Things to do in London with a child who loves Japan
Japanese culture captivates many children with its blend of tradition and modernity, offering everything from anime and manga to delicious cuisine. The allure of samurai tales, kawaii characters like Pokemon and Hello Kitty, and the artistic elegance of origami and tea ceremonies provide endless fascination for young enthusiasts. From exploring Japanese food to shopping for unique items, this post will guide you through an array of activities and destinations that celebrate Japanese culture in London, ensuring a Japanese experience for your child (or anyone looking for Japanese things to do in London with kids).
If your child loves all Asian culture or is a huge K-pop fan, check out our post on the best Korean things to do in London.
Shop at the Japan Centre
Visiting the Japan Centre is a must for any child who loves Japan. The flagship store is located in the heart of London, just off Leicester Square, although it has smaller outposts in both Westfield Stratford and Westfield White City.
The Japan Centre is a shop that offers an authentic taste of Japanese culture and cuisine. It is packed with a wide variety of Japanese goods, from fresh sushi and sashimi to a diverse selection of snacks, sweets, and drinks.
Kids will be thrilled to explore the aisles filled with colorful packaging and unique treats, including popular items like Pocky sticks, mochi, and Ramune soda. The Leicester Square and Westfield White City stores also offer mocha bars that offer a mocha menu including mochi donuts, mochi ice cream and mochi cookies, and bubble tea too!
Beyond food, the Japan Centre also stocks an impressive range of Japanese books, magazines, kitchenware, and other paraphernalia, making it a treasure trove for young enthusiasts eager to dive deeper into Japanese culture. The friendly staff are always on hand to help with recommendations and to share their knowledge about the products and Japanese traditions.
A visit to the Japan Centre is not just a shopping trip but an experience. Children can enjoy discovering new flavours and products. For parents, it’s a great opportunity to introduce their kids to international foods and customs, all within the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of one of London’s top destinations for Japanese culture.
Visit the V&A’s Japan Collection
The Victoria and Albert Museum, located in South Kensington, houses an extensive and diverse collection of Japanese art and artifacts that captivate and educate visitors of all ages. Exploring the V&A Museum’s Japan collection is a fantastic way to immerse your child in the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
As you wander through the Japan collection, you’ll see displays of traditional Japanese crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and beautifully crafted kimonos. These exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s history and artistic achievements.
One of the highlights for children is the chance to see authentic samurai armour up close. These impressive pieces of protective gear tell stories of Japan’s feudal past and the legendary warriors who wore them.
A visit to the V&A Museum’s Japan collection is a perfect outing for a child who loves Japan and who wishes to understand more about its history.
Eat Japanese food
Japanese cuisine offers a wealth of iconic dishes, including sushi, ramen, yakitori and okonomiyaki. These beloved dishes, alongside an array of delightful side dishes like edamame and miso soup, highlight the rich diversity and irresistible flavors of Japanese food. This culinary journey showcases the artful presentation and exquisite taste that make sampling the cuisine a must-try Japanese experience in London for any Japan enthusiast.
Whether you and your family are seasoned enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine or complete newcomers to the delights of sushi and tempura, we’re confident you’ll discover something in London to tantalise your taste buds from our suggestions.
General
With multiple locations across London, including Soho, Holborn, and Notting Hill, Eat Tokyo is a popular choice for families seeking authentic Japanese food. Their extensive menu features a variety of options, perfect for sharing and sampling different flavours. The generous portions and reasonable prices make Eat Tokyo a great option for families looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
For a truly immersive experience in Japanese pop culture, a visit to Uzumaki in Holborn is a must for any child who loves Japan. Inspired by the popular anime and manga series Naruto, this vibrant restaurant offers a delightful blend of themed decor, delicious Japanese cuisine, and interactive activities. Kids will be thrilled by the colourful murals and nods to their favorite characters, while the menu features a variety of dishes like ramen, sushi rolls, and matcha-flavored treats. With its lively atmosphere and friendly staff, Uzumaki provides a memorable outing that combines the best of Japanese food and pop culture.
