menu (a kids’ size hamburgers steak or burger with a dessert for 2200 yen) and space for strollers. Please note that every bill will have an additional 10% added as a service charge. At lunch time I recommend budgeting for 3000 yen per adult whereas more like 14,000 yen per person at dinner time. They accept most major credit cards. Best to make reservations here. Make reservations and see the full Ruby Jack’s menu here. This restaurant also often has special christmas roast lunch and thanksgiving dinner menus.
RUBY JACKS
六本木1-4-5 アークヒルズ サウスタワー 2F
SECOND FLOOR, ARK HILLS, 1-12-32 AKASAKA
SUPERMARKETS IN AKASAKA
Maruetsu Petit is 2 mins walk from Akasaka Station. It’s in the same building as the Harry Potter Cafe – in the basement though. Open 7am-10pm. This supermarket has lots of ready-made meals and salads and bentos.
An example of some of the ready made meals at Maruetsu Petit supermarkets.
The milk and yoghurt section of Maruetsu Petit Akasaka.
Just next door to Maruetsu Petit is a Crisp Salad Works branch. If you are there after 10am you could also get a salad to go from there.
Another supermarket that is also on the same floor as Maruetsu Petit in Akasaka….
Seijo Ishii – probably my favourite brand of supermarket in Japan (mostly because they have the best bentos, amazing cheese options (for Japan) and lots of international food items.). *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.”
Open 8am-11pm (from 10am on weekends.) This supermarket has lots of ready-made meals and salads and bentos.
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*Extra tip: Tameike-Sano Station is also close to Akasaka so keep that in mind when planning your travels using google maps (and I also find google maps to often be equally as helpful.).
From Tamaieko-Sano to Ginza takes just 5 minutes, direct.
Another random fun Akasaka with kids suggestion:
Ask your hotel to book you a boat rental in Akasaka at Benkei Fishing Club. Please note that they are closed Wednesdays and not open at all in winter.
Boat rental is 490 yen per person for 30 mins. You can also rent a fishing rod. Cash only.
It is also possible to rent life jacket.
