Tag: Japanese Food with Kids

  • 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Shinagawa

    5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Shinagawa

    Shinagawa is convenient for sightseeing in Tokyo and traveling by Shinkansen. When choosing somewhere to eat with children, it helps to check which side of the station you’re on. The Takanawa Exit, near Aqua Park, and the Konan Exit, near the Shinkansen gates, have different convenient dining options.

    Around Shinagawa Station, you can experience Japanese food culture through yoshoku-style hamburg steak, balanced Japanese set meals, and sushi prepared by skilled chefs.

    Beyond Japanese cuisine, there are Brazilian churrasco restaurants where meat is carved at your table and hotel buffets offering both Japanese and Western dishes. These are also great options if you want a meal to become a memorable part of your family trip.

    Here are five restaurants near Shinagawa Station that are easy for families visiting Japan for the first time to consider. I’ve also included a casual food court and places to take a break around Takanawa Gateway.


    1. Tsubame KITCHEN, Atre Shinagawa | Try Japanese-Style Hamburg Steak

    Best for families who:

    • Have children who are not yet familiar with Japanese food
    • Want to eat near the station before or after a Shinkansen journey
    • Want to dine on the Konan Exit side
    • Want to start exploring Japanese food with something that looks familiar

    Key features:

    • Located on the fourth floor of Atre Shinagawa
    • Convenient for the Konan Exit
    • Part of Tsubame Grill, a long-established yoshoku restaurant group in Japan
    • Japanese-style Western food centered on Hamburg steak
    • Meat dishes that both adults and children can enjoy
    • Convenient for combining shopping and dining

    Japanese “hamburg steak” is a round patty made from ground meat and cooked as a standalone dish, rather than served inside a hamburger bun. Tsubame KITCHEN serves this popular Japanese-style Western cuisine. Because the food looks familiar, it’s an easy restaurant to introduce to children trying Japanese food for the first time.


    2. Ootoya, Shinagawa Grand Passage | Enjoy a Balanced Japanese Set Meal

    Best for families who:

    • Want to experience a Japanese meal with rice and side dishes
    • Want to choose meals with nutritional balance in mind
    • Want to choose food their children can eat comfortably
    • Want Japanese home-style flavors at an approachable price

    Key features:

    • Located on basement level 1 of Shinagawa Grand Passage
    • Approximately five minutes on foot from Shinagawa Station
    • Specializes in teishoku, Japanese set meals combining rice with a main dish and other items
    • A casual Japanese restaurant offering home-style dishes
    • Takeout is also available

    Ootoya is a chain where you can casually enjoy teishoku, a popular style of Japanese meal. A teishoku typically combines rice with a main course and side dishes. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to try dishes similar to Japanese home cooking.

    The menu offers choices of meals built around meat, fish, and rice. If your family has been eating lots of fried foods or sweets during the trip, it can be easier to choose a meal with nutritional balance in mind.

    The area has many offices, so the restaurant may be busy at lunchtime on weekdays. Takeout is another option if you would rather eat back at your hotel.


    3. Tsukiji Sushiko, Shinagawa Intercity | Experience Sushi Made by Japanese Chefs

    Best for families who:

    • Want to try authentic sushi in Japan
    • Want a quieter sushi restaurant experience rather than conveyor-belt sushi
    • Want to ask about options for children who don’t enjoy raw fish

    Key features:

    • Located on the third floor of Shinagawa Intercity, Tower A
    • Convenient for Shinagawa Station’s Konan Exit
    • Serves Edomae-style sushi prepared by sushi chefs
    • You can consider set meals or order your preferred sushi toppings
    • An opportunity to experience Japanese sushi culture as a family

    If you’ve come all the way to Japan and want to try sushi made by professional chefs, this is an option for your family. Unlike a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, Tsukiji Sushiko offers a more relaxed setting where you place your order and enjoy Edomae-style sushi.

    Choosing their favorite sushi toppings can be fun for children. If your child doesn’t eat raw fish yet, you can choose options such as tamago (egg), sushi rolls, or cooked dishes.

    Some Japanese sushi contains wasabi. For children, ask for “wasabi nuki” (no wasabi).


