What to do in Tokyo before 10am with kids? It requires some research and planning- and I’ve done that for you!
I’m hoping that this article helps if you wanted to start the day before 10am (or if your kids make you start your day way…before 10am!) or if you’re heavily jetlagged.
If you follow the “jetlag rules” you’re not supposed to keep kids out and awake later than normal and encourage much crazy early activity but …it’s not always the easiest thing to do! Especially if you’re visiting Tokyo on holidays and playing by the jetlag rules means cutting into your precious sightseeing hours. OR…if you’re like me …I need to keep on moving for myself – as I always feel I’m at risk of falling asleep on the floor at home and leaving my two year old to decorate the couch with toothpaste or massage his sister’s back with the fruit peeler.
I promise I’m not exaggerating….but….finding early morning things to do in this city is not very easy. The city parties (and works!) late so the mornings are slow and the idea of heading out for breakfast with friends just isn’t a thing. (For other things that I found tricky, at first, with small kiddies in Tokyo see my post here.) Small children here often nap for a lot longer in the daytime so they can crash out closer to Daddy’s home from the office time and that, naturally, results in a slower start.
Even almost all department stores don’t open their doors until 11am (and I don’t know about you but …by 11am we have been up for about 5 hours and are about to start lunch!!)
I’ve always been a morning person but with little kiddies who have energy to burn this is a whole new kettle of sashimi so I’ve been making a list of places to go to and where is actually open in the early A.M.
(I’m really, really hoping that this saves you a frustrating wait in Starbucks until everything starts up for the day.)
Meiji Shrine is located on the edge of Yoyogi Park and the walk into the shrine is just as spectacular as the shrine itself.
There are toilets in several locations on the path to the shrine. The shrine is free to enter. Depending on which month you visit, the shrine can open as early as 5am. See HERE for opening times for each month.
It is a decent walk along the path so little, tired legs will definitely need a stroller.
I’ve written, in detail, about visiting Meiji Shrine with kids here.
Tsukiji Outer Market is also open from 5am. It is not far from Team Lab Planets (opens at 9am) and Kidzania (opens at 9am) so you could do those options straight afterwards.
For a sweet treat or snack in Tsukiji Outer Market, I recommend Strawberry Mania . This stall sells mochi with the fresh strawberry in the middle, They also serve soft-serve ice-cream with a fresh strawberry on top.
STRAWBERRY MANIA
4-11-9 TSUKIJI, CHUO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 7AM-3PM
An early morning /late at night idea in Shinjuku is to go and see Godzilla!! 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 so it doesn’t matter if the sun isn’t up yet.
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
Hie Shrine is in Akasaka and although it is small – it’s a great little stop-off if you’re in the area. It also makes for a beautiful early morning excursion with kids. It opens at 5am April – Sept and 6am Oct – March.
I’ve written about Hie Shrine with kids in detail here.
For a playground (open 24 hours) in Shinjuku, I recommend Shinjuku Chuo Park. I’ve written in detail about the park and it’s exact spot in West Shinjuku here.
4 minutes walk from Shibaura-Futo Station or 9 mins ( approx 1000 yen) in a cab from Shinagawa Station is this adorable playground called Futo Park. I’ve written in detail about this adorable inner city neighborhood playground here.
Another idea is to take the children to Arisugawa Park for a play and a bit of an explore about. It is stunning and completely different with every single season. It has a lovely children’s playground up the top of the hill and a Japanese garden with a large pond down the bottom. It’s perfect for turtle, duck and carp spotting! There is a public bathroom up the top near the playground equipment and another down near the pond. Wear mosquito repellant in Summer and Rainy Season.
The park is just 2 minutes walk from Hiroo Station.
I’ve written about Arisugawa Park and have included more pictures and facility details here.
It’s not a tourist destination, however, Ebisu Park in Ebisu is a great place to stretch out and have a bit of a run & play. There is a climbing frame, swings, a rocket ship slide, a smaller slide and a train to climb on and in. There is public toilet and lots of open space to run.
1-19-1 EBISU NISHI
恵比寿西1-19-1
Just near the playground is the small Ebisu shrine, surrounded by little Tokyo winding streets and alleyways.
EBISU SHRINE
1-11-1 EBISU-NISHI, SHIBUYA
渋谷区 恵比寿西1−11−1
If you’re still in Ebisu and are feeling hungry…. here is a casual dining option (option from 5am)
My Japanese friends are going to laugh at me for recommending this next place (it’s literally next door to Green Brothers) but I think it’s a cool option for something a bit different.
Yoshinoya is a gyudon (marinated or fried meat, or fish, served on rice) chain eatery BUT the Ebisu store is a new concept store unlike the other Japan-wide restaurants. It’s a “premium” version of Yoshinoya, designed to appeal more to female customers.
If you want to really eat like the local businessmen on their lunch break or a Japanese version of a casual, quick, sandwich shop lunch – I think this is a tasty treat (and I love the people watching here too.)
The prices are so reasonable.
It’s approximately 500 yen for a rice and meat bowl that also comes with a small side salad and miso soup.
See here for the Yoshinoya complete English menu. There is also an in-store English menu in this Ebisu branch of Yoshinoya.
If you enjoy this meal, you’re in luck, this chain has stores dotted all over Japan (although this is the only “premium” store with greenery and more of a family-friendly feel.
