Here are my suggestions for fun things to do while you’re in the Shinjuku area with kids.
Before I launch into the cool things to do in Shinjuku I wanted to talk about Shinjuku as an area to stay.
I haven’t listed Shinjuku as one of my recommended areas to stay with kids.
However, if you’ve already booked accommodation in this area, there is no need to worry. It’s on the Yamanote (city loop) line so it’s extremely convenient for getting around and you’re right in the thick of the lights and the action of Tokyo.
I wrote more about my thoughts on staying in Shinjuku here.
An extra tip if you are staying in Shinjuku and need to get to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, I recommend taking a train (takes approx 40 mins, 410 yen per person, 1 train change) or a bus from Shinjuku Busta (Bus Terminal.) This bus terminal is near the New South Exit of Shinjuku Station. The buses take approximately 1 hour and run in the morning and then back from Tokyo Disney Resort in the evening. Bus price is 1000 yen per person.
And if you wanted a breakfast close to Shinjuku Station, I recommend Sarabeths.
It is a lovely western breakfast/brunch.
I’m from Melbourne, Australia, and, to me, this kind of breakfast is very very old school. It was yummy and good quality but a bit like having breakfast out in the 80s.
The menu is on their website if you’d like to check ahead. My egg white and cheese omelette was delicious.
They do have high chairs for babies.
They also allow you to bring your own baby food into their restaurant.
SARABETHS, SHINJUKU
新宿区新宿3-38-2 ルミネ2 2階
2ND FLOOR, LUMINE 2 DEPARTMENT STORE, SHINJUKU
OPEN 9AM-10PM
WEBSITE
*Note carefully !!!! There are several Lumine department stores .This one is at LUMINE 2. (I’ve messed it up before.)
Gluten free or low allergen breakfast suggestion in Shinjuku
*This suggestion is for Nishi-Shinjuku (West Shinjuku), which I cover later down in this blog post but I wanted to lump the brekkie info together**
If you have a family member with serious allergies or who require a very strict gluten free diet, you are able to go to the Park Hyatt Shinjuku (aka the Lost in Translation hotel) for their breakfast buffet. It is expensive but they very clearly mark well known allergens and and gluten free items.
I have written my advice for those with severe food allergies travelling in Japan here.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
I recommend spending the morning ( or afternoon) at Shinjuku Gyoen.
It’s a lovely open green space – and according to the season it is also sometimes orange and red and brown and other times – PINK!
There is no play equipment but there a lovely open park, a Japanese garden with a teahouse, a French formal garden and an English landscape garden too. Sport equipment and alcohol not allowed.
I’ve included more details, pictures and tips in my Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden blog post here.
Extra Tip: If you’re looking for an amazing thick, gourmet to eat in or after the park – I recommend a sandwich shop called “&Sandwich.”
It is located just 2 mins walk from the Shinjuku Gyoen Park entrance. They have a dining area with seats for 16 people.
They are open nice and early in the morning too – from 9am on weekdays and 8:30am on weekends.
They have a couple of vegetarian and vegan options too. See here for the “&Sandwich” website and images of their beautiful sandwiches.
This cafe accepts most major credit cards and is a non-smoking establishment.
&SANDWICH
新宿区新宿1-5-7 スキラ御苑 1F
GROUND FLOOR, SKIRA GYOEN BUILDING, 1-5-7 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS AT 5PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS 8:30AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS AT 5PM)
Another great lunch or dinner option for families near Shinjuku Goen is Cafe La Boheme. This is actually a chain for restaurants but this one is particularly beautiful as it has high ceilings and looks onto so much greenery. The food served here is casual Italian.
If you are coming by train, it is 5 mins from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station via Exit 2. It is also 12 mins walk from the free children’s Fire Museum and 11 mins walk from the Tokyo Toy Museum.
It is best to make a reservation. Although it’s only a couple of options each – there are vegetarian and vegan items on their menu too ( their vegan quinoa and kale salad is so good and they also have some vegan pasta dishes.)
At lunch time I would budget for 2000 yen per adult and 4000 yen for dinner. You can see the entire Cafe La Boheme menu here.
Please note that at dinner time, there is a 800 yen service charge per person. This restaurant does accept most major credit cards – and are a cashless restaurant.
If everyone is tired, these guys are also on ubereats.