    4. Barbacoa, Takanawa | Enjoy Churrasco Carved at Your Table

    Best for families who:

    • Want to enjoy a meat-focused meal with their children
    • Enjoy watching food being brought to the table
    • Want a change from Japanese cuisine or a restaurant for a family celebration

    Key features:

    • Located within Wing Takanawa, with convenient station access
    • Specializes in Brazilian-style barbecue called churrasco
    • Staff carve meat for you at the table
    • You can also enjoy the salad bar
    • You can ask about children’s chairs and other needs when booking

    Although it isn’t a Japanese restaurant, Barbacoa is an interactive dining experience I’d recommend for families visiting from abroad. With churrasco, staff bring large cuts of meat to your table and carve them in front of you—something that can make mealtime especially fun for children.

    Your family can try small portions of various cuts and discover their favorites. The salad bar also gives you the option to add vegetables and other dishes alongside the meat.

    When booking, you can tell the restaurant your children’s ages and request items such as kids’ chairs, baby beds, and dining cushions.


    5. LUXE DINING HAPUNA | A Hotel Buffet with Choices for Everyone

    Best for families who:

    • Have different food preferences among adults and children
    • Want to combine a visit to Aqua Park with a meal
    • Want to sample both Japanese and Western dishes
    • Want to spend a little more on a special meal during the trip

    Key features:

    • Located on the first floor of Shinagawa Prince Hotel’s Main Tower
    • A wide range of Japanese and Western buffet dishes
    • Live cooking stations
    • A hotel dining experience that includes desserts
    • Convenient to combine with outings around the Takanawa Exit

    Some parents may want to try Japanese food, while their children prefer familiar dishes. LUXE DINING HAPUNA is handy when everyone wants something different. You can choose from Japanese and Western food and try small portions of unfamiliar dishes, too.

    Watching dishes being prepared at the live cooking stations is part of the fun. The lively, elegant atmosphere can turn a meal between sightseeing activities into a special family experience.

    The restaurant is on the same hotel grounds as Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, making it convenient for lunch or dinner on a day at the aquarium.

    It costs more than a casual restaurant.


    Bonus: Shinagawa Kitchen Food Court for Families with Different Preferences

    If you don’t want to wait a long time at a restaurant, or your children can’t decide what to eat, the Shinagawa Kitchen food court at Shinagawa Prince Hotel is another convenient option.

    At a food court, family members can order different dishes from several vendors and eat together in a shared seating area. Everyone doesn’t need to choose the same type of food.

    However, seating may fill up during busy lunch and dinner periods. Going a little earlier can make things easier.

    Dividing up seating, ordering, and food collection between adults can help when you’re with young children.

    Bonus: Where to Eat and Rest While Exploring Takanawa Gateway

    If you’re visiting Komorebira, MoN Takanawa, or other attractions around Takanawa Gateway, consider taking a break at a nearby café or restaurant instead of going all the way back to Shinagawa Station.

    For example, MoN Takanawa lists a dining venue called MoN Kitchen by Spiral, where you can stop for pasta, desserts, or soft drinks.

    Stopping for food or a break while watching trains and exploring the buildings can help you sightsee at your child’s pace. If you’re shopping at NEWoMan Takanawa, it’s also useful to check where the restaurants are beforehand.

    These are additional stops, separate from the five featured restaurants. Check opening information, current menus, and dishes your children can eat before choosing.

    Tips for Families Visiting Shinagawa from Overseas

    Shinagawa Station is large, so thinking about both the food you want and which side of the station you’re on can save unnecessary walking.

    This is especially helpful when you’re traveling with a stroller or large bags. Choose somewhere on the same side as your hotel or sightseeing destination when possible.

    Takanawa Exit side: Barbacoa, HAPUNA, and Shinagawa Kitchen before or after visiting Aqua Park

    Konan Exit side: Tsubame KITCHEN, Ootoya, and Tsukiji Sushiko before or after a Shinkansen trip

    Weekday lunchtime can be busy with office workers, while weekends also bring sightseers. If you have a tight schedule, reserve a table where possible or plan to eat a little earlier.

    Policies on high chairs, strollers, and food allergies vary by restaurant. If you’re not comfortable speaking Japanese, you can show staff a note describing what equipment or ingredients you need. If someone has a severe allergy, confirm the restaurant can accommodate it before ordering.