They have booth seating as well as table seating and yes the have high chairs (no tray attached at the front though.) They also have children’s forks and plastic plates.
All drinks are self-serve for around 150 yen.
There isn’t a change table but I think I would easily manage to change a nappy of a small baby of this counter (excuse my toilet photography!)
YOSHINOYA, EBISU EKIMAE STORE
渋谷区恵比寿西1-9-6
1-9-6 EBISUNISHI, SHIBUYA
OPEN 5AM-1AM
YOSHINOYA EBISU WEBSITE
How about a stroll through the Mohri Garden? It is located within the grounds of the Roppongi Hills Complex (and on the same level as the toy stores, toddler toilet facilities, small complimentary play area, nappy changing and nursing rooms.) Kiddies will need to stick to the path but its a lovely little Japanese park for stretching legs and taking some pictures.
ROPPONGI HILLS COMPLEX,
HILLSIDE SECTION, B2 FLOOR, 6-11-1 ROPPONGI
六本木6-11-1 六本木ヒルズB2
Also, on the other side of Roppongi… If the little ones need a wriggle, 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.
HINOKICHO (TOKYO MIDTOWN) PARK
9-7-1 AKASAKA
赤坂9-7-1
OPEN 5am-11pm
If you feel like travelling a little out of the centre of town first thing in the morning, you may want to consider the Lucky Cat Temple. Have you seen those waving cats in the entrance ways of many traditional stores in Japan? In Japan they are called maneki neko (the welcoming /lucky cat.) The story of this cat began at this temple and, as the story tells it, that very cat is buried within the temple grounds. These cats are a symbol of luck.
I was so lucky when I visited as my kiddies were both in a fantastic mood but, if I was to visit again, I don’t think I’d take them on such a hot day or without being armed with more snacks and other entertainment. Firstly, because there really isn’t much else in the immediate vicinity except for the temple and some lovely old Japanese houses, secondly, because the bathroom facilities were a bit rustic ( Japanese style portaloos) and thirdly, because those cats are almost all made of plaster and I was terrified my little boy was going to try and start a smashing party.
As for me, the gardens are sooooo quiet and serene. I found the whole visit very peaceful.
After seeing all of the cats, the “done” thing is to purchase your own cat figure (smallest options are 300 and 500 yen), make a wish and then return your figurine to the collection of cats perched at the shrine.
When you purchase a cat, the staff give you a printed out copy of the original story of the maneki neko (in English or Japanese.) I won’t spoil the story for you. * We purchased extra cats so we had some to take home too. …. bribery in it’s finest form for little people.
If your little biddy person is a collector, you may want ask at Gotokuji Station for an Eki Stampu (a station stamp) for your notepad or stamp book. Very kawaii.
GOTOKUJI (THE LUCKY CAT TEMPLE)
東京都世田谷区豪徳寺2-24-7
2-24-7 GOTOKUJI, SETAGAYA, TOKYO
OPEN: 6AM-6PM
PRICE: FREE
Not far from Tokyo Dome is Nezu Shrine. A beautiful slice of history and beauty – a little minature Kyoto. If you’re lucky enough, you will be there for a festival with the yatai (food stalls) and street food selection. The little tunnel of red tori gates is my favourite part.
Admission is free (when its Azalea season – mid to late spring- it is 200 yen to enter the Azalea area. Kids under school age are free.)
I’ve written about Nezu Shrine in detail here.
If you’re looking for somewhere for breakfast (open from 7am ! Almost unheard of for a proper sit down brekkie in these parts!) There is Trunk Kitchen.
It is worth the 13 min walk from Harajuku station or 11 mins 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.
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
I recommend 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 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
The complex is based around what is often labelled the best bookstore in the world, Tsutaya Daikanyama. I absolutely love this bookstore.
The bookstore itself houses its own Starbucks and convenience store, a bar and cafe and so many beautiful corners to read, shop, study, listen to music and just generally be inspired. As the bookstore is called Tsutaya, the building is covered with and shaped like the letter “T.” Take a look at their website (below) for more information on the design and architectural acclaim it received when opening in 2011.
My children love popping on the headphones and listening to music, looking in the toy and children books section and there are often little interactive robots in the electronic section. As for me? I can’t get enough of the design books and the extensive range of novels and coffee table books on Japan and Japanese culture and aesthetics.
16-15 SARUGAKUCHO, SHIBUYA
渋谷区猿楽町16-15
OPEN 7AM-2AM
WEBSITE
Within the T-Site Complex you’ll find Ivy Place. We love dining here at anytime of the day and find breakfast/brunch to be particularly kid friendly. Unfortunately they do not take reservations for groups with children so I recommend getting there early and having a little play in the courtyard outside the restaurant if you need to wait for your table. They are well-known for their yummy pancakes.
IVY PLACE
DAIKANYAMA T-SITE, 16-15 SARUGAKUCHO
猿楽町16-15, 代官山T-SITE
OPEN 7am-11pm (BREAKFAST 7am-10:45am, LUNCH 11:30am-3pm, DINNER 6pm-11pm)
(PANCAKES SERVED 7am-5pm)
IVY PLACE WEBSITE
If kiddies get restless there is a small park, Saigoyama Park, just a few minutes walk from T-Site. Just some space for running around an a couple of pieces of side’n’wobble type play equipment. It’s definately not on my “must-see” list but is great for when kids need a run around and fresh air.
