TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: WHAT TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER ?

TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: WHAT TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER ?

If you like to see updates and what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give me a follow on The Tokyo Chapter instagram here.

The new Team Lab Borderless in Azabudai Hills opens February 9th, 2024 and tickets go on sale January 16th.
Before you start arranging your day – it is important to check that you, in fact, have tickets for Team Lab Borderless and NOT Team Lab Planets – they are both in very different locations in Tokyo.
If it is Borderless then you need to make sure you are heading to Azabudai Hills and you’re not looking at old information as, pre-covid, there was a Team Lab Borderless in Odaiba – also another completely different location.

For those who are looking for things to do in this area beforehand or afterwards – here are some options to fill up your full or half day in this area. I used to live near here so this is where I know best in Tokyo.

The Azabudai Hills Complex itself is new and has shopping and restaurants.  BUT it is very very very very popular and it can mean lining up for a long time for restaurants so I recommend venturing out to other options close by.
Extra tip: Team Lab Borderless on Google Maps is really confusing (it’s actually quite incorrect.)  I recommend putting in Azabudai Hills instead.

Within this complex, in the Azabudai Market and Gardens section and there is a bakery (opened March 13,2024) and it is the world’s first bakery for children.  It is called Comme’N Kids.  (There is a bakery for grownups next door but the kids one is extra cute as it has its own little “kids’ size” entrance.)  

Image courtesy of the Comme’n Kids Press Release.

COMME’N KIDS (KIDS ONLY BAKERY – 1ST OF IT’S KIND IN THE WORLD
東京都港区麻布台1-2-4 麻布台ヒルズ ガーデンプラザC 
AZABUDAI HILLS GARDEN PLAZA C, 1-2-4 AZABUDAI, MINATO-KU, TOKYO
OPEN 1oAM-8PM
BREAKFAST OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS:
BREAKFAST OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 1
Le Pain Quotiden – Bakery Restaurant
4 mins (500 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless

17 mins walk from Tea Lab Borderless
15 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
12 mins walk (4 mins/ approx 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
9 mins walk to Kamiyacho Station
12 mins walk (3 mins / approx 500 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
Le Pain Quotidien.  It opens at 8AM on weekends.
It’s a beautiful bakery restaurant and you can eat there or takeaway.  There is also outdoor dining.
They also serve  meals.  Eggs and croissants or Smoked Salmon open sandwiches and various salads and steak dishes. They also have vegetarian options.
The meals are around 2000 yen (5000 yen at dinner time)  so the cheaper option is to make use of the beautiful bakery. They have high chairs and a kids menu.


LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN, TOKYO MIDTOWN STORE
港区赤阪東京ミッドタウン1F
1F TOKYO MIDTOWN WEST PLAZA, AKASAKA, MINATO
OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM – 9PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 8AM – 9PM
LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN ENGLISH WEBSITE
*Incase you have any trouble finding it,  it is on the outside of the plaza, on the Barneys New York side and also near Konami gym.

 

BREAKFAST OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 2
The French Kitchen at The Grand Hyatt Tokyo
10 mins (just under 1000 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless
23 mins walk from Tea Lab Borderless
7 mins walk (3 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
10 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 500 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
21 mins walk (6 mins / approx 700 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
30 mins walk (12 mins / approx 1000 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station

The French Kitchen at The Grand Hyatt is the perfect place for a long and decadent breakfast or brunch.  The Weekend Brunch is absolutely stunning and I would recommend the terrace seating with children (even if it means layering up in colder weather.)   This buffet breakfast is not in everyone’s budget so jump on their website to see if it is for you.  There is also a 15% service charge here.

THE FRENCH KITCHEN
INSIDE THE GRAND HYATT TOKYO
ROPPONGI HILLS, 6-10-3 ROPPONGI
六本木6-10-3六本木ヒルズ
ALL DAY DINING
WEBSITE

Down the bottom of the hill from the Grand Hyatt (at the bottom of Keyakizaka Dori (Keyakizaka Street) is a beautiful bookstore called Tsutaya that also has a Starbucks inside.The starbucks here is spacious and there is also seats outside the store so it’s fine to come here with kids (watch little ones near the road, of course.)  While here, be aware that you are only.a few minutes walk from Robot Park

The Starbucks inside Tsutaya Roppongi

There is a beautiful children’s book section here.
There is a small quiet reading space for children – there are some English books here.

