The Koenji area is quite newly explored by myself and my kids.
I wanted to share my favourite places to explore in this really fun and cool part of Tokyo.
It’s a cool place to stay as:
-it is just a few stops from Shinjuku (this means you are also just a few stops on the train from the BUSTA bus terminal – which means easy access to limousine bus trips to the airports and day trips to Fujiyoshida and Fujikyu Highland. <- I wrote this for another site.
– tourists rarely think of it (which can result in a more authentic Japan experience)
– it’s a fabulous place for creatives (lots of smaller artists hold their exhibitions and have their galleries/studios in this area.)
-this is great part of Tokyo for thrifting and second hand shopping
– it’s is also one stop from Nakano Broadway (fun shopping for collectables, vintage goods/ antiques and anime/manga merchandise and cards etc.)
If you’re looking to stay in Koenji and are looking for a more authentic Japan experience, I recommend Tokyo Family Stays Koenji House (I’ve written about it in great detail here.)
Breakfast in Koenji with kids: Bistro & Bakery
Also open for lunch and dinner but breakfast on the weekends are the most popular (weekdays not quite so busy.) It’s popular here for a reason -the food is good and it’s very family friendly. Just 1 min walk from Koenji Station is Koenji Flat: Bread & Bistro. They welcome children and also have space for strollers. They do accept reservations here. Koenji Flat also accept most major credit cards. While eating lunch and breakfast here, I recommend budgeting for approximately 2000 yen per adult and more like 4000 yen for dinner here. Please note that there is a 580 yen service charge per person to dine here at dinner time. This restaurant has free wifi. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. They have freshly baked breads, colourful salads, crossiants, french toast and deli plates (salami type meats, roast chicken etc), pasta and dessert options like slices of cakes and puddings. They have an english menu. See the Koenji Flat instagram page for pictures of their menu items. At lunch and dinner time, main meals comes with all-you-can-eat bread options. The restaurant is under the train bypass so there is outdoor seating but it is still undercover (dogs are allowed on the terrace so you may meet some furry friends!)
KOENJI FLAT: BREAD & BISTRO
杉並区高円寺南3-70-1
3-70-1 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM-11:30PM (LAST ORDER 10:30PM)* Please note that the breakfast menu finishes up at 10:45am
OPEN WEEKENDS 8:30AM-11:30PM (LAST ORDER 10:30PM) * Please note that the breakfast menu finishes up at 10:45am
Breakfast in Koenji with kids: Coffee, Hot Cakes, Eggs, French Toast
Doutor Coffee in Koenji is open from 8am and they have a simple and affordable breakfast. The second floor seeing has booth seating for families and many of the tables also have power points for diners to charge devices. The whole shop is smoke free but there is a closed off smoking booth. Doutor Coffee Koenji also have free wifi. The pancakes and french toast options are all less than 800 yen. See the full Doutor breakfast menu here. At lunch time they serve pasta, rice, beef curry etc. They accept most major credit cards. You`re in luck if you like it here as Doutor branches can be found all over Japan. This branch is just 40 metres from Koenji Station. They accept most major credit cards.
DOUTOR COFFEE, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南4-26-12 福丸ビル 2F
SECOND FLOOR, FUKUMARU BUILDING, 4-26-12 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 7:30-8PM (FROM 8AM ON SUNDAYS)
Breakfast in Koenji with kids: Simple breakfast of Toast & Eggs
Coffee and Cafe shop Trianon have a simple and affordable breakfast between 9am-11:30am. The breakfast plates are less than 700 yen. There are two plate options – toast with ham, lettuce, boiled egg and tomato on the side OR toast with melted cheese and ham with tomato, lettuce and boiled egg on the side. The entire cafe is non-smoking.
TRIANON, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南4-26-12 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 4-26-12 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 9AM-8PM
Gyoza for Breakfast in Koenji with kids?
If you feel like gyoza for breakfast, this gyoza themed izakaya Gyoza Sakaba is open 24 hours a day. Take not that it is in a basement so feels like a 24 hour restaurant (you know that sticky seat vibe of a 24 hour diner?) but it is fine to come here with children. We went for a late breakfast one day and it was fine (hardly fine dining but was cheap and cheerful.) If you’re going in the evenings you may want to make a reservation. I recommend budgeting approx 2000 yen per adult to dine here in evenings but more like 1000 yen for all other times. There is a small service charge per person and, to say thank you, you will receive a small complimentary appetizer of the day – if you don’t want to eat it it’s so fine – just leave it on the table. If you are huge gyoza fans, you can book an all you can eat gyoza session for 2 hours at 3,300 yen per person (for groups of 4 or more.) There is also a vegetarian meat free steamed celery gyoza (I’m not sure if it was vegan.)
Gyoza Sakaba Koenji is 1 min walk from the South Exit of Koenji Station. They accept most major credit cards. Please note that this venue is no-smoke free. There is a small smoking section that isn’t really separated from the rest of the restaurant.