10-28 AOBADAI, MEGURO-KU
目黒区青葉台10-28
The French Kitchen at The Grand Hyatt in Roppongi is the perfect place for a long and decadent breakfast or brunch. The Weekend Brunch is absolutely stunning and I would recommend the terrace seating with children (even if it means layering up in colder weather.) Take the colouring books and stickers and arrive hungry. Check their website or call directly (staff speak English) to see if their price and meal options suit your breakfast budget.
ROPPONGI HILLS, 6-10-3 ROPPONGI
六本木6-10-3六本木ヒルズ
FROM 6:30AM
WEBSITE
If you’re feeling like some greasy, big portions. The Hard Rock Cafe in Ueno is open from 7am.
In case you’re a die-hard fan they have a jacket of Madonna’s and Pink Floyd’s on display, Justin Timberlake’s jeans, Elvis’s boots and some other treasures too.
THE HARDROCK CAFE UENO
台東区上野7-1-1 アトレー上野１F
GROUND FLOOR, ATRE UENO SHOPPING COMPLEX, 7-1-1 UENO ,TAITO
WEBSITE
If caffeine calls when you’re in Ebisu, the mural game for the new (well….new-ish… it opened in July…) Starbucks in Ebisu is pretty strong. These guys also have highchairs. 2 minutes walk to Ebisu Park from here too.
STARBUCKS, EBISU UNION BUILDING
渋谷区恵比寿南1-2-10
1-2-10 EBISU-MINAMI, SHIBUYA
OPEN 6:30AM-10:30PM (OPENS AT 7AM ON FRIDAYS AND WEEKENDS)
STARBUCKS EBISU WEBSITE
Le Pain Quotidien in Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi) opens at 8AM on weekends.
It’s a beautiful bakery restaurant and you can eat there or takeaway. There is also outdoor dining (which is always easier with kids, right?)
They also serve meals. Eggs and croissants or Smoked Salmon open sandwiches and various salads and steak dishes. They also have vegetarian options.
The meals are around 2000 yen (5000 yen at dinner time) so the cheaper option is to make use of the beautiful bakery. They have high chairs and a kids menu.
LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN, TOKYO MIDTOWN STORE
港区赤阪東京ミッドタウン１F
1F TOKYO MIDTOWN WEST PLAZA, AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM – 9PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 8AM – 9PM
LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN ENGLISH WEBSITE
*Incase you have any trouble finding it, it is on the outside of the plaza, on the Barneys New York side and also near Konami gym.
For a vegan breakfast in Ginza, I recommend visiting Komeda Is. . A cafe that serves plant-based meals, desserts and drinks ( including vegan alcoholic drinks.) They open at 7am. It’s 1 min walk from Higashi Ginza on the Hibiya and Toei Asakusa lines, Exit 5.
They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. They also have an English menu – . There is also space for strollers.
KOMEDA IS
中央区築地1-13-1 銀座松竹スクエア 1F
GROUND FLOOR MATSUTAKE SQUARE, 1-13-1 TSUKIJI, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
OPEN EVERYDAY 7AM-10PM
If you would like to eat sushi for breakfast – this is a great option (they are open for lunch and dinner too!
Family-Friendly (& gluten free) Sushi at Tokyo Station
Inside of the mall connected to Tokyo Station called Gransta Marunouchi . The sushi restaurant is called Tsukiji Sushiko Wa Nagomi. This restaurant welcomes children and babies, has a kids’ menu and also has space to store strollers while you dine. Tsukiji Sushiko Wa Nagomi also have an extensive allergen menu that includes all of their products and which contain gluten and which contain animal products etc. If you are gluten-free, then I recommend bringing your own soy sauce with you.
Breakfast set plates start at around 700 yen.
This restaurant has a standing sushi bar but also tables as an option – so you can choose. This restaurant seats 78 people so it’s not like many sushi places that sit only a handful of groups.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking and also has free wifi.
They accept most major credit cards.
On weekdays they are open from 7am !
This restaurant also serves wine and beer.
If visiting at lunch time, I would budget for around 2000 yen per adult and for dinner? more like 4000 yen for a proper meal.
This restaurant accepts reservations as well as walk-ins for the seated area -but the standing sushi section is walk-ins only.
TSUKIJI SUSHIKO WA NAGOMI
千代田区丸の内1-9-1 JR東日本東京駅構内地下1F改札外
GROUND FLOOR ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TICKET GATES (MEANING YOU DON’T NEED TO BE TAKING A TRAIN/HAVE A TICKET TO DINE HERE)
INSIDE TOKYO STATION (2 MINS WALK FROM THE NORTH MARUNOUCHI EXIT OF TOKYO STATION)
1-9-1 MARUNOUCHI, CHIYODA-KU
SEATED AREA OF THE RESTAURANT OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY: 7AM-10PM (LAST ORDER 9:30PM)
SEATED AREA OF THE RESTAURANT OPEN SUNDAYS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS: 8AM-9PM (LAST ORDER 8:30PM)
STANDING SUSHI BAR OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY: 11AM-10PM (LAST ORDER 9:30PM)
STANDING SUSHI BAR OPEN SUNDAYS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS: 11AM-9PM (LAST ORDER 8:30PM)
If you wander down Takeshita Street in Harajuku at 8am, it will basically be a ghost town (unlike the busy weekends after 11am as mentioned in my Harajuku with Kids Post) but it’s a great chance to get some funny Print Clubs done. The print club “arcade” is in the basement floor just near the entrance to Takeshita Street. It’s called NOA Print Club and opens at 8am.