The rules for the quiet reading space at Tsutaya Roppongi.
Tsutaya Roppongi Kids Reading Space
Kids quiet reading place at Tsutaya Roppongi
My two looking through the Disney Guide Books in the guide book section at Tsutaya Roppongi

They also sell magazines and some souvenirs. 

These hello kitty in Kimono ornaments are a special purchase (16,500 yen) and are made so beautifully.
This origami set is 770 yen
Other souvenirs at Tsutaya Roppongi.

ROPPONGI TSUTAYA BOOKS
港区六本木 6 −11−1 六本木ヒルズ 六本木 けやき坂通り
KEYAKIZAKA DORI、ROPPONGI HILLS, 6-11-1 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
OPEN 9AM-11PM (STARBUCKS IS OPEN FROM 7AM) 

There is a big supermarket just next to Tsutaya. It is called Shinanoya.  Open everyday 9am-11pm. 



SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS
SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 1
A small but very pretty garden stroll at Mohri Garden
8 mins (just under 1000 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless
21 mins walk from Tea Lab Borderless
6 mins walk (4 mins / approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
9 mins walk   from Azabu-juban Station
28 mins walk (10 mins / approx 1000 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station
18 mins walk (6 mins / approx 700 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station 

How about a stroll through the Mohri Garden? It is located within the grounds of the Roppongi Hills Complex (and on the same level as the toy stores, toddler toilet facilities, small complimentary play area, nappy changing and nursing rooms.)  Kiddies will need to stick to the path but it’s a lovely little Japanese park for stretching legs and taking some pictures.

Mohri Garden Roppongi Hills in Cherry Blossom season

MOHRI GARDEN
ROPPONGI HILLS COMPLEX, 
HILLSIDE SECTION, B2 FLOOR, 6-11-1 ROPPONGI
六本木6-11-1 六本木ヒルズB2

 

SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS OPTION 2:
Watch the fancy puppies at the salon*if visiting by taxi it’s best to get dropped outside the Louis Vuitton in Roppongi and then just walk into the complex from there.  Walk into the big open arena area and then left to the elevators and go to the B1 floor.
22 mins (12 mins / just under 1000 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless
6 mins walk (4 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
11 mins walk (6 mins/ approx 500 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
21 mins walk (5 mins / approx 700 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
29 mins walk (12 mins / approx 1200 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station

My kids love to “window-shop” at the very extravagant Doggie Grooming Salon “Joker” inside the Roppongi Hills Complex.  These puppies customers are treated to the most amazing haircuts and their bath would equal any healthy (human!) health retreat standards.  There is a dog & cat pet shop next door too. Be sure to check out the pet prices and the extensive range of pet strollers.  You will be gobsmacked.


JOKER DOG GROOMING SALON

ROPPONGI HILLS COMPLEX,
HILLSIDE SECTION, B1 FLOOR, 6-11-1 ROPPONGI
六本木6-11-1 六本木ヒルズB1
OPEN 11am-9pm

If you really love meeting Japanese doggies, I recommend reading my article here on how to ask if you can pat someone’s dog in Japanese.

 

SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS OPTION 3:
Visit a major art gallery or museum
(this area has so many iconic Tokyo Galleries and Museums to choose from)
Why not check out one of Tokyo’s most incredible galleries and museums?   I’ve listed my favourite art galleries, installations and exhibitions to take my children to in Tokyo and they are all in this area. Read here for the info and on how to find out what is on right now.