    Final Thoughts: Enjoy Japanese Food in Shinagawa with Your Kids

    Shinagawa offers a wide range of dining options, from Japanese-style Western food, teishoku set meals, and chef-made sushi to churrasco and hotel buffets that families can enjoy together.

    Choose according to your sightseeing schedule and your family’s tastes.

    • Tsubame KITCHEN: For families who want to try Japanese-style Hamburg steak
    • Ootoya: For families who want balanced Japanese set meals
    • Tsukiji Sushiko: For families who want sushi prepared by Japanese chefs
    • Barbacoa: For families who want to watch meat carved at the table
    • HAPUNA: For families who want to choose from both Japanese and Western dishes

    On days when you’re short on time or family preferences differ, Shinagawa Kitchen is another option. When sightseeing around Takanawa Gateway, local cafés are worth considering. Adjust your plans to your child’s energy level.

    Check opening days, menus, and facilities for children before visiting, and choose a restaurant where the whole family can enjoy eating in Japan.

  • 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Tokyo’s Bay Area: Odaiba, Toyosu & Ariake

    5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Tokyo’s Bay Area: Odaiba, Toyosu & Ariake

    Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake are great areas for a family day out in Tokyo. Their large shopping complexes make it easy to combine a meal with shopping, indoor play, or a walk by the water.

    Maybe you’d like to try everyday Japanese food, enjoy a special sushi lunch, or find a restaurant that’s as much fun for the children as the sightseeing.

    This guide introduces five family-friendly restaurants in Tokyo’s bay area, plus two extra options: the local food courts and Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai.


    1. 100 Spoons TOYOSU

    Best for:

    • Are traveling with babies or toddlers
    • Have children who want to eat the same food as their parents
    • Want a relaxed sit-down meal
    • Plan to visit LaLaport Toyosu

    Highlights:

    • LaLaport Toyosu 3, 1F
    • Half-size versions of adult dishes
    • Complimentary baby food for different weaning stages
    • Coloring activities and playful features inside
    • Children’s chairs available
    • Strollers welcome

    100 Spoons TOYOSU (100本のスプーン) is a great choice when you want a restaurant that welcomes the whole family. Children can enjoy half-size versions of adult dishes, and complimentary baby food is available for three weaning stages.

    Coloring activities, playful mirrors, and speaking tubes help keep children entertained while they wait. These touches are especially useful with children of different ages. Lunch can get busy, so book ahead or arrive early. Dinner tends to be quieter.


    2. Sachifukuya CAFE – Ariake Garden

    Best for:

    • Want to try a Japanese set meal
    • Want a satisfying lunch or dinner
    • Plan to spend the day at Ariake Garden

    Highlights:

    • Ariake Garden, 5F
    • Casual Japanese food
    • Set-meal style dining
    • Kids’ menu available
    • Children’s chairs available

    Sachifukuya CAFE (さち福やCAFE) is a good choice for families who want to try everyday Japanese food in a casual setting.

    A Japanese set meal, or teishoku, usually includes a main dish, rice, soup, and small side dishes. It’s an easy way to experience the kind of meal people eat in everyday life in Japan.

    With a kids’ menu and children’s chairs available, it’s also a convenient stop during a day at Ariake Garden.


    3. Wa Cafe Tsumugi – Ariake Garden

    Best for:

    • Want Japanese food in a relaxed café setting
    • Enjoy tea or dessert after a meal
    • Need a break during a visit to Ariake Garden

    Highlights:

    • Ariake Garden, 5F
    • Japanese-style meals and drinks
    • Japanese sweets
    • Kids’ menu and children’s chairs available
    • A convenient café break during a mall visit

    Wa Cafe Tsumugi (和カフェつむぎ) is a good option when you’d like Japanese food, tea, and sweets in one place.

    The kids’ menu and children’s chairs make it useful when the adults want a café break but the children still need a meal.

    Choose Sachifukuya CAFE if you’re mainly after a set meal, or Tsumugi if tea and dessert are part of the plan.

    It’s an easy choice for lunch or a relaxed afternoon break at Ariake Garden.