Food options here include, of course, gyoza, edamame, fried chicken, meat ramen, fried rice, french fries. This restaurant has free wifi.
24 HOUR GYOZA SAKABA, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南4-26-15 富士建設ビル B1F
B1F FUJIKENSETSU 4-26-15 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY
Gyudon for breakfast in Koenji with kids?
For a casual and affordable bowl of gyudon (which is marinated sukiyaki style meat served on rice) there is a Yoshinoya branch just 2 mins walk from the north side of Koenji Station. If you enjoy eating here – you’re in luck as this gyudon chain is found easily in most major cities in Japan. Each meal is under 1000 yen. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. They also do takeout and are on ubereats. Children are welcome here -and they do have a kids menu. Besides gyudon, you can also order fried chicken (karaage) or karaage don -which is fried chicken served on rice. See pictures of the Yoshinoya menu on their website here.
YOSHINOYA, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北2-4-7 杉原ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, SUGIHARA BUILDING 2-4-7 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY (EXCEPT MONDAY WHERE THEY CLOSE BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 5AM)
Breakfast in Koenji with kids: Denny’s
Denny’s is just above Koenji Station. Denny’s Japan is very different to Denny’s in the US. It’s a great option for pancakes, meat and veg style lunches, pancakes or ramen. The menu is extensive and you can also choose unlimited soft drinks for just a few hundred yen. I recommend budgeting 1500 yen per adult for a meal here. They accept most major credit cards. This restaurant is non-smoking. There is an elevator up here so it is possible to come in with a stroller. The staff are also happy to make space for a couple of suitcases. The bathroom here has a changing table in the women’s restroom. There is also a room to breastfeeding. See the full Denny’s Japan menu here. Please note that Denny’s in Japan can be difficult if you are vegan (the zero meat burger contains milk and egg) or gluten free.
DENNY’S JAPAN, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北2-5-1 ホテルメッツ高円寺2Ｆ
SECOND FLOOR OF THE HOTEL METS KOENJI BUILDING ABOVE THE STATION, KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN EVERYDAY 6AM-11PM (BREAKFAST MENU IS AVAILABLE 6AM-11AM)
Moving away from breakfast…
100 yen store
The 100 yen store brand Can Do is just 3 mins walk from Koenji Station. *Double check the address when getting google maps to guide you here as there is another Can Do store that is 13 mins walk from the station.
CAN DO, KOENJI
杉玉く高円寺北3-24-13
3-24-13 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN EVERYDAY 9:30AM-9PM
Tracey from Tokyo Family Stays kindly recommended Monsta Sweets to me – and I can see why she did. They have the most delicious American style cookies in so many yummy flavours. They also sell hot chocolate. Please note that they can be extremely popular on weekends – max 12 cookies per customer.
If you are looking to stock up on Japanese sweets (for yourself or big packages as souvenirs) there is an Okashi no Machioka candy shop branch in Koenji.
This is a great way to buy a whole stash of different flavoured kit-kats too.
OKASHI NO MACHIOKA, KOENJI KITAGUCHI
杉並区高円寺北3-24-8 みすずビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, MISUZU BUILDING, KOENJI KITA, SUGINAMI-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY (EXCEPT FOR JAN 1) 10AM-9PM
A rainy day or a “just because” suggestion
Karaoke-kan is right across from Koenji Station (just 1 min walk on the north side)
Not sure how to visit a Karaoke chain in Japan? I have written how to do it and make the most of it with kids here.
A little book and stationery shop I like in Koenji
The shop is called Books Ootori and this is the Koenji branch. It is 2 mins walk from the North Side of Koenji Station. Most of the books are in Japanese but the stationery is lovely and it’s also a great place to pick up some Japanese fashion or interior magazines.
It’s a Tokyo Disneysea guidebook for 2025-2026 (maps and latest rides, shows and snacks etc.) This photo is taken with it on the bed at Tokyo Family Stays, Koenji House.
BOOKS OOTORI, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北2-8-10エスタシオン高円寺 １階
GROUND FLOOR, ESUTASHION KOENJI BUILDING, 2-8-10 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI-KU
OPEN 10AM-9PM
While wandering down the Koenji shotengai (this means an undercover old-school Japanese shopping arcade- a walking street with a roof above and shops and restaurants either side) I found across a shop that I, personally, really love. It’s called East Market.
I bought this ring for my daughter (was a little over 1000 yen.)
THE EAST MARKET, KOENJI
杉並市高円寺南4-25-2
4-25-2 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI-SHI, TOKYO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-8PM
And just 1-2 mins walk from the East Market (heading back towards the station) is Big Time – a vintage clothing store that I love. No kids sizes but would be fine for teens. Big Time have an online store too- click here to see. Please note that this is a vintage store NOT a thrift store – these are special pieces.