 

SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS OPTION 4:
Karaoke ! In a Karaoke Booth at Karaoke-Kan
(no reservation required- unless you are a large group)
SEE HERE FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON TAKING KIDS OUT TO KARAOKE IN JAPAN.
4 mins (500 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless
14 mins walk from Team Lab Borderless
2 mins walk from Roppongi Station
11 mins walk (4 mins / 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station 
11 mins walk ( 3 mins / 500 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
13 mins walk  (3 mins/ 500 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
20 mins walk (5 mins / approx 700 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station

Karaoke
with kids is SUCH  a good idea. Karaoke isn’t just a night time thing either. It’s really fun to do as a family during the day!
Especially if you’re on your way somewhere and the weather turns on you.   Karaoke in Japan just isn’t what you think. It’s your own room for as many people as you like (even just one or two is ok!)  Kids and adults love it because you sing just to your group, choose your own songs, your time spent in there and pick up a phone for more food and drink!
My children always take a few songs to warm up but their favourites are the nursery rhymes and the Disney songs.  My little boy loves singing the theme songs to Disney Junior favourites, Old MacDonald and my little girl loves Sing so is now happy to sing to Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” or “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift.    Pick up the phone to ask for help with disco lighting or changing the room temperature.  Don’t be worried about the noise levels – you have your own volume controls too.

For bigger kiddies, why not practice ordering and they can pick up the phone and try for themselves?
eg. “orenji jyuusu hitotsu kudasai !” (one orange juice please!)

Keep in mind: this doesn’t have to be an evening activity : they are open from midday until 6am!

The Karaoke-kan brand has several in Roppongi , just near the crossing. Look for the blue & red signs.

Karaokekan. The view from the window over the sign. This was at Karaoke-kan in Roppongi

KARAOKEKAN, ROPPONGI
港区六本木4-9-9
4-9-9 ROPPONGI, MINATO

OPEN: MIDDAY- 6AM
PRICES CHANGE FOR TIMES OF DAY (CHEAPER BEFORE 7PM) EXPECT TO PAY ABOUT 250YEN PER PERSON FOR EACH 30 MINUTES , DRINKS & FOOD ARE ADDITIONAL. PRICES ARE MORE LIKE 650 YEN PER 30 MINS LATE AT NIGHT OR ON WEEKENDS.
KARAOKE KAN WEBSITE (JAPANESE) 

 

SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS OPTION 5:
Red Tokyo
(VR games centre inside Tokyo Tower)
3 mins walk (500 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless
8 mins walk (3 mins / 600 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station
16 mins walk  (5 mins/ 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
20 mins walk (4 mins / 600 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station 

27 mins walk (5 mins / 700 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
35 mins walk ( 6 mins / 500 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
For bigger kids, I recommend also visiting Red Tokyo inside of Tokyo Tower.  It’s an indoor VR and Game Centre Theme Park over 3 floors.

Red Tokyo in Tokyo Tower

 

SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS OPTION 6:
Explore Tokyo Tower
3 mins walk (500 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless
8 mins walk (3 mins / 600 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station
16 mins walk  (5 mins/ 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
20 mins walk (4 mins / 600 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station 

27 mins walk (5 mins / 700 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
35 mins walk ( 6 mins / 500 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station

There is a whole mini city inside of Tokyo Tower.  Why not take the elevator to the top, do some shopping and eat at the food court?
I have lots of details and pictures on visiting Tokyo Tower here. 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS
LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 1
Afuri Ramen
If it’s ramen you’re keen on… try Afuri .  There are two locations – one in Roppongi Hills (underground) and one at Roppongi Crossing.
The broth is clear and the taste is, to me, lovely and clean.
This is a chain store and definitely has a local vibe. It’s a counter around the kitchen and orders are placed on a vending machine out the front.  I like the Shoyu (soy sauce) and Shio (Salt) ramen. My kids eat some of mine and have Niku Gohan (Pork pieces on rice).  With kiddies, I recommend going before midday so you don’t have to queue and you avoid using up too many seats with little bottoms while grownups line up outside.