Print clubs are , what I like to think of as the original snapchat filters (that were around waaaay before that as I remember taking these when I first came to Japan to visit with my high school in 1995! ) The photos are taken in a booth – a series of pictures- that are instantly printed out in small sticker form. They are so much fun (and funny) for adults and kiddies. They usually cost approximately 300-400 yen.
Just next to the print club place is a simple cafe of the same brand/name. They also open at 8am. They serve waffles and drinks etc. Nothing fancy – just if you’re hungry.
Warning : they do have a smoking room so, even though it’s enclosed, be sure to sit far away from the entrance with kiddies.
NOA PRINT CLUB
渋谷区神宮前1-17-5 B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, 1-17-5 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY 8AM- 11:30PM
And after you’ve finished at Takeshita Street, and, if you’re kids need a little wriggle and a play. Walk for just a few minutes to the toy store Bornelund.
There are a few pieces of playground equipment out the front and some playstations inside ( mostly shoes off play areas so make sure you’re kids have easily slip on and off shoes etc like I talk about in my ‘Packing for kids’ post here.)
Note: the outdoor playground is still accessible even when the shop is shut.
There is also a breast-feeding room and a toilet with a change table.
BORNELUND MAIN STORE, JINGUMAE
GROUND FLOOR, JIBURERUTA JINSEI HARAJUKU BUILDING
1-3-12 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN 10AM-7PM
CLOSED : THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
WEBSITE
And also in the Harajuku area,for a decent supermarket with organic options in this area, try Bio C Bon on Gaien Nishi Dori.
They have vegetarian and vegan options and nuts and chocolate and some makeup and baby goods.
Its just outside the ticket gates a
BIO C BON, GAIEN NISHI-DORI STORE
澁谷区神宮前3-42-2
3-42-2 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN EVERYDAY OF THE YEAR 9AM-9PM
BIO C BON
There is a smaller version of Bio C Bon near Exit 2 of Meiji Jingu Mae (Harajuku) Metro Station. Just outside the ticket gates.
They also have free wifi here and also have a bulk produce corner.
MEIJI JINGU MAE METRO PIA STORE
渋谷区明治神宮前1-18-22
1-18-22 MEIJI JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN 7:30AM-10PM ( OPEN 9AM-9PM ON SUNDAYS)
BIO C BON
When in Ebisu, there is also a Blue Bottle Coffee just before the ticket gates at JR Ebisu Station.
BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE, EBISU STATION
渋谷区恵比寿南1-5-5 アトレ恵比寿本館 1F
GROUND FLOOR, ATRE EBISU MAIN BUILDING, 1-5-5 EBISU-MINAMI, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 8AM-9PM
Log Road is a new park of Daikanyama and is Tokyo’s version of the New York highline. A gorgeously modern slim road with boutique stores, restaurants and cafes, a brewery and a lovely secluded spot for pop-up stores and cafes. You’ll want to take pictures of every nook and cranny. My kids love to climb on the concrete “eggs” halfway down the road and gobbling up the butter cookies at Fred Segal. There are public restrooms at the bottom of the road if you need.
LOG ROAD DAIKANYAMA
13-1 DAIKANYAMA-CHO, SHIBUYA
渋谷区代官山町13-1
OPENING HOURS VARY FOR EACH STORE BUT THE CAFES START AROUND 8AM & EVERYTHING CLOSES AROUND 10PM
WEBSITE
While you’re on Log Road, why not check out Spring Valley Brewery? It has a beautiful outdoor terrace. And yes, they serve beer in the morning.
SPRING VALLEY BREWERY
渋谷区代官山町 13-1ログロード代官山内
13-1 LOG ROAD, DAIKANYAMACHO, SHIBUYA
OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAYS 8AM-MIDNIGHT (LAST ORDER 10:30PM)
OPEN SUNDAYS 8AM-10PM (LAST ORDER 9PM)
When up early in Roppongi, there is Robo-Robo (aka, Robot) Park is my kid’s favourite Tokyo city park. It’s just a small piece of land with a rainbow of slides, a few climbing options and a giant roller slide down the hill. I don’t recommend in the hottest part of Summer as the slides get really hot. Toilets are at the bottom of the hill across the road.
6-16-46 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
港区六本木六丁目6-16-46
ALWAYS OPEN. NO ROLLERSLIDE USE AT NIGHT/EARLY MORNING
Just a few subway stations or a short cab ride from Roppongi, is Toranomon Hills and, when in this area in the morning, I recommend Bakery & Grill Sawamura Bakery
This bakery and restaurant is rarely crowded – especially on weekends. It’s easy with kids as they can choose from the bakery goods in the glass display cabinet or from the restaurant menu. See here for the Bakery & Grill Sawamura breakfast menu. This is the Bakery & Grill Sawamura lunch and dinner menu – there is also a brunch menu on the weekends. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Take out is also an option. For an adult meal I would budget around 2000 yen per person. Sawamura Bakery accepts most major credit cards. My family and I highly recommend their vegetable curry pan (curry bread.)
