Tag: Toyosu

  • 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.

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

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

    Looking for a Tokyo hotel where the whole family can slow down after sightseeing? Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake are worth a closer look.

    Tokyo’s bay area combines waterfront walks, large shopping complexes, and hotels with a wider choice of room layouts. It can work particularly well when your plans include Odaiba, teamLab Planets, or a day at Tokyo Disney Resort.

    The best location depends on your itinerary. Odaiba has plenty of indoor play spaces for children. Toyosu offers convenient subway access and attractions such as KidZania and teamLab Planets. Ariake has a family-friendly shopping complex as well as museums such as the Tokyo Water Science Museum and SMALL WORLDS.

    Not sure whether Odaiba, Toyosu, or Ariake is the best fit? Start with our family guide to Tokyo’s Bay Area.

    This guide introduces five recommended hotels for a family stay.


    Recommended Tokyo Bay Area Hotels Comparison

    HotelStation AccessA Good Fit For
    Grand Nikko Tokyo DaibaDirectly connected to DaibaRelaxed Odaiba stays
    Hilton Tokyo OdaibaDirectly connected to DaibaOdaiba sightseeing and hotel comfort
    Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo AriakeAriake: about 4 min walkBabies and younger children
    Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay AriakeKokusai-tenjijo / Tokyo Big Sight: about 3 min walkTokyo sightseeing and a Disney day
    Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu PremierDirectly connected to Toyosu subway stationEasy transport, shopping, and meals

    Airport buses have limited departures. Check the current timetable and reservation details before matching a bus to your flight.

    If you’re traveling with young children, I definitely recommend a private airport transfer over the limousine bus.

    It takes you directly from Haneda or Narita Airport to your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about bus schedules, transfers, or carrying luggage while keeping an eye on your children.

    You can book a private airport transfer in advance through Klook.


    Planning a Day at Tokyo Disney Resort?

    From Toyosu

    Toyosu
    → Shin-Kiba (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    → Maihama (JR Keiyo Line)

    From Odaiba / Ariake

    Odaiba / Ariake
    → Shin-Kiba (Rinkai Line)
    → Maihama (JR Keiyo Line)

    Depending on your hotel, you may also need a short walk or an additional connection to reach the nearest station.

    Hilton Tokyo Odaiba and Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake also offer complimentary Good Neighbor Hotel shuttles to Tokyo Disney Resort. Advance reservations are required and seats are limited, so check early if you plan to use them.


    1. Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

    Highlights:

    • Directly connected to Daiba Station on the Yurikamome line
    • Odaiba’s shopping malls and waterfront close by
    • Limousine buses from both Haneda and Narita

    Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is a good choice for families who want to relax at the hotel as well as explore Odaiba. With shops and restaurants nearby, it is easy to take breaks at your children’s pace.

    Many rooms are spacious, giving families room to relax during their stay. Having shopping and dining nearby is also very convenient. Some rooms offer lovely views, so a room with a view is worth considering if you have the option.


    2. Hilton Tokyo Odaiba

    Highlights:

    • Directly connected to Daiba Station on the Yurikamome line
    • Convenient for Odaiba outings and nearby shopping
    • Limousine buses from both Haneda and Narita

    Hilton Tokyo Odaiba is a good choice for families who want to enjoy both Odaiba outings and time at the hotel. Its direct station connection is convenient when traveling with a stroller or suitcases.

    The hotel’s shuttle to Tokyo Disney Resort makes it convenient if a Disney visit is on your itinerary. Many reviews mention the friendly, helpful staff, which can be reassuring on a first trip to Japan. Grand Nikko is very close by, so it is worth comparing the two based on your preferred room and the rates for your travel dates.


    3. Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake

    Highlights:

    • A particularly appealing option for babies and younger children
    • Certified Welcome Baby accommodation, with designated room options
    • Shopping and meals within the Ariake Garden complex

    Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake is a hotel to put on your shortlist when traveling with little ones. It has Welcome Baby certification and offers rooms designed with babies in mind. Not every room has the same baby-friendly setup, so check the designated room types when booking.