A full lunch with a beer will still leave you change from 2000 yen.   This is chain store so keep your eye out for more Afuri branches ( for eg. Azabu-juban, Ebisu, Roppongi Crossing, Harajuku )  Some of the stores also have a vegan ramen option too.
If visiting the Roppongi Hills Afuri, there are escalators and stairs underground. When I have the double stroller I use the office elevators in the Roppongi Hills North Tower next to Lulu Lemon.
Please note: this store does not accept cash.


AFURI RAMEN, ROPPONGI HILLS
港区六本木6-2-31 六本木ヒルズノースタワー
ROPPONGI HILLS NORTH TOWER, 6-2-31 ROPPONGI
OPEN EVERYDAY: 11AM-10PM
AFURI
Please note: this store does not accept cash.

AFURI RAMEN ROPPONGI CROSSING
港区六本木4-9-4 UFビル4 1F
GROUND FLOOR, UF BUILDING 4, 4-9-4 ROPPONGI
OPEN 11AM-5AM
AFURI
Please note: this store does not accept cash.

 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 2
Shake Shack for burgers
17 mins (6 mins / approx 650 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless

1 min walk from Roppongi Station
13 mins walk (4 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab)  from Azabu-juban Station
13 mins walk (5 mins / approx 700 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
14 mins walk (6 mins / approx 700 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
23 mins walk (8 mins / approx 800 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station

Also near the Roppongi Hills complex is Shake Shack that has only recently arrived in Japan and is VERY well received .
The Shake Shake stores all have high chairs.


SHAKE SHACK ROPPONGI
港区六本木6-2-31
6-2-31 ROPPONGI, MINATO
OPEN 11AM-11PM

 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 3
Suju Dining Rokkaku, Japanese Restaurant
4 mins (500 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless
17 mins walk from Tea Lab Borderless
15 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
12 mins walk (4 mins/ approx 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
9 mins walk to Kamiyacho Station
12 mins walk (3 mins / approx 500 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station

Or if you’re in Tokyo Midtown (department store) for lunch (or dinner) and want to eat beautiful Japanese food, I recommend Suju Dining Rokkaku.
Even if there is a queue, I recommend waiting around as, although it is popular, they are quick at lunch time to make sure they can seat everyone without having to wait too long.
The food is so reasonably priced and there is so much food in one lunch set.   This restaurant cooks all its dishes in the style of and using mostly ingredients from Karuizawa ( a popular holiday spot just a few hours out of Tokyo.)
All lunch sets are less than 1800 yen. At dinner time I would budget for more like 8000 yen per adult. 
They do have stroller parking and high chairs.

Japanese teishoku restaurant in Roppongi Tokyo

SUJU DINING ROKKAKU, TOKYO MIDTOWN
港区赤坂9-7-4 東京ミッドタウン ガレリアガーデンテラス2F
2ND FLOOR, TOKYO MIDTOWN GALLERIA GARDEN TERRACE
9-7-4 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN 11AM-11PM (LUNCH IS SERVED UNTIL 4PM)
SUJU DINING ROKKAKU WEBSITE

And while you’re inside Midtown, if you’re looking for Japanese gifts and souvenirs, there is a beautiful gift shop on the 3rd floor. It is called Hashicho.
There are some bigger more expensive pieces but also smaller items like chopsticks etc.   (There are also two more shops that stock Japanese gifts just a few shops down.)
If you’re looking for other ideas for gifts from Japan I have a post with all of my Japan gift suggestions here


HASHICHO, ROPPONGI
TOKYO MIDTOWN, 3F GALLERIA
OPEN 11AM-9PM

 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 4
Gluten Free T’s Roppongi – Vegan and Gluten Free Options
6 mins (approx 700 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless
19 mins walk from Team Lab Borderless
5 mins walk from Nogizaka Station
12 mins walk from Roppongi Station
18 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
26 mins walk (7 mins / approx 800 yen) to Kamiyacho Station