    4. KING OF THE PIRATES – Odaiba

    Best for:

    • Have children who love pirates and pretend adventures
    • Want a fun restaurant experience
    • Would enjoy a meal with an Odaiba view

    Highlights:

    • AQUA CiTY ODAIBA, 5F
    • Pirate-ship-themed restaurant
    • A playful setting that children can enjoy
    • Views from some seats
    • A fun choice for making a meal feel special

    KING OF THE PIRATES is a fun choice for families who want their meal to feel like part of the day’s adventure. The pirate-ship setting gives children something to get excited about before the food arrives.

    If your children love pretend adventures, the surroundings can make an ordinary lunch or dinner a memorable part of your Tokyo trip.

    If you’re lucky with your table, you may also get a lovely view of Odaiba. Not every seat has a view, so ask about seating when you book if that’s important to you.

    Come for the pirate atmosphere and a meal somewhere a little different. There isn’t a regularly scheduled live show.


    5. Sapporo Uogashi 57-ban Ikiiki Sushi – Toyosu

    Best for:

    • Want good sushi in a casual setting
    • Have children who enjoy choosing their own plates
    • Are happy to spend a little more on sushi
    • Plan to shop at LaLaport Toyosu

    Highlights:

    • LaLaport Toyosu, South Port, 3F
    • Order-based conveyor-belt sushi
    • Seafood from Hokkaido and other regions
    • Kids’ menu and children’s chairs available
    • A more premium option than budget sushi chains

    Sapporo Uogashi 57-ban Ikiiki Sushi (札幌魚河岸57番 いきいき寿司) is a great choice when you want something a little more special than a budget sushi chain, with the fun and relaxed atmosphere of conveyor-belt sushi.

    The restaurant serves sushi to order, using seafood from Sapporo’s wholesale market, Toyosu, and other parts of Japan.

    It’s a good way to enjoy delicious sushi while giving children a Japanese dining experience they can join in with.

    If your child doesn’t enjoy raw fish, options such as tamago (egg) sushi and shrimp tempura give them something else to try.


    Bonus: Food Courts When Everyone Wants Something Different

    When everyone wants something different, a food court can make mealtime much easier. Each person can order from a different counter and you can still eat together.

    You’ll find food courts at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba, Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu, and Ariake Garden. They’re useful when restaurant queues are long or nobody can agree on what to eat.

    Try to avoid the busiest times: around 12 noon and 5:30 p.m., especially on weekends and holidays. Eating a little earlier or later makes it easier to find seats.

    Arrive before everyone is too hungry. If the food court is full, you can wait near a table where diners are finishing, then sit down once they’ve left.

    Bonus: Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai for a Japanese-Style Outing

    Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai is worth a visit if you’d like to enjoy a lively Japanese-style setting. You can wander through Edo-inspired streets and browse plenty of seafood restaurants and food stalls.

    Many restaurants here are on the expensive side, so check the menus outside before choosing. You can also get takeout from several places and eat at the outdoor seating.

    Children can enjoy looking around, and events sometimes include ninja shows. These aren’t held every day, so check the official event information if you’d like to see one.

    You don’t need to eat a full meal here to enjoy the visit. It also works well as a short stop to explore during a day in Toyosu.

    Tips for Eating with Kids in the Bay Area

    Choose somewhere near the part of the bay area you’re already visiting. Traveling between Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake just for a meal can be tiring when the children are hungry.


    Final Thoughts

    Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake offer a great mix of everyday Japanese meals, family-friendly cafés, and restaurants that make mealtime part of the fun.

    Here are the five restaurants featured in this guide:

    • 100 Spoons TOYOSU – For a relaxed meal with babies and young children
    • Sachifukuya CAFE – For everyday Japanese set meals at Ariake Garden
    • Wa Cafe Tsumugi – For Japanese food, tea, and sweets at Ariake Garden
    • KING OF THE PIRATES – For pirate-themed fun and a possible Odaiba view
    • Ikiiki Sushi – For a slightly more special, family-friendly sushi meal

    If choosing a restaurant starts to feel like hard work, a food court is an easy alternative. Eating before the busiest times can make a family outing much smoother.

    For a little extra exploring, add Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai to your day. You can enjoy the streets and atmosphere even if you have your main meal elsewhere.

