Local Guide
Tsuchiura/Tsukuba area with children OK

The Tsuchiura/Tsukuba area, which is easily accessible from Tokyo and is developing as a bedroom community, has a wide variety of kid-friendly restaurants. In this issue, we will introduce some recommended restaurants where children and adults can spend a relaxing time in peace, such as cafes along parks that welcome children and restaurants in train stations where you can easily enter with a baby stroller. We hope you will find them useful when you and your family need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A new type of Japanese tea specialty store where Japanese meets pop!

Kids' Hamburger Rice
Kids' Hamburger Rice" 650 yen, "Roast Beef Yuzu Kosho Burger" 1,500 yen *Drinks are extra

Japanese tea store and cafe across from Doho Park in Tsukuba City. The "Kids' Rice" menu, limited to elementary school students and younger, includes two types of hamburger rice with five-grain rice and a hamburger, served with crispy fried French fries. The most popular item on the adult menu is the Roast Beef Yuzu Kosho Burger. The roast beef, cooked at low temperature, weighs 140 grams and goes perfectly with the yuzu kosho and sour cream sauce. The "Matcha Latte" made with freshly brewed matcha tea is also a must-try. Enjoy it while mixing the molasses at the bottom.

Healing Japanese space surrounded by the aroma of tea

Sencha, hojicha, and Japanese flavored teas selected by the owner, who hails from Shizuoka Prefecture, a tea-producing region, are available from 8 grams.
Sencha, hojicha, and Japanese flavored teas selected by the owner, who hails from Shizuoka Prefecture, a tea-producing region, are available from 8 grams.

The store, with its freshly washed floor, allows baby strollers to enter, and offers a variety of specialties that go well with Japanese green tea, such as hamburgers made with hojicha green tea buns. The buns, made by the popular Tsukuba bakery "Couronne," have a rich flavor with a hint of hojicha, and are made into a large, thin circle so that they are easy to eat, even with ingredients in them. The "Kids' Hamburger," which is half the size of an adult's hamburger, is also made with authentic hojicha green tea buns. Japanese sweets that go well with tea, such as "green tea cheesecake" and "hojicha purin" are also excellent.

Local Guide Comment
A dedicated take-out window allows you to order & take out without having to enter the restaurant. Easy to use and recommended for picnics at Dongbong Park.
OwL
  • Address CENTRAL88 1F, 2-14-16 Ninomiya, Tsukuba, Ibaraki MAP
  • Direction Approx. 22 min. by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 11:00 - 20:30 (L.O.19:00), Saturday - 21:00 (L.O.20:00)
  • Closed Wednesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays
  • TEL 029-858-3855
  • Parking None (1 hour free parking in Dobong Park Parking lot for customers who spend more than 1,000 yen (parking ticket required).

A house café open only two days a week

Snack plate
Snack plate" with scones and two cakes for 580 yen, "children's drink" (with cookies) for 150 yen

This snack café, run by two sisters, is open only on Thursdays and Fridays. Take off your shoes at the entrance and relax in a space where the cypress floor is comfortable for your feet. Children's drinks, such as apple juice, come with animal cookies baked without eggs. The "snack plate" of whole wheat scones, baked cheesecake and chocolate roll cake from the weekly list has a simple and gentle taste. Coffee is carefully brewed by hand drip using home-roasted beans from Tsukuba-based roastery cafe shingoster LIVING.

Cafe time with your children with homemade snacks!

Beyond the white chairs is a kids' space with a handmade play kitchen and toys.
Beyond the white chairs is a kids' space with a handmade play kitchen and toys.

The interior of the restaurant, which was decorated by the entire family with white painted wooden kitchen counters, diatomaceous earth walls, and natural wood tables, is filled with the warmth of a handmade restaurant. The counter seats facing the kids' area are a special place for mothers to relax while watching over their children. Bouncers for babies are also available, so ask the owner if you want to use one. In the sales space, you will find a variety of comforting items such as baked sweets, tableware, and handmade artwork.

Local Guide Comment
The store started in September 2008. Even after their small children have grown up, some regulars can be seen coming to the store with their parents and children. It is a wonderful café that I hope will always be here as an important place for many people.
Nanohana
  • Address 2-28-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 18 minutes by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 10:00-16:00
  • Closed Saturday - Wednesday
  • TEL 029-856-0272
  • Parking Free of charge

A café with a relaxing, everyday atmosphere

Daily Rice Plate
Daily Rice Plate" 1,320 yen (front), "Kids' Plate/Hamburger Steak" 825 yen

The cafe with a cooking studio is set amidst the beautiful greenery of the adjacent park. The "daily rice plate" filled with healthy side dishes is popular. The main dish in the photo is the fish dish "Kampachi no shabu shabu shabu oroshi ponzu. Fresh kanpachi from the chef's family is quickly soaked in hot water and served with oroshi ponzu for a refreshing taste. The "Kids' Plate" includes a choice of hamburger steak or cream pasta, side dishes, fruit, and a mini drink. Children's chairs are available, and baby food can be brought in.

Enjoy daily prepared meals in a peaceful space

The interior is both stylish and inviting.
The interior is both stylish and inviting.