BAKERY & GRILL SAWAMURA, TORANOMON HILLS
BAKERY OPEN 7:30AM -8PM
RESTAURANT OPEN 7:30AM-11PM
BREAKFAST HOURS 7:30AM-10AM
WEEKEND BRUNCH HOURS 7;30AM-3PM
LUNCH HOURS 11AM-5PM
DINNER HOURS 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10PM – OR AT 9PM ON SUNDAYS)
If you’re up in Shibuya to check out Shibuya crossing first thing in the morning, a breakfast option is the Japanese fast food chain Freshness Burger – just a few hundred metres from the crossing itself.
Their breakfast menu (or “morning menu” as they call it) has meal set options like “coffee / tea & a cake” ” cheeseburger or chicken teriyaki burger with a drink” “soup (vegetable or mushroom cream) & salad morning set”. The morning menu switches over to lunch at 11am. They also have free wifi.
FRESHNESS BURGER, DOGENZAKA SHIBUYA STORE
渋谷区道玄坂2-16-8 ビジネスVIP渋谷坂本ビル1階
GROUND FLOOR, BUSINESS VIP SHIBUYA DOGENZAKA BUILDING, 2-16-8 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA
OPEN 8AM- 11PM
If you suddenly realize that you haven’t packed for the correct season or need to top up on your own wardrobe there are two Uniqlo stores that I’ve found are open from 8am and 8:30am – on weekdays and weekends.
The first it the Uniqlo Ecute Store within Ueno Station and the second is the Ikebukuro Station (Central Exit) Uniqlo which is open from 8:30am. These stores only sell adult-sized clothing.
UNIQLO UENO ECUTE STORE
台東区上野7-1-1 JR上野駅構内 3階 ecute上野内
INSIDE THE ECUTE UENO COMPLEX WITHIN JR UENO STATION, 7-1-1 UENO, TAITO
OPEN WEEKDAYS 8AM-10PM & WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS 8AM-9:30PM
UNIQLO IKEBUKURO STATION CENTRAL GATE STORE
豊島区南池袋1-28-2 JR池袋駅構内 JR池袋駅地下1階
BASEMENT FLOOR OF JR IKEBUKURO STATION, 1-28-2 MINAMI-IKEBUKURO, TOSHIMA
OPEN EVERYDAY 8AM-10PM
If you’re out in the direction of Disneyland, one of my favourite cafes in this area is Cafe Kaila. There is another one in Omotesando but the queues are soo much longer. It is just near the Maihama Station Disney-bound exit inside of Ikspari Shopping Complex. This is a Hawaiian cafe in Oahu that has won several awards for best breakfast and Japan wanted a (literal) taste too.
The Maihama branch isn’t as spacious as its Omotesando counterpart but the food is the same and, like I said, the wait time is significantly less.
The service is fantastic and the portion sizes are generous!!! However, it is around 2000 yen for each meal. They also serve curries, salads. omlettes and burritos so not everyone in your group has to be a sweet tooth.
(oh and my daughter would like to highly recommend the pink lemonade.)
CAFE KAILA
千葉県浦安市舞浜1-4
1-4 MAIHAMA, URAYASU, CHIBA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM-6PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 9AM-7PM
CAFE KAILA WEBSITE
No. 4 is a bakery restaurant in Chiyoda-ku with outdoor and indoor seating. If your family loves bread or a bread/egg combo this place is for you. This place is run by the same group that also do “TY Harbor Brewery” & “Crista.”
A highlight for us was all of the open space surrounding the restaurant so, if you sit on the terrace there are plenty places to for kids to run around – right in front of your table. There were even some children on scooters so I think we will copy next time.
The staff were really good with altering some parts of orders (if you live in Japan you’ll know that this is not always ok…) so they were great with making my scrambled eggs without ham (fyi: if you want to say ‘without ham’ say hamu nuki.)
My family managed to gobble up 3 sausage rolls from the bakery counter before our orders even arrived. Oops….!
I’m keen to go back and try lunch and dinner there now too – mainly because I have my eye on their homemade pizzas……
It’s a bit more expensive than your standard Japanese morningu-setto but I think it’s justified as the bread is baked on-site. Their entire menu is on their website( in English. ) They have highchairs and a change table too.
NO. 4
千代田区四番町5-9
5-9 YONBANCHO, CHIYODA
OPEN EVERYDAY 8AM-9PM
WEBSITE
And if in Ginza… If you’re out and about, why not pop into the ground floor (1st floor, as it is called in Japan) of Muji Ginza. the largest Muji Store in the world.
The fruit and vegetable section and bakery is open from 7:30AM.
MUJI GINZA
中央区銀座3-5-3
3-5-3 GINZA, CHUO-KU
OPEN FROM 10AM-9PM
(1F OPENS AT 7:30AM)
MUJI GINZA WEBSITE
BIKKURI DONKEY, IKEBUKURO
6 mins from Ikebukuro Station, East Exit is a hamburger/steak grill restaurant called “Bikkuri Donkey”. The name always makes me laugh as it literally translates to “Surprise Donkey” but the interior is quirky ( kind of like dining inside “Western River Railroad” at Disneyland.). It’s a casual restaurant and lots of families dine here.
The cuisine is “hamburger steaks served on mini hot plates.”