  • Shabu-Shabu Guide: Try Japan’s Fun “Cook Your Own” Hot Pot Experience with Your Family

    Shabu-Shabu Guide: Try Japan’s Fun “Cook Your Own” Hot Pot Experience with Your Family

    What Is Shabu-Shabu?

    Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where you cook thin slices of meat by gently moving them through a pot of hot soup for a few seconds.

    The name “shabu-shabu” comes from the sound of moving the meat through the hot broth.

    The most common ingredients are:

    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Vegetables
    • Mushrooms
    • Tofu
    • Chicken meatballs
    • Udon noodles

    Unlike many restaurant meals, shabu-shabu is a meal where you cook your own food at the table.

    This makes it a fun experience, especially for children who enjoy watching their food being prepared right in front of them.


    Different Types of Shabu-Shabu Restaurants in Japan

    There are many different styles of shabu-shabu restaurants in Japan.

    Generally, they can be divided into two categories:

    1. All-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurants

    These are the easiest option for families and first-time visitors.

    Shabu-Yo

    Shabu-Yo is one of the most popular family-friendly shabu-shabu chains in Japan.

    Why it is recommended:

    • Affordable prices
    • Tablet ordering (easy even for visitors)
    • Large vegetable bar
    • All-you-can-eat meat and vegetables
    • Casual atmosphere

    It is a great choice if you want to try shabu-shabu without worrying about the menu.

    On-Yasai

    On-Yasai is another popular all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu chain.

    Compared with Shabu-Yo:

    • The atmosphere is a little more relaxed
    • Staff usually bring ingredients to your table instead of having you pick everything up yourself
    • Prices are slightly higher

    It is a good choice for families who want a more comfortable dining experience.


    2. Course-style shabu-shabu restaurants

    If you want higher-quality meat and a more traditional Japanese dining experience, course-style restaurants are a great option.

    However, some traditional restaurants may not be ideal for young children, so checking in advance is recommended.

    Kisoji

    Kisoji is a well-known shabu-shabu restaurant that offers course meals.

    It is recommended because:

    • Families are welcome
    • Some locations have private rooms
    • The atmosphere is more traditional
    • Good-quality meat is available

    Ume-no-Hana

    Ume-no-Hana is not a shabu-shabu specialty restaurant, but it offers shabu-shabu along with traditional tofu-based Japanese cuisine.

    It is also known as a family-friendly restaurant with a calm atmosphere.


    Shabu-Shabu Is a Great First Japanese Food Experience

    For travelers trying Japanese food for the first time, shabu-shabu is one of the easiest choices.

    Why?

    • The flavor is mild and not too strong
    • You can choose what ingredients you like
    • Children can enjoy cooking their own food
    • Everyone can eat at their own pace

    For children, watching meat and vegetables cook right in front of them can feel like a fun activity rather than just a meal.


    Tips for Enjoying Shabu-Shabu

    Use separate chopsticks for raw meat

    When adding raw meat to the hot pot, use the provided cooking chopsticks or dedicated utensils.

    Do not use your personal eating chopsticks for raw meat.


    Add rice or noodles at the end

    After finishing the meat and vegetables, many Japanese people enjoy adding:

    • Rice
    • Udon noodles

    to the remaining soup.

    The broth becomes full of flavor and makes a delicious final dish.


    Make reservations for popular restaurants

    For restaurants such as Kisoji or Ume-no-Hana, reservations are recommended, especially:

    • Weekends
    • Holidays
    • Dinner time

    Some restaurants may be fully booked if you visit without a reservation.


    Be careful with children around the hot pot

    The pot and cooking equipment are placed on the table, so young children should be supervised.

    For families with toddlers, restaurants with larger tables or private rooms can make the experience more comfortable.


    Final Thoughts

    Shabu-shabu is more than just a meal — it is a fun Japanese dining experience.

    Cooking your own food at the table, choosing your favorite ingredients, and sharing a hot pot together makes it a memorable activity for the whole family.

    If you are looking for a Japanese meal that both adults and children can enjoy, shabu-shabu is definitely worth adding to your Tokyo travel itinerary.

