Going to Izakaya with Kids
Last Updated on August 7, 2026 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 (some have smoking booths, though), had food our daughter enjoyed, and we didn’t have to wait until nightfall to dine (some are even open during the day!).
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.
What about smoking?
Japan’s smoking laws changed in April 2020. Under the revised Health Promotion Act, restaurants are generally non-smoking indoors, although designated smoking rooms are allowed. There are also exceptions for certain small restaurants that were already operating before the law changed.
This means you might still come across a small izakaya where smoking is allowed. However, the large chain izakaya I’ve listed below generally have non-smoking dining areas. Some branches have separate smoking booths, so I recommend checking the individual location before visiting if this is a concern.
Now that’s all out of the way, you’re probably wondering what some kid-friendly izakaya in Japan are. I’ve compiled a list of my favorites. Many of these are chains located across the country, so they’re relatively easy to find.
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 390 yen!
We have been to various branches across Osaka many times with our daughter, and none have allowed smoking (although some have smoking booths).
For example, the Torikizoku Minoh branch has a separate indoor smoking booth, but smoking is not allowed in the main dining area.
Here are their locations throughout Japan.
Uotami (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 kids’ 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. Also, make sure you’re on time (better yet, 5 minutes early) because a reader told me she was five minutes late and they cancelled her reservation!
There are locations with kids’ rooms in Tokyo:
You can find other locations throughout the country on their website.
The chain also has other izakaya with kid-friendly rooms in Namba (Osaka) and Dotonbori (Osaka).
Tori Mero (鳥メロ)
This is another izakaya that specializes in yakitori but they also serve kushiage, another skewered 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!
Find Tori Mero locations on Google Maps
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 play rock-paper-scissors with the staff for the chance to get a free soft drink. If it’s a draw, the drink is half price, and if they lose, you pay the regular price.
They also have children’s plates, spoons, and forks, which isn’t something you can expect at every izakaya.
Find Kushikatsu Tanaka locations on Google Maps
Wara Wara (笑笑)
Alongside a huge menu with hotpot, seafood, and fried dishes, Wara Wara offers a kids’ meal, too!
Some Wara Wara branches also have dedicated kids’ rooms. Since the facilities vary considerably by location, I recommend checking the individual restaurant before visiting.
Find Wara Wara locations on Google Maps
Website or search Monteroza restaurants with kids’ rooms.
Isomaru Suisan (磯丸水産)
Isomaru Suisan is a casual seafood izakaya.
Some locations now have a kids’ menu, including an kids’ (okosama) lunch and pancakes that they can decorate themselves with a chocolate pen.
Not every branch offers the kids’ menu, so make sure to check before visiting. The official store finder lets you filter specifically for locations with children’s menus.
Find Isomaru Suisan locations on Google Maps
Miraizaka (ミライザカ)
Miraizaka is a casual izakaya that specializes in karaage (Japanese fried chicken), but they also have lots of other dishes that kids will probably enjoy, like fries, pizza, and yakisoba.
Some locations even offer a 1,500 yen kids’ course that comes with unlimited soft drinks, karaage, fries, pizza, yakisoba, and dessert! They can also adjust the amount of food for younger children.
Not every location offers the kids’ course, though, so make sure to check with the restaurant beforehand.
Find Miraizaka locations on Google Maps