Please note: Reservations are required; walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Please note: Reservations are required.
"Is it really okay to bring our child to a high-end sushi restaurant like REONA?"
This is one of the most common questions we receive from our guests before they visit.
As the person who checks our reservation emails every day, I frequently receive messages from families saying they are worried that their children might disturb other guests.
Over the years, we have welcomed families from all around the world, and one thing has become very clear to us: many parents share exactly the same concern.
In reality, however, after finishing their meal, most families tell us things like,
"It was much more relaxing than we expected."
"We wish we had found REONA sooner."
Today, I'd like to share the concerns international families often have before visiting REONA and explain how we help ease those worries before they even arrive.
Japan has a culture that places great importance on not disturbing others.
Many international visitors learn about this before traveling, which leads to concerns such as:
These are questions we receive very often.
In many countries, dining out with young children is completely normal.
Even at fine dining restaurants, children are often welcome, and if they occasionally speak loudly or leave their seats, people generally understand that it's simply part of being a child.
However, once families begin researching Japan, they quickly come across information such as:
As a result, many parents begin to think,
"Maybe this experience isn't for us."
We've spoken with many international guests who told us,
"In our country, bringing children to a fine dining restaurant is completely normal, but we thought it would be considered disrespectful in Japan."
In fact, we've met many families who originally dreamed of experiencing authentic omakase sushi during their trip to Japan.
However, the more they researched, the more they discovered how difficult it could be to visit with children, and eventually they gave up on the idea altogether.
Especially in Tokyo, many sushi restaurants do not allow young children.
As a result, many families end up saying,
"We came all the way to Japan, but we never got to experience authentic omakase."
That is why, in so many of the emails we receive, the very first concern isn't about the menu.
Instead, it's simply:
"We're worried our child might disturb other guests."
At REONA, we place great importance on communicating with our guests before they visit.
We don't just ask about your child's age, favorite foods, or allergies.
We also encourage families to tell us things like:
Our goal isn't to create restrictions.
What we really want to know is:
"How can we make this the most enjoyable experience possible for your family?"
For example, we can adjust our children's meal whenever possible to suit your child's preferences.
We often receive requests such as:
Whenever we can, we tailor the meal to each individual child.
If your child orders our Signature Omakase Course, they will enjoy the same counter experience as the adults.
Naturally, many parents worry,
"Will they be able to sit through the entire meal?"
"What if they get bored halfway through?"
One family from the United States left a particularly strong impression on us.
Before arriving, they repeatedly apologized, saying,
"We're sure our child won't be able to stay seated until the end."
In reality, however, their child became completely absorbed in folding origami while the parents were able to relax and fully enjoy their meal.
As they were leaving, they smiled and told us,
"This was the most memorable experience of our trip to Japan."
Moments like these remind us why communication before your visit is so important.
By learning about your child and your family's concerns in advance, we can prepare the best possible experience before you even walk through our door.
Sometimes our email conversations become quite long.
But we see those conversations as an essential part of creating a relaxing and memorable experience for every family.
Many families arrive looking a little nervous.
You can often see it on their faces.
"I hope everything will be okay..."
But as the meal goes on, we often see those same parents begin to relax, smile, and truly enjoy the experience.
While children enjoy their own meal or spend time with our toys, the adults can focus on experiencing authentic Edomae sushi at the counter.
Sometimes, children become completely absorbed in playing in our Kids Room, giving parents the opportunity to enjoy a quiet conversation together—something they may not have had in quite some time.
Whenever our staff have a free moment, we also spend time playing with the children.
We fold origami together.
We introduce simple Japanese games.
We draw pictures together on the whiteboard.
Our goal is simple:
To make this a memorable part of their trip to Japan.
Sometimes, after families leave, we find little messages written on the whiteboard in the Kids Room.
"Thank you!"
"I love sushi!"
"See you again!"
Every time one of our staff discovers those messages the next day, it reminds us that the family truly enjoyed their visit.
Of course, we do not provide a childcare service, and our staff cannot supervise children throughout the entire meal.
However, we always look for small ways to reduce the worries parents have about questions like,
"Will my child get bored?"
"What if they become too noisy?"
By making small adjustments and paying attention to each family, we hope to create an environment where everyone can relax.
As guests leave, they often tell us things like,
"We thought it would be impossible to visit with our child."
"We'll definitely come back the next time we're in Tokyo."
"We never imagined we could enjoy such a relaxing meal as a family."
There is nothing more rewarding for us than hearing those words.
At REONA, our goal isn't simply to be "a high-end sushi restaurant that allows children."
What we truly want is to create an experience that becomes one of the most memorable parts of your family's trip to Japan.
We believe the best travel memories are the ones that everyone in the family shares together.
Parents can enjoy authentic Edomae sushi while learning about Japanese food culture.
Children can relax, play, and simply be themselves.
When both of those things happen at the same time, the entire family leaves with smiles.
That is the experience we hope to create.
The truth is, our staff genuinely enjoy spending time with children, too.
A child who was shy when they first arrived might wave enthusiastically and say,
"Bye, Moe!"
when it's time to leave.
Moments like those remind us why we love what we do.
For many of our international guests, a trip to Japan is something they may only experience once in their lifetime.
That is exactly why we never want families to give up on something they truly wanted to experience simply because they have young children.
From the very first email to the moment you walk out our door, we do everything we can to make your visit feel personal, comfortable, and unforgettable.
If you're wondering,
"Can we really visit a high-end sushi restaurant with our child?"
please don't hesitate to reach out.
Tell us about your family.
We'll listen carefully, understand your situation, and work together to find the best way for everyone to enjoy the experience.
Our hope is simple:
To make your visit to Japan a day your entire family will remember for years to come.
That is what everyone at REONA Sushi Tokyo strives to create, every single day.