    If you’re staying near Tokyo Disney Resort, we also recommend Shabu-Yo in our family-friendly restaurant guide to Kasai and Nishi-Kasai.

  • 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Kasai & Nishi-Kasai: Great Options for a Tokyo Disney Trip

    5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Kasai & Nishi-Kasai: Great Options for a Tokyo Disney Trip

    Kasai and Nishi-Kasai are great areas to stay for families visiting Tokyo. They offer convenient access to Tokyo Disney Resort, while hotels in the area are often more affordable than those in central Tokyo.

    If you’re considering staying in the area, see our family guide to staying in Kasai with kids.

    Around both stations, you’ll find a wide range of family-friendly restaurants, from casual family restaurants to authentic Japanese cuisine.

    Maybe you want to try Japanese food while you’re in Japan, but you’re worried about bringing young children to a high-end restaurant.

    If that sounds familiar, here are five family-friendly restaurants in Kasai and Nishi-Kasai that are worth checking out during your trip.


    1. Italian Kitchen VANSAN – Kasai & Nishi-Kasai

    Best for:

    • Want to enjoy Italian food with their children
    • Like pasta and pizza
    • Want a slightly nicer restaurant without being too formal
    • Are traveling with a stroller

    Highlights:

    • Locations in both Kasai and Nishi-Kasai
    • Family-friendly Italian restaurant
    • Plenty of kid-friendly dishes, including pasta, pizza, and kids’ meals
    • Kids’ space and children’s chairs available
    • Baby food available
    • Strollers are welcome

    VANSAN is an Italian restaurant designed to be casual and comfortable for families. The Nishi-Kasai location has 78 seats and is particularly convenient for families, with a kids’ space, children’s chairs, and stroller-friendly access.

    When you’re traveling in Japan, you may eventually want a break from Japanese food. VANSAN is a great choice when the family is craving pizza or pasta.


    2. Shabu-Yo Nishi-Kasai Station

    Best for:

    • Want to try a traditional Japanese meal
    • Want to eat plenty of meat and vegetables
    • Enjoy all-you-can-eat restaurants
    • Want their children to have a fun dining experience

    Highlights:

    • All-you-can-eat shabu-shabu
    • Unlimited meat and vegetables
    • Special pricing for children
    • You choose the ingredients you want
    • Close to Nishi-Kasai Station

    Shabu-Yo is a great option for families who want to experience shabu-shabu during their trip to Japan.

    Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where you cook thinly sliced meat and vegetables yourself in a pot of hot broth.

    The interactive style makes it fun for children, too.

    Because it’s all-you-can-eat, everyone can choose what they like, even when parents and children have very different tastes.

    Young children can eat for free, while there are also special prices for elementary school-aged children, making it a particularly good-value option for families.

    New to shabu-shabu? Read our family guide to eating shabu-shabu in Japan to learn how it works and what to expect.


    3. Marugame Seimen Nishi-Kasai Metro Center

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    Best for:

    • Want a quick and easy Japanese meal
    • Want to keep food costs down
    • Need somewhere convenient for lunch between sightseeing activities

    Highlights:

    • Easy way to try Japanese udon
    • Tempura and rice balls are also available
    • Budget-friendly
    • Right by Nishi-Kasai Station
    • Takeout is available

    Marugame Seimen Nishi-Kasai Metro Center is a very convenient choice for families looking for a quick lunch during their Japan trip.

    Udon noodles are generally easy for children to eat, and everyone can choose their own combination of udon, tempura, and rice balls.

    Traveling with children can make long restaurant meals tiring, and eating out for every meal can also become expensive.

    When you just want an easy Japanese meal, Marugame Seimen is a great option.


    4. Sakura Sushi Kasai

    Best for:

    • Want to try authentic sushi
    • Want to experience a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant rather than a conveyor-belt restaurant
    • Want to enjoy sushi with their children

    Highlights:

    • About a 5-minute walk from Kasai Station
    • Authentic sushi
    • Table seating is available
    • Children are welcome
    • Lunch is available on weekends and holidays

    Sakura Sushi is a good choice for families who want to say, “We came all the way to Japan, so we want to try some real sushi!”

    The restaurant was reopened as Sakura Sushi after a sushi restaurant that had operated in Kasai for more than 40 years closed in 2022.

