Character cafés are an exciting experience in Japan which sees a café collaborate with well-known anime series, game series and various franchises by decorating the café interior with designs and illustrations based on them and meals and drinks inspired by them.
Before continuing this article be sure to check out our March 2019 list of character cafes as some are still running.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar x Cafe Cucina & Company (March 20 – April 3)
Cafe Cucina & Company in Shibuya, Tokyo is collaborating with Eric Carle’s internationally-beloved picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar for two weeks from March 20 to April 3 to serve up a themed menu inspired by the colourful world. A total of 6 items will decorate the menu from hearty dishes to fruity drinks. This café will soon close on April 3, so don’t miss out!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/185739
◼︎Information
Cafe Cucina & Company
Location: Tokyu Department Store – South Building Floor 6F (2-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
Business Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 03-3477-4406
Website: http://cafecucina.jp/info.html
Devil May Cry 5 x CAPCOM CAFE AEON Lake Town (March 7 – April 24)
CAPCOM CAFE AEON Lake Town is celebrating the release of Devil May Cry 5―which hit consoles on March 8, 2019―with a themed cafe. A whole range of inspired dishes are on offer as well as drinks based on Nero, Dante and V. Reservations can be made online.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/180331
◼︎Information
Capcom Cafe Devil May Cry 5 collaboration menu
Cafe: Capcom Cafe AEON Lake Town
Address: AEON Lake Town Kaze 3rd floor, 4-2-2, Lake Town, Koshigaya, Saitama
Opening hours：Goods sales: 9:00 ー 22:00 Cafe: 11:00 ー 22:00 (Last orders: 21：00)
Devil May Cry 5 collaboration limited menu period: Thursday 7th March ー Wednesday 24th April 2019TEL：048-967-5163
Official website: http://www.capcom.co.jp/amusement/capcomcafe/
© CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Pokémon Cafe 1 Year Anniversary Menu (March 14 – April 26)
Nihombashi’s Pokémon Cafe is currently celebrating its one-year anniversary with a special commemorative menu. Order a latte with latte art of any of the original 151 Pokémon, sips on smoothies, tuck into desserts and more.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/178933
◼︎Information
Pokémon Cafe
Address: Nihombashi Takashimaya East Building SC (5th floor), 2-11-2 Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours：10:30 ー 22:00
Reservations: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/
©2018 Pokémon. ©1995-2018 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
Pompompurin Café Birthday Menu (March 15 – April 30)
Pompompurin’s birthday falls on April 16, and to celebrate, the Harajuku, Umeda, Yokohama and Nagoya branches of the Pompompurin Café is holding a celebratory birthday event. Food includes the “Hamburger Plate” which is made from a hamburger and a layer of mashed potato served with a rice ball Purin. For dessert you can enjoy a delicious creamy cheese pudding. Head to the Pompompurin Café to celebrate Purin’s 23rd birthday!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/181662
◼︎Information
Pompompurin Cafe Harajuku
Address: CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F, 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Food Last Orders 20:00 / Drinks Last Orders 20:30)
Access: 3-minutes on foot from the Takeshita Exit at Harajuku Station
TEL: 03-5786-0770
Pompompurin Cafe Umeda
Address: Hankyu Sanbangai South Wing B2F, 1-1-3 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30) / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Access: 3-minutes from Osaka Station via JR
TEL: 06-6292-7140
Pompompurin Cafe Yokohama
Address: Yokohama Sotetsu Square, 2-1-5 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)
Access: 5-minutes on foot from West Exit at Yokohama Station via JR
TEL: 045-311-6750
Pompompurin Cafe Nagoya
Address: BECOME SAKAE 2F, 3-32-6 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Food Last Orders 19:30 / Drinks Last Orders 19:30)
Access: 1-minutes on foot from Sakae Station via the Meijo Line
TEL: 052-249-8320
Pompompurin Cafe Official Website: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com
©1996, 2013, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.Ｓ593875
Gudetama Cafe x MACCHA HOUSE (March 14 – May 6)
The Gudetama Cafe located in HEP FIVE is now collaborating with MACCHA HOUSE, a cafe that has received huge media coverage for its Uji matcha tiramisu. For the collaboration MACCHA HOUSE have created Gudetama versions of their Uji Matcha Tiramisu and Houjicha Tiramisu. These fun treats will only be available for a limited time so don’t miss out! There are lots of other Instagram-worthy delights to enjoy too such as the “Gudetama White Curry,” “Hot Matcha Latte” and more.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/181060
