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In our latest guide to craft beer in Japan, we’re going to be looking at family friendly bars in Japan. And for good reason as having kids myself, in the past I’ve wanted to have a drink or two with my children after a long day of doing some family orientated activities. In spite of being able to wait, there’s something even more delicious about sitting down to a cold pint of beer while you’re out.
Growing up in the UK, my parents often took my sisters and I down to their local pub. Of course, this was during the 80s and 90s, where everyone with kids apparently did this. No matter about the swearing, the dodgy atmosphere, and the dirty language being used. That didn’t matter an iota. Not all pubs were like this; some refused to allow children in, some had restrictions on when children could come in, and some had family rooms set aside for those with children.
My parents bought us snacks, some drinks, and if I was lucky, some money to spend on the Neo Geo arcade machine in the bar. I can still remember the four games on the machine : Fatal Fury, Metal Slug, Nam 1975, and Super Baseball 2020. The pub no longer exists, but the memories of the pub still remain.
Naturally, some people do not want to see, let alone hear, children in a bar, but I for one welcome having families come to a bar, relaxing with a cold beer and some lunch, and enjoying some quality family time. So for this instalment, the bars on this list have to fulfil the following conditions:
- The bar has to be non-smoking to ensure that if children do come in, they aren’t going to be stuck in a smoky atmosphere.
- The bar must have some space for children and of course, allow children.
- Craft beer has to be on tap and not in bottles – we have no problem with the latter; however, there is no difference then in making your own food and buying your own bottles for consumption at home.
- The bar must be near to a station for ease of walking for those people with baby strollers and pushchairs.
- Must have Japanese craft beer on tap – that’s a given.
- We’ve widened the area to anywhere in Kanto, though there are probably places outside, we’re yet to get to them. Let us know in the comments below and we’ll try adding them.
Baird Nakameguro Taproom
Of all the locations that Baird Beer offers, our preferred choice of bars is Baird Nakameguro. There are plenty of seats available for larger groups – with, or without, children. Moreover, Baird Nakameguro has a wide menu to choose from, so there’s little chance of children being left out. Of course, the Shuzenji location is the pick of the bunch, but the main downside is getting down there with children.
Let’s Beer Works
A newcomer to the site, but after our first visit, we left feeling with a sense of community being central to the bar. There were families from the local area, with young children in buggies, to older children at tables. While the pub isn’t large, there is space for people to move around, and plenty on the menu for families to pick from.
TDM 1874 Shimokitazawa
Like with the Baird Beer bars, there’s a few choices we could have gone with for TDM 1874. The Shimokitazawa branch wins out because it’s naturally suited to being family friendly due to its location. There is enough space inside for people with buggies to get in and sit at. Moreover, there are enough non-alcohol choices on the menu for children too. And if you do have to leave early, pick up a few cans to take away on your way out.
Craft Beer iBrew Yokohama
Once again, a few choices from Craft Beer iBrew but we’ve been here a few times, and seen families at lunch time enjoying the food and drinks on the menu. There’s space at the front of the bar for people to sit outside when the weather is warm, and also some space inside for those who want to enjoy something calmer. The menu has lots of choices for children – chips of course – and also non-alcoholic options.
Mizonokuchi Brewery
A very much community centred building, with its roots being in a space for people to come and share some beers with each other. As such, the bar is geared towards allowing all to come – groups of friends, or families, to enjoy some locally made beers, alongside local produce. There’s plenty on the menu for everyone to enjoy, with non-alcoholic choices for adults and children.
Libushi Bashamichi
When this place opened up back in 2022, it was part of a project to help rejuvenate old buildings that could not be demolished, but instead, could be remodelled inside. AJB Company took over the reigns and brought in its second taproom location, which also encourages people to come with their families. Every time I’ve been to this location, I’ve always seen families during the day time, with children quite happily playing with some toys, or reading books. Lots on the menu to choose from for the kids and parents alike.
Cuffy
We’re going up to Kashiwa for this one and there’s a couple of places we could have chosen. Cuffy made the list for its combination of curry and craft beer, and also being family friendly throughout the day. The staff are accommodating to the needs of young children, with spaces for pushchairs and strollers, and plenty of non-alcoholic options for those youngsters. Moreover, there’s a lot on the menu to choose from if people can not each spicy food.
Link : Cuffy in Kashiwa, Chiba
Sakamichi Brewing
The OG Sakamichi Taproom in Tokyo makes the list over the newer place purely because we came here first. With its laid back atmosphere, all are welcome to come here, and with the bar allowing food from off-site, it also means families can come for a couple of beers, and bring some snacks for the children. There’s plenty of space inside and outside for pushchairs and strollers too.
Beach Muffin
What would this list be without Beach Muffin? Every single time I’ve been here, there’s been groups of mothers with young children during the weekdays, and then at weekdays, large groups of families sharing the meals together on the sofas and the table dotted around the bar. There’s plenty of options for young children to eat from, as well as options for non-alcoholic drinks.
Link : Beach Muffin in Zushi
Okei Brewery Nippori
Another brewery that is community centred is Okei Brewery Nippori. Located in the North Eastern part of the Yamanote Line loop, it opened in 2022 – there’s a theme here – and while it may look small on the outside, there is plenty of space inside. On the three times that we’ve been here, there have been families enjoying the food and drinks every single time – that’s a good sign right? There’s enough choices on the menu for children with simple snacks and also drinks.
Outside Kanto
We’ve visited these places and found them to be suitable for families, or those with young children. While they are not getting as much of a write up, that’s not to say they’re any less worthy.