CAFE LA BOHEME, SHINJUKU GYOENMAE
新宿区新宿1-1-7コスモ新宿ビル
COSMOS SHINJUKU BUILDING, 1-1-7 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-11PM (LUNCH MENU IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2PM & BETWEEN 2-5PM THERE IS A PASTA SET AVAILABLE UNTIL THE DINNER MENU KICKS IN)
OPEN WEEKENDS 11AM-11PM (LUNCH MENU IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2PM & BETWEEN 2-5PM THERE IS A PASTA SET AVAILABLE UNTIL THE DINNER MENU KICKS IN)
The Fire Museum
11 minutes walk from Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is the Fire Museum. The museum is free and is perfect for babies and toddlers.
I’ve written in more detail about the Fire Museum in Shinjuku here.
Alternatively (or as well as if you’re really full of energy) you could venture to the Tokyo Toy Museum. ( 5 minutes walk from the Fire Museum, 11 minutes walk from Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, 25 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station) The museum is also 7 mins walk from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station (exit 2) or 8 mins walk from Akebonobashi Station. I’ve written a detailed blog post on the Tokyo Toy Museum here.
Just 1o minutes walk from the Tokyo Toy Museum is a Shinjuku-based vegan restaurant called Viringuito. The cuisine is Spanish & this family-run restaurant is entirely vegan. If arriving by train, Akebonobashi Station is just 170 metres from the restaurant itself.
They are open from 8AM-10PM ( last orders at 9pm.). This restaurant is also very accommodating with food allergies. This restaurant has free wifi and also accepts most major credit cards.
VIRINGUITO
5-3 ACE BUILDING, KATAMACHI, SHINJUKU
OPEN 8AM-10PM
VIRINGUITO VEGAN RESTAURANT INSTAGRAM
If you are looking for somewhere else to eat just after the Museum, try Bistro W Tokyo Yotsuya near Yotsuya-Sanchome Station. I’ve been before and it didn’t change my life or anything but it did the job, wasn’t expensive and it was kid friendly. They have an all you can eat salad bar and a kids plate option. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards, does accept reservations and has space to store strollers for diners. I’d budget 2000 yen per adult for lunch here and 3000 yen for dinner.
They allow parents to bring in their own baby food.
As the Bistro W is actually on the ground floor of a hotel, they also offer breakfast and the restaurant seats 80 people.
BISTRO W TOKYO YOTSUYA
新宿区四谷3-14-1 ホテルウィングインターナショナルプレミアム東京四谷
HOTEL WING INTERNATIONAL PREMIUM TOKYO YOTSUYA, 3-14-1 YOTSUYA, SHINJUKU
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST : 7AM-10AM
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30AM-3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5PM-9PM ( CLOSED FOR DINNER ON MONDAYS & THE TUESDAYS FOLLOWING A NATIONAL HOLIDAY)
BISTRO W TOKYO YOTSUYA
Alternatively, this area ( on the main road) is full of lots of convenience stores. ( Convenience store options that are not all junk food listed here. )
Vegan Ramen, Gyoza and Soup
Vegan Restaurant Vejin opened in November 2023 and can be found inside Food Hall Blast Food Hall. It is 3 minutes walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station. Almost all dishes are 1000 yen.
This is a food hall so other people in your group can eat from other restaurants and still sit at the same table (other options include pizza, tacos, coffee.)
Vejin accept most major credit cards.
See here for beautiful pictures of the Vejin menu.
VEJIN RAMEN
渋谷区代々木2-7-2
2-7-2 YOYOGI, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM-11PM (CLOSES AT 9PM ON SUNDAYS)
Ramen
If it’s ramen you’re keen on… try Afuri . The branch in Shinjuku is inside of Lumine 1 department store ( be careful as there are a few department stores called Lumine in this area. This is “Lumine 1”) on the B2 Basement Floor.
As I mention often – I don’t recommend ramen shops with babies and toddlers. That is a LOT of hot liquid right in front of them – it’s dangerous and the counters are small so there isn’t really anywhere to move the bowl out of reach.
This is a chain store and definitely has a local vibe. It’s a counter around the kitchen and orders are placed on a vending machine out the front. I like the Shoyu (soy sauce) and Shio (Salt) ramen. My kids eat some of mine and have Niku Gohan (Pork pieces on rice). With kiddies, I recommend going before midday so you don’t have to queue and you avoid using up too many seats with little bottoms while grownups line up outside.
A full lunch with a beer will still leave you change from 2000 yen.