BIG TIME
杉並区高円寺南4-25-3 ,1-3F
GROUND -3RD FLOOR, 4-25-3 KOENJIMINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 11AM-8PM (UNTIL 9PM FRI-SUN)
Another vintage and second hand high end brand shop in the same arcade (just a couple of mins walk away) is Don Don Down on Wednesday.
DON DON DOWN ON WEDNESDAY
OPEN EVERYDAY 12:30PM-7:30PM
If you are needing to buy shoes for kids in the area (they have adults shoes too – but finding kids shoes in the centre of Tokyo isn’t always as easy for tourists as you might think) then I recommend going to ABC-MART KIDS – the Koenji branch. It is two mins walk from the South Exit of Koenji Station.
ABC MART KIDS, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南4-25-6
4-25-6 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-8PM
In the same Shotengai shopping arcade, just a few steps away, there is a small Daiso 100 yen store. Open everyday 10a m -9pm.
And there is also a little kitsch store called Okbase that you may want to check out. They sell homewares, postcards, toys, some records too.
OKBASE, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南3-58-3
3-58-3 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-6PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 12PM-7PM
Lunch or dinner options with kids in Koenji: Ramen
Also in the shopping arcade is ramen restaurant Tonkotsu Ramen Sazanami. It is 4 mins walk from Koenji Station. This is a walk-in only spot (no reservations). They welcome kids but, as I always say, please watch little hands near giant bowls of boiling hot ramen broth (for me – I don’t recommend visiting with toddlers – it’s just too hard to keep them safe when it’s counter seating.) Order at the vending machine out front and then take in your little ticket and hand it to the chef. This restaurant is cash only. This restaurant is completely non-smoking. To dine here, I recommend budgeting approx 1500 yen per adult. They serve ramen, fried chicken, fries, fried rice. Tonkotsu Ramen means that the ramen is a pork brone broth (and it is often topped with pork belly slices.) They have high chairs here (the big old school foldable wooden type with the big tray attached.)
TONKOTSU RAMEN SAZANAMI, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南3-58-3
3-58-3 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-4PM & 5PM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11AM-11PM
Lunch or dinner options with kids in Koenji; Standing Sushi Bar
Tachi Sushi Yokocho Koenji is a fabulous option. It is also in the PAL Shotengai Shopping Arcade Street. They welcome children here and the restaurant gives the most beautiful traditional Japanese restaurant vibes. They have more than 65 different sushi plate options. Because it’s a standing sushi bar, it’s a great place to try a few things without having to commit to a full meal. There are a few tables. Ask your hotel to make a reservation on your behalf and you can request a table if you like- there are limited options though. All 65 sushi plate options are between 130-400 yen. For kids who aren’t feeling super adventurous right away, you can order just cooked egg sushi, fried shrimp sushi, cooked egg on its own. They also have sushi platters. Their takeout sushi platters are incredibly beautifully presented – so gorgeous. They do take reservations and they also accept most major credit cards. This restaurant is 3 mins walk from Koenji Station. If one parent wants to venture out in the evening to try some sushi and maybe meet some locals – this is great spot. This is a fabulous way to try different types of sake and other alcoholic drinks in Japan – while also being in a family-friendly spot. See here if you would like to find more restaurants in Tokyo you can visit with kids but also try some different types of sake.
TACHI SUSHI YOKOCHO KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南4-25-9 三治ビル B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, 4-25-9 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN MON-WED MIDDAY-3PM & 5PM-10:30PM
OPEN THURS-FRI MIDDAY-3PM
OPEN SAT 11:30AM-11PM
OPEN SUN 11:30AM-10:30PM
Lunch or dinner options with kids in Koenji; Sushi Train
Kaitenzushi Misaki ,PAL Koenji Shotengai branch is a good option for families (there are a few sushi train options around Koenji. This one is in the PAL shotengai (arcade shopping street). It is 2 mins walk from Koenji Station.
I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult to eat here (but it’s a sushi train, so you get to choose how much you consume, of course.). They accept most major credit cards. You can also order from here on Uber Eats.
KAITENZUSHI MIZAKI, PAL SHOTENGAI KOTENJI
杉並区高円寺南4-25-7 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 4-25-7 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 11AM-10PM
*There is another branch of the same restaurant outside of Koenji station – they also welcome children.
Lunch or dinner options with kids in Koenji: Tex Mex & Taco Rice
Tex Mex Diner Bourbon House is just 2 mins walk from Koenji Station. They serve nachos, tacos, small steaks, taco rice and ice-cream sundaes. You can see pictures of the Tex Mex Diner Bourbon House menu here. A particularly popular menu item are the avocado cheese croquettes. They also serve wine and cocktails. The restaurant seats 22 people and they do take reservations. The restaurant has a smoking section and the rest of the restaurant is non-smoking. Tex Mex Diner Bourbon House has free wifi. They have a kids menu and also have space to store a stroller while you dine. They accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting for approximately 2000 yen per adult at lunch time and more like 3000 yen for dinner. As the restaurant is on the second floor, I recommend requesting a window seat and just watching the world go by – especially in the evening. They can also do take-out here.
