[:it]Il Giappone è la terra più ricca di luoghi magici, in ogni senso! Persino fermarsi per uno spuntino può diventare un’esperienza unica immergendosi in un mondo fantastico come quello dei “Character Cafè” sparsi per il territorio. Cosa sono? Particolari tipi di caffetterie a tema che permettono alla clientela appassionata di fumetti ed animazione di assaporare incredibili piatti kawaii in un locale totalmente ispirato ad un preciso personaggio.
Ci sono concept café temporanei che aprono ogni due mesi circa, ma fortunatamente esistono anche quelli permanenti e sono una tappa fondamentale per chiunque abbia voglia di un pizzico di tenerezza.

Character Cafè fantastici e dove trovarli

PomPomPurin Café

photo credits: dangonews.com, straitstimes.com

Entrare al PomPomPurin Café è come entrare nella stanza di questo dolce cagnolone, famoso personaggio della Sanrio. Si viene accolti dal giallo e marrone dell’arredamento, un luogo tranquillo e rilassante dove si possono gustare dolci, bevande e specialità di vario genere. All’interno del cafè ci sono i “photo corners”, punti dedicati per poter scattare una fotografia con il pudding preferito! Ci sono anche goods in edizione limitata acquistabili solamente presso lo shop interno.

photo credits: thechibirain, littlemomiji, klawsbykatya, xxakira0412xx

Sito Ufficiale: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com/jp/
Indirizzo:
TOKYO: 〒150-0001 Shibuya, 1-7-1 Jingumae, CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F
OSAKA: 〒530-0012 Kita, Shibata, 1−1−3 Hankyu Third Avenue South Building
NAGOYA: ３ 丁目-32-6 Sakae, Naka Ward, Aichi Prefecture 460-0008
YOKOHAMA: Yokohama City Nishi-ku 2-1-5. YOKOHAMA SOTETSU SQUARE

Final Fantasy Eorzea Café

photo credit: favy-jp.com

Final Fantasy Eorzea Café è un piccolo santuario per tutti i fans del famoso gioco della Square Enix FFXIV. Eorzea prende il nome dalla regione in cui il videogioco si svolge. I suoi interni sono finemente decorati ed il café ad Akihabara possiede anche un bar al suo interno in cui poter ordinare bevande alcoliche.
Il cibo e le bevande serviti al bar cambiano continuamente, proprio come nel gioco! Ogni ordinazione dà diritto a ricevere un sottobicchiere da collezione e il locale ha un sistema di raccolta punti con il quale si possono ricevere goods speciali, oltre a quelli che si possono acquistare all’angolo vendite dedicato.
La prenotazione va effettuata almeno due ore prima se si desidera trovare posto in questo spazio.

photo credit:japantravel.com

Sito Ufficiale: https://www.pasela.co.jp/paselabo_shop/ff_eorzea/
Indirizzo:
TOKYO: 2F, 1-1-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku,
OSAKA: 4F Pasela Resort, 1-4-27 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-fu

Cinnamoroll Café

photo credit: sanrio.com

Cinnamoroll, cucciolo bianco con le orecchie lunghe, gli occhi azzurri e una coda riccia, è uno dei personaggi più adorabili del marchio Sanrio. L’ambiente di questa caffetteria crea un’atmosfera estremamente rilassante grazie ai suoi colori delicati ed ai suoi piatti irresistibili: qui è possibile infatti assaporare il riso Omu, il filetto alla Stroganoff, la Shortcake speciale e alcuni piatti stagionali. Non manca lo shop con i goods in edizione limitata.

photo credit: rainbowholic, Japan Italy Bridge, rietiru 

Sito Ufficiale: http://www.cinnamorollcafe.com/shinjuku/
Indirizzo: Shinjuku Marui Annex 3 Chome-1-26 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022

Gudetama Café

photo credits: digjapan.travel, picsunday.com

Gudetama è un uovo pigro il quale pensa che tutto sia mendokusai (un dolore) e non ha mai alcuna motivazione. E proprio lui è il protagonista del cafè situato al settimo piano di HEP FIVE, un centro commerciale vicino alla stazione Umeda ad Osaka. Riconoscibile grazie ai suoi disegni, questa caffetteria offre un menù squisito in continua evoluzione che riflettere la natura pigra e immotivata del suo personaggio, in un ambiente che combina tutte le tonalità del giallo pastello a grossi peluche di Gudetama nelle sue classiche pose pigre.
Tazze, magneti e gadgets di vario genere sono disponibili per essere acquistati per portare con sé il ricordo dell’esperienza più letargica di sempre!

photo credits: gudetamacafe_hepfive, cafe_shirokuma

Sito Ufficiale: http://gudetama.createrestaurants.com/jp/info.html
Indirizzo: 〒530-0017 Osaka, Kita-ku, Kakuda-cho 5-15, HEP FIVE 7F

Peter Rabbit Garden Café

photo credits: japantravel.com, blog.we-are.com

Attraverso le tortuose strade di Jiyugaoka a Tokyo si nasconde un piccolo garden café ispirato alle storie raccontate nel mondo di Beatrix Potter il cui protagonista è Peter Rabbit. L’atmosfera all’interno della caffetteria è molto accogliente ed invitante. Le tovaglie a scacchi blu e bianche coprono ogni tavolo che è decorato con i libri dell’autrice da poter leggere e disegnare e, seduti accanto ai clienti, si possono trovare i peluches. I pavimenti e i mobili in legno conferiscono calore all’ambiente mentre alle pareti sono appese varie fotografie. Sugli scaffali troviamo fiori, cesti intrecciati, attrezzi da giardinaggio e piccoli oggetti che evocano immagini della pittoresca campagna inglese. Ogni pietanza del menù è progettata con cura e, naturalmente, c’è una piccola sezione dedicata ai souvenirs se si desidera un piccolo pezzo di dolcezza da conservare come ricordo.

photo credit: nemui_ohirune_shitai, luv_barbie_pink, lolitandthecity, curetofficial

Sito Ufficiale: http://www.peterrabbit-japan.com/cafe/
Indirizzo: 1 Chome-25-20 Jiyugaoka, 目黒区 Tokyo 152-0035

Pokémon Café

photo credit: digjapan.travel, jw-webmagazine.com

Avete mai sognato di gridare “Gotta catch’em all!”? Forse non lo potrete fare letteralmente, ma i fans più fedeli troveranno al Pokémon Café la propria gioia. Aperto nel 2018 ed associato al Pokémon Center DX, questo ristorante è spazioso e luminoso, arredato con semplicità e decorazioni minimaliste, con pavimento in legno e grandi tavoli.
Come in ogni character café che si rispetti, sono disponibili cibo e bevande a tema Pokémon, oltre al menù stagionale disponibile solo per un periodo limitato dell’anno. I gadgets unici attirano sempre i collezionisti: infatti solo qui è possibile trovare poke-thermos, peluches di Pikachu in versione cuoco e le famose tazze a forma di Pokéball! A differenza di altre caffetterie, qui è necessaria la prenotazione online anticipata poiché i posti sono molto ricercati.

 

photo credit: nane0v0, xx.asu.pika.025.xx, hanrutmoe

Sito Ufficiale: https://www.Pokémoncenter-online.com/cafe/
Indirizzo: 2-1-2 Nihombashi | Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Bldg. 5F, Chuo 103-0027, Tokyo

Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory

photo credit: tripadvisor.com, trip101.com

Un’insegna solitaria con dipinti 3 piccoli Totoro segnala l’esistenza di questo piccolo Café nel tranquillo quartiere di Daita, nascosto tra molte piante e tronchi d’albero. Adorabili bignè ispirati alla famosa creatura dello Studio Ghibli vengono serviti in vari gusti. Dai tradizionali alla vaniglia e al cioccolato, a quelli stagionali al matcha, pesca bianca e fagioli Adzuki. Se però lo stomaco reclama qualcosa in più, basta salire al secondo piano, al Toto Café dove vengono serviti gustosi piatti di pasta accompagnati da caffè ghiacciati.

photo credit: onetheycallbela, eliseaki, cooki3zz

Sito Ufficiale: http://www.shiro-hige.com/main/
Indirizzo: 5-3-1 Daita, Setagaya 155-0033, Tokyo