I don’t recommend coming to this branch if you have a stroller – no where to store it.
This is chain store so keep your eye out for more Afuri branches ( for eg. Azabu-juban, Ebisu, Roppongi Crossing, Harajuku ) Some of the stores also have a vegan ramen option too.
Please note: this store does not accept cash.
AFURI RAMEN, SHINJUKU LUMINE STORE
新宿区西新宿1-1-5ルミネ1 B2F
B2 FLOOR, LUMINE 1, 1-1-5 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY: 11AM-10PM
AFURI
Please note: this store does not accept cash.
There are actually another 2 Afuri stores in Shinjuku. One in the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building and a Karakurenai (spicy noodle store) version of the Afuri chain is located in Kabukicho.
If you’re close to the station at lunchtime I recommend 800 Degrees Pizzeria. It’s bright and light and casual and easy. I can imagine it is manic on the weekend so it’s probably best to be waiting at the door when it opens at 11am for lunch.
It’s possible to choose your own toppings or one of the combinations listed on the menu. (Warning : I always go crazy on the toppings and forget that they all cost extra and once walked away with a 2800 yen pizza.
GROUND FLOOR, NEWOMAN DEPARTMENT STORE
5 -24-55 SENDAGAYA, SHIBUYA
渋谷区千駄ヶ谷5-24-55
OPEN: 11am-11pm
800 DEGREES PIZZERIA MENU
Directly around the opposite side of the same building is the Newoman Food Hall – which I only recently discovered. There are so many beautiful eateries inside and (unlike the Food Hall in Ebisu that I found to be so disappointing) 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, High-end Sushi, Butcher & Beer counter, Bakery & Restaurant and a stunning restaurant called “Tavern S” at the back.
The entire hall is open until 4am and 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 7AM-4AM
DEPARTMENT STORE WEBSITE
Shopping in Takashimaya Times Square is an experience in itself. Try the basement floor food hall. It’s truly spectacular. There is also a kit kat stall with a selection of usual kit kat flavours.
A bit random but if you’re wondering where to buy gluten free soy sauce in Tokyo? The basement of Takashimaya is your answer.
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.
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.
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.
I have compiled these into a separate blog post. 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. See here for our favourite family friendly restaurants in Takashimaya Times Square, Shinjuku.
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.
And if you’re looking to buy unique souvenirs, I highly recommend taking a walk through Tokyu Hands that is still inside Takashimaya.
I love the stationery section in Tokyu Hands – especially as I love beautiful cards.
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 ‘Peck.’
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.
See the Takashimaya website here for food hall hours.
If you are looking to buy baby supplies in the Shinjuku Station area I recommend visiting Sugi Drug in Shinjuku 3-chome. It is 7 minutes walk from Takashimaya Station or 8 mins walk from Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho. Sugi Drug store has a decent range of diapers/nappies as well as baby food.
SUGI DRUG
新宿3-5-6 キュープラザ1F
GROUND FLOOR, KYU PLAZA BUILDING, 3-5-6 SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM-11PM
*See here for more places in Tokyo to buy diapers / nappies.
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 also a soft play area near the book section on the same floor.
Dinner with kids in Shinjuku
For an easy dinner option, close to JR Shinjuku Station, is The Dancing Crab restaurant in Shinjuku. It’s a New Orleans themed seafood restaurant chain that started in Singapore and has branched out into Japan too (Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.) A friend tells me that there are two in Indonesia now as well.
The vibe is similar to “Bubba Gump” or even a bit like “Hard Rock” (and..dare I say it…”Hooters”?)
It’s a non-smoking restaurant (although… to my disappointment ) there is smoking area just outside the entrance which can mean a smokey wait if a table isn’t available straight away (you can leave the premises until your table is ready if you have a contactable phone number to leave with the wait staff.)
All diners are given crab headbands to wear in the restaurants.
Even if one of your family members aren’t completely crazy about seafood there are other options like fries, chicken and ribs.
They roll out a giant plastic table cloth and the food is served right onto the table, designed to share – bibs provided and all.
However, note that if you’re looking for a quiet family dinner this may not be your best option. Lots of pop music and the staff often perform a little dance. It’s good fun, is lovely and clean, has a pretty big menu and free wifi. Cocktails etc for the Mummies & Daddies too. Full menu on their website.
