Enjoying Japanese Family Dining with Kids: Beyond Conveyor‑Belt Sushi

Traveling in Japan with children? Here are five casual Japanese restaurant chains that offer delicious fare, fun experiences, and kid‑friendly touches—perfect for families looking for something other than sushi on a conveyor belt!

Enjoying Japanese Family Dining with Kids: 1. Yakiniku King – All-You-Can-Eat BBQ

Why kids love it: At Yakiniku King, each table has a built-in grill and a tablet to order from, making it an interactive dining experience. Kids love picking and grilling their own meats and sides. They also have tons of kids menus – frenchfries, edamame, curry, fried chicken, noodles, and of course, ice cream.
Family perks: Elementary school children eat for half price, and infants dine free—making it very budget‑friendly.
Ambiance & service: Lively atmosphere with helpful staff (even dubbed “Yakiniku Police”) who assist with grilling and safety.
Ordering convenience: The ordering tablet does not have English language support, however the photo menus allows you to choose without hassle.
Tip: Choose from various courses (58‑item, King, Premium, Lunch) depending on appetite and budget—and enjoy grilling away together!

Their reservation site has multiple language menus. It is a wise option to make a reservation, they are always very very crowded.

They have large tables, so the grill stays safely out of the kids’ reach. My husband and I could actually relax and enjoy the salad, soup, BBQ, rice, noodles, and dessert while the kids were happily busy with their favorite dishes. Their delivering robots kept the kids entertained too.

They also have kids dishes, high chairs, and drinking cups with lids.

Enjoying Japanese Family Dining with Kids: 2. Shabu‑Yo – Buffet-Style Shabu‑Shabu

What it is: A shabu‑shabu (hot pot) buffet where you cook meat and vegetables in a simmering broth at your table.
Kid appeal: Kids can choose their own ingredients and dip them into the shared pots—engaging and hands-on!
Family convenience: Ideal for picky eaters since you can customize the meal one bite at a time.
(Exact family‑friendliness details are limited online, but the buffet format naturally suits children.)

Shabu-Yo is a popular all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurant in Japan. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to grow and attract a diverse clientele, including students and families. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, fresh vegetables, and a selection of dipping sauces, allowing guests to customize their dining experience. Additionally, children can enjoy a special menu and receive a coin to play a fun capsule-toy game, adding an extra layer of excitement to their meal. With its affordable pricing and family-friendly atmosphere, Shabu-Yo is an excellent choice for a casual dining experience.

Enjoying Japanese Family Dining with Kids: 3. Hanaya‑Yohei (華谷与兵衛) – Traditional Japanese Family Dining

Hanaya Yohei is a Japanese family restaurant chain offering a variety of traditional dishes, including sushi, tempura, udon, and set meals. With over 130 locations primarily in the Kanto region, it provides a comfortable dining experience suitable for families.

Kid Appeal:

Hanaya Yohei offers a dedicated kids’ menu featuring items like sushi set, curry set, and udon set. Each set is thoughtfully designed to cater to young palates, making mealtime both enjoyable and stress-free for parents. When you order from the kids’ menu at Hanaya Yohei, the staff brings a basket of small toys, and each child can freely choose one. Thanks to this, even when I’m dining solo with my two kids, I can manage to enjoy my own meal. The restaurant also has spacious tatami seating, so I don’t have to worry about disturbing other guests.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Hanaya Yohei offers a variety of options that cater to both adults and children, making it an excellent choice for family dining. You can check out their menu from their official website.

Enjoying Japanese Family Dining with Kids: 4. Kushikatsu Tanaka – Fun Skewers with Games & Family Touches

Experience highlights: Specialty deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu), served with a “no double‑dipping” rule enforced for hygiene.
Kid-friendly extras:
Enjoy playful extras like “rock-paper-scissors soft drink” games—kids win a free or half‑price drink if they beat the staff.
Interactive cooking experiences (e.g., table‑top takoyaki or onigiri mixing) entertain children while they eat.
Many branches provide kid‑friendly amenities like child-sized plates and utensils, and multilingual menus.
Atmosphere: Energetic and welcoming; especially loved for casual, hands-on family meals.

If you want to experience a local, downtown-style izakaya atmosphere, Kushikatsu Tanaka is a great choice. While English information is limited, you can enjoy delicious kushikatsu at very affordable prices. There are also a variety of kid-friendly menu items. However, most locations only have regular adult chairs, so families with babies or young children who cannot sit securely on their own might find it challenging.

Enjoying Japanese Family Dining with Kids: 5. Isomaru Suisan – Seafood Izakaya with Tabletop Grills

Seafood fun: Grill fresh scallops, squid, shrimp, and enjoy sashimi, seafood rice bowls, and miso crab soup right at your table.
Family vibe: Bright, lively decor resembling a fisherman’s hut—with aquariums, communal seating, and menus with photos and/or English that simplify ordering.
Convenience: Many locations accept orders via tablets or write-on cards—great for families with limited Japanese.

Isomaru Suisan is a long-established Japanese izakaya chain, famous for its robatayaki (charcoal-grilled dishes). The food is affordable, yet you can enjoy authentic seafood. Recently, they’ve also put more effort into offering kid-friendly menu items. However, the tables are relatively small, and grills are placed directly on them, so managing two children on your own can be a bit challenging. In our case, my husband and I both kept an eye on our two kids while we ate. Sometimes the kids wandered to the neighboring table, which was a little stressful—but most people were relaxed and understanding, probably thanks to a bit of sake. With noodles, rice, and sushi that are easy for children to eat, the kids were absolutely delighted.

If you’re interested in local Japanese shops, a dagashi-ya (traditional candy store) is a great choice—kids will love it!

Tips for a Smooth Family Outing

ARRIVE EARLY: Especially for Yakiniku King and Kushikatsu Tanaka, arriving at opening times can reduce wait times.
BOOK AHEAD: For larger groups or special features like tatami rooms, some chains allow reservations—check local branches.
ASK FOR KIDS’ CHAIRS/UTENSILS: Chains like Kushikatsu Tanaka often provide them—just let the staff know.
USE PHOTO MENUS: Both Isomaru Suisan and Yakiniku King offer visual or tablet menus—perfect for non-Japanese speakers or younger kids.

Exploring Japan with children doesn’t have to mean sticking to conveyor-belt sushi! From interactive BBQ at Yakiniku King to hands-on shabu-shabu at Shabu-Yo, traditional dishes at Hanaya Yohei, fun skewers at Kushikatsu Tanaka, and fresh seafood at Isomaru Suisan, there are plenty of family-friendly options to suit every taste. Each restaurant offers something special for kids—whether it’s dedicated menus, small toys, or interactive dining experiences—while parents can enjoy their meal with a little less stress. Planning ahead, arriving early, and making use of kid-friendly amenities can make your family dining experience in Japan both fun and memorable.

If you’re looking for unique Japanese souvenirs for kids, this article is also worth checking out!