Japan is a dream destination for many reasons: fascinating cities, rich culture, scenic landscapes and, of course, the food! Japan’s food scene offers an incredible range of experiences for all taste buds and wallets. And here I’ve included what travelling parents need to know about eating out in Japan with kids.
As a travelling family, we’re always looking to enjoy great local food and expose the kids to different flavours and customs. Before our trip, I was nervous about eating out in Japan with kids. I imagined long wait times, cramped spaces, and formality that wasn’t exactly toddler-friendly.
I was thrilled to find plenty of great places for eating out in Japan with kids. Whether you’re planning your first family trip to Japan or looking for new ideas, this guide will help you navigate eating out with kids in Japan and discover some of the best family friendly restaurants in Japan.
I cover our favourite markets, novelty cafes, and family friendly restaurants in Japan that are great for parents and kids alike. I’ve also included my top tips eating out in Japan with kids, and our toddler’s favourite Japanese food.
Want more information about visiting Japan with kids? Check out my Japan complete guide and 9 day itinerary, or my detailed Japan city guides that are written with families in mind.
Eating out in Japan with Kids: What you Need to Know
Highchairs Aren’t Common—but Low Seats Are
Most restaurants in Japan don’t offer highchairs, but many have low or floor seating that works well for toddlers. We brought a portable clip-on travel highchair but rarely needed it when eating out in Japan with our toddler.
Eating out in Japan with Kids: Taking off Shoes at Restaurants
At many restaurants, especially those with tatami mat seating, you’ll need to take off your shoes. Slip-on shoes for you and your little one will make it a lot easier to get in and out of restaurants.
Many Restaurants Have Narrow Entrances or Stairs
Many restaurants are not on the ground floor, and have limited space to store your kiddy travel paraphernalia. If you need to take a stroller, make sure it is compact. We found staff were accommodating but space was often limited, even at family-friendly restaurants in Japan.
Kids and Chopsticks
You don’t need to hand your toddler a pair of chopsticks and hope for the best. Many places offer child-friendly cutlery, plates, and even sippy cups. We had a reusable straw and cutlery that we took out with us as well, and staff were happy for our son to use these when they didn’t have their own available.
Prepare for Early Mornings
Many cafes and restaurants don’t open until 10am or later. With a toddler up at 5am, we often started the day early with convenience store snacks, or by heading to a market.
Tip: Pick up snacks and breakfast food from your local convenience store the night before for a toddler-friendly breakfast at dawn.
Eating out in Japan with Kids: Try to Book or Arrive Early
Many popular restaurants have lines or book out in advance, so it is best to try to book online or arrive outside peak times. When travelling with kids, the idea of waiting in a long line for a meal can be enough to put you off dining out at all. We found many places were quiet when they opened for dinner at 5pm or 6pm, but would have long lines when we left around 7pm.
Eating out in Japan with Kid: Family-friendly Restaurants in Japan
You don’t need to score a Michelin star reservation or cram into a tiny izakaya to enjoy incredible Japanese food. Here are some of our favourite family friendly restaurants in Japan as well as other spots that are perfect for eating out with kids in Japan.
Torikizoku (Nationwide)
A popular yakitori chain with cozy booth seating and a fun, casual vibe. Everything on the menu is just 370 yen (~USD $2.50), making it a great option for sampling lots of dishes without breaking the bank. Their wooden bench and booth seats also make it a great place to take young kids as you are quite separate from other diners. Torikizoku has chains throughout Japan, just look for the yellow and red sign. Open for dinner only—arrive early or add your name to the waitlist.
Gyukatsu Katsugyu (Kyoto + Other Cities)
Cook your own beef katsu at your table—perfect for kids who love getting involved. The set menus start around 1,800 yen (~USD $12), and they have snacks for younger kids who aren’t ready for the hot plate. They are open all day for lunch and dinner, making it perfect if your little one is ready for dinner early.
Gyukatsu Motomura (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka)
This fantastic chain has a similar hot plate beef concept to Gyukatsu Katsugyu, but you’ll find Gyukatsu Motomura throughout Japan. Staff can pre-cook the meat for kids if you’d rather skip the tablehot plate. Open all day for lunch and dinner.
Tsukishima Monja Street (Tokyo)
This street is packed with restaurants specialising in Monjayaki: a savoury pancake similar to Okonomayaki. The tables have built-in hot plates where you can cook the Monjayaki yourself (or, if you look clueless like us, staff may offer to help). We visited for late lunch when the street was quieter and didn’t need to wait. The street is more lively in the evening, but you may need to queue for a table.
A Happy Pancake (throughout Japan) and Cafe Tamon (Kanazawa)
Japanese-style rice flour pancakes are light and fluffy—great for kids. A Happy Pancake chain of restaurants is a perfect family-friendly spot to sample these tasty treats. While most of the menu is sweet, there are also savoury options. If you are in Kanazawa, Cafe Tamon makes a great eggs benedict pancake with crispy bacon. Both restaurants take online bookings, so you don’t need to worry about waiting for a table.
Character and Themed Cafes for eating out in Japan with Kids
From cat cafes to maid cafes, novelty cafés offer a unique experience when eating out in Japan with kids. Whether you want to indulge your own inner child at a character-themed cafe, or be surrounded by animals while you dine: there really is something for everyone.
Our toddler loved the Alice in Wonderland-themed Alice in a Fantasy Book Cafe (Shinjuku). They also take online bookings.
