Exploring Shibuya with kids is one of the easiest places to keep adults and kids at the same level of happy for that first or second day in Japan.
Spending time in Shibuya with kids is more than just Shibuya Crossing – there are child-friendly restaurants and spaces for foodies who want to bring kids along, play spaces and fun, random “oh so Japan” things to do.
Let me walk you through some of my favourite sightseeing, play and dining spots in Shibuya.
While exploring Shibuya with kids….I¥if you’re looking for somewhere for breakfast (open from 7am ! Almost unheard of for a proper sit down brekkie in these parts!)….
It is worth the 11 mins walk from Shibuya station if you crave a western breakfast.
The building is designed so beautifully and it has a large outdoor terrace which makes it extremely kiddie friendly. This place is just 11 minutes walk from Shibuya Station (and 14 mins from Harajuku, in case you feel like switching areas afterwards.)
Here is the Full Trunk Menu.
They serve Western-style breakfast.
If you decide to visit in the evening, the hotel interior and bar doesn’t quite feel appropriate for children but the Trunk Kushi (skewered meat & veg) restaurant out the front of the hotel definitely is fine – with outdoor seating and, once again, enough space for 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.
TRUNK KITCHEN WEBSITE
For a diner-style breakfast in Shibuya , family restaurant “Royal Host” on Dogenzaka St opens at 9AM. It is just a few minutes walk from Shibuya Crossing. The menu is extensive. It all has beautiful glossy pictures and the limitless drink fountain also includes hot drinks.
There is a children’s menu and kids can select one toy from the basket offered by wait staff. It’s just easy and good value for money. There are Japanese and International menu options. Check out the menu page of their website – it’s only in Japanese but there are pictures of almost every dish.
This restaurant is like a Japanese version of a diner so don’t expect fancy all though it is clean, bright and yummy. It’s our family’s comfort food. It’s a really cheap meal with kids.
The entire restaurant is no-smoking. They accept most credit cards. They don’t accept reservations so if it is busy here then you will be asked to write your name and the numbers in your group to wait for your table.
渋谷区道玄坂２-２９−８ 道玄坂センタービル3F
3F DOGENZAKA CENTRE BUILDING, 2-29-8 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM-11PM
ROYAL HOST DOGENZAKA
In my mind, Shibuya Crossing is the ultimate touristy thing to do in Tokyo. But not in a bad way! In a “must, must, must – do” way. It’s a Shibuya with kids must!!!
Even after living in Japan for more than 10 years I still get the tummy butterflies and that selfie-twitch (yep – I said it) when crossing that massive intersection.
My hubby and I believe that it needs to be seen by day and by night.
**Please note that if you find the Starbucks to be especially crazy busy – it is because the building has been recently renovated and reopened in Spring 2024. Until the novelty wears off it will be extra crazy busy for the next little bit. Decide if you can bothered with all that madness.**
With kids, of course, by day is so much easier and I recommend walking across in a few different directions and then ordering a coffee at Starbucks and enjoying it all from the second floor – it’s one of the best views and a great spot for people-watching. You may see the Mario-carts race-by or the latest Tokyo trend : international tourists taking kissing wedding photos in the middle of the intersection before the lights change. This Starbucks is open until 4am so there is plenty of time to catch the view at night if the opportunity presents itself.
**Please note that the Starbucks overlooking the crossing temporarily closed its doors for renovations on Oct 31, 2023 and will most likely open again in Spring 2024. See below for alternative beautiful spots to view the crossing with kids***
Next, keep a look out on the opposite side of the road to the station for a little fruit store – ” Nishimura Fruits Parlor” you may want to take a look at this very, very high-end produce that is sold as gifts. I’m talking US$200 cantaloupe melons and $100 strawberries. ( In other words, keep those little hands back, ok? Eeeeek.) But seriously, the very front of the store has some reasonably priced fresh fruits of the season and fruit juice smoothies too – that won’t make you completely poor.