They have a cute kids menu .
It’s a great place for grease and fries if that’s what you’re craving.
The restaurant allows smoking in certain parts of the restaurant at certain times of day. They have a kids menu and they have high chairs.
There is one gluten free hamburger steak option at this restaurant too. I would budget around 1500 yen per adult to dine here.
In the morning, they also offer a breakfast plate with eggs and toast and bacon for approximately 1000 yen.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They also take reservations and walk-ins.
BIKKURI DONKEY IKEBUKURO
豊島区東池袋1-21-11 オーク池袋ビル B1F
B1F OAK IKEBUKURO BUILDING, 1-21-11 HIGASHI-IKEBUKURO, TOSHIMA-KU
OPEN 8AM-11PM
Or, if you’re in the Nakameguro area early in the morning, Streamer Coffee Company opens at 7:30am. There is lots of space in here, making it very kiddie friendly.
They have tea and coffee as well as doughnuts and other bakery items.
If you really like what these guys have going on, there are other branches in Shibuya, Harajuku, Nihonbashi and Meguro (opening times vary.)
STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY, NAKAMEGURO
目黒区青葉台2-16-6
2-16-6 AOBADAI MEGURO
OPEN 7:30AM-6PM
and then just 2 minutes walk from Streamer Coffee Company is Sugekari Park.
This park is open everyday from 6am-9pm. If you are still around after 9am you can also take a walk through the Japanese house on the property and take in the small Japanese garden.
It’s a spacious green park with public bathrooms, slides, sandpit, climbing equipment etc.
There is also a Japanese house and garden within the park (open 9am – 4pm, closed on Tuesdays.. or Wednesday is Tuesday is a national holiday.)
SUGEKARI PARK
目黒区青葉台2-11
2-11 AOBADAI, MEGURO
OPEN 6AM-9PM (JAPANESE HOUSE & GARDEN IS OPEN 9AM-4PM EVERYDAY EXCEPT FOR TUESDAYS. IF TUESDAY IS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY, IT’S CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY)
If you’re in Ebisu at 8am, right next to JR Ebisu Station inside the Atre Department Store (West Building) is the cutest little coffee shop Sarutahiko Coffee with the cutest takeaway coffee cups ( I may or may not have gone there just to get my hot chocolate in this cup….)
If you decide to dine-in there is a cute little cafe seating area. If you’re with the kiddies they do have one lone highchair. Just one. Hehehe. But it is a pretty funky highchair.
In case you have a hard time finding this place, it is next to the florist and behind Shake Shack.
If you’re hungry they have some simple breakfast-type options like muffins, eggs on toast, french toast and some sweet breads.
If you like this brand of coffee, they have other stores in Omotesando, Shinjuku, Azabu, Kojimacho and Sengawa.
SARUTAHIKO COFFEE
渋谷区恵比寿南1-6-1
1-6-1 EBISUMINAMI, SHIBUYA
OPEN: 8AM-11PM
For breakfast, I highly recommend a visit to Breadworks (opens from 8am) and a walk along the river. If you hang around a few more hours I also highly recommend the beautiful TY Harbor Brewery for brunch or lunch.
If you really like this bakery, there is another breadworks in Omotesando too.
BREADWORKS, TENNOZ
品川市東品川2-1-6
2-1-6 HIGASHI-SHINAGAWA, SHINAGAWA
OPEN 8AM-9PM
And if you wanted a breakfast closer to the station, I recommend Sarabeths.
It is a lovely western breakfast/brunch.
This is right above/in Shinagawa Station.
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, SHINAGAWA
港区 港南2−18−1 アトレ品川 4階
4F ATRE SHINAGAWA BUILDING, 2-18-1 KONAN, MINATO
OPEN 9AM-MIDNIGHT (UNTIL 11PM ON SUNDAYS)
WEBSITE
In the same building as Sarabeths is Blue Bottle Coffee – great coffee for even the snobbiest of coffee snobs. It’s on the 3rd Floor.
Or if you’re near Shibuya Crossing at 8am, walk a bit further up Dogenzaka street in order to get to 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
And if you’re done with that bakery and want a sit down diner-style breakfast near Shibuya Crossing. “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 Royal Host 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.
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.
ROYAL HOST, DOGENZAKA STORE
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
The next option is Share Green. The coffee shop opens at 8am on weekdays.
This is a relatively new outdoor space with a couple of food trucks , a coffee shop, a plant nursery and an event space. There are lots of places to sit and sooo much space for kids to run and play. On the weekends, holidays and during special events you can also find things to play on like hammocks or a bean bag toss game or two.
The coffee shop also sells ice-cream and one of the food stands makes the most delicious Kiwi Sours ( non-alcoholic options available too.)
* Please note that, although the address states that Share Green is in Aoyama, it is 18 minutes walk from the centre of Aoyama, 18 minutes walk from Niko Niko Park, 18 minutes walk from Roppongi Hills and 18 minutes walk from Akasaka. So, before or after visiting Share Green, you would like to branch out and change areas in the middle of the day, my Roppongi suggestions are here and see here for more information on things to do in Akasaka.
There are plenty of car & bike parking options here too.