    Some rooms have a tatami area where children who move around in their sleep can sleep at floor level, without the worry of rolling off a bed. The direct connection to the shopping complex makes meals and shopping convenient even on rainy or hot days. It is also easy to return to the hotel for a nap and a short rest.


    4. Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake

    Highlights:

    • About 3 minutes’ walk from Kokusai-tenjijo and Tokyo Big Sight stations
    • Limousine buses from both Haneda and Narita
    • A reserved, complimentary shuttle for a Disney day

    Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake is worth considering for a trip that combines Tokyo sightseeing and Tokyo Disney Resort. Two nearby stations and airport bus stops at the hotel make it a practical base.

    Guest reviews include praise for the rooms’ cleanliness and space, as well as the convenience of the Disney shuttle. Room sizes and facilities vary, so choose a room that suits your family.


    5. Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu Premier

    Highlights:

    • Directly connected to Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho subway line
    • LaLaport close by for shopping and family meals
    • Convenient airport buses to Toyosu Station

    Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu Premier is worth considering for families who prioritize convenient transport. It is directly connected to Toyosu subway station, with LaLaport close by. The location makes it easy to head out sightseeing or stay nearby for meals and shopping.

    Rooms here tend to be smaller overall than those at the Ariake and Odaiba hotels featured in this guide. Some reviewers also say they would have liked a larger bed, so it is worth looking through the room photos when choosing your room.


    Final Thoughts

    For an Odaiba stay, compare Grand Nikko and Hilton. For younger children, take a look at Villa Fontaine; for a Disney day, Sotetsu is another useful option. Mitsui Garden is appealing if you value Toyosu’s transport links and nearby shopping.

    Looking for easy places to eat nearby? See our guide to family-friendly restaurants in Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake.

    Before booking, check these three things:

    • The number of beds and the rules for children’s stays and bed-sharing
    • The total price for your family, including breakfast
    • Airport bus stops, departure times, and reservations

    Use this guide as a starting point to find a hotel that suits your children’s ages and the places your family wants to visit.

  • Why Tokyo’s Bay Area Is a Great Place to Stay for Families: Odaiba, Toyosu & Ariake

    Why Tokyo’s Bay Area Is a Great Place to Stay for Families: Odaiba, Toyosu & Ariake

    When planning a family trip to Tokyo, it is natural to look for hotels in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or near Tokyo Station.

    But with children, a good location also means having somewhere nearby to eat, play, buy supplies, and take a break.

    Tokyo’s waterfront offers another way to plan your stay: combine city sightseeing with shopping malls, indoor attractions, and time beside the bay.

    The bay area is especially appealing if your family wants:

    • Child-friendly activities close to your hotel
    • Shopping and meal options in large malls
    • A quieter place to stay after busy sightseeing days
    • A Tokyo stay that can also include a Disney day

    Still comparing where to stay? See our guide to the best family-friendly areas to stay in Tokyo.


    What Is Tokyo’s Bay Area Like?

    In this guide, “Tokyo’s bay area” means Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake on Tokyo’s waterfront—not the whole coastline around Tokyo Bay.

    Expect modern buildings, shopping complexes, parks, and wide views of the water. This is a different setting from the narrow shopping streets and historic neighborhoods you may picture when imagining Tokyo.

    The important point is that these are three separate areas, not one compact neighborhood where everything is beside the same station.

    Use these differences when choosing your base:

    • Odaiba: UNKO MUSEUM, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, and large shopping complexes
    • Toyosu: LaLaport Toyosu, KidZania Tokyo, and Tokyo Metro access
    • Ariake: Ariake Garden, the Tokyo Water Science Museum, and SMALL WORLDS
    • Yurikamome: links the waterfront districts with Shimbashi and Toyosu
    • Rinkai Line: useful for Odaiba and Ariake, with connections beyond the bay

    Check the hotel’s nearest station and the actual route to the places you plan to visit. A “Tokyo Bay” hotel name alone does not tell you how convenient it will be.