SHIBUYA CROSSING
JUST NEAR THE HACHIKO EXIT OF SHIBUYA STATION
When travelling with kids, make sure you visit here before taking a trip to Legoland in Odaiba as they have the cutest little replica made entirely of Lego (and it’d be way cuter for kiddies if they have seen the “real deal” first.) The detail is incredible.
See here for more ideas for time spent in Odaiba with kids.
**** Please note that often recommend Magnet Shibuya Food Court for families -but the building is currently being rennovated and so I’m not comfy recommending it at this time. ***
One more place to see Shibuya Crossing (that doesn’t cost any money) is from the Shibuya Station concourse ( just between the Keio Inokashira Line and Shibuya Mark City – can’t find it? Start at the Hachiko statue and walk into the station – thats probably the easiest way to get you facing the correct direction…)
Another Shibuya with kids must !And if you’re keen on checking out the newest and one of the highest open air views of Tokyo, I recommended trying out “Shibuya Sky” observation rooftop at the top of the brand new Shibuya Scramble Square complex. Warning, it is BUSSSSSSSSSSSY !!! I wouldn’t recommend visiting without booking online first. The Shibuya Sky website is here. If you have luggage, you will need to store it in one of the coin lockers in an area called “Paradise Lounge.”
It costs 2000 yen for adults, 1600 yen for students and 600 yen for 3-5 year olds and is open from 9AM-11PM.
Shibuya Scramble Square can be accessed directly from Shibuya Station.
Next, really explore Shibuya with kids properly. Allow yourselves to get a bit “lost!!”
Getting ‘lost’ (as lost as the control freak in me is ever game enough to get when armed with google maps) in Shibuya is a lovely way to get a feel for the area. You’ll find cool hidden alleyways, street art, ramen shops, cheap accessory stores etc. You can explore for a long time without ever getting far from the station. My kiddies love to go and use the headphones to listen to music in Tower Records. There is a rooftop cafe in the Summer too.
Sukiyaki & Shabu-Shabu
This hot-pot style of eating is so much fun for families and just interactive with kids. This restaurant Syabu-yo is a chain restaurant.
Syabu-Yo Shibuya Eki Mae Branch is in a building right on Shibuya Crossing.
Diners 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.
This style of restaurant is tricky if everyone has different dietary requirements (for example if one family member is vegetarian etc) as all the food is cooked in one pot. I guess you could get around this by getting two tables with two separate pots. Sometimes they have pots like the one pictured below that has two sections. 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
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.
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. This restaurant is walk~ins only.
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!
To get here, take the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. It’s on the 9th floor of a building on Shibuya Crossing the same building as the Loccitane Store and Cafe Gust. There is an elevator.
SYABU-YO, SHIBUYA EKIMAE BRANCH
渋谷区道玄坂2-3-1 渋谷駅前ビル9F
9TH FLOOR, SHIBUYA EKI MAE BUILDING, 2-3-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
OPEN 11AM-11PM (FROM 10AM ON WEEKENDS)
Standing Sushi Bar in Shibuya
If you don’t have a stroller (no room) and have kids old enough to stand still and be reasonably quiet while they eat, you might want to pop into Uogashi Standing Sushi Bar in Shibuya. This is a walk-ins only restaurant. It is non-smoking. And, as the name suggests, you stand while you eat. Uogashi accept most major credit cards. It is just one minute walk from Shibuya Crossing. It’s not a Michelin star restaurant by any means, but it is a great place to try some new kinds of sushi and sashimi without breaking the bank. I would budget for about 1000 yen per person for a meal here or half that if you just want to try a few things.
It’s a great spot for bigger kids to try their Japanese skills actually as the chef is right in front of them . They can try “Ebi kudasai” (Prawn, please.) “Aburi Toro Salmon kudasai” (flame-seared salmon sushi please)
Parents can also try out some sake!
This place is small so it would be hard to dine here with more than 3-4 people and still remain all together.
UOGASHI NIHON TACHIGUI SUSHI
渋谷区道玄坂2-9-1
2-9-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10PM)
Looking for a vegan bakery in Shibuya?