TEX MEX DINER BOURBON HOUSE, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北3-23-13 近藤第三ビル 2F
SECOND FLOOR, KONDO DAIーSAN BUILDING, 3-23-13 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-3PM &4PM – 11PM
Light Lunch, Coffee & Cake in Koenji with kids
Hattifnat looks like an adorable green dollhouse cafe. So cute! It is 4 mins walk from the North Exit of Koenji Station. They do accept reservations – ask your hotel to call between midday -8pm.
They do accept most major credit cards. The entire cafe is non-smoking. They serve tea, coffee, wine, cocktails and desserts (some vegetarian options too.). There is a light lunch menu – the menu changes often (options include pasta, doria, pizza, taco rice etc) There is also a kids menu (see a picture of the adorable kids omurice lunch plate here. Kawaii!!) I recommend budgeting for approx 1200 yen per adult to eat here. They have space to store folded strollers on the ground floor while you dine. This is also a great place to check out work by local artists as the gallery section of the cafe is often adored with small exhibitions.
They also have a little window at the front of the cafe and you can grab cake to go.
HATTIFNAT, KOENJI HOUSE
OPEN MIDDAY-9PM (LAST ORDERS 8PM)
CLOSED MONDAYS & EVERY 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH (IF MONDAY IS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY- TUESDAY IS CLOSED INSTEAD)
And just next door to Hattifnat is the cutest little homemade accessories and homewares store.
It is called Too-Ticki. This is a shop where local creatives can bring their homemade wares and the shop sells them on their behalf. See pictures of the kinds of things they sell on the Too-Ticki Koenji IG page here.
TOO-TICKI
杉並区高円寺北2-18-11
2-18-11 KOENJIKITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 12:30PM-2:30PM & 3PM-8PM
CLOSED MON & TUES
Dinner or Weekend Lunch Options with kids in Koenji: Izakaya
For an amazing lunch (weekends) or dinner option, I recommend Sugidama Koenji. As with most Japanese izakaya, the idea is for you to order lots of small dishes for the table to share and order more as you go. This place is casual and bustling in the best kind of way. This restaurant is cozy so I don’t recommend visiting with kids who aren’t yet old enough to sit quietly at the table/counter (if they can’t – this restaurant also can do take-out.) It’s also a great place for parents to have a chance to try a few different types of sake (hot and cold.) If there are more than 2-3 of your in your party, I recommend making a reservation. This restaurant is 4 mins walk from the North Exit of Koenji Station.
I recommend budgeting 2000 yen per adult for lunch and 3000 yen for dinner. They accept most major credit cards.
See here for pictures of the menu on the Sugidama website.
SUGIDAMA KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北3-24-10 1・2F
GROUND & SECOND FLOOR, 3-24-10 KOENJIKITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN WEEKDAYS 5PM-10:30PM (UNTIL 11PM ON FRIDAYS)
OPEN WEEKENDS 11AM-2:30PM & 4PM-10:30PM
Dinner or Weekend Lunch Options with kids in Koenji: Okonomiyaki
Mikazuki is a casual okonomiyaki restaurant – cooked on hot plates in front of you. It is 4 mins walk from the north exit of Koenji Station. I recommend budgeting for 1000 yen per person at lunch and more like 3000 yen at dinner time. Please note that this restaurant is cash only. (I explain here how important it is to carry some cash in Japan.) Please note that smoking is allowed in some parts of this restaurant.
MIKAZUKI
杉並区高円寺北2-17-7 JKビル高円寺 1F
GROUND FLOOR, JK BUILDING KOENJI, KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 11:30AM-MIDNIGHT
CLOSED THURSDAYS
Second hand shopping
There is a Hard Off Branch in Koenji. This is a good place to look for books and games and musical instruments.
HARD OFF, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北2-7-6
2-7-6 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 11AM-8PM
Lunch or Dinner options in Koenji with kids: Soba & Udon
Fuji Soba is a chain (so, if you love it – you’re in luck as you will find these all over Japan.) It’s super casual and really fine to visit with kids. It’s always super affordable. It’s not fine dining but, to me, it tastes as yummy as most “decent” Japanese restaurants” in many other parts of the world (!). I recommend ordering Katsudon (crumbed pork and egg served on rice) or Curry Katsudon (crumbed pork and egg and Japanese curry on rice.) If kids want a small plate- you can order Mini Katsudon for under 800 yen. Other food options here include Japanese curry rice, ramen , udon etc. When ordering soba, be sure to check if it is served hot or cold (if the ordering label is blue – that means cold.) See here for more information on how to place an order inside the restaurant. Just a reminder – this is a super casual restaurant – so I think it’s better to have lunch here and go somewhere a bit more spesh for dinner. Technically, you could also go here for breakfast (please note that the breakfast menu is more limited.) Every dish is under 1000 yen. There are no reservations here – walk-in only. These guys are on Uber Eats and you can also take out any of the options on the menu.