    Toyosu Station and the Toyosu Market area are separate locations. The market is a two-minute Yurikamome ride from Toyosu Station.


    1. Easy Access to Tokyo Disney Resort

    A bay-area stay can work well if Tokyo Disney Resort is one part of a wider Tokyo itinerary.

    The usual rail routes involve changing at Shin-kiba:

    Odaiba / Ariake → Rinkai Line to Shin-kiba → JR Keiyo Line to Maihama (about 30–40 minutes)

    Toyosu → Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Shin-kiba → JR Keiyo Line to Maihama (about 15–20 minutes)

    Maihama is the gateway to the resort; allow extra time to reach your chosen park. For several Disney days or frequent hotel breaks, staying closer to the resort may be more practical.


    2. Convenient for Tokyo Sightseeing

    The best transport option depends on which part of the bay you choose and where you want to go.

    The main connections to keep in mind are:

    • Toyosu: the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line takes you to the Ginza and Yurakucho area in about 10 minutes.
    • Odaiba and Ariake: the Rinkai Line takes you toward Shibuya and Shinjuku in about 20 minutes.
      (Note that not all trains run directly to Shibuya or Shinjuku, so check the destination.)

    Stations worth checking when comparing hotel locations include:

    • Odaiba: Tokyo Teleport, Daiba, and Odaiba-kaihinkoen stations
    • Ariake: Kokusai-tenjijo, Ariake, and Ariake-tennis-no-mori stations
    • Toyosu: Toyosu and Shin-toyosu stations

    The elevated Yurikamome ride can itself be fun for children. However, if most of your itinerary is around Ueno or Asakusa, I would not recommend staying here because of the travel time.


    3. Family-Friendly Hotels with Convenient Nearby Facilities

    The bay area has hotels worth comparing for room layouts, nearby facilities, and waterfront settings.

    When comparing hotels and room types, useful starting points include:

    Many bay-area hotels have rooms with beautiful night views. Large shopping complexes near the hotels also make dinner and shopping convenient.

    For more options, compare our recommended family-friendly hotels in Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake.


    4. Family-Friendly Attractions Across the Bay Area

    Staying here makes it easier to build a day around one main activity, with a meal and a break nearby.

    Odaiba: Waterfront Walks and Indoor Discovery

    Odaiba combines waterfront scenery with shopping and indoor sightseeing.

    Possible stops include:

    • Odaiba Marine Park for a walk beside the bay
    • DECKS Tokyo Beach or Aqua City Odaiba for food and shopping
    • Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
    • Indoor attractions for children, including UNKO MUSEUM, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, and Round One

    Odaiba has so many places to play and explore that a single day is not enough to enjoy them all.


    Toyosu: KidZania and teamLab Planets

    LaLaport Toyosu is a large shopping complex directly connected to Toyosu Station. Inside, KidZania Tokyo offers job role-play activities for children aged 3–15. English programs are also available, making it an option even if your children do not speak Japanese.

    teamLab Planets is near Shin-toyosu Station. Children can enjoy it too, so it is worth considering during a stay in Toyosu.

    Same-day tickets may not be available for either KidZania or teamLab Planets, so booking ahead is a good idea.


    Ariake: Indoor Play at Ariake Garden

    BorneLund KID-O-KID at Ariake Garden is an indoor play space that families can enjoy with babies and toddlers, including little ones aged around 0–2.

    It is useful when children need active play rather than another sightseeing stop.

    A simple Ariake Garden day can combine:

    • A session at KID-O-KID
    • Lunch in the mall’s food court or restaurants
    • Shopping for snacks or everyday supplies

    There are also museums children can enjoy, such as SMALL WORLDS and the Tokyo Water Science Museum.

    Traveling with a baby or toddler? See our guide to the best indoor play areas in Tokyo for ages 0–2.


    5. A Comfortable Area for Families

    One of the bay area’s biggest advantages is how easily a shopping stop can also become a meal break or a change of plan.

    That helps when:

    • Your child needs a snack sooner than expected
    • You need replacement clothes or daily supplies
    • Everyone wants a different kind of meal
    • Rain or summer heat makes outdoor sightseeing difficult

    LaLaport Toyosu, Ariake Garden, and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza bring shops and dining together. They also have food courts, saving you the trouble of walking around looking for a restaurant that can accommodate a stroller.

    Looking for easy places to eat with kids? See our guide to family-friendly restaurants in Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake.

    These large shopping complexes also have well-equipped nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities, making shopping and meals easier with young children.

    The streets are also wider than in Shibuya or Shinjuku, making it easier to get around with a stroller.


    How to Get to Tokyo’s Bay Area

    From Narita Airport

    By Train

    Narita Airport → Narita Express to Tokyo Station → JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi → Yurikamome to Daiba, Ariake, or Toyosu
    (About 2 hours)

    By Airport Limousine Bus

    Managing a stroller and large suitcases on stairs, or searching for elevators during train transfers, can be hard work. Tokyo Station and Shimbashi Station have many stairs in particular. For families traveling with children, the limousine bus is by far the easier option.

    • Take a bus serving the Shiba, Shiodome, Takeshiba, Odaiba, and Ariake area to a stop near your hotel.
    • Many airport-departure limousine bus services only sell tickets on the day of travel, so check whether you can book yours in advance.

    From Haneda Airport

    By Train

    Odaiba and Ariake

    Haneda Airport → Tokyo Monorail to Tennozu Isle → Rinkai Line to Tokyo Teleport or Kokusai-tenjijo Station

    Toyosu

    Haneda Airport → Tokyo Monorail to Tennozu Isle → Rinkai Line to Shin-kiba → Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Toyosu

    • There is some distance between the Tokyo Monorail and Rinkai Line stations at Tennozu Isle, so you will need to walk between them.

    By Airport Bus or Taxi

    • Limousine bus: some services stop right outside hotels, so check the routes when choosing where to stay.
    • Taxi: around 30 minutes, costing approximately ¥7,000–¥10,000.

    Haneda Airport is close to the bay area, making it an especially convenient base if you are flying into Haneda.


    My Top Recommendation for Families: Private Airport Transfer

    If you’re traveling with children, I definitely recommend booking a private airport transfer rather than taking the limousine bus.

    You’ll be picked up at the airport and taken directly to your hotel, so there’s no need to worry about bus schedules, transfers, or carrying luggage while keeping an eye on your children.

    From Haneda Airport → Tokyo Bay Area hotels: about 20–30 minutes by car

    From Narita Airport → Tokyo Bay Area hotels: about 60–90 minutes by car


    Who Should Stay in Tokyo’s Bay Area?

    Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake are especially worth considering for families who:

    ✓ Want waterfront attractions to be part of the trip
    ✓ Prefer meals and shopping close to planned activities
    ✓ Need indoor options for rainy or very hot days
    ✓ Are happy to use trains between neighborhoods
    ✓ Plan a mix of Tokyo sightseeing and a Disney day


    Summary: Tokyo’s Bay Area Is a Comfortable Base for Family Trips

    The bay area is a strong option when you want your hotel surroundings to be part of the holiday, with places to play, eat, and slow down.

    For families, the biggest advantages are:

    • Family-friendly attractions across Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake.
    • Shopping, restaurants, and everyday essentials close to many hotels.
    • Indoor options for rainy days and hot summer weather.
    • Convenient access to central Tokyo and Tokyo Disney Resort, depending on the area.
    • Wide streets and a more relaxed waterfront atmosphere.

    If most of your itinerary is in Ueno, Asakusa, or other parts of central Tokyo, compare travel times carefully before booking. The bay area works best when you plan to enjoy the waterfront itself.

    For families who want to combine Tokyo sightseeing with indoor play, shopping, and practical meal stops, Odaiba, Toyosu, and Ariake are worth considering.