If you are searching for vegan sweets and bread, I recommend visiting AZLM Connected Cafe. I recommend their vegan chocolate banana bread. Their drip coffee is also only 99 yen. They do not accept reservations but do accept most major credit cards. No smoking allowed. Cafe only seats 9 people.
It is 144 metres from the station. Exit the station via the Hachiko entrance ( under the Hachiko dog statue) and look to your right .
AZLM CONNECTED CAFE
渋谷区道玄坂2-2-1
2-2-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN 11AM-7PM
AZLM WEBSITE ( JAPANESE ONLY)
Vegan and non-Vegan Gyoza
Tiger Gyoza Kaikan is 6 mins walk from the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station. They accept most major credit cards. The entire hall is non-smoking. This place is big and seats 80 people . For dinner time I would budget around 3500 yen per adult and more like 2000 yen for lunch. If you are vegan, ask for their vegan menu. This restaurant is super dooper casual so bring kids along and have fun. You can also order ramen and fried rice.
渋谷区宇田川町37-35 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 37-35 UDAGAWACHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3:30PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 6PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDER 10:30PM)
OPEN ON WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-10PM
When in Shibuya why not pop into the Shibuya Koen Dori Disney Store. This is the properly famous Tokyo Disney Store as it has the giant Toon Town style Disney entrance. For all of my pictures and stroller tips and open hours etc please see my blog post on the Shibuya Koen Dori Disney Store here.
For lunch or dinner in Shibuya I highly recommend eating at Nabezo, Shibuya Koen Dori. This is a sukiyaki and shabu shabu all you can eat restaurant. It is great with kids as they can “cook” the meal at the table and also decide what ingredients they would like to eat. The restaurant also has all you can eat rice, salad, meat, veggies and ice-cream!
It is located inside of the same building as the Disney Store, on the 8th floor (5 mins walk from the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station.)
I would budget 4000 yen per adult for a meal here. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking and they have free wifi. They have an English menu.
They welcome families with children and also have space to store strollers while you eat.
NABEZO, SHIBUYA KOEN DORI
渋谷区宇田川町20-15 ヒューマックスパビリオン渋谷公園通り ８F
8TH FLOOR, HYUMAX PAVILLION SHIBUYA KOEN DORI, 20-15 UDAGAWACHO, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 5PM-10:30PM
For an interesting lunch or dinner? How about using some of your Shibuya with kids time to going fishing in a restaurant?
This place is not far from the Disney Store. It is best to make a reservation but you could always try a walk in. Melissa Bertling wrote a great post here on this place: Zauo : the restaurant chain where you can fish for your meal.
If time permits, take a wander through Tower Records in Shibuya. My daughter loves to listen to all the music.
During the summer months there is a rooftop cafe too.
While taking your time in Shibuya with kids, I highly highly recommend renting a karaoke box (booth) for just your family.
Just across the road from Tower Records is the BEST karaoke box set up I’ve ever seen!! I’ve written in detail about this place – Rainbow Karaoke Shibuya here.
You could even do this for a mealtime as they bring the food to your room and you can even order a bottomless drink option.
Just halfway up the hill from the crossing is Uobei Sushi Restaurant. Turn right down an alley after Mos Burger and it’s on your right. This place is such a fun place to take children as all orders are made on an ipad with pictures and then the orders come zooming down a conveyor-belt and stop right in front of your seat. This is a fantastic place to try different kinds of sushi for the first time but it’s also great for fussy eaters as it’s also possible to order fries, noodles, ice-cream and fried chicken. You could even try a weird and wonderful sushi hybrid “cheeseburger sushi roll.” All dishes are around 100-200 yen each so it’s actually really difficult to spend too much money.
It’s not posh and the food isn’t going to be awarded a Michelin star anytime soon – but it’s such a fun way to dine.
*For adults only* Why not try a Japanese mixed drink called a Lemon Sour or a Lemon Chu-Hai ? Kanpaii ! (Cheers!)
It’s not possible to reserve a table so just tell the staff how many people and wait for your spot to open up. Customer turnover is really high so the wait has never been longer than 10 minutes for us before.