FUJI SOBA, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北3-22-18 たちばなビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, TACHIBANA BUILDING, 3-22-18 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN FROM 4AM-3AM THE FOLLOWING DAY
Just across from the station on the north side is a little imported sweets, grocery and liquor store called Tokyo-Ya. This is a good shop to keep in mind if your kids are looking for some familiar treats. The candy is mostly from Europe and the US as well as some options from Australia. They accept most major credit cards.
An example of some of the imported chocolates.
TOKYO-YA
都杉並区高円寺北3-22-19 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 3-22-19, KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 10AM-8PM
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
Baby & Kids Clothing
I recommend checking out small business Piccadilly Circus. Most clothing items are between 2000-3000 yen. Sizes are for children 60cm to 160 cms tall. This is one of the reasons I recommend in this blog post knowing your child’s height and weight in kgs & cms ahead of travelling to Japan.). This store is 2 mins walk from Koenji Station.
PICCADILLY CIRCUS, KOENJI
都杉並区高円寺北3-23-10
3-23-10 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN EVERYDAY 10AM-8PM
Sweet Snacks with kids in Koenji: Donuts
Floresta Doughnuts are so cute but also aren’t too sweet – perfect with tea and coffee. If you like big creme filled sweet American style donuts you might be disappointed. We love them. You can buy them to go or make use of the little tables out the front. They accept most major credit cards here. Floresta Doughnuts is 6 mins walk from the north exit of Koenji Station.
FLORESTA DOUGHNUTS, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北3-34-14 庚申文化会館 1F
GROUND FLOOR, KOUSHIN BUNKA KAIKAN BUILDING, 3-34-14 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 10AM-8PM
Dinner option in Koenji with kids: Japanese Izakaya
Kuimonya Wan is branch of a popular izakaya chain. Every group gets their own little dining “booth”/mini-room. This is perfect for families. The vibes are casual and the food is reasonably priced (each food item is between 300-800 yen). This is a great place to see how locals dine for a work gathering or as a family. It’s really fun. See pictures of what the interior looks like here. As with most izakaya in Japan, the idea is that you order lots of little dishes to share and then order more as you go. This is also a great way for adults to try some sake (hot or cold) or sake mixed drinks like a lemon sour etc. Children are welcome here – they have a kids menu (pasta or riceballs with little sausages and other fried items and an orange juice etc) and they provide plastic crockery and cutlery for kids. It’s best to make a reservation and, just my personal tip, but I wouldn’t go here after 9pm at night as it can get full of work parties and lots of drinkers – go early and take your time as a family. I recommend ordering the teppan gyoza (it comes sizzling in it’s own little small mini fry pan) , diced teppan steak, cheese rissotto, cheese tsukune (chicken meatballs filled with melted cheese), dashimaki-tamago (cooked and seasoned rolled egg), edamame, small sashimi plate, fried chicken (it comes with grated radish and garlic sauce so if you don’t want anything on top show the staff this “でっかい鶏唐”を注文したんですけど、上に何も載せないでください。”I would like to order the large piece of fried chicken. Please don’t put anything on top.”). They also have fried potato wedges with bacon bits (the name for this on the menu is “Oimono Furai” おいものフライ. For dessert, I recommend ordering a slice of cheesecake or hot fondant chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream.
There will be service charge of 473 yen per person – to say thank you for this service charge you receive an Otoshi appetizer once you sit down (at this restaurant it’s a small salad. You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to. Just leave it on the table.)
The whole restaurant is non-smoking – there is, however, a small enclosed booth here for smokers to use when required. When dining here, I recommend budgeting for approximately 4000 yen per adult.
This restaurant is 1 min walk from the north side of Koenji Station.
You will need to take off your shoes at the entrance (staff will show you where.)
KUIMONYA WAN, KOENJI-KITAGUCHI
杉並区高円寺北3-22-19 利研ビル2F
SECOND FLOOR, RIKEN BUILDING, 3-22-19 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 5PM-MIDNIGHT (LAST ORDERS AT 11:30PM AND FROM 4PM ON WEEKENDS)
Lunch and early Dinner option in Koenji with kids: Japanese light and bright, casual Izakaya (uses local and seasonal ingredients)
Just 1 min from Koenji Station on the north side is a light and bright izakaya (looks-wise it’s a bit more of a pasta cafe vibe.) It is called Inaka Kappo Nishikawa. They welcome families and also have space to store strollers while you dine. It’s under the JR underpass of Koenji Station. They are open for lunch and dinner -with kids – I think lunch or a super early dinner is easiest (just because of the space and the grown up “standing drinks and food” vibes. The staff here ask for families to call ahead if they plan on coming at night to ensure there are no rowdy private parties going on. Besides, the teishoku set menu at lunchtime is outstanding in terms of quality but also value for money -one rice bowl refill is also free.