SHARE GREEN
港区南青山1-12-32
1-12-32 MINAMI-AOYAMA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 8AM- 8PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 10AM-7PM
PLANT SHOP OPEN EVERYDAY: 10AM-7PM
*CHECK THE WEBSITE BEFORE YOU VISIT AS IT MAY BE CLOSED FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL EVENTS*
WEBSITE
If you find yourself in Shinjuku at 8am, right after a play or walk in Shinjuku Central 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
For more information on Shinjuku Central Park and other Shinjuku options, see my Shinjuku with kids post.
If in the Shinjuku area, you could venture into Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a lovely open green space. 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 written about ( and included more photos of) Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden here.
If you are visiting SHINJUKU GYOEN National Park, then 2 mins walk from the entrance is a sandwich shop / cafe 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)
Marugo Juice Bar, Ebisu
Or for something organic or vegan you could try Marugo ( Maru = Circle and Go = 5) in Ebisu. It opens at 9am. They were originally a store in the countryside in Okayama and now have a Tokyo City Branch which is doing so well. Their vegan ice-cream is one of their biggest sellers right now.
MARUGO EBISU
OPEN: 9AM – 7PM (& SUNDAYS 10AM-7PM)
PREMIERE EBISU BUILDING, 1st FLoor A.
渋谷区恵比寿西1-17-1プルミエール恵比寿 1F-A
MARUGO EBISU
If you’re stuck out on the island in Odaiba early in the day I recommend Bills for breakfast. It’s an Australian restaurant so it’s a nice open space (even accommodates strollers) with an international menu. There are a few other of the Bills Restaurants in Tokyo but this is the least crowded – especially compared to the others on the weekend. The service isn’t the fastest so order for kids as soon as you sit down.
DECKS TOKYO BEACH, SEASIDE MALL 3F, 1-6-1 DAIBA, MINATO-KU
港区台場1-6-1デックス東京ビーチ シーサイドモール3F
OPEN: 9AM-11PM WEEKDAYS, 8AM-11PM WEEKENDS
WEBSITE
Eggs’n’Things is a Hawaiian restaurant built around the concept of “All Day Breakfast” ( a relatively new idea for Japan.) It opens at 9am. It is light and bright and there are several of these restaurants around Japan but this is branch my favourite – mainly because of the space and shorter lines. This restaurant is well-known for the mountain of whipped cream on their sweet pancakes. YUM! They also have savoury options and a kids menu (egg and hamburger steak plate or fruit and cream pancakes with a chocolate pen to decorate). They have high chairs and the staff are very welcoming when it comes to families.
EGGS’N’THINGS ODAIBA
3RD FLOOR, AQUA CITY DEPARTMENT STORE, 1-7-1 DAIBA, MINATO
港区台場1-7-1 アクアシティお台場 3F
OPEN: 9AM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 9:30PM)
WEBSITE
Before Legoland opens at 10am or the department stores open on Odaiba at 11am, you could check out Tokyo’s version of the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba (outside of Aqua City Department Store) is worth checking out – just for the “what the?” factor. Don’t ask why……. I have no idea.
This new one just makes the cut for this list as it opens at 9:30pm. The Police Museum is free and has lots of English descriptions as well as Japanese -which is a rare thing in these kinds of museums. I’ve written in detail about Tokyo Police Museum in detail here.
And walking distance from the Police Museum is Tokyo Station.
If you’re in the Yokohama area in the morning, I recommend walking into “Mark Is” Department store and making your way to the 5th floor for the Orbi Nature Museum. It opens early in the morning and often has special events (for eg. a bugs exhibit.) Downstairs is a museum with lots of light up exhibits and projections. About 70 % of the exhibits included instructions in English. The BBC Earth surround-sound theatre introduction is all in Japanese, although the staff gave me a printed copy of the English translation.
My kids were just a bit too young to completely “get” the whole idea but they had fun nevertheless.
It was a little frustrating as the small playground is only for 3+ and they wouldn’t make an exception (because…Japan…) for my almost 3 year old so we didn’t stay long as I felt too mean making him watch his sister having all the fun.
My personal opinion but I think 6 year olds + would like this museum much more.
Upstairs is a small food kiosk (ice-cream, chicken nuggets and their “famous” earth burger and a meet and greet the animals (hedgehogs, some birds, meerkats.)
We bought a full day pass but now I wish I’d just got the 800 yen ticket as we didn’t stay for long more than 1.5 hours.
ORBI YOKOHAMA
横浜西区みなとみらい3-5-1 マークイズみなとみらい
MARKS IS DEPARTMENT STORE, 3-5-1 MINATO MIRAI, NISHI-KU, YOKOHAMA
OPEN 9AM-9PM (UNTIL 10PM FRI-SUN)
SEE WEBITE FOR ADMISSION PRICE DETAILS
WEBSITE
After Orbi, for the warmer months, you might want to head outside as there is a water fountain in Grand Mall Park (right in between the Yokohama Art Museum and “Mark Is.” – Ground Floor ) It is designed to be a fountain and not a splash pad so children aren’t encouraged to try and “swim” with their faces under water (ie. not for drinking) – but we found it to be a fantastic spot for a cool off and run around. If you’d prefer your kiddies didn’t get nakey in front of everyone, there are lots of restrooms (with change tables) inside “Mark Is”.