They also have highchairs for babies. How cute is my niece – out for lunch!
UOBEI SUSHI
2 -29-11 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
渋谷区道玄坂2-29-11
OPEN WEEKDAYS: 10:40AM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS: 10AM-11PM
UOBEI SUSHI SHIBUYA DOGENZAKA DETAILS HERE
Another option just minutes from Shibuya for lunch or dinner is Shinbusakiya Ramen – especially if someone in your family needs gluten free food. This is a casual hole in the wall ramen place – so don’t expect fancy , ok? They do not have vegan or vegetarian options but they do have gluten-free ramen made of brown rice noodles.
This place is also well-known for having incredibly yummy karage (Japanese fried chicken.)
Sorry to be a broken record on this blog but I honestly don’t recommend taking babies and toddlers to ramen shops. There isn’t space to keep them safe in terms of keeping little hands out of boiling soup broth. But for school aged kids – it can be fun (& yummy). If your kids don’t like ramen then there are also fried chicken rice bowls.
This ramen shop is cash or Suica card only. Completely non-smoking. This Shibuya ramen shop is 4-5 mins walk from Shibuya Crossing.
SHINBUSAKIYA RAMEN : HOKKAIDO SAPPORO NOODLE
渋谷区道玄坂2-10-3
2-10-3 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 11AM UNTIL 2:30AM (OPEN UNTIL 6:30AM ON SAT NIGHTS/SUN MORNINGS)
If you are keen on a good quality Kobe Beef and Matsuzaka beef lunch, I recommend making a reservation for Shabu Shabu Tsukada in Shibuya Scramble (the same building as Shibuya Sky.) It’s a bit of a fancy restaurant but they do welcome kids. Tsukada serve shabu shabu and sukiyaki, made in a hot pot at your own table. I recommend budgeting for 3000 yen for lunch or 8000 yen per person for dinner. This restaurant is entirely non-smoking and accepts most major credit cards. They have an English menu and also offer a vegetarian menu. This restaurant has space for strollers. No kids menu (school aged children are expected to order a meal/ lunch set ) There is no dress code but diners are asked to not wear strongly scented perfume.
SHABU SHABU TSUKADA
渋谷区渋谷2-24-12 渋谷スクランブルスクエア12F
12TH FLOOR, SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE COMPLEX, 2-24-12 SHIBUYA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-3PM (LAST ENTRY 2PM, LAST ORDER 2:30PM) & 5PM-11PM (LAST ENTRY 9:3oPM, LAST ORDER 10PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS 11AM-4PM (LAST ENTRY 3PM, LAST ORDER 3:3oPM) & 5PM-11PM (LAST ENTRY 9:3oPM, LAST ORDER 10PM)
CLOSED JANUARY 1ST
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*
Gluten free option in Shibuya! !
It’s random but a good old reliable option for those who are strictly gluten free. Dominos Pizza does not have gluten free pizzas BUT they do have a wheat free pizza rice bowl. There is a Dominos Pizza just 10 mins walk from Shibuya Station – to find – google the Dominos Aoyama Store (if you decide to take a taxi, it is 4 mins / approx 500 yen.. See the rice bowl on the Dominos Japan menu here. This isn’t a dine-in restaurant. Pick up and takeaway only.
A bit further up Dogenzaka street is a small, old-ish department store/complex called ‘Shibuya Mark City.’
There is a bakery called ‘Jean Francois‘ on the 4th floor of the Shopping & Restaurant Avenue section.
It is open from 8am. There is a dine-in section with 26 seats.
I also got this Quiche Lorraine to take home.
JEAN FRANCOIS, MARK CITY SHIBUYA
渋谷区道玄坂1-12-1 4F
4TH FLOOR, 1-12-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
OPEN 8AM-11PM
The basement B2 floor inside the Hikarie Department Store contains a Gourmet Food Hall which is so incredible and colourful for take home lunches and dinners. One floor below that, B3, has a Gourmet Supermarket level too ( this is still less than 3 minutes walk from the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station). There are some truly magnificent take out Japanese home cooking options.