Ask your hotel to make a reservation on your behalf and request a table- you will need to let them know in advance if you will be ordering sukiyaki for dinner (2 person minimum.) You can sit indoors or out on the street terrace area. This restaurant opened in late 2024. The menu uses seasonal, local ingredients. All plates are small dishes designed to be shared. This would be a tricky restaurant if your little ones are picky eaters. There is not a kids menu. They do allow baby food to brought in from outside for babies. You can see pictures of the Inaka Kappo Nishikawa menu here on their website. Please note that there is a 550 yen service charge per person here – to say thank you (like in most izakaya in Japan) you will receive a small appetizer as you first sit down. You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to. Just leave it on the table. They accept most major credit cards. The whole restaurant (seats 24) is non-smoking.
When dining here for lunch, I recommend budgeting for approximately 2000 yen per adult at lunch time and more like 4000 yen at dinner.
INAKA KAPPO NISHIKAWA
杉並区高円寺南3-70-9
3-70-9 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 11:30AM-2:30PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM) & 5PM-MIDNIGHT
Dinner option in Koenji with kids: Burgers, Pizza & Pasta
Substance is 3 mins walk from Koenji Station. They are very much family friendly. Please note that, although the restaurant itself is quite spacious – you will need to take the stairs to get down the restaurant as it is on the basement floor. They have space to store a stroller while you dine. These guys also serve fries and you can choose to have them with ketchup, sour cream, mentaiko mayo or anchovy mayo. After dinner hours, it becomes a bit more like a pub bar. When having a meal here, I recommend budgeting approximately 3000 yen per adult. They accept most major credit cards. Please note that smoking is allowed in certain parts of the restaurant ! (ew. So maybe go for take-out with little ones?)
The full and up to date Substance menu is on Substance instagram.
SUBSTANCE
杉並区高円寺北2-17-7 JK-BLD B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, JK-BLD 2-17-7 KOENJI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 6PM-2AM
CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS
If you are looking for somewhere to change baby or use the restrooms near Koenji Station, I recommend making use of the McDonalds Koenji facilities.
While I’m mentioning fast food options – there is also a KFC less than a minute’s walk away. It is open everyday 10am-10pm. It’s under the JR underpass of Koenji Station.
Just a few steps from McDonalds – just outside Koenji Station, is a fruit and vegetable shop called Takano Seika.
TAKANO SEIKA
杉並区高円寺北3-22-17
3-22-17 KOENJIKITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 10AM-7PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS
Just next to this fruit’n’veg shop is empty store allotment filled with Gatchapon machines.
Lunch or Dinner in Koenji with Kids: Turkish Kebab Shop
Just 1 min walk from the South Exit of Koenji Station is Tokyo Kebab. Cash only. (See here on why it is a good idea to carry cash in Japan.) There are 23 seats here. Kids are welcome and there is space for strollers. Please note that the outside seating section allows smoking. Most kebabs are under 800 yen.
TOKYO KEBAB
杉並区高円寺南3-58-21 KKビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, KK BUILDING, 3-58-21 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN 11AM-10PM
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
Lunch or Dinner in Koenji with Kids: Casual Udon and Tempura
Ibuki Udon (Koenji Mashida Branch) welcome children and also have space for strollers. Please note that this is a super casual restaurant (it’s not a sit and chat and linger kind of place but more of an eat and keep moving kind of place) but the udon is good and food is so reasonably priced. Menu items are under 1000 yen. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Please note that this restaurant doesn’t accept cash. (See here on why it is a good idea to carry cash in Japan.). Look for the big yellow sign with black font. It is 30 metres from Koenji Station. Menu options include udon, tendon (tempura on rice), croquettes, gyudon (sukiyaki style and seasoned meat on rice) . It’s really fun to add your own seasonings to the food as well (all are placed on the tables.) Orders are made via a touch screen in the restaurant (press the yellow english tab.).
IBUKI UDON, KOENJI MASHIDA BRANCH
杉並区高円寺南4-47
4-47 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10PM
If kids are wanting a sweet treat there is a Baskin Robbins connected to the station gates (just to the left of the train ticket vending machines.) This is a take-out only store. I recommend getting their variety boxes with lots of different flavoured scoops. And their ice-cream cakes in Japan are so so so so cute. See pictures of the ice-cream cakes available at Baskin Robbins in Japan now here.
BASKIN ROBBINS KOENJI
OPEN EVERYDAY 10AM-9PM
If you need to purchase some clothing for bigger kids, teens or adults (mens & women’s clothing) – I recommend popping into Jeans Mate, Koenji. Nothing fancy and reasonably priced. Some shirts and sweaters even have Tokyo etc written on them. They accept most major credit cards. You can check out the kinds of things they have and the prices on the Jeans Mate website here. This shop is 2 mins walk from Koenji Station.