16 mins walk (3 mins / approx 500 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
If you are vegan or gluten free in Roppongi (or you are vegan AND gluten free in Roppongi) I recommend Gluten Free T’s Roppongi – it’s just across the road from Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.  As you can guess from the name, this Tokyo restaurant is entirely gluten free.  There are many vegan and vegetarian options here too.  Menu options include ramen, gyoza, cajun fried chicken and okonomiyaki. Gluten Free T’s also have sweets such as pancakes, chiffon cake and chocolate brownies. There is a full English menu.  For lunch or dinner I would budget around 2500 yen per adult.  Gluten Free T’s accept most major credit cards and the entire restaurant is non-smoking.
GLUTEN FREE T’S ROPPONGI
OPEN FOR LUNCH 12PM-4PM (LAST ORDER 3PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM (LAST ORDER 8:30PM)
CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 5
Traditional Japanese Restaurant – specializing in Tofu
3 mins (approx 500 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless
7 mins walk rom Team Lab Borderless
13 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
14 mins walk (3 mins / approx 500 yen) to Kamiyacho Station
19 mins walk (approx 5 mins/ 700 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
21 mins walk (7 mins / approx 800 yen) from Roppongi Station

30 mins walk (approx 9 mins/ 1000 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
I’ve written about Toufuya Ukai in detail here (I have more pictures too)

TOFUYA SHIBA UKAI
港区芝公園4-1-13
4 -4-13 SHIBAKOEN, MINATO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:45AM-3PM & 5PM-7:30PM
OPEN WEEKENDS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-7:30PM
CLOSED 2 MONDAYS PER MONTH (SO CALL AHEAD)

 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 6
Sukiyaki & Shabu Shabu Restaurant Shabuzen
10 mins walk (approx 500 yen by taxi) from Team Lab Borderless
6 mins walk (approx 2 mins/ 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
6 mins walk from Roppongi Station
7 mins walk from Nogizaka Station

11 mins walk (3 mins/ approx 500 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
15 mins walk (4 mins / approx 500 yen) to Kamiyacho Station

ShabuZen in Roppongi is a stunning way to eat Japanese hot pot as a family or as a couple.
They are open for lunch on weekends only but open for dinner from 5pm.  I recommend making a reservation.
For lunch I would expect to pay around 3000 yen per adult but more like 13,000 yen at dinner time.   This restaurant welcomes babies and children and they have space to store strollers while you dine. The sukiyaki or shabu shabu is cooked at your table and you can have unlimited meat and vegetables during the time on the course you have chosen.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.  The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
SHABUZEN ROPPONGI
港区六本木3-16-33 青葉六本木ビル B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR 1, AOBA BUILDING ROPPONGI, 3-16-33 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
OPEN FOR LUNCH ON WEEKENDS: MIDDAY-2:30PM
OPEN FOR DINNER EVERYDAY: 5PM-11PM LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 7
Sushi Kokoro, Hiroo
*Reservations required ahead of time
38 mins walk (approx 8 mins/ 1800 yen by taxi) from Team Lab Borderless
3 mins (approx 500 yen) by cab from Hiroo Station

7 mins (approx 900 yen) by cab from Ebisu Station
*Please note that children (6 years and older) can only enter the restaurant at lunchtime.

The Omakase course is 22,000 yen, 33,000 yen, 44,000 yen or 55,000 yen-  but you could enjoy that while your little one has an option from the kids menu.
The interior is simple and beautiful. Just a big wooden counter, the guests and the chef.
Please Please note that this is a special Japanese dining experience. Please remember that children need to stay in their seats while dining at the restaurant. I recommend bringing some stickers and a small colouring book if this will help keep them occupied while waiting for food.
A restaurant like this is an experience for all guests. Please be sure to not wear any cologne or perfume.  
Please ask your hotel to reserve this restaurant for you.  There are cancellation fees for cancelling the day before (and you will lose all of your payment if you cancel on the day of your reservation.)