◼︎Information
Gudetama Cafe HEP FIVE
Address: HEP FIVE 7F, 5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00am-10:30pm (Last Orders 10:00pm)
No Fixed Holidays. (*Except when HEP FIVE is closed)
TEL: 06-6366-3694
Gudetama Cafe Official Website: http://gudetama.createrestaurants.com/
©1993, 2013, 2018 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S592279
Sword Art Online: Alicization x SEGA Akihabara 4th (March 23 – May 6)
Sword Art Online: Alicization now has its own themed cafe on the fifth floor of SEGA Akihabara 4th which is running until May 6. Enjoy a line-up of original dishes, desserts and drinks inspired by the series, and get your hands on an original coaster and limited-edition merchandise!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/181099
◼︎Information
SEGA x Sword Art Online: Alicization Collaborative Cafe
Running: March 23, 2019 – May 6, 2019
Location: SEGA Akihabara 4th (Floor 5F)
Menu #1: March 23, 2019 – April 5, 2019
Menu #2: April 6, 2019 – April 19, 2019
Menu #3: April 20, 2019 – May 6, 2019
Cafe Website: http://sega-collabocafe.com/akihabara4th/sao-alicization.html
©2017 Reki Kawahara / KADOKAWA / ASCII Media Works / SAO-A Project ©SEGA
Kaido Kid x BOX CAFE&SPACE (April 19 – June 12)
Two cafés themed on the Detective Conan character Kaito Kid, or the “Phantom Thief Kid” will open in Harajuku and Umeda on April 19. These will be the first ever Detective Conan cafés themed on Kaito Kid with a menu named by the manga’s author Gosho Aoyama. There will even be exclusive Kaito Kid merchandise you can’t get anywhere else sold, and the cafés will be decorated in all things Kaito Kid. The cafés will be decorated in all things Kaito Kid, so fans won’t want to miss out!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/184611
◼︎Information
Kaito Kid Café
Running: April 19, 2019 – June 2, 2019
Table Bookings: https://kid-cafe.jp/
Tokyo Café
Location: HARAJUKU BOX CAFE&SPACE (Lucessimo Bldg. Floor 2F, 4-28-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Osaka Café
Location: UMEDA BOX CAFE&SPACE (Umeda LOFT Floor 1F, 16-7 Chayamachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)
©Gosho Aoyama / Shogakukan・Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation・TMS1996
Leo Lionni Cafe x Sunday Brunch Marronnier Gate Ginza 1 (April 3 – July 31)
Leo Lionni was a children’s picture book illustrator and author whose famous works include Swimmy and Frederick. His works were so popular that they even appear in textbooks! Dishes will be inspired by both Frederick and Swimmy. These are the world’s first ever collaborative cafes with Lionni, so check the link below to see all the different delicious dishes!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/181236
◼︎Information
Leo Lionni Concept Cafe
Running: Wednesday 3rd April 2019 ー Wednesday 31st July 2019
Opening hours: 11:00 ー 21:00 (Food last orders: 20:00/Drinks: 20：30)
Location: Sunday Brunch Marronnier Gate, Ginza 1 (4th floor)
2-2-14, Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Official website: http://leolionnicafe.com/
Did you enjoy this list? If you’re in Japan this spring, be sure to dine at all the character cafés you can!
RELATED ENTRIES
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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear! The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats
Honey Forest Jelly Soda
Relaxing Pudding Drink
Take-Out Drink Bottle
Original Merch
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)
Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)
Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Information
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.Online Shop: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp/online_store/
Sales Open: March 9, 15:00 – April 16, 23:59
(Items will ship starting in early May 2023.)
Official Site: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp -
To celebrate the return of Urusei Yatsura after 36 long years, a themed cafe will be coming to four cities in Japan for a limited time! The first cafe will open on December 1, 2022. Urusei Yatsura is a manga series by Rumiko Takahashi that ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1978 until 1987. An anime series aired in 1981 and became a massive hit with audiences, and understandably, it is still loved by anime and manga fans today. The cafe features newly-drawn illustrations of six main characters including Ataru Moroboshi, Lum, and Ten.
Menu
[Ataru Moroboshi] Don't Look This Way, Don't Look That Way Set
[Lum] Lum's Onion Gratin Toast Packed with Love
[Ten] Ten's Fire Curry
[Ataru Moroboshi x Lum] Shocking Pancakes
[Shinobu Miyake] A Girl's Monsterous Parfait
[Mendo Shutaro] Jiggly Octopus Pudding
Lum's Tiger-Striped Soda
Colorful Floats (Purple/Yellow/Green)
Ten-chan's Cotton Candy Soda
Coffee / Viennese Coffee
Drink in a Bottle with Charm (4 varieties)
Goods
Acrylic Keychain (6 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Magnet (6 varieties, Random) / Pin (6 varieties, Random)
Coaster (Lum, Ten-chan) / Sticker Set (7 pieces)
Long Sleeve T-Shirt (M, L) / Clear Pouch
Mug / Tote Bag
Hand Towel (2 varieties)
The cafe’s menu features a variety of items inspired by characters from the series, including a hilarious pancake that recreates the scene in which Lum throws electricity at Ataru. Be sure to take a photo before you dig in!Lum & Ten-chan Life-size Figure
Cafe Bonus for Guests with Advance Tickets: Original A4-size Clear File (7 varieties, Random)
Drink Purchase Bonus: Original Coaster (6 varieties, Random)
Life-size figures of Lum and Ten-chan will also be on display and guests are invited to take photos with them.
Come enjoy the world of Urusei Yatsura while you can!
©高橋留美子・小学館／アニメ「うる星やつら」製作委員会Information
Urusei Yatsura Cafe
Venues
■Harajuku, Tokyo: BOX cafe&space, Harajuku Alta / December 8, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Abeno, Osaka: Abeno contact / February 9 – March 12, 2023
Abeno Q’s Mall 4F (1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka)■Nagoya, Aichi: BOX cafe&space, Nagoya LACHIC / March 16 – April 9. 2023
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
■Sendai, Miyagi: BALLER:S AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building / June 1 – June 25, 2023
AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)Online Shop: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/online_store
Official Site: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/ -
The second Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand event opened in Omotesando on November 1, 2022. Paying homage to the classic snack first released in 1978, the cafe features a number of tasty snacks inspired by the thin animal-shaped cookies popular around the world. This second event will run through January 9, 2023. Reservations are required, and many dates were completely sold out prior to the event’s start date, particularly on weekends. We decided to visit, anxious to see what the fuss is all about.
We were first shocked to see the popular animals enjoying oden! Original goods featuring the characters enjoying the quintessential Japanese winter dish are only available at the cafe. From acrylic keychains to figures, visitors can snag some adorable merchandise to commemorate their trip to the exclusive event. Why not snag some items that would be useful on a daily basis, like a notebook or an apron? For food, visitors can snag a special Oden Set and Chinese Dumplings, both perfect for the winter. The oden features popular ingredients like egg, daikon, fish cake, and mochikinchaku, each branded with the popular animal characters. Drinks include soy milk, green tea milk, and milk tea. In addition to the exclusive Lion Cake which is limited to 25 servings a day, guests can find chocolate bananas and other sweets on the menu, including a Sweets Set limited to those reserving special seats at the venue. For every ¥1,000 spent on food and drink items, customers will receive one Tabekko Doubutsu trading card! The exhibition space is a must-see for fans of this legendary snack, filled with rare works including an adorable and very colorful print of every animal holding a bowl of oden. Of course, a photo spot has been set up for visitors to take some prime shots for social media! Don’t miss the animal meet and greet, which is making its triumphant return from the last event! Visitors can interact with different animals on different days, so check the official Twitter page (@tabekko_cafe) for the schedule and more information! The number of visitors per day is limited, so make a reservation as early as you can. Come enjoy these heartwarming treats while you have the opportunity! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2022 – January 9, 2023 *Reservation required
Closed: December 28, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Address: SPAGHETTI Cultural Space 1F
5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Omotesando
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/p/tabekko_omotesando
Official Twitter: @tabekko_cafe https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
*Please see the official Twitter page for the latest information! -
DISH UP, a collaboration restaurant located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Marui Annex, started its second collab with the popular anime series King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- on November 1, 2022.
Menu
Welcome PlateMain Dishes Taiga Kougami: Steamed Apples and Japanese Yellow Sauce Kakeru Juuouin: Nice-style Salad with Mango Dressing Alexander Yamato: Homemade Vegetable Curry Kazuki Nishina: Gratin with Genovese Dessert Plate Strawberry Shortcake / Muscat Mousse / Sachertorte / Basque Cheesecake / Fruit Tart Menu Order Bonus: 1 Waterproof Placemat (4 varieties) Drinks - Shin Ichijo: Rising Sunshine (Cranberry Juice)
- Yukinojo Tachibana: Yumemikokochi Koijigoku (Cassis Soda *Non-alcoholic)
- Minato Takahashi: Kimagure Caramelize (Dry Ginger Ale and Blue Syrup)
- Leo Saionji: Momoiro Kukukuru Lollipop (Peach Soda)
- Yu Suzuno: Jewel Spin Zeus (Orange Juice and Grape Juice)
- Louis Kisaragi: Aurora Rising (Peach Juice and White Water)
- Kouji Mihama: Jewel Spin Cross (Grape Juice)
- Hiro Hayami: Starlight Express (Orange Juice and Blue Syrup)
- Joji Takadanobaba: Never Ending Love Shower (Pineapple Juice)
Afternoon Set Original Collaboration Goods
Guests can enjoy a special course made up of savory and sweet King of Prism-inspired dishes, as well as a selection of drinks. The afternoon set is a cake and drink set only available on weekdays from 14:00 until 17:00. Those ordering a menu item will be given a waterproof placemat as a gift, while those ordering a drink will be given a special card. Original reproductions can only be viewed in the VIP room, so why not make a reservation while you can? ©CREST Inc. ©Ｔ－ＡＲＴＳ / syn Sophia / エイベックス・ピクチャーズ / タツノコプロ / キングオブプリズムAS製作委員会 Information
King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- × DISH UP
Running: November 1 – November 29, 2022
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (Last Order at 20:30)
Address: Shinjuku Marui Annex 8F (3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/dishup/reserveNotice:
Please refrain from taking photos of the original reproductions and posting them on social media. These items are only displayed in the VIP room.*Feel free to take photos of the restaurant and dishes to post on social media.
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From November 11 until December 15, Capcom Cafe AEON LakeTown and the Ikebukuro branch will hold a collaboration with the mobile game Stand My Heroes. Fans of the title will find a special collaboration menu and a selection of new merchandise for sale. The details of the limited-edition goods and menu items have been revealed, and reservations are now open.
Merchandise
In addition to standard items like clear folders and keychains, fans can also find blankets and mask pouches decorated with original illustrations by Capcom Cafe. The Embroidered Tote Bag is subtle and perfect for daily use, and the stickers are great for school notebooks! Menu
① Matri’s Sigh Sandwich / ② Boom! Seo Lab’s Canele a la Mode / ③ Hiyama’s Gold Drink / ④ Makoto’s Chocolate Drink / ⑤ Seki’s Beer-like Drink / ⑥ Kujo’s Elegant Tea / ⑦ Seo’s Relaxing Soda / ⑧ Hattori’s Matcha Latte Drinks
Fans can also grab a drink in a special clear bottle decorated with images of their favorite character. Original Bonuses
One original lunch mat will be given to guests at the Capcom Cafe. One coaster will be given per each drink ordered. In addition, for every ¥2,000 (including tax) spent on the cafe menu, guests will be given a bromide-style postcard.Original Lunch Mat
Coaster (1 given at random)
Bromide-style Postcard (1 given at random)
If you're a fan of the game, you won't want to miss it! ©️coly ©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.Information
Capcom Cafe x Stand My Heroes
Running: November 11 – December 15, 2022
・Capcom Cafe AEON LakeTown
AEON LakeTown kaze 3F (4-2-2 Lake Town, Koshigaya, Saitama)
Reservations:
https://reserve.resebook.jp/resty/webrsv/rsv_vacants/vacant/s014341101/17014/1025?fixshop=1
Official Site: https://www.capcom.co.jp/amusement/capcomcafe/index.html
・Capcom Cafe IkebukuroGrandscape Ikebukuro 3F (1-30-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Reservations: https://reserve.resebook.jp/resty/webrsv/rsv_vacants/vacant/s014341101/20190/1025?fixshop=1
Official Site: http://www.capcom.co.jp/amusement/capcomcafe/ikebukuro/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Capcom_Cafe/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capcomcafe/ -
A collaboration cafe and pop-up shop inspired by the popular anime series Tokyo Revengers will open again this year following a successful run in 2021. The event will be held on the fourth floor of Tokyo Solamachi from November 3 until December 2, 2022.
Collaboration Merch
The collaboration will feature a variety of limited-edition goods with new designs based on the theme of the ‘backstreets.’ The lineup includes acrylic stands, clear folders, and plenty more. Special Baji birthday goods will also be available on November 3! Collaboration Menu
The popular collaboration menu features food items inspired by the show’s characters, and guests will be able to enjoy everything from curry and yakisoba to pancakes and crepes. Even if you’re not hungry, you can still grab a drink! Baji's Birthday Celebration Event
From November 3 until November 7, fans of Baji won’t want to miss his birthday event. During this time, guests will be able to snag a special sweets plate, so don’t miss it! See the official website for more details! Information
Tokyo Revengers Collaboration Cafe and Pop-Up Shop
Running: November 3 – December 2, 2022
Venue: Tokyo Solamachi West Yard 4F, #4
Tree Village (TV Shop)
Official Site: https://tree-village.jp/