JEANS MATE, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北2-20-1 グリュッケンビル1F
GROUND FLOOR, GRUKEN BUILDING, 2-20-1 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 9AM-11PM
For takeout ready-made bentos I recommend visiting Fukuryumon, a Chinese Restaurant just 2 mins walk from the north exit of Koenji Station. You can also dine in but I must admit that I haven’t seen many small children dine here before as it’s a hole in the wall pub meets chinese food kind of vibe – I think a takeaway bento is a better idea for families.
The bento options include Ginger Roast Pork, Marinated Steamed Chicken, Gyoza, Fried Chicken, Chinese Fried Rice (use google translate to read the labels.)
The accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
FUKURYUMON
杉並区高円寺北2-8-12 ミクラビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, MIKURA BUILDING 2-8-12 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-MIDNIGHT
Where to buy nappies / diapers and baby food in Koenji , Tokyo？
There are a couple of drugstores in front of Koenji Station but they don’t stock baby food or nappies etc – so I recommend going here instead.
3 mins walk from the South Exit of Koenji Station is Tsuruha Drug Store (its in the same Shotengai shopping street as East Market and many of the other shops listed above). They stock a large supply and size range of nappies and packaged baby food and toddler friendly rice crackers or squeezy pouches of fruit and vegetable jellies etc. They also stock the baby formula brands Wakodo and Morinaga.
The red, green and purple pouches are pureed veg & fruit (red), green veg (green) and purple veg (purple). To the right of the purees are 100% apple and other fruit juices as well as barley tea made for babies.
The tins at the very bottom are different types of formula.
Top row: Colouring & Preservative Free Rice Crackers for babies called “Hai Hain”, Character “Anpanman” Rice Crackers for babies, Round Egg Crackers with added calcium (for 7 months+), Banana Cookies for Babies with added calcium (for 9 months+ ), Animal Biscuits with added calcium (for 9 months+), Milk Wafers for Babies with added calcium (for 9 months+).
Second Row:
Round egg crackers (for 7 months+), Fish Rice Crackers & Hijiki (sea vegetable) Rice Crackers) , Mixed Snack Packs for Banana Cookies, Edamame Biscuits and Sweet Potato Cookies, Snack Packs with Shrimp Crackers, White Bait Crackers, Seaweed Crackers.
Bottom Row:
Barley Tea for babies, Green & Yellow Veg puree, Chicken, Liver & Salmon Purees, Rice with Ankake Sauce, Microwaveable Steamed Bread Bun for Babies, Microwaveable Steamed Cocoa Steamed Bread Bun for babies, Seaweed & Veg flavouring/sprinkles to put on rice for babies.
Top left: Pampers テープtype (tape type – aka, stick on type nappies) in sizes S & M.
Second shelf:
Pampers パンツ Pants Type (aka pull-ups) in sizes L & “Big”
Third row: Pampers tape type in the “No Leaks: My First Pants!” version, In Sizes S, M and Bigger than Big.
Bottom row; Same as above but in L size.
To the right you can see they also stock the Merries Brand.
This picture was taken in Tsuruha Drugstore in Koenji.
The Moony Brand of Nappies, Pull-up (Pantsu) type in L size , Goon Brand “Soft Touch” Nappies in Pull-up (Pantsu) type in L size, (it’s hard to see but the black and purple packaging in the top right on this image are Night-time Pull ups in Size Big (12kg-17kgs)
Second helf:
Goon Nappy Brand Extra Absorbent type (Pull-Up Pantsu Type Sizes M & Big.
Third Shelf:
Merries Brand Pantsu Pull-Up Type in sizes, S, Bigger than Big (15-28kgs) . MamyPoko Brand Large M Size for children who are 13 kgs.
Bottom Shelf:
More Merries and MamyPoko.
This photo was taken at Tsuruha Drugstore in Koenji.
TSURUHA DRUGSTORE, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺南3-57-10 湘南堂ビル １階
3-57-10 KOENJI-MINAMI, SUGINAMI
OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM-10PM
Another drugstore in Koenji that stocks nappies and baby food is Kokokara-Fine. This branch of this drugstore is opposite Can Do 100 yen store (3 mins walk from Koenji Station.)
You can also see that they sell the viral hair treatment Fino (the tubs with the red lids at the front of this picture.)
Top shelf: Pampers. The options with the small dark green & yellow labels (yellow is for newborns) label that says テープ are the non-pull up types & the small red label indicates the pull up type (see the kg guidance for sizing just below the coloured labels eg. 6-12 kgs. This is one of the reasons I recommend in this blog post knowing your child’s height and weight in kgs & cms ahead of travelling to Japan.)