Sushi Kokoro is 10 mins walk from Hiroo Station or you can take a 10 min taxi from Ebisu Station.
SUSHI KOKORO
港区南麻布4-12-4プラチナコート広尾 1F
GROUND FLOOR, PURACHINA COURT HIROO, 4-12-4 MINAMI-AZABU, MINATO-KU
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 12PM-2PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 6PM-10PM (FINAL ENTRY AT 7:3oPM


LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 8

Obica, Roppongi Hills (Italian Restaurant)
*There is also another smaller Obica in Tokyo Midtown. They also have high chairs.
19 mins walk (6 mins/approx 500 yen by taxi) from Team Lab Borderless
1 min walk from Roppongi Station
13 mins walk (4 mins/ approx 650 yen from Nogizaka Station

14 mins walk (6 mins/ approx 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
16 mins walk (approx 3 mins/ 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
25 mins walk (7 mins / approx 900yen) to Kamiyacho Station
Obica (Italian restaurant) has an outdoor terrace and a great happy hour (for the Mummies & Daddies.)
They sometimes call themselves Obika with a K too.
They also have high chairs.
Their kids’ plate is also adorable.   In the same complex as Obica are restrooms that also have a change table ( located in the complex behind the restaurant.)
The menu is on their website.
They also allow you to take your stroller into the restaurant.
It’s also one of the few restaurants that allows for pizza leftovers to be taken home (well, ‘legally’ – I’m famous at discretely shoving some leftovers in a ziplock bag.)

Obica Roppongi Hills

This is the kids plate. (Photo courtesy of the Roppongi Hills website)
OBICA, ROPPONGI HILLS
港区六本木6-4-1 六本木ヒルズ ハリウッドビューティープラザ 1F
GROUND FLOOR, ROPPONGI HILLS HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY PLAZA
6-4-1 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 9AM – 11:30PM


*Side suggestion:

Just next to Obica, walk through the Roppongi Hills Hollywood Beauty Plaza doors if you’d like to shop at the Onitsuka Tiger Store. 

The Onitsuka Tiger Store in Roppongi. 

ONITSUKA TIGER, ROPPONGI HILLS
港区六本木6-4-1 ヒルズ メトロハット/ハリウッドプラザ B1F
B1 FLOOR, HILS METRO HAT / HOLLYWOOD PLZA, 6-4-1 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-8PM

 

And up above the Onitsuka Tiger Roppongi (one level above) is the open deck area with the famous Louise Bourgeois Spider sculpture.  

Spider Sculpture

 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 9
Gonpachi, Nishi-Azabu (Aka the Kill Bill restaurant) Japanese Restaurant
27 mins walk (8 mins /approx 900  yen by taxi) from Team Lab Borderless
9 mins walk (2 mins / approx 500 yen by cab) rom Roppongi Station
9 mins walk (3 mins / approx 500 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
12 mins walk (2 mins / approx 500 yen) to Hiroo Station
20 mins walk (6 mins/ approx 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
24 mins walk (approx 5 mins/ 900 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
34 mins walk (6 mins / approx 1000 yen) to Ebisu Station
This restaurant is well know and quite touristy but it’s popular for a reason. 
They are also so so kid-friendly here. 
I’ve written in detail about Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu here. 


LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 10
Pizzakaya (
Gluten free or Vegan Pizza)
24 mins walk (6 mins /approx 900
yen by taxi) from Team Lab Borderless
5 mins walk (2 mins / approx 500 yen by cab) rom Roppongi Station
11 mins walk (5 mins / approx 800 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
14 mins walk (3 mins / approx 500 yen) to Hiroo Station
14 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 800 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
20 mins walk (approx 6 mins/ 1000 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
14 mins walk (8 mins / approx 1200 yen) to Ebisu Station
If you are looking for a restaurant with vegan options in Roppongi or a restaurant with gluten free options in Roppongi, there is Pizzakaya.  It is on the second floor so you will need to take the stairs.  I would budget for 2000-3000 yen per adult when dining here. This entire restaurant is non-smoking and accepts most major credit cards. It is a casual pub type of a vibe ( sports on the tv here etc.)   On weekdays, Pizzakaya offers an all you can eat pizza option for 1,500 yen.