Shirokuma Café – Polar Bear’s Café

photo credit: tripzilla.com

Shirokuma-san, il grosso orso polare protagonista del manga scritto da Aloha Higa e proprietario di un bar in cui accoglie amici animali e uomini, è anche il personaggio di ispirazione per questa accogliente caffetteria. Tantissimi piatti modellati magistralmente a forma di orso e panda spingeranno i clienti a scattare un sacco di foto, rapiti dalla loro bellezza e tenerezza. Il locale è accogliente e gli ospiti potranno mettersi in posa per altrettante foto ricordo con adorabili personaggi di cartone, mentre i bambini potranno divertirsi nell’angolo a loro dedicato, pieno di giocattoli e una televisione! Non manca il piccolo negozio in cui si possono trovare morbidi peluches, taccuini, magliette, borse, articoli di cancelleria e bento box.

photo credit: chillintokyo.wordpress.com, airvarie

Sito Ufficiale: http://www.shirokumacafe.net/.en/
Indirizzo: Tokyo-do Shinjuku-ku Takadanobaba 2-1-2 TOHMA takadanobaba 1F

Alice in Wonderland Café – Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant

photo credit: materialicious.com, yanderette

Cinque ristoranti ispirati al romanzo di Lewis Carroll hanno sedi permanenti in Giappone.
Ognuno di essi è straordinariamente coinvolgente e trasporta i visitatori nei diversi scenari del mondo di Alice. Sono presenti cinque temi tra cui scegliere: il labirinto, fantasyland, il libro fantastico, la terra magica e il vecchio castello. Il menù è strettamente ispirato alla cucina britannica. Per entrare nel paese delle meraviglie è necessaria la prenotazione online oppure è possibile effettuarla di persona recandosi al ristorante qualche giorno prima.

photo credits: samuelponce.cl, satokomorimoto, mydreamsofdisney, kiki_0_0

Sito Ufficiale: http://www.alice-restaurant.com/
Indirizzo:
ALICE IN LABYRINTH (GINZA, TOKYO) 104-0061 東京都中央区銀座8-8-5 太陽ビル5F
ALICE IN FANTASYLAND (UMEDA, OSAKA) 530-0012 大阪府大阪市北区芝田1-8-1D.D.HOUSE１F
ALICE IN FANTASY BOOK (SHINJUKU, TOKYO) 160-0021 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-6-2 Ｔ－wingビルB2F
ALICE IN MAGICAL LAND (NISHI-SHINJUKU, TOKYO) 160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿1-5-1 新宿西口ハルクB3
ALICE IN AN OLD CASTLE (IKEBUKURO, TOKYO) 171-0022 東京都豊島区南池袋2-16−8 鈴和ビルB1

Vampire Café

photo credit: dd-holdings.jp, ginzavampire

Un’atmosfera macabra, tende in velluto rosso e lussuosi lampadari catapultano i clienti nell’Europa Medievale, in una vera e propria “casa dei vampiri”. All’interno del café c’è addirittura un altare, una bara e una croce investita da un fascio di luce per permettere la totale immersione in quel mondo gotico delle leggende riguardanti le creature della notte. Naturalmente anche il menù è tematico: piatti e cocktails, dai nomi unici, appartengono alla cucina italiana e francese e vengono serviti da uno staff in costume da vampiro.

photo credit: prtimes.jp, ginzavampire

Indirizzo: 7F, La Paix Bldg., 6-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Moomin House Café

photo credits: yelp.com

I Moomin, nonostante appartengano alla tradizione finlandese, hanno trovato anche a Tokyo un modo per accogliere i fans nel loro mondo. L’ambiente ricrea i boschi naturali in cui vivono i Moomin conferendo alla caffetteria quell’aspetto rilassante e senza tempo il cui obiettivo è permettere a tutti di avere un posto in cui riunirsi e dove poter assistere a molti momenti divertenti. Grossi pupazzi abitano la caffetteria e tengono compagnia ai fortunati visitatori che riescono a sedersi accanto a loro. I piatti sono gustosi e come sempre perfettamente presentati per coccolare il cuore di chi cerca un momento di tenerezza.
Il menù più famoso è il “Souvenir Moomin House Pancakes” perchè i pancakes vengono serviti al tavolo assieme a statuine di ceramica come souvenir da portare via con sé.