Extra tip: While you are near Hikarie department store, if you need to charge your phone, go to the Bic Camera Shibuya Higashiguchi Store ( Higashiguchi = the east entrance store), the address is 1-24-12 Shibuya. On the Ground floor of the Annex ( 別館）is a charging station. 30 mins of express charging is 100 yen. Instructions are in English and Chinese.
If you’re looking for a bit more a fancy sit down lunch in 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
Okay… changing sides of Shibuya Station now..
**Note : the following restaurant isn’t exactly made for families but I would recommend it with a small baby or an older child who can sit still and quietly. There are no high chairs and there are a few steps up to the elevator. I don’t recommend taking kids here for dinner**
I love this little lunch spot called Kinka in Shibuya. It’s about 5 minutes walk from the crossing and is very close to the Disney Koen Dori Shibuya store.
Kinka is small and modern and friendly. They have an English menu and this plate of sushi below cost me 990 yen!!
If completely raw sushi creeps you out, they also have a blow-torched broiled version which is also really yummy.
Reservations are possible.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
Sushi omakase lunch sets start at 1200 yen.
At dinner time, there are four different omakase sushi courses to choose from that range in price from 2200 yen to 4900 yen.
You can see the full Kinka Sushi menu here.
I have more pictures and information about Kinka Sushi in a blog post here.
KINKA SUSHI BAR IZAKAYA
渋谷区宇田川町3-10 いちごフェスタ渋谷 2F
2F ICHIGO FESTA SHIBUYA BUILDING, 3-10 UDAGAWA-CHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-4PM (UNTIL 5PM ON WEEKENDS)
Right near the crossing is the very famous department store Shibuya 109. It’s the mecca for Kawaii shopping. It’s full of affordable, kawaii, glitzy, sparkly, kitschy, loveliness all aimed at teenage and University-aged young women. It’s a great spot to enter – just for some very interesting window shopping. (In case the boys are feeling left out… these is also a Shibuya 109 Mens around the corner too.)
I do love sometimes picking up some of the cheap and cheerful tops and accessories here (the bottoms would never ever fit me)
And then I recommend going down to the B2F. To the Print Club Photo Booth store called Moreru Mignon.
We try and take print club pictures whenever we are in Shibuya with kids. It’s always so much fun (and so funny to see the results.)
The store is equipped with curling and straightening irons ( for rental use) and there are plenty of make up mirrors to ensure you look your best at photo time.
The shop itself is…well… basically ….my little girl’s dream bedroom.
This place is crazily busy on the weekends so be warned (although it’s okay if you go first thing in the morning.)
First thing in the morning or last thing at night is probably the best way to get a good look around and use the photo booths.
The print clubs are all 500 yen each.
They even have an English instruction sheet.
Even if you don’t take photos in the machines – the shop itself is like one giant pastel photobooth.
渋谷区道玄坂2-29-1 SHIBUYA 109 B2F
2-29-1 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
B2 FLOOR, SHIBUYA 109 DEPARTMENT STORE
OPEN 10AM-9PM
MORERU MIGNON SHIBUYA WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a sushi train lunch there is also Kurasushi sushi train restaurant (it’s a chain so they are in most of major spots in Japan) just 1 minute walk from Shibuya 109. This place is completely automated . No Japanese language skills required whatsoever. It is a non-smoking restaurant and accepts most major credit cards. This is the Kurasushi Shibuya menu. I’d expect to pay approx 1500 yen per adult for a decent meal. They are open 11am-11pm daily.