    The restaurant added table seating in addition to counter seating, making it easier for families with children to enjoy a meal. Children and families are also welcome.

    High-end sushi restaurants can sometimes feel intimidating with young children, but Sakura Sushi offers a more relaxed way to enjoy authentic Japanese sushi as a family.


    5. Kimi no Hamburg wo Tabetai – Kasai

    Best for:

    • Want to try Japanese-style hamburg steak
    • Have children who love meat
    • Want to try Japanese “yoshoku” cuisine
    • Want a restaurant close to Kasai Station

    Highlights:

    • About a 2-minute walk from Kasai Station
    • Kids’ menu available
    • English menu available
    • Hamburg steak served with freshly cooked rice
    • Sofa seating available

    Kimi no Hamburg wo Tabetai is a great choice for families who want to try a Japanese take on Western-style food.

    Hamburg steak is especially popular among Japanese children, so it’s also an easy option for kids who may not be used to Japanese food.

    The restaurant serves freshly ground and grilled hamburg steaks with rice cooked in a traditional Japanese rice pot. An English menu and children’s menu are also available.

    One thing to note: strollers are not allowed inside the restaurant.

    Since it’s only about a 2-minute walk from Kasai Station, it’s also a convenient choice for dinner before heading back to your hotel.


    Tips for Eating with Kids in Kasai & Nishi-Kasai

    Many family-friendly restaurants are located close to the stations in Kasai and Nishi-Kasai.

    You can choose a restaurant based on where you’re staying:

    Around Kasai Station
    → VANSAN, Sakura Sushi, and Kimi no Hamburg wo Tabetai

    Around Nishi-Kasai Station
    → VANSAN, Shabu-Yo, and Marugame Seimen

    Another advantage of staying in Kasai or Nishi-Kasai is that you can have dinner close to your hotel after spending the day at Tokyo Disney Resort.

    If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, compare our recommended family-friendly hotels in Kasai and Nishi-Kasai.

    This can be especially helpful when traveling with young children who are already tired after a full day at the theme park.


    Final Thoughts

    Kasai and Nishi-Kasai offer a great variety of family-friendly restaurants, from authentic Japanese food to dishes that are familiar and easy for children to enjoy.

    Here are the five restaurants featured in this guide:

    • VANSAN – For casual Italian food the whole family can enjoy
    • Shabu-Yo – For an all-you-can-eat Japanese shabu-shabu experience
    • Marugame Seimen – For affordable and easy Japanese udon
    • Sakura Sushi – For authentic sushi in a family-friendly setting
    • Kimi no Hamburg wo Tabetai – For a Japanese-style hamburg steak meal close to the station

    Kasai and Nishi-Kasai aren’t just convenient for getting to Tokyo Disney Resort. They’re also great places to stay if you want plenty of family-friendly restaurants close to your hotel.

    After a full day at Disney, being able to have a relaxed dinner just a short walk from your hotel can make traveling with young children much easier.

  • 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Kaihin-Makuhari: Great Dining Options Near Tokyo Disneyland

    5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Kaihin-Makuhari: Great Dining Options Near Tokyo Disneyland

    Kaihin-Makuhari is one of the best areas to stay for families visiting Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, or central Tokyo. With spacious hotels, large parks, and convenient shopping, it’s a relaxing alternative to staying in the busy city center.

    Many international visitors ask, “Where can we eat with kids?” or “We’d like to try Japanese food, but will our children enjoy it too?”

    This guide introduces five family-friendly restaurants near Kaihin-Makuhari Station that are easy to visit with children, from authentic sushi to casual family restaurants.

    If you’re still deciding whether to stay in the area, see our family guide to staying in Kaihin-Makuhari.


    1. Sushi Yamato Kaihin-Makuhari

    Best for:

    • Want to try authentic Japanese sushi
    • Love fresh seafood
    • Want something more special than conveyor-belt sushi

    Highlights:

    • About a 3-minute walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station
    • Fresh seafood at reasonable prices
    • Comfortable table seating for families
    • English menus are sometimes available

    If you’d like to experience a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant without the intimidating atmosphere of a luxury sushi bar, Sushi Yamato is a great choice.