For a dining experience that combines Japanese cuisine with cutting-edge technology, visit Inamo in London. This innovative restaurant, with locations in Soho and Covent Garden, offers an interactive dining experience that is sure to captivate children who love Japan. At Inamo, the tables are equipped with touch-sensitive panels that allow diners to order food and play games. The menu features a wide array of delicious Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and Asian fusion options, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. The immersive and playful environment at Inamo makes it a perfect spot for families, providing not only a meal but an engaging and entertaining experience that blends the flavors of Japan with modern dining technology.
For more specialised options, consider the below:
Ramen
Ramen, with its savory broth, springy noodles, and delicious toppings, is a hit with kids and adults alike. With branches across London, including in Carnaby, Covent Garden, and Liverpool Street, Shoryu Ramen serves authentic Hakata-style ramen. The thick, creamy tonkotsu broth and perfectly cooked noodles make for a satisfying meal that kids will enjoy. Shoryu also offers a kids’ menu with smaller portions, making it easier for little ones to enjoy their meal. The fun and welcoming atmosphere, complete with the occasional drum performance, adds to the overall dining experience.
Yakitori
Yakitori, or grilled skewers, is a great Japanese dish for kids who might be reluctant to delve into a world of raw fish. In London, there are several fantastic spots where you can enjoy yakitori, making it an ideal way to introduce your child to the flavors of Japan. Sticks’n’Sushi, with locations across London, including Covent Garden, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and Shoreditch, is a family-friendly restaurant that combines the best of both worlds: sushi and yakitori. The menu offers a wide range of grilled skewers, including chicken, beef, and vegetable options, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. The stylish and relaxed atmosphere, along with a dedicated kids’ menu, ensures that even the youngest diners have a great time. It’s an excellent spot for introducing children to the joys of Japanese cuisine in a welcoming environment.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki, often described as a savory Japanese pancake, is a popular dish that combines a variety of ingredients like cabbage, meat, seafood, and cheese, all mixed into a batter and cooked on a griddle. Enjoy okonomiyaki at Abeno (located right near the British Museum) or at Okan, which has branches in Brixton and the South Bank, and which offers Japanese izakaya vibes.
Enjoy Japanese patisserie
If you still aren’t full after a Japanese meal, London offers a variety of delightful spots to enjoy Japanese patisserie and desserts.
Located in Soho, Sakurado is a charming spot known for its beautiful and delectable Japanese desserts. Specializing in mille crepe cakes, which are made of multiple layers of delicate crepes and flavored cream, Sakurado offers flavors like matcha, chocolate, and yuzu. Kids will love the vibrant colours and melt-in-your-mouth textures of these cakes. The patisserie also serves a variety of other Japanese sweets, making it a must-visit for dessert lovers.
For the cutest mousse desserts in the shape of various animals, a visit to No.79 Coffee & Mousse in Soho is a must. They make absolutely adorable desserts, the only difficulty you will have is picking your favourite – do you go with a teddy bear, panda, rabbit or lucky cat? They’re all super kawaii!
Located in Chinatown, Bake (Chinatown Bakery – Tong Tea on Google Maps) is a small but popular bakery that specializes in taiyaki. These iconic fish-shaped cakes are cooked to order, ensuring they are fresh and piping hot. Fillings range from traditional red bean paste to more modern options like Nutella and custard, catering to a variety of tastes. Watching the taiyaki being made is part of the fun, and kids will enjoy seeing their treats come to life right before their eyes. Alternatively, try Taiyakiya. To watch mini taiyaki being made by machine, pay a visit to the Chinatown Bakery on Newport Place where you can see the tiny fish being made by machine in the shop window. See our TikTok for a look at these tiny fish-shaped treats.
Shop for Japanese merchandise
Shopping for Japanese merchandise in London is an exciting adventure for any child who loves Japan. The city offers a variety of stores where you can find everything from anime and manga to trendy pop culture merchandise.
Forbidden Planet
A top destination for anime and manga enthusiasts is Forbidden Planet, located on Shaftesbury Avenue. This iconic store is a treasure trove of Japanese pop culture, offering an extensive selection of manga, anime DVDs, action figures, posters, and collectibles. Kids will be thrilled to explore the vast array of items featuring their favourite characters.
Animetal
A stone’s throw from Forbidden Planet is Animetal. This shop is a treasure trove of anime figures, model kits, collectibles, and merchandise from popular anime series. Whether looking for a specific figure or just exploring, Animetal offers unique licensed and official pieces imported straight from Japan.
Artbox
Also located in Covent Garden, Artbox is a paradise for fans of all things cute and quirky. Specialising in Japanese and Korean stationery and gifts, this store is packed with adorable items featuring popular characters like Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, and Pusheen. Kids will love browsing through the colourful selection of notebooks, pens, stickers, and plush toys. Artbox often stocks exclusive items that are hard to find elsewhere, making it a must-visit for collectors.
Exploring these stores provides a fun and immersive experience for children who are passionate about Japan. From the latest manga releases to kawaii collectibles, London offers a wealth of options for bringing a piece of Japan into your home.
Explore Japanese gardens
If you and your children need some respite from the city, exploring London’s parks and gardens is an excellent way to do that and with a number of parks having Japanese gardens, it is also a great way to explore an aspect of Japanese culture. Below are a few of our favourites.
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a stunning outdoor space gifted by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in 1991. This tranquil garden features a tiered waterfall, a serene pond filled with colorful koi fish, and stone lanterns that create an authentic Japanese ambiance. Children will delight in watching the fish. The garden’s winding paths and carefully designed landscapes provide a perfect setting for quiet exploration.
Regent’s Park Japanese Garden Island
Don’t miss the Japanese Garden Island in Regent’s Park. This small but picturesque garden is located on an island in the park’s lake, accessible via a quaint bridge. The garden’s tranquil atmosphere and scenic views make it a delightful place for children to explore and appreciate the artistry of Japanese garden design. The garden has a multi-tiered waterfall which you can walk up to the top of for a view across the Japanese garden.
Kew Gardens’ Japanese Landscape
The Japanese Landscape at Kew Gardens combines several traditional Japanese garden styles, including a rock garden, a bamboo garden, and a beautiful Chokushi-Mon (Gateway of the Imperial Messenger), a replica of the gate in Kyoto’s Nishi Hongan-ji temple. The rock garden, with its carefully arranged stones and gravel, introduces the concept of Zen gardens, while the bamboo garden provides a glimpse into Japan’s lush greenery.
Hammersmith Park
Hammersmith Park is home to another charming Japanese garden. Originally part of the Japan-British Exhibition in 1910, this garden has been recently restored and features traditional elements such as stepping stones, a pond, and a variety of Japanese plants. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll, and children can enjoy the natural beauty of the garden.
Visit Japan House London
A visit to Japan House located just a short distance from High Street Kensington station is worth it for any older child or teenager keen to learn more about Japanese culture. Blending traditional elements with modern innovations, this cultural hub features a variety of exhibits and events.
Explore the regularly changing exhibitions that showcase different aspects of Japanese art, design, technology, and cuisine. These exhibits are thoughtfully curated to highlight Japan’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity. The library and shop area is filled with beautifully illustrated books, unique Japanese stationery, and traditional gifts.
Japan House frequently hosts workshops and events tailored to different age groups. Check their schedule in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on any family-friendly events.
Attend days celebrating Japan
Attending events that celebrate Japanese culture is a fantastic way for children who love Japan to immerse themselves in the country’s traditions and entertainment.
Key events in London include Hyper Japan, held annually at venues like Olympia London, which offers anime screenings, cosplay competitions, and traditional Japanese food stalls. Japan Matsuri, a free festival in Trafalgar Square, features music, dance, martial arts, and hands-on activities like origami and taiko drumming. Other notable events are the Anime & Gaming Con, with its anime screenings and gaming tournaments, and Japanese New Year celebrations at locations such as Japan House, featuring traditional rituals and performances.
These events provide a comprehensive and engaging way for families to explore and enjoy Japanese culture.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=1hrwr2WEkwQfgEPsYPpFZzIiH4V4qAtA&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Have any other places to recommend? Drop a comment below to share it.