PIZZAKAYA
OPEN 11:30AM -2PM & 5PM-10PM (LAST ORDER AT 9:30PM)

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 11 
23 mins walk (7 mins /approx 700yen by taxi) from Team Lab Borderless
1 min walk  from Roppongi Station
10 mins walk (2 mins / approx 500 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
21 mins walk (4 mins / approx 700 yen) to Hiroo Station
17 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 800 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
16 mins walk (approx 5 mins/ 600 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
42 mins walk (8 mins / approx 1300 yen) to Ebisu Station
If you’re feeling like some Korean BBQ for lunch (or dinner!)  (aka Yakiniku) there is a family friendly restaurant just 1 minute walk from Roppongi Station (via Exit 2.)   The restaurant is called Nikugen Roppongi.    You will be seated at a table with a grill in the middle and you barbecue your own thin slices of meat to then dip in different marinades.  It’s a great interactive experience with kids.  This restaurant welcomes children and babies.  Best to make a reservation on weekends and during busy times like Golden Week.   It is also good to book a private room if you have kids that need to wriggle a bit more while they dine etc (a private room is the normal price + 10%.)    They accept most major credit cards here and they also have an English menu. There is also free wifi at this restaurant. 
At lunch time I would budget 2000 yen per person and more like 6000 yen per adult at dinner time.  You can see the full Nikugen Roppongi menu here. 
NIKUGEN ROPPONGI
港区六本木7-15-17 ユニ六本木 2F
2ND FLOOR, YUNI ROPPONGI BUILDING, 7-15-17 ROPPONGI, MINATO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM 

 
LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 12
18 mins walk (7 mins /approx 700yen by taxi) from Team Lab Borderless
2 min walk  from Roppongi Station
11 mins walk (3 mins / approx 600 yen by cab) from Nogizaka Station
11 mins walk (approx 3 mins/ 600 yen by cab) from Roppongi Itchome Station
For incredible vegan food- Falafel Brothers is SOOOOO good.  So good. I get it every time I walk by.  
Their breakfast menu is available until 10:30AM.   2 mins walk from Roppongi Station. They accept most major credit cards. See the full Falafel Brothers menu here.   This restaurant is opposite the Candeo Roppongi.
Falafel Brothers. Examples of the kinds of meals they serve.

FALAFEL BROTHERS ROPPONGI
港区六本木5-1-10 カドガンビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, KADOGAN BUILDING, 5-1-10 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 8:30AM-9PM (CLOSES AT 8:30PM ON SUNDAYS) 

 

LUNCH SUGGESTIONS NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 13
22 mins (12 mins / just under 1000 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless
6 mins walk (4 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
11 mins walk (6 mins/ approx 500 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
21 mins walk (5 mins / approx 700 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
29 mins walk (12 mins / approx 1200 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station

Just next to the  Mohri Garden in Roppongi Hills is Mohri Salvatore Cuomo. (In case you can’t find it – go to Louis Vuitton on Keyakizaka, cross the road to Roppongi Hills and walk through the courtyard to the Mohri Garden. The restaurant is on your left.)  Best to book but you can always try your luck for a walk-in (we have been lucky a few times.) If possible, best to sit on the terrace and take in the garden while you dine (they have heaters and blankets so you don’t need to worry about getting cold in the cooler months)  
To dine here I recommend budgeting approximately 5000 yen per adult at dinnertime and more like 2500 yen at lunchtime.   This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The staff speak English well and there is an English menu.   They also have space to store a stroller while you dine. See the full Salvatore Cuomo menu here.   Make an online reservation here or, even better, ask your hotel to make a reservation for you. 
During the day: the lunch sets here are around 2,200 yen and come with a salad, main and a coffee or tea.  

Salvatore Cuomo Mohri’s lunch set menu.