    High-end sushi restaurants can be difficult to visit with young children, while conveyor-belt sushi may feel too casual for some travelers. Sushi Yamato offers a nice balance—excellent quality in a family-friendly setting.


    2. Sushiro Kaihin-Makuhari

    Best for:

    • Want to experience Japan’s famous conveyor-belt sushi
    • Need plenty of kid-friendly menu options
    • Want a delicious meal without spending too much

    Highlights:

    • One of Japan’s most popular conveyor-belt sushi chains
    • Touchscreen ordering available in multiple languages, including English
    • Sushi, noodles, desserts, and children’s favorites
    • Easy and fun for first-time visitors

    Conveyor-belt sushi has become popular around the world, but eating at Sushiro in Japan is still a unique experience.

    Children usually enjoy choosing dishes from the touchscreen menu, and there are plenty of non-sushi options if someone in the family isn’t a seafood fan.


    3. Yakitori Sumire Kaihin-Makuhari

    Best for:

    • Want to try Japanese grilled chicken (yakitori)
    • Would like a casual Japanese dining experience
    • Prefer a relaxed family dinner

    Highlights:

    • Popular yakitori restaurant chain
    • Kid-friendly menu available
    • Spacious tables for families
    • Wide variety of dishes beyond grilled chicken

    The word izakaya (Japanese pub) may sound unsuitable for children, but Sumire welcomes many families.

    Besides delicious grilled chicken skewers, you’ll also find rice dishes, noodles, French fries, and desserts, making it easy for even picky eaters to find something they’ll enjoy.


    4. Capricciosa Plena Makuhari

    Best for:

    • Love pizza and pasta
    • Want familiar food for younger children
    • Enjoy sharing large dishes

    Highlights:

    • Large selection of pasta, pizza, and salads
    • Generous portions perfect for sharing
    • Kids’ menu available
    • About a 2-minute walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station

    Even if you love Japanese food, eating it every day during your trip can become repetitive.

    Capricciosa is a popular Italian restaurant where families can relax and share large dishes together, making it an easy choice during a busy sightseeing day.


    5. Gusto Plena Makuhari

    Best for:

    • Want an easy, affordable meal
    • Need plenty of child-friendly menu options
    • Want to experience a Japanese family restaurant

    Highlights:

    • One of Japan’s most popular family restaurant chains
    • Excellent kids’ menu
    • Unlimited self-service drink bar
    • Budget-friendly prices

    Gusto is one of the easiest restaurants for international families.

    The menu includes Japanese, Western, and Chinese-style dishes, so everyone can usually find something they like.

    One fun surprise for children is the famous cat-shaped serving robot, which often delivers your food directly to the table!


    Bonus: Tony Roma’s Makuhari WBG

    If your family is craving steak or barbecue after several days of Japanese food, Tony Roma’s is a solid option.

    Although it’s an American restaurant, it’s well established in Japan and known for its barbecue ribs and steaks.

    It wouldn’t be my first recommendation for visitors wanting to experience Japanese cuisine, but it’s a good choice if you’re staying in Japan for a longer trip and want a familiar meal.


    Tips for Dining with Kids in Kaihin-Makuhari

    Kaihin-Makuhari has many family hotels and shopping complexes, so restaurants here are generally welcoming to children.

    Most are within walking distance of the station, making them convenient even with a stroller.

    You’ll also find dozens of restaurants inside AEON MALL Makuhari New City, but in this guide I’ve focused on restaurants near Kaihin-Makuhari Station.


    Final Thoughts

    Kaihin-Makuhari offers a great mix of authentic Japanese restaurants and family-friendly dining options.

    Here’s a quick guide:

    • Sushi Yamato – Best for authentic sushi in a relaxed atmosphere
    • Sushiro – Best for experiencing Japan’s famous conveyor-belt sushi
    • Yakitori Sumire – Best for casual Japanese grilled chicken and family dinners
    • Capricciosa – Best for sharing pizza and pasta with the whole family
    • Gusto – Best for affordable meals with plenty of kid-friendly choices

    If you’re staying in Kaihin-Makuhari while visiting Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, or exploring Tokyo, these restaurants are excellent places to enjoy a relaxing family meal and experience Japanese dining without the stress of crowded tourist areas.