KURASUSHI SHIBUYA
渋谷区宇田川町23-3渋谷第一勧銀共同ビル 7F
７F SHIBUYA DAIICHI KANGYO BANK DOUYOU BUILDING, UDAKAWACHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN 11AM-11PM ( OPEN 10:20AM THURS – SUN)
KURASUSHI SHIBUYA
This is my favourite inner-city playcentre! Shibuya Playground 4 Kids. It’s not big (which means that I can keep tabs on both kids at all times – woop woop!) but it is brand new and the staff keep it so pristine. My 4 year old loves the gigantic sandpit (and the cutest little cubicle to blow the sand off feet and hands too), the climbing wall and jumping castle. While my little boy loves the imaginative play area with a pretend kitchen and shops as well as the cars & trains table. If it’s rainy or everyone just needs a bit of downtime, we walk from Shibuya Crossing it takes 18 minutes. Also, it is only 15 minutes from the T-Site in Daikanayama so would be the perfect “break” between changing areas of Tokyo. (Take a look here if you decide to walk to Daikanyama and are looking for ideas with kids. )
Please note that this playcentre is only for 0-5 year olds. Babies under 6 months are free. Entrance is via the Konami Sports Club so registration is required at the ground floor before taking the elevator.
Entry to this playcentre is on a reservation only basis. You can contact Shibuya Playground 4 Kids to make a reservation here.
KONAMI SPORTS CLUB BUILDING, 9th FLOOR, 18-11 SHINSEN-CHO
神泉町18-11コナミスポーツクラブ渋谷9F
OPEN 10AM-6PM (CLOSED FRIDAYS)
FEE: 1000 YEN PER HOUR FOR CHILDREN OLDER THAN 6 MONTHS (1200 YEN ON WEEKENDS)
500 YEN SET FEE PER ADULT. ADDITIONAL 300 YEN FOR THE FIRST VISIT.
WEBSITE
Entry to this playcentre is on a reservation only basis. You can contact Shibuya Playground 4 Kids to make a reservation here.
If you are looking for a free play alternative to this playcentre there is a small park just down the hill behind it. It’s not a beautiful park but also may solve your wriggle problems (if the weather allows, of course) The park is called Nabeshima Shoto Park. It has playground equipment and a pond (take mosquito repellant) with turtles and koi. There are public restrooms here. This park is 4 minutes walk from the Shibuya Playground 4 Kids playcentre.
渋谷区立松濤2-10-7
2-10-7 SHOTO, SHIBUYA
For fabulous gift shopping for friends and family (specific suggestions of mine here , by the way) I recommend going to straight to LOFT department store. It is 5 mins walk from JR Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit or 3 mins walk from Exit A3 from the subway stations. The stationery selection is also immaculate.
LOFT SHIBUYA
渋谷区宇田川町21-1
21-1 UDAGAWACHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN 10AM-9PM
And if you are looking for vegan options in Shibuya, I recommend going up to the second floor , 2F, for 2Foods Shibuya. 2Foods Shibuya have a fabulous plant-based menu and are open 11AM-9PM ( last order 8pm). They do not accept reservations as they are a walk-in cafe with a casual vibe. 2Foods Shibuya Cafe accepts most major credit cards. They do have space for stroller parking. 2Foods Shibuya also deliver on ubereats.
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
Another option in Shibuya is Shibuya Stream ( shopping and restaurant complex.)
Its a section of river that is newly renovated and has a little bit of space – perfect for kids to run and play and lots of lovely modern restaurants to choose from.
We visited with a stroller – which was easy when we were in the whole complex but not so easy walking around the area as there is soooo much pre-olympics construction going on. It’s a mess.
But once you’re in the complex it’s like this lovely, shiny modern haven. They even play this lovely calming music on the second floor.
If you need a restaurant with a high chair within this complex, your options are limited to Xiringuito Escriba (Spanish food) and Dalian (Chinese food). Petalo (Italian) food also serves a kids meal (but no high chair.)
Breastfeeding rooms, change tables and boiling water available on the B1 Floor from 7AM – Midnight.
It is also possible to rent a stroller (only for use within the complex) on the B1 floor.
On the ground level, by the river (not a beautiful river , by the way, but still a river) are food trucks too. ( I spotted coffee, kebabs and Thai food.)
And if you’re craving Japanese curry, just 4 mins walk from Shibuya Stream is a branch of the well known Japanese curry branch Cocoichibanya . This branch is called Cocoichibanya Shibuya Namikibashi (for when you pop it into google.) Last time I checked this branch also has gluten free AND vegan options too ( customers can choose their own curry toppings such as chicken Katsu or veggies such as spinach.)
Japanese curry to me is more like a stew or casserole than a curry -but, regardless, customers here can all choose their spice level from 1 -1o.
To dine here, I would budget for 1500 yen per adult. Just to manage expectations this place is super super casual. No need to worry about noisy kids here. Cocoichibanya branches all accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. The place is small but it’s not an eat and linger type of place so I would just wait outside until seats open up OR get takeout! This branch also has a children’s menu and offers curry udon as part of their menu.
COCOICHIBANYA SHIBUYA NAMIKIBASHI
渋谷区渋谷3-15-5
3-15-5 SHIBUYA, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM
If you’re looking to try some okonomiyaki for dinner ( also open for lunch too, actually) then I recommend wandering into the very casual but always bustling pub/restaurant Kotegaeshi. It is only a few minutes walk from Shibuya Crossing. It is on the fifth floor but there is a small elevator.
Okonomiyaki is like a Japanese omelette and you choose the fillings such as meats or seafood or vegetables.
An adult lunch will be approximately 1000-2000 yen and dinner more like 2000 yen.
Other popular options to eat include yakisoba, which is noodles cooked on the hot plate in front of you.
Foods cooked in front of you are really good for fussy eaters or those with an allergy as you can say no to an ingredient before it is added. It’s very visual and it’s fun for kids to get involved. Read here for how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki
This restaurant is very casual. You will be sitting with students who are chilling after university or business teams heading out for a meal after work.
These kinds of meals are meant to be shared but you can order your own if you prefer.
This restaurant does accept credit cards.
They do have an English menu.
Please note that this restaurant is not a non-smoking restaurant so you will need to choose your table carefully – another way to avoid a smokey restaurant is to dine early with kids – for example a 5pm dinner.
KOTEGAESHI SHIBUYA
渋谷区宇田川町25-4 東和渋谷ビル5・6Ｆ
5TH & 6TH FLOOR, 25-4, UDAGAWA-CHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM – 2AM ( CLOSES 11PM ON SUNDAYS)
KOTEGAESHI WEBSITE
Another child-friendly, smoke-free option is Gonpachi in Shibuya, up the hill from the famous crossing ( walk up Dogenzaka Road, past Hooters, past KFC). This Gonpachi isn’t as famous as the Nishi-Azabu branch ( often referred to as the Kill Bill Restaurant and I talk about it here) but it is just as English friendly and offers a beautiful view of the city as it is on the 14th floor.
It is also possible to reserve a private room with horigotatsu style seating ( that means it looks like you’re kneeling at the table but the seat is actually dug out at floor level.) A private room is great if baby or toddler is likely to want to move around and play for the meal. Food options include sushi, soba noodles, yakitori, tempura etc. Their entire menu is here.
They don’t mind if you bring your own baby food.
They do have high chairs. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Also open for lunch,
GONPACHI SHIBUYA
渋谷区円山町3-6 Eスペースタワー14F
14F E-SPACE TOWER, 3-6 MARUYAMA-CHO, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN 11:30-3:30AM
GONPACHI SHIBUYA WEBSITE
For a delicious farm-to-table restaurant, I recommend We are the Farm in Shibuya. It is 10 minutes walk from Shibuya Crossing. . 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.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking. They also are happy for diners to bring strollers inside.
They also have beer made with Kale if you’re feeling game…. let me know if it’s any good?
I especially love their 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.
The only negative thing I have to say about this place is that I haven’t found any yummy alcoholic drinks there yet – but I rarely have success with organic wine. Perhaps its those chemicals that make wine taste so yummy???!!!
WE ARE THE FARM
渋谷区松濤1-28-11 Pigeon松濤髙田ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, PIGEON SHOTO TAKADA BUILDING, 1-28-11 SHOTO, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR LUNCH : 11:30AM – 3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5PM-11:30PM
OCCASSIONALLY CLOSED FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS.
HERE IS THE WE ARE THE FARM WEBSITE
If you would like to eat some good quality Wagyu beef then how about having yakiniku for dinner?
BeBu-Ya Yakiniku welcome children and babies – they even have storage spots available for strollers. This yakiniku restaurant is 8 mins walk from Shibuya Station. I recommend making a reservation. I would budget approximately 4000 yen per adult when you dine here. You cook the meat at the grill at your own table so it’s really fun and interactive when eating with kids. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.
BEBU-YA YAKINIKU, SHIBUYA
渋谷区宇田川町31-1 HULIC & New SHIBUYA 5F
5th FLOOR, HULIC & NEW SHIBUYA BUILDING, UDAGAWA-CHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 4PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10:30PM)
OPEN ON WEEKENDS MIDDAY-2:30PM (LAST ORDER AT 2PM) & 4PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10:30PM)
For something casual and vibey, Kushikatsu Arata is a fantastic option. This is a chain of Japanese style lightly battered, fried and skewered meat and vegetables. There are also lots of seafood options. It is located in the Parco Department Store, not far from Shibuya Crossing.
I love the vibe in here. The decor is fun and retro with Japanese decor and posters.
I find this kind of way to eat to be easy when you have vegetarian diners with you as all ingredients can be ordered, on skewers, on their own.
It is possible to reserve a table here but, personally, if its just seats for two? I’d just try my luck. Unfortunately, it is not a non-smoking restaurant – I’ve never found it to be too bad but I also want to let you know, incase this is a deal breaker for you.)
They do accept most major credit cards.
KUSHIKATSU SHIBUYA PARCO
渋谷区宇田川町15-1
15-1 UDAGAWA-CHO , SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11AM-4PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 4PM – 11PM
OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR
WEBSITE ( JAPANESE ONLY)
Also in the Shibuya PARCO complex is a vegan izakaya (Japanese style casual pub) called Masaka.
Everything is vegan and I recommend trying the gyoza and “fried chicken.” I would expect to spend around 2000 yen per adult for lunch or dinner.
They do accept credit cards. The restaurant is non-smoking.
MASAKA VEGAN IZAKAYA
渋谷区宇田川町15-1
15-1 UDAGAWA-CHO , SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN 11AM-10PM
And one more vegan friendly option within Shibuya Parco basement is Jikasei Mensho, ramen spot. This is not a vegan restaurant but they do serve 4 types of vegan ramen – one of them is spicy ramen.
Please note that this restaurant only accepts cash. Jikasei Mensho do not accept reservations. They do take most major credit cards. They do not accept cash. Budget for an adult dining here? Approx 2000 yen. Please be careful taking small children to ramen spots as the broth is very hot and space is limited.
JIKASEI MENSHO
東京都渋谷区宇田川町15-1 渋谷パルコ B1F
SHIBUYA PARCO DEPARTMENT STORE, BASEMENT FLOOR, 15-1 UDAGAWA-CHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN
I like to use these changing & feeding facilities in this area (for additional or more current options, please use the mamapapamap app)
- JR Shibuya Station, South Exit, disabled restroom (change table)
- Shibuya Stream Complex B1 Basement floor ( change tables, hot water, men welcome – apart from in the private feeding rooms)
- Uniqlo Clothing, Dogenzaka Store (change table)
- Shibuya Hikarie Department Store, Basement 2nd Floor (breastfeeding room, change tables, hot water, highchairs, baby scales, microwave )
- Marui Department Store, Basement 1st Floor, Female Power Room (change table)
- Ships Clothing Store, 3rd Floor, Female restroom (change table)
- Shibuya MODI Department Store, 3rd Floor (breastfeeding room, change tables, hot water)
- Muji Furniture and Stationery Store, Seibu Department Store, 5th Floor (breastfeeding rooms, change tables, hot water, microwave, play area)
- Tokyu Hands Department Store, 3rd Floor (breastfeeding rooms, change tables, hot water)
- Shibuya Stream B1 Floor (breastfeeding room, change tables, hot water : 7AM-Midnight)Download the mamapapababy app for even more baby change table spots.
If you are travelling to Japan as a tourist and want to know which areas I recommend to stay in Tokyo with kids – please see my post here.