MOHRI SALVATORE CUOMO
六本木6-10-1 六本木ヒルズヒルサイド B2F
B2F ROPPONGI HILLS, HILLSIDE SECTION, 6-10-1 ROPPONGI
OPEN 11AM-2:30PM & 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10PM) 


PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS FOR KIDS
PARK & PLAYGROUND OPTION NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 1:
Robot Park

10 mins (just under 1000 yen) by taxi from Team Lab Borderless
23 mins walk from Tea Lab Borderless
7 mins walk (3 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
10 mins walk (5 mins/ approx 500 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
30 mins walk (12 mins / approx 1000 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station
21 mins walk (6 mins / approx 700 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station 

Robo-Robo (aka, Robot) Park is my kid’s favourite Tokyo city park.   It’s just a small piece of land with a rainbow of slides, a few climbing options and a giant roller slide down the hill.  I don’t recommend in the hottest part of Summer as the slides get really hot.  Toilets are at the bottom of the hill across the road.

Robo-Robo Park in Winter


ROBOT PARK
6-16-46 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU

港区六本木六丁目6-16-46
ALWAYS OPEN. NO ROLLERSLIDE USE AT NIGHT/EARLY MORNING

 

PARK & PLAYGROUND OPTION NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 2:
Free children’s indoor space inside Roppongi Hills.  
*if visiting by taxi it’s best to get dropped outside the Louis Vuitton in Roppongi and then just walk into the complex from there.  Walk into the big open arena area and then down to the Lego Store and follow the signs to the toilets to find it easily. 
22 mins (12 mins / just under 1000 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless
6 mins walk (4 mins/ approx 500 yen by cab) from Roppongi Station
11 mins walk (6 mins/ approx 500 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
21 mins walk (5 mins / approx 700 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
29 mins walk (12 mins / approx 1200 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station

Just near Mohri Garden  (near the elevator) inside the Roppongi Hills Complex  is a free play space for small children. Strollers need to be left outside.
There is a different section for babies under 2 as well and breastfeeding rooms and changing facilities.
Across the way are kiddie toilets too.

It  has a lovely selection of books – in English and Japanese which has made it even more age appropriate for kids older than 3 ( for a short amount of time, anyway.)

 

PARK & PLAYGROUND OPTION NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 3:
Hinokicho Park
20 mins walk (6 mins / approx 650 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless
3 mins walk from Roppongi Station
19 mins walk (6 mins/ approx 700 yen  from Azabu-juban Station
13 mins walk (3 mins / approx 500 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
22 mins walk (7 mins / approx 900 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station
If the little ones need a wriggle after visiting Team Lab Borderless – behind Tokyo Midtown department store is a large open park (Hinokicho Park) with a few pieces of playground equipment. There is also a pond and area to have a sit-down picnic.  There are often art installations and special events held in certain sections of the park grounds. In the hot months, take a pair of swimmers and towel too – there is a little splash pad too (Down near the slide.)
I’ve written in detail (and included more pictures) about Hinokicho Park in Roppongi here.


HINOKICHO (TOKYO MIDTOWN) PARK
9-7-1 AKASAKA
赤坂9-7-1
OPEN 5am-11pm

 

PARK & PLAYGROUND OPTION NEAR TEAM LAB BORDERLESS: OPTION 5:
Ichinohashi Park
1 min walk from Azabu-juban Station
16 mins walk (5 mins / approx 800 yen by cab) from Team Lab Borderless

16 mins walk from Roppongi Station
15 mins walk (4 mins / approx 500 yen) from Roppongi Itchome Station
22 mins walk (6 mins / approx 900 yen by cab) to Kamiyacho Station

For a morning or daytime option, I recommend checking out Ichinohashi Park Playground.  This relatively new outdoor play space has a small splash pad for toddlers July-August, a rock climbing wall and a long roller slide.  There is also a public toilet here.    The park is definitely not beautiful (very limited green going on)  but it is fun for kids and a great way to break up the day in this area. It is 9 mins walk from the Australian Embassy and is also right next to Azabujuban Station (take exit 3 to pop up right next to the playground.)  The public restrooms here have a change table.   In my opinion, this park is a good idea for kids between 1-8 years old. 

Ichinohashi Park, Roller Slide.
The rollerslide at Ichinohashi Park
The climbing wall at Ichinohashi Park
The Climbing Wall at Ichinohashi Park

 

 

Share: