Why Pokémon Cafes are a Must-Visit for Fans in Japan

Jul 09, 2024by Tania Hidayat

Imagine dining with your favorite Pokémon characters in a whimsical setting. With each Pokemon Cafe Japan location, you can! One step into a Pokemon Cafe, and you'll find an array of Pokemon-themed beverages, entrees, and desserts, all enjoyed in a fun setting decorated with top Pokemon characters. These cafes are relatively new - with the first permanent location opening in 2018 (Pokemon Cafe Tokyo). With the major appeal of the Pokemon universe, fans continue to visit the various Pokemon cafe locations throughout Japan excitedly.

Before booking a trip to Japan to visit the local Pokemon cafes, consider stocking up on Pokémon merchandise with Sugoi Mart. This online store is your go-to source for all things Pokemon, from beauty products to adorable plushies and collectibles.

Continue reading to learn more about what to expect at a Pokemon Cafe, from refreshments to tips on booking a visit.

The Appeal of Pokémon Cafes

Pokémon Cafe with Pikachu plushie on the seat with food on the table

The Pokemon Cafe Japan locations are more than a kid-friendly offering; they're also a nostalgic offering for generations that grew up viewing the show and collecting the Pokémon Trading Card Game cards (if you're unfamiliar with the TCG, read the related blog post here). These Pokemon cafes offer an immersive experience for any age through Pokemon decorations, character-shaped foods and drinks, and character dining wear (like Eevee plates).

Dining on Pokemon plates and indulging in Pokemon-shaped foods ensures you feel like you are living in the game/show. With certain tables occupied by plushie Pokemon characters enjoying a meal, a visit by chef Pikachu (the mascot), and the option to purchase Pokemon-themed goodies (plushies like the Pokemon Chansey Plushie, mugs, cups, etc.), this activity is part dining and part immersive experience.

For additional Pokemon fun, certain cafes are nearby Pokemon Center Japan locations. These centers (like the Pokémon Center Tokyo) offer a unique experience for Pokémon fans, as they're meant to mimic the centers in the show/game where Pokemon go to heal. Instead of healing, you can purchase additional, exclusive Pokemon merchandise.

Exclusive Dishes and Drinks at Pokémon Cafes

Each season, the Pokemon Cafe Japan locations alter their decorations and menu. Regardless of what time of year you visit the Pokémon Cafe Tokyo (Chuo Ku area) or the Osaka location, you'll encounter a thrilling new experience. These seasonal dishes are replicated on the plushie characters' dining tables, allowing you to explore the options in person before ordering.

Pokémon Café food menu Snorlax's Tummy Filling Nap Lunch Plate

Expect options such as Snorlax's Tummy Filling Nap Lunch Plate and the Pikachu Hamburger kid's meal to be available on the menu. Current specials on the menu are focused on a "Cafe Poltchageist" theme, with each item including the Poltchageist character in some way. One of the must-tries during a visit is the Eevee Royal Milk Tea, a dessert and drink that includes French almond cake and whipped cream. To truly feel as if you've been transported into the game/show, finish your meal with the Poké Ball Dessert Bowl, which looks just like a real Poké Ball! This dessert ball includes

Cafe Poltchageist menu with cute sweets and traditional Japanese matcha

Image credit: corporate.pokemon.co.jp

These delicious Pokemon dessert, entree, and drink options are not only uber-kawaii but also help create an immersive experience. Seeing the characters represented in the Pokémon Café Tokyo (or another location's) menu and then in front of you offers a memorable experience that not many fans can say they have encountered before.

Travelogue: Pokémon-Themed Cafes Across Japan

During any Pokemon trainers journey to a Pokemon Cafe, one has the option to select between two permanent locations: Pokemon Cafe Tokyo and Osaka. The following offers details on each particular location.

Pokemon Cafe Tokyo

Pokémon Café Tokyo Pikachu mascot performance with kids

Nestled in the Nihonbashi district of Japan lies the first permanent Pokemon Cafe ever - Pokemon Cafe Tokyo. Crafted as an ode to the first Pokemon Center ever, this cafe opened 20 years after its inauguration. Pokemon fanatics will enter a detailed cafe featuring scenes from the Pokemon show/game spread between rows of tables alongside plushies. These separators provide a more immersive experience, as it's easy to envision yourself inside the Pokemon universe. Guests can sit at either regular tables or communal tables (for larger groups).

Pokemon Cafe Osaka

Featuring a more simplistic approach to decor (yet still offering an immersive experience), the Osaka location takes patrons on a journey through printed/painted character images. Follow Chef Pikachu's journey as he prances along the walls, bringing delicious snacks and meals. Unlike the Tokyo location, the Osaka cafe features intimate seating with the option to dine at a counter or table. With the Pokemon Center next door to the cafe, guests can stock up on Pokemon products and merch as a way to remember the excitement of the experience.

It's important to note that the menu offerings are the same for each location. However, it does change seasonally for both.

How to Book a Pokémon Cafe in Tokyo

Pokémon Cafe Gengar Halloween special meal

When planning a stop at the Pokemon Cafe Tokyo or Osaka, a Pokemon Cafe reservation is essential. Because this attraction is extremely popular, there is often no availability for walk-ins or same-day reservations (unless there is a last-minute cancellation). So, be sure to proceed through the reservation process in advance before heading to either of the cafe locations.

Below are details on how to book the Pokemon Cafe Tokyo or Osaka. Reservations open 31 days in advance at 6 pm Japan time, so aim to visit the website at that time 31 days before your visit.

Reservation Steps

Select the location you wish to visit from the main Pokemon Cafe website.
Check mark the box noting "Agree to Terms," then click "Make a Reservation."
Input the number of guests you want to include.
Choose the reservation date (any days which appear white, not gray) and time (available times in blue).
Decide whether you want to sit in sections A, B, C, or D.
Add your personal details.
Select any Pokemon merchandise you would like during your reservation (not available after the reservation is completed).
Reconfirm your reservation details before finishing the process.
Look for an email with your reservation details.

Tips For Acquiring a Pokemon Cafe Reservation Time

Schedule any available time on the reservation page.
Because the Pokemon cafes are so popular, reservation dates and times often sell out almost as soon as they're listed online. Your best bet for getting a reservation time is to book whichever date and time are available, even if that means eating dinner early.
Book the Osaka location.
Many Pokemon fans swear it is easier to get a reservation at the Osaka location. If you can't find any reservations available on the Tokyo site, check the Osaka site for available times.
Walk-in as a last resort.
If you can't get a reservation online, you may still be able to enter the cafe as a walk-in. For the best chance of getting a table, arrive as soon as the cafe opens. Sometimes, last-minute cancellations or openings may occur, and you can take their place. However, this method does not guarantee a seat at one of the cafes.

Once you have a reservation made, be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the cafe so you can get checked in and seated. You'll need your email confirmation. Then, order away and enjoy the experience!

The Overall Dining Experience

Pikachu plushie sitting in front of a Pikachu-themed meal

The ambiance and decor truly help create an exciting experience at each Pokemon Cafe Japan location. As you enter each cafe, you'll spot Pokemon hidden around the dining area, from Pokemon characters climbing on the shelves to characters enjoying meals nearby. The decor extends beyond plushies and includes elements such as scenes from the show/game and fun images of characters like Pikachu preparing menu items.

A few interactive elements are included in the dining experience, such as a visit from Chef Pikachu and the ability to dine alongside adorable plushies. Throughout the year, the Pokemon cafes also house special events where diners can meet certain characters, play games, and enjoy a show by a highlighted character.

Pokemon PokeBall Teapot

Brew your tea with Pokémon flair using this unique Monster Ball teapot! Perfect for fans, this stylish teapot brings a touch of Pokémon magic to your tea time.

Material: Ceramic

Size: 21 x 13.2 x 10.6 cm // 8.2 x 5.1 x 4.1 inches

While some elements of the Pokemon Cafe are geared toward kids, it's an equally enjoyable location for adults who grew up with the Pokemon show/game or Pokemon fans in general. The interactive elements (including the character-shaped plates, food, and drinks) and exciting mascot visits make the experience worthwhile for children. For adults, the appeal is quite nostalgic. The magic of a visit to a Pokemon Cafe is not complete without heading to a Pokemon Center Japan afterward to stock up on Pokemon products, ensuring those of all ages leave with a souvenir.

Conclusion

Deluxe Pokemon Lucky Bag by Sugoi Mart

The Pokemon Deluxe Lucky Bag is stuffed with exclusive Pokemon goodies from Japan!

Each lucky bag contains 8 to 10 items from Japan, which may include a selection from the following categories:
- Plushies
- Japanese Pokemon Cards
- Stationery
- Home Goods
- Candies and other Snacks
- Blind Boxes
- Figures

This Deluxe Lucky Bag comes with high-value items and a shot at receiving larger prizes! ✨ All items have been carefully hand-selected to ensure you’re copping legit items.

*Please note: The contents of each bag are subject to change based on availability. While we strive to include a diverse range of items, the specific selection may vary from batch to batch.
**Images are for illustrative purposes only. The actual items may differ.

There's no better way to experience the magic of Pokemon in person than with an experience at a Pokemon Cafe Japan. With Pokemon-themed decor, drinks, meals, desserts, and merchandise, every patron will enjoy a Pokemon experience like never before. Be sure to visit a Pokemon Cafe during your next visit to Japan using the above tips to score a restaurant reservation.

Pikachu Melamine Cup Berries

This cup is the ultimate way to enjoy your drinks! It's got a super strong Pikachu design (number 025!), is covered in yummy berries, and holds a whole bunch (270ml!) of your favorite juice or milk. Made from a special material that won't break easily, even if you drop it (whoops!). Plus, it's got a cool Pikachu picture inside too!

Size: 9.1 × 8.8 cm // 3.58 × 3.46 inches

After your magical visit to a Pokemon Cafe, share your experience and favorite dishes on social media. Then, tag @sugoimart. We love hearing about your Pokemon-related experiences!

While prepping for your Pokemon Cafe visit (or after you arrive home), check out Sugoi Mart's Pokemon Collection. You'll find an ample selection of items to make your experience even more exciting. With plushies, beauty products, kitchenware, food, and more, you can bring the magic of Pokemon cafes to your home.

Pokemon Ramen (Soy Sauce Flavor)

This Pokemon Shoyu (soy sauce) flavored instant ramen is fun for all ages. With a rich Shoyu broth, and topping that includes Pikachu kamaboko (fish cakes), corn, and green onions! It even comes with a surprise collectible sticker inside!

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