The restaurant is divided into an open space with sunlight streaming in through the windows and a chic, quiet space facing the courtyard, allowing customers to choose their favorite area depending on the number of seats available. The chef's wish is to "make sure you never get tired of coming here every day," so the plates are filled with a variety of home-style dishes made with fresh seafood and vegetables, which change daily. The patissier's daily tarts of nuts and fruits, chiffon cakes, and crispy scones can be taken home as souvenirs.

Local Guide Comment
It is a casually relaxing space created by a chef and pastry chef who met as colleagues and are now friends. Cooking classes are also held in a corner of the cafe. *The cooking studio is on hiatus as of September 2021.
SORA CAFE & COOKING ROOM
  • Address Woody Life Tsukuba 1F, 3-2-8 Amakubo, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 20 min. by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 11:30 - 21:00 (L.O. 20:00)
  • Closed Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day), Year-end and New Year holidays
  • TEL 029-886-9750
  • Parking Free of charge

Rediscover the charm of the area at this lakeside Restaurant

Children's Omelette Rice Plate
Children's Omelette Rice Plate" 510 yen (with toys), "Margherita Pizza filled with local vegetables" 1,120 yen

Located on the second floor of the Kasumigaura Exchange Center, this restaurant is based on the concept of "healthy x locally produced for local consumption. It offers dishes using ingredients unique to the area, such as whitebait, wakasagi, river shrimp, and lotus root pork. Two types of "children's plates" for elementary school students and younger are available: omelet rice and curry, and use of the "kids' drink bar" is free for children 3 years old and younger. The "Margherita Pizza filled with local vegetables" topped with seasonal local vegetables will meet the smiles of children who are surprised by the sweetness of high-quality lotus root.

A place of rest and relaxation with memories of this place

Retro building blocks from an elementary school
Retro building blocks from an elementary school

The interior of the restaurant, with its large wooden desks, has a nostalgic and warm atmosphere; desks, blackboards, picture book shelves, and various other equipment from six local elementary schools that were closed when the restaurant opened in 2016 were given to the restaurant for use in its interior design. Picture books and children's chairs are available for free reading, and the building is equipped with a diaper changing area and a nursing room. The terrace outside the large windows overlooks the sparkling surface of Kasumigaura, and a BBQ using local ingredients can be enjoyed on the large lawn by the side of the building.

Local Guide Comment
Kasumi Marche, located on the first floor of the Kasumiura City Exchange Center, sells original products such as craft beer and fruit vinegar that take advantage of Kasumiura City's specialties. The products are packaged nicely and make great souvenirs.
Kasumi Kitchen
  • Address Kasumigaura City Exchange Center 2F, 4784 Saka, Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 30 min. by car from JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:30), Saturday, Sunday and holidays - 16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
  • Closed Monday and Tuesday (or the following day if the day falls on a national holiday)
  • TEL 029-896-1227
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Dinner is served by reservation only, with a course menu *18:00-22:30 (L.O.22:00)

A large cafeteria in the station where you can relax and feel at home

Kids' Plate
Kids' Plate" 825 yen, "Salad and Side dish Buffet" 1,210 yen (880 yen for children under 12, free for children under 4)

This stylish and cozy Restaurant is located on the second floor of "Play Atre Tsuchiura" inside Tsuchiura Station. The "Kids' Plate," served on a cute wooden plate, is packed with popular children's dishes such as handmade mini hamburgers, potatoes, and mini omelettes. The "Salad & Side Dishes Buffet" comes with a drink and soup bar. Custom-made carbonated drinks can be enjoyed with a soda maker and flavored syrups, or you can try your hand at making fresh juice with a hand-pressed juicer.

An oasis for parents and children to enjoy a variety of foods in the station

Kids will love the kids' space, complete with roddies and wooden toys.
Kids will love the kids' space, complete with roddies and wooden toys.

The Restaurant occupies the entire second floor of the Station Lobby, making it easy to enter with a stroller. One corner of the seating area lined with fluffy cushions is a children's area with a space filled with toys. You can stretch your legs and enjoy your meal while watching the children play. There is also a wide selection of desserts, including tarts and crepes available for order from a specialty store located in the restaurant. There is an area at the back of the floor where you can play on the ping-pong table, which is free for all to use.

Local Guide Comment
A popular Restaurant for gatherings of mothers and friends. The restrooms at "Play Atre Tsuchiura" have a diaper changing area, so you can have a safe moment with your baby.
NANAIRO Eat at Home!
  • Address 1-30 Ariake-cho, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki, Japan Play Atre Tsuchiura Station Lobby 2F MAP
  • Direction Directly connected to JR Tsuchiura Station
  • Business hours 11:00 - 21:00 (L.O. 20:00, Drink L.O. 20:30), Friday and Saturday - 22:00 (L.O. 21:00, Drink L.O. 21:30) *Lunch time is 11:30 - 14:30 (L.O. 14:00) all day
  • Closed Closed irregularly (same as Play Atre Tsuchiura)
  • TEL 029-825-7716
  • Parking Parking is available in cooperation with Play Atre Tsuchiura: 1 hour free for purchases of 500 yen or more, 2 hours free for purchases of 3,000 yen or more (varies in some cases).
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.