Second shelf: Moony brand, pull up type, size “big”
Merries brand nappies on this shelf are all pull up type for all different sizes (below the M, L and BIG labels are the kg size guidance info) The right-hand packet is the XXL size pullups for kids 15-28 kgs. These are the night time nappies
Second from the bottom shelf: Tins to the left are Wakudo brand formula, the small boxes are diaper bags, Merries nappies on this shelf are the tape (non-pull up) type in newborn, S and M sizes
Bottom shelf: Morinaga brand formula, I can’t see what the small green item is, the Moony green product are wet wipes (as are the other green, red, blue and yellow items here.
Second shelf from the top: Different fruit flavoured baby food in jars (the number on the side indicates “months old” for baby, the boxes are baby food meals (numbers indicate the months old ages for babies) ^ Orange box is “western style baby lunch”, blue box is “Japanese style bento” , “Salmon rice bento” …. (please use google translate to see all the options)
Third shelf from the top: Different veggie and fruit purees.
Middle shelf: Juice boxes. The brown label juice box is Baby barley tea, 100% apple juice, 100% mixed fruit juice, Aqualyte (is an electrolyte replacement drinks) , baby barley tea, deionized water for babies, sukkiri aqua hydrating water for babies, baby pocari sweat.
Second shelf from the bottom: Bottles and bottle teats, Wakado baby powder, Pigeon baby powder, Johnson’s baby powder, (I can tell what the circular item is) , baby cream (moisturiser) 、Pigeon brand “baby vaseline” for newborns and older, Pigeon medicated lotion called “Momo no Ha” (google that name for how to use for baby sweat rash etc)
Very bottom, bottom shelf:
Baby lotion and baby lotion refills and the clear Johnsons option is baby oil.
Read here for more detail on buying Baby Food in Japan.
Read here for more information on buying Nappies/Diapers in Japan.
My favourite supermarkets in Koenji
Tokyu Store is actually a part of the station building (shares a wall with the external entrance to the Little Mermaid Bakery. Opens at 7:30am on weekdays.) This is one of the biggest supermarkets in this area and it has fresh produce, cooking ingredients but also a big deli section with pre-made bentos, fried foods, salads etc. Please note that there isn’t an eat-in area – these items are designed to be eaten at home.
The entrance is just behind the taxi rank in the station building. Next to the Little Mermaid Bakery.
Top shelf here has 3 types of lettuce choregi salad & steamed veg salad.
Second shelf has cooked corn salad, colourful veggie salad, a chicken cob salad, 3 types of lettuce caesar salad.
Vegie meat & Korean Namul Salad, Egg & Macaroni Salad.
Bottom Shelf:
Potato & Bacon Gratin, Cheese and Shrimp Gratin, 4 types of veg Gratin.
In my basket I have bite-sized inari, paper spring rolls with salad and shrimp & a satchet of sweet chilli, 2 x premade margherita pizzas (these are from the fridge not freezer section.)
My Basket, Koenji-Eki Kita Branch is just 3 mins walk from Koenji Station. It isn’t a big supermarket but they do sell ready made meals, bentos, frozen items, fruit n veg and other pantry staples.
They are also on ubereats.
MY BASKET, KOENJI-EKI KITA
杉並区 高円寺北2-22-1
2-22-1 KOENJIKITA, SUGINAMI
OPEN 7AM-MIDNIGHT
Not a supermarket but, instead, a discount store I recommend is Olympic in Koenji. They sell nappies and some baby-related supplies. Upstairs you can find blankets, underwear, pyjamas, suitcases, home electronics (some of the electronics are so nostalgically retro.)
Middle shelf : Merries nappies (Big Size: 15-25kgs) , green bag are hand & face wipes, Moony product = flushable wipes, green Moony packet = soft wet wipes
Bottom shelf:
Pull up Mamypoko brand nappies, red packet = soft wet wipes, blue and white packet = paper towels.
Merries brand nappies; M size (6-11kgs) Pull up type, L size (9-14kgs) Pull up type, Big size (12-22kgs) Pull up type
Bottom shelf:
Mamypoko L size (9-15kgs) Pull up type, Big size (12-22kgs) Pull up type.
OLYMPIC, KOENJI
杉並区高円寺北2-19-6
2-19-6 KOENJI-KITA, SUGINAMA
OPEN 10AM-9PM
What is open before 10am in Koenji?
If you’ve read my Tokyo Before 10am blog post you’ll know that this country likes to sleep late. But, as kids don’t always “get” that memo.. Here are some earlier options.
Little Mermaid Bakery is open from 7:30am on weekdays and 8am on weekends. It is part of the Koenji Station building.
McDonald’s Koenji is open from 5am (as pictured above, they have high chairs and a changing table in the restrooms.)
Tokyu Store (Supermarket) is open from 7am (pictures and more info above.)
Where to store luggage in Koenji?
Unfortunately, there aren’t coin lockers at Koenji Station. So it is best to jump on the Ecbo Cloak app to see which stores with keep your luggage for you (one that pops up is the docomo store in the Shotengai PAL (shopping arcade street.)
Best to check the app first to see availability etc.
