Going to Izakaya with Kids
Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Kay
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If you’re a parent visiting Japan or living here, you might be wondering whether children are allowed in izakaya. I’m a parent who has lived in Japan for over fifteen years so I thought I would share my experience.
For those who don’t know, izakaya are drinking establishments where you can enjoy lots of nibbles with different drinks. They’re usually affordable and a great place to catch up with friends or relax after work with colleagues.
But what about kids?
Since izakaya are places where people drink alcohol, like a bar, it might seem like you can’t take kids there. And there are plenty of izakaya that will not allow anyone under the age of 20 (the legal drinking age in Japan), especially small local izakaya.
However, this isn’t the case with all izakaya in Japan. In fact, some allow children and even have drink menus for kids! (Without alcohol in them, of course.)
I’ve been going to izakaya with my daughter and husband (a Japanese national born and raised in the country) since my child was two years old. These izakaya are non-smoking, had food our daughter enjoyed, and we didn’t go late at night.
We like going to izakaya because they have lots of different food, so it’s fun to share many small dishes with each other. And yes, I will have a drink or two if my husband isn’t drinking. (If you haven’t been to izakaya before, do not get wine. Instead, get a draft beer (so good, especially in summer) or try a lemon or yuzu chuhai or sour (my favorites!)).
But please limit yourself if you’re drinking. I suggest one parent stay sober so they can properly watch the kids.
Some izakaya have all-you-can-drink (nomihoudai/飲み放題) but I really don’t recommend doing this if you have young children to take care of.
Other important tips include avoiding going on Friday and Saturday evenings because that’s when izakaya are the busiest (with rowdy patrons), and trying to leave by 8 PM at the latest. The later at night you go, the more inebriated people you’re likely to encounter.
Note that izakaya also typically do not have high chairs, changing tables, or cutlery for kids, although there are a few that have kids cutlery.
Now that’s all out of the way, you’re probably wondering what are some kid-friendly izakaya in Japan. I’ve compiled a list of my favorites. Many of these are chains located across the country so they’re easy to find anywhere and are non-smoking.
Kid-Friendly Izakaya in Japan
Torikizoku
This is an affordable and family-friendly izakaya that specializes in chicken (tori in Japanese), particularly yakitori.
They have kids’ drinks and children ages six and under can drink as much as they want for 370 yen!
Tami (魚民)
This is an izakaya with a kids’ room and one of my favorites. The kids’ room has space where young kids can enjoy playing while parents can eat at the table.
The room is free for two hours. After that, it’s 500 yen per person, but two hours is more than enough for us.
Kids can order a kid’s meal that comes with unlimited free drinks.
They will also get a coin to use in a gacha machine to get a toy!
Needless to say, my daughter absolutely loves going here. The only problem is tearing her away when it’s time to go!
Similar to Wara Wara, it’s best to make a reservation in advance if you want this room.
There are locations with kids rooms in Namba (Osaka), as well as the following in Tokyo:
You can find other locations throughout the country on their website.
Hachi Umeda
Specializing in gyoza, this izakaya in Osaka has an extensive menu with other food including fries, sashimi, karaage fried chicken, and more!
They don’t have drinks specifically for kids but they have plenty of soft drinks (my daughter likes Calpis).
Tori Mero (鳥メロ)
This is another izakaya that specializes in yakitori but they also serve kushiage, another skewed food dish. They have a huge menu that includes edamame, fries, salad, and even ramen!
Tori Mero also has a 330 yen all-you-can-drink menu for kids, which is a great deal!
Kushikatsu Tanaka
This is one of my favorite izakaya to visit with my daughter because their kids’ menu is amazing! Kids ages six and under get a free plate of takoyaki (which they have to make themselves) and ice cream — how great is that?
Children can also get a free drink if they play rock-paper-scissors with the staff, and they can get a free capsule toy at the end of their meal!
Hana no Mai (はなの舞)
This izakaya has an extensive menu but best of all, certain locations have a kids’ room! However, it can be very hard to snag a reservation for one of these rooms.
Wara Wara (笑笑)
Alongside a huge menu with hotpot, seafood, and fried dishes, Wara Wara offers a kids’ meal, too!