DANCING CRAB, SHINJUKU
東京都新宿区新宿3-37-12 新宿NOWAビル 2F
2F SHINJUKUNOWA BUILDING, 3-37-12 SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY, LUNCH 11:30AM-3:30PM, DINNER 5PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10:30PM)
WEBSITE
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
DINNER: 5PM – MIDNIGHT
WEBSITE
KICHIRI SHINJUKU WEST
Kichiri Shinjuku West is another fantastic option when looking for a dinner option when in Shinjuku with kids. It is just 200 metres from Shinjuku Station, West Exit.
The food is Japanese/Italian-fusion at this Kichiri though. For adults I would budget approximately 5000 yen. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and it does also takes reservations. The entire venue is non-smoking. You can see the Kichiri Shinjuku West menu online here.
KICHIRI SHINJUKU WEST
新宿区西新宿1-10-2, 110 ビル8F
8TH FLOOR, 110 BUILDING, 1-10-2 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10PM)
NABEZO, SHINJUKU SANCHOME
This is a hot pot place and …oh…my god……it gets busy busy busy!!!
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.
NABEZO 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 Nabezo called Nabezo Shinjuku Meiji Dori too which is also very family friendly!
Another dinner option? Just one minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station is Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Shinjuku Branch (exit C6 on the Toei Line, Exit A3 on the Marunouchi Line, Exit A3 on the Fukutoshin Line. In case you’re not familiar, kushiyaki is meat and vegetable- grilled and served on skewers (this includes yakitori.) This restaurant welcomes families (although can get a bit rowdy later in the evening so with small kids I would go earlier rather than later.) The vibes are that of a grungy, bustling foodie pub. It depends on how many skewers you eat, of course, but for a proper adult meal I would expect to budget for around 3000 yen per adult. Aside from skewers there are some small salads, dips and rice dishes available. Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Shinjuku branch accepts most major credit cards. The entire venue is non-smoking. They do accept reservations and also walk-ins.
This restaurant also has space to accommodate strollers.
Look
KUSHIYAKI BISTRO FUKUMIMI SHINJUKU BRANCH
東京都新宿区新宿3-9-5 ゴールドビル2F
2ND FLOOR, GOLD BUILDING, 3-9-5 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 4PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDER 10:30PM)
Or if you feel like okonomiyaki or simply a restaurant with lots of gluten free food in Shinjuku, I recommend going to Teppan Baby.
It’s best to make reservations ahead of time. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They have an English, France, Spanish menu. Teppan Baby can cater for vegetarians and gluten free patrons. Teppan Baby is 7 mins walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. If coming on the subway take Exit B3 and walk for 3 mins. This is a non-smoking restaurant. For this restaurant I would budget approx 5000 yen per adult for a full meal (with drinks.)
Read here for how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki
TEPPAN BABY, SHINJUKU EAST EXIT
OPEN MON-SAT: 5PM-5AM
OPEN SUN: 5PM-MIDNIGHT
Another idea for during the day (even first thing in the morning) or night is to go and see the Giant Godzilla in Shinjuku. He can be seen from the intersection with the Don Quijote Shinjuku East Exit Head Office 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
… and, did you know that it is possible to go up right next to Godzilla’s head?
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOP DECK TO SEE GODZILLA’S HEAD IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENNOVATIONS
Technically, you need to be a guest of the hotel or using the restaurant to go and see the Godzilla Head on the 8th floor… however… if questioned, just stop for a coffee on the way out perhaps?
No-one asked us a thing… so we just wandered in and out.
HOTEL GRACERY SHINJUKU
新宿区歌舞伎町1-19-1
1-19-1 KABUKI-CHO, SHINJUKU
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOP DECK TO SEE GODZILLA’S HEAD IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENNOVATIONS
One of the newest additions to Shinjuku is KABUKICHO TOWER
This complex has a cinema, bars and restaurants, a whole section for gachapon and another for crane games (they are about 3 times more expensive than other places so be aware that you’re paying for the new-ness and the vibes.)
At nighttime, this complex gets a bit “nightclubby” so I don’t recommend visiting with children after 7pm but it’s up to you.
If you are looking for a rainy day Shinjuku with kids option:
Consider seeing a movie at 109 Premium Cinemas in Kabukicho Tower. The seats are big and comfy and all you can eat drink and popcorn included in your movie ticket price!
You can also purchase an S class ticket that gives you access to the premium lounge afterwards – which includes a free alcoholic drink.
These movie theaters do not accept cash.
If you’re ever worried how to work out which movies are in English with Japanese subtitles and which are dubbed… see my Movies in Japan blog post here.
Here is the movie schedule for this cinema within the Kabukicho Tower complex.
Note that this area is Kabukicho and known as Tokyo’s red light district (although much more tame than other red light districts around the world – but still, you may see some “massage parlour” type signs ) but if you feel like venturing around the corner from Godzilla, there is an amusement centre called GAO (it’s right next to the famous Robot Restaurant.) I recommend this place solely for it’s Mario Cart Game. The machine takes a picture of your face so you “become” any of the Mario Bros Characters. 1 play is 200 yen and if you put the money in at the same time you can play against the person next to you.
You’ll see from the pictures below that I was not so good at getting my face in the frame when the picture was taken. My sister , however? A pro!
You might want to know ahead of time, this is NOT a non-smoking venue. We went at 11:30AM and a man was smoking up a storm right behind us.
This game centre is 9 minutes walk from the JR Shinjuku South Entrance.
GAO, KABUKI-CHO STORE
新宿区歌舞伎町1-6-8
1-6-8 KABUCHI-CHO, SHINJUKU
OPEN 10AM-MIDNIGHT
If you do decide to do some shopping in the Alta Department Store, I recommend taking a look at Thank you Mart on the 3rd floor.
Everything in Thank you Mart is 390 yen so it’s a great place to visit with children and let them choose a toy or a little bag or notepad.
I love buying my children’s snack bags here.
THANK YOU MART
新宿区新宿3-24-3 新宿アルタ
3F, SHINJUKU ALTA DEPARTMENT STORE, 3-24-3 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN 11AM-8PM
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 5 minutes walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station.
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 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.
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 SHINJUKU
新宿区新宿3-21-9 新宿ダッキープラザビル3Ｆ
3F DUCKY PLAZA BUILDING, 2-21-9 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM – 4AM ( CLOSES 11PM ON SUNDAYS)
KOTEGAESHI WEBSITE
ZEN, OKONOMIYA ( VEGAN OKONOMIYAKI OPTIONS)
If you decide to eat Okonomiyaki but one or more people in your group are Vegan, then I recommend visiting Zen. Zen okonomiyaki shop is open from 5pm-11pm and they have a full English menu and a full English vegan menu. It is 15 minutes walk from the Tokyo Toy Museum ( or 8 mins in a cab, approx 800 yen) or 13 mins walk from Takashimaya Times Square. If coming from Shinjuku Station then I recommend taking the subway to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station and then walking for 300 metres. Please note that last time I checked they didn’t have a vegan cheese option but that was clearly marked on the menu.
Zen accepts most major credit cards.
Unfortunately the restaurant allows smoking so go early to miss the smoking drinkers.
They have horigotatsu seating as well as counter seating. (Horigotatsu means you are sitting on dug out chairs in the floor – looks like you’re kneeling the table but you are still on a chair.)
It is possible to make a reservation on Zen’s English website here.
ZEN OKONOMIYAKI
新宿区新宿5-10-9
5-10-9 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 5PM-11PM
CLOSED MONDAYS
Gluten free option in Shinjuku !
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 13 mins walk or 6 mins / approx 600 yen in a cab from Shinjuku Station – to find – google the Dominos Shinjuku 5-chome branch (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.
STREET FOOD
If you want to be in the thick of it (I want to say with the locals but it’s also touristy these days) I find Piss Alley (part of Omoide Yokocho) to be fine with kids early in the night. It’s a lane way lined with lots of little eateries – mostly yakitori or grilled seafood and veg. This is not the place to ask for menu alterations etc. What is there is there.
With kids I would only go between 4pm-6pm. Staying longer means you’re going to struggle to get seats but also will run into more drunk people (it’s near Kabuki-cho, the red light district – which is pretty much the only place in Japan I really don’t like to go with my kids.)
One tip with kids – don’t go to the bathroom here – go to a big department store close by instead – for example Lumine.
Okay so now I’m going to move on to ideas in Nishishinjuku (West Shinjuku)
This is a little bit of a hike from Shinjuku Station but is very convenient if you’re staying at the Park Hyatt, the Hilton, the Washington or The Knot.
You’ll also want to make the trip if any of these sights interest you…
Across the road from this park/playground is this Bakery !
For right 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.
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
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) just 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station.