GRAND MALL PARK, YOKOHAMA
横浜市西区みなとみらい３丁目
3 CHOME, MINATO-MIRAI, NISHI-KU, YOKOHAMA
FOUNTAIN OPERATION HOURS: MON – SAT 10AM – 5PM
If you’re in Nakameguro, a cute place to stop for coffee is Sidewalk Cafe. This place feels like a hole in the wall place from the outside but is just so beautifully designed inside.
They have coffee, craft beer (Japan doesn’t have time-related laws concerning alcohol sales so ….if you fancy a tipple in the morning…….) ice-cream and beautiful toasted sandwiches.
SIDE WALK CAFE
目黒区青葉台1-23-14 斎藤ビル
SAITO BUILDING, 1-23-14 AOBADAI, MEGURO
OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM-9PM
SIDEWALK CAFE
In terms of the Ueno area : My kids enjoy the National Museum of Science and Nature – particularly on rainy days.
I recommend bringing your lunch from home or having snacks on the rooftop – there is a garden with room to wriggle and places to sit and have a bite to eat.
There is a cafe on the ground floor too (but you may have to queue on busy days.)
When you first enter the museum, ask for availability for the kids playroom sessions. There is a playcentre section with craft sections, climbing areas and some soft play.
My kids (2 and 4) really enjoyed it – also availability means that we haven’t got a spot here every time we visit.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE
台東区上野公園7-20
7-20 UENO PARK, TAITO-KU
OPEN 9AM-5PM (UNTIL 8PM ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
CLOSED MONDAY (AND TUESDAY IF MONDAY WAS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY)
WEBSITE
***ONLY FROM 9AM ON THE WEEKENDS (10AM ON WEEKDAYS) ***
Located in Ebisu, this, mostly, Italian restaurant is kid-friendly ( but also cute for dates!) and, except for the terrace seating, is smoke-free.
They are famous for their french toast at brunch but their dinner menu is also delicious. Their website says that their dress-code is casual but I’d say smart casual (Japanese people don’t really do casual. )
Their entire menu is on their website in English and Japanese.
Photo is courtesy from the M House website.
M HOUSE
渋谷区恵比寿4-23-13
4-23-13 EBISU, SHIBUYA
OPEN FOR BRUNCH (WEEKDAYS) 10AM-3:30PM , (WEEKENDS) 9AM-6PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 6PM-11:30PM
WEBSITE
*If you’re here with kids, there is a park just 3 minutes walk away. See my Ebisu with Kids post here for details.*
If you’re in the Disneyland area early in the morning, you should take a walk through the Disney Ambassador Hotel. My kids love the gift shop, the lobby and the bakery.
This is the ceiling in the lobby.
and this is the hotel gift shop.
The small diner-looking bakery looks like this.
TICK TOCK DINER
千葉県浦安市舞浜2-11ディズニーアンバサダーホテル
2-11 MAIHAMA, URAYASU, CHIBA
OPEN 7AM-11PM
WEBSITE
And another restaurant right near there?
One of my favourite cafes in this area is Cafe Kaila. There is another one in Omotesando but the queues are soo much longer. It is just near the Maihama Station Disney-bound exit inside of Ikspari Shopping Complex. This is a Hawaiian cafe in Oahu that has won several awards for best breakfast and Japan wanted a (literal) taste too.
The Maihama branch isn’t as spacious as its Omotesando counterpart but the food is the same and, like I said, the wait time is significantly less.
The service is fantastic and the portion sizes are generous!!! However, it is around 2000 yen for each meal. They also serve curries, salads. omlettes and burritos so not everyone in your group has to be a sweet tooth.
(oh and my daughter would like to highly recommend the pink lemonade.)
CAFE KAILA
千葉県浦安市舞浜1-4
1-4 MAIHAMA, URAYASU, CHIBA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM-10PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 8AM-10PM
WEBSITE
Looking for other cool things to do in this area? See here.
In ShibaKoen (practically next to Roppongi and Azabujuban – Tokyo Tower observation deck and food court is open from 9am.
The tower food court (on the 2nd floor.) There is curry, waffles, ice-cream, ramen, burgers, donburi (rice bowls) and pizza to choose from. And because it’s a food court it means that everyone can eat different things – which is fantastic when you have fussy eaters.
The high chairs are those ones without the strap at the front though so you’ll need to watch those little ones (after you’ve hiked them up as close to the table as you can manage.)
And then you can make your way to the observation deck, the One Piece Tower after 10am (you’ll know what this means if you like comics and anime, apparently) and there is a small ( and a bit meghh) aquarium inside Tokyo Tower too. Crepes are sold out the front of the tower and there is often a beer garden out the front too (in the sunny months.)
TOKYO TOWER
港区芝公園4-2-8
4-2-8 SHIBAKOEN, MINATO
MAIN DECK & FOOD COURT OPEN 9AM-11PM
WEBSITE
I have a whole post on things to do near Tokyo Tower (mainly parks and places to wriggle) here.
In Harajuku, be one of the first in line for the Totti Candy Factory on the weekends from 9:30am.
Get giant fairy floss/ cotton candy.
(You could pair it with a print club session at NOA on the same street which opens at 8am – I wrote about it above.)
For a full day Harajuku post, see here.
渋谷区神宮前1-16-5, 東京リューアパート2F
2F TOKYO RYU APARTMENTS, 1-16-5 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA
OPEN 9;30AM-8PM (OPEN FROM 10:30AM ON WEEKDAYS)
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