We had been told maid cafes were a must-do in Akihabara in Tokyo. While I’m not sure that’s true we did have a fun time. Our toddler enjoyed Maiddreamin cafe with its bright lights, enthusiastic service, and omurice decorated with tomato sauce. We visited during the day and it was very family friendly, with other families there at the same time. Visit maidreamin.com to find one of their 16 locations in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
Other Great Spots for Eating Out in Japan with Kids
Markets in Japan: A Family Favourite
There are fantastic food markets throughout Japan. We loved taking our son to the markets in Japan as we could expose him to lots of different food in a lively atmosphere. Many markets also open early, making for a great activity if you are up at dawn with your little one.
Our favourite markets in Japan include:
- Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo) – This iconic stop in Japan is also great with kids, as we found it more spacious than expected and full of fun snacks like tamagoyaki on a stick. Arriving early is key here.
- Ameyoko Market Street and Shopping District (Tokyo) – This evening market can be a bit chaotic with little ones, but we thought it was worth it for the atmosphere under the elevated train tracks. It’s also spacious eateries with seating where you can take a break from the crowds.
- Nishiki Market (Kyoto) – Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this narrow market street is full of local delights. It’s covered, making it great if you need a break from the rain (or sun).
- Omicho Market (Kanazawa) – Spacious and stroller-friendly, Omicho is one of the more relaxing markets to navigate with young children, and the fresh seafood displays can be interesting for kids.
- Kuromon Market (Osaka) – A lively, covered market with a wide variety of street food and sit-down options. The covered street helps with the weather, and it wasn’t particularly busy when we visited.
Takeshita Street and Creative Coffee (Harajuku, Tokyo)
Takeshita street is an essential stop for many tourists as a bustling hub of youth culture. It is also a great place for kawaii (cute) food that your little one will love the look of. From animal-shaped pancakes to rainbow-coloured cheese dogs, you can take in the sights while your little one indulges in too much food colouring.
After visiting Takeshita street, you may need to re-caffeinate. Try Anakuma Cafe for a takeaway coffee where you’re served by a bear through the wall, or Cafe Reissue, which specialises in unique 3D latte art (upstairs, arrive at opening to avoid waiting).
Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)
Dining at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant like Kura Sushi is both exciting and practical with kids. No need to wait!
Kids love choosing their own plates, and the prize system at Kura Sushi keeps them motivated to eat. Kura Sushi has over 450 locations across Japan.
Department store food courts (throughout Japan)
The basements of many department stores in Japan are often home to bustling food courts. Many have local and international options, so you can enjoy sushi while your little one enjoys pizza and pasta. Hours vary, but stores generally open at 10am or 11am, allowing for a slightly earlier meal than many restaurants.
Many department stores will have a separate floor or rooftop where you eat your food. Some have playgrounds, high chairs, and changing facilities. We particularly enjoyed an early lunch at Mitsukoshi Ginza (pictured above) after a busy morning exploring. There are plenty of department stores to choose from.
On-the-Go Options: Convenience Stores and Vending Machines
Japan’s convenience stores are unbeatable for quick, tasty, and affordable eats open at all times of day. Try 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson for plenty of ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches, sushi, snacks, and drinks. You can also pick up groceries here if you want to eat at your accommodation.
You will also find vending machines everywhere! Most contain drinks, but many have snack options and all sorts of other weird and wonderful things. We found them particularly handy for a quick cold caffeine hit!
Familiar Food: McDonald’s and Starbucks
We used to avoid Starbucks and Maccas when travelling—but with kids, they can be a lifesaver. It’s not surprising that these chains are everywhere in Japan, and have long opening hours if you get stuck.
McDonald’s Japan – Try their corn and edamame sides, or Japanese-inspired burgers.
Starbucks – Great locations, including one in a traditional Kyoto townhouse in Ninenzaka and another overlooking Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo (pictured above).
Eating out in Japan with Kids: Food Our Toddler Loved
I really enjoyed exposing my son to new foods and flavours on our visit to Japan. While our little one is not the fussiest eater, he won’t eat something he doesn’t like. Below are some toddler-approved favourites.
Our toddler’s favourites:
- Tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette served on its own or on sushi rice)
- Taiyaki (a waffle-style cake pie shaped like a fish. Traditionally filled with red bean paste, but you can find other fillings including custard, chocolate and cheese).
- Gyoza (Pan-fried dumplings with minced meat or vegetables)
- Omurice (Fried rice wrapped in a thin egg omelette and usually topped with tomato sauce/ketchup)
- Japanese souffle pancakes (Light, fluffy pancakes made using rice flour. These are usually served with sweet toppings, but there are savoury options too).
- Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake filled with meat and vegetables. Our little one particularly enjoyed the toppings: okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and the “dancing” bonito flakes)
- Mochi (Soft and sweet rice cakes. Like Taiyaki, these are traditionally filled with bean paste but you can also get other fillings including fruit paste and chocolate)
- Fruit (There is plenty of delicious fruit in Japan. Head to the markets to find fresh produce for your little one, and make sure you try Japanese strawberries)
- Tempura and karaage (who doesn’t like something deep fried)
- Melon pan (Sweet bread with a crunchy top)
Travelling to Japan with young kids doesn’t mean missing out on the incredible food scene. From high-energy markets to weird and wonderful novelty cafés, there are plenty of welcoming and memorable spots. With a little planning and a flexible attitude, eating out in Japan with kids can be one of the highlights of your family trip to Japan.
If you’ve visited Japan with your kids, I’d love to hear your favourite foodie finds—share them in the comments or tag us on Instagram @kids.eat.world!