If anyone claims starvation in this immediate area (its a busy business district, mostly) we love the Japanese “family restaurant” chain Royal Host. 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 Royal Host website’s menu page– 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.
Here is an example of their kids menu. . The numbers in the brackets are the tax included prices.
ROYAL HOST SHINJUKU
GROUND FLOOR, SHINJUKU I-LAND SOUTH BUILDING, 6-5-1 NISHISHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
新宿区西新宿6-5-1新宿アイランド南棟1F
OPEN: 7AM-11PM
WEBSITE
For dinner with kids in an Izakaya in Nishi-Shinjuku, then I recommend going to Kanagari. Reservations required and this is the kind of restaurant where you order lots of little dishes and share. Kids are welcome but it isn’t the kind of place you’d take an iPad etc. so if your kids aren’t great at sitting at the table and trying new foods, this might not be the place for you. The style of dining is Robatayaki. I would expect to pay around 5000 yen per adult to dine here. There is a 660 yen service charge per person (and, as a thank you, every customer is given an ootoshi -which you don’t have to eat if you don’t want to.) This is a great place for Mums and Dads to try some different types of sake.
Please be aware that smoking is allowed in some sections of the restaurant.
Kamagari accepts credit cards. It is 9 mins walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
KANAGARI
新宿区西新宿7-16-12 新YSビル 3F
3RD FLOOR, SHIN-YS BUILDING, 7-16-12 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 5PM-11PM – OPEN FROM 4PM ON WEEKENDS (LAST ORDER 10PM)
Another option in Nishi-Shinjuku with kids is Hinotori. This is a yakitori pub-style restaurant. This restaurant welcomes young families but I only recommend it if kids will be eating the yakitori and are able to sit at the table (it is quite engaging as you watch the food being cooked.) This restaurant is 3 mins walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi line. Hinotori accepts most major credit cards. I would budget for around 5000 yen per adult when dining here. Best to make reservations. There is a 660 yen service charge per person (and, as a thank you, every customer is given an ootoshi -which you don’t have to eat if you don’t want to.)
HINOTORI
新宿区西新宿7-22-48 キャッスルマンション西新宿101
CASTLE MANSION, NISHI-SHINJUKU 101 BUILDING, 7-22-48 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 5PM-11PM (OPEN FROM 4PM ON WEEKENDS)
I like to use these changing & feeding facilities in this area: (for the most up to date changing and feeding spots for parents, download the MamaPapaBaby app.
- Lumine 2 Shinjuku Department Store, 4th Floor , Female Restroom (Breastfeeding rooms, Change tables, Boiled water, Highchair) & 2nd Floor in the Disabled Restoom ( Change table)
- Flags Department Store, Basement 1st Floor, inside GAP (Change table, Staff will let you use a changing room to breastfeed on request) & 3rd Floor, Female Restroom (Change table, Highchair)
- Blue Bottle Coffee Shinjuku (Breastfeeding room, Change table)
- New Woman Department Store, Shinjuku, 6th Floor (Change table, Breastfeeding rooms – rooms are small so may need to leave a stroller outside)
- Takashimaya Department Store, 14th floor (Breastfeeding rooms, Change tables, Highchair, Boiled water)
- Keio Department Store, 7th Floor (Breastfeeding rooms, Change tables, Boiled water, Microwave, Vending machines, Kids’ play space)
- Lumine 1 Department Store, 5th Floor (Breastfeeding rooms, Highchair, Change table, Boiled water, Kids’ play space)
- Lumine EST Department Store, 2nd Floor (Breastfeeding rooms, Boiled water, Change tables)
- Shinjuku Gyoen, Restaurant ‘Yurinoki’ (Change table, Breastfeeding space)
- Royal Host Shinjuku Family Restaurant, Female Restroom (Change table)You may also find my 5 Child-friendly restaurants within 5 minutes walk of JR Shinjuku Station here.
- 6th floor of the Main Building within Shinjuku Isetan shopping centre (several change tables, hot water, baby food and drink vending machine, parent&child toilet)
An extra tip if you are staying in Shinjuku and need to get to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, I recommend taking a train (takes approx 40 mins, 410 yen per person, 1 train change) or a bus from Shinjuku Busta (Bus Terminal.) This bus terminal is near the New South Exit of Shinjuku Station. The buses take approximately 1 hour and run in the morning and then back from Tokyo Disney Resort in the evening. Bus price is 1000 yen per person.