photo credit: moomincafe.jp, japantravel.com, moomincafe

Sito Ufficiale: https://benelic.com/moomin_cafe/
Indirizzo: 1F Tokyo Soramachi, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Square Enix’s Artnia Café

photo credits: sweetkammi.wordpress.com

Situato a Shinjuku, Artnia mescola il suo essere negozio di goods ufficiali Square Enix alla caffetteria i cui piatti sono basati sulle prestigiose game serie della società. All’interno è diviso in 3 aree: la “Fancy Area”, la zona dedicata al merchandising di Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy e Kingdom Hearts, il vero e proprio “Café&Bar” che occupa la maggior parte dello spazio e la splendida “Luxury Area” situata dietro al bar e progettata in granito nero. Questa zona lussuosa è un vero e proprio museo contenente repliche delle saghe, statue, opere d’arte e gioielli, ma è la fontana che sorge al centro ad essere la vera attrazione di Artnia. Essa contiene un cristallo rosso sospeso all’interno di una cascata che si riversa dentro un piedistallo con tutte le sfere di Materia di vari colori.

photo credits: favy-jp.com

Sito Ufficiale: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/artnia/index
Indirizzo: 1F Shinjuku East Side Square, 6-27-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Maid Café

photo credits: cat.m.mayberry, theginger1nch, maidreamin

Meglio conosciuti come “Meido Kissa”, i maid café sono locali in cui i clienti vengono serviti da cameriere vestite in stile vittoriano, con i loro abiti ricchi di pizzi e merletti. Queste cameriere hanno il preciso compito di soddisfare le richieste dei clienti, tanto che gli avventori sono chiamati “Master” se sono uomini, o “Princess” se sono donne. Questi locali sono per lo più concentrati ad Akihabara e sono sempre ricchi di dettagli estremamente curati. Una volta entrati una Maid accompagnerà al tavolo il visitatore che potrà restare solamente per 1 ora e dovrà scegliere se bere, mangiare o un’altra delle proposte disponibili. Inoltre le cameriere interagiscono di continuo con i clienti e se questi non sono molto loquaci, allora inizieranno a fare balletti e cantare canzoncine. Sono ambienti molto divertenti e spensierati, per una pausa più originale del solito!

photo credits: wheresmy_dang_food, ranamajid007, pegsfordays, debydraws, m00nvixen

Alcuni dei Maid Cafè più popolari:
At-Home Café, 1-11-4 Sotokanda Mitsuwa Bldg. 4-7F, Chiyoda 101-0021 Tokyo, https://www.cafe-athome.com/info/
MAIDREAMIN, head store: Sumiyoshi BLDG.6F 3-16-17 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0021 https://maidreamin.com
MELCAFE, 4 Chome-9-9 Nipponbashi Naniwa-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka http://mel-cafe.com[:en]Japan is the richest land when it’s about magical places, in every sense! Even stopping for a snack can become a unique experience when you immerse yourself in a fantasy world like that of the “Character Cafes” scattered throughout the territory. What are these places? Particular types of themed cafes that allow customers fond of comics and animation to savor incredible kawaii dishes in a room totally inspired by a specific character.
There are temporary concept cafes that open about every two months, but fortunately, there are also permanent ones and they are a fundamental step for anyone who wants a bit of sweetness.

Fantastic Character Cafes and where to find them

PomPomPurin Café

photo credits: dangonews.com, straitstimes.com

Entering the PomPomPurin Café is like entering the room of this sweet big dog, a famous Sanrio character. You are welcomed by the yellow and brown of the furnishings, a quiet and relaxing place where you can enjoy sweets, drinks and specialties of various kinds. Inside the café there are “photo corners”, dedicated points to take a picture with your favorite pudding! There are also limited edition goods that can only be purchased at the in-house shop.

photo credits: thechibirain, littlemomiji, klawsbykatya, xxakira0412xx

Official Website: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com/jp/
Address:
TOKYO: 〒150-0001 Shibuya, 1-7-1 Jingumae, CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F
OSAKA: 〒530-0012 Kita, Shibata, 1−1−3 Hankyu Third Avenue South Building
NAGOYA: ３ 丁目-32-6 Sakae, Naka Ward, Aichi Prefecture 460-0008
YOKOHAMA: Yokohama City Nishi-ku 2-1-5. YOKOHAMA SOTETSU SQUARE

Final Fantasy Eorzea Café

photo credit: favy-jp.com

Final Fantasy Eorzea Café is a small sanctuary for all fans of the famous Square Enix game FFXIV. Eorzea takes its name from the region where the video game takes place. Its interiors are beautifully decorated and the café in Akihabara also has a bar where you can order alcoholic beverages.
The food and drinks served at the bar are constantly changing, just like in the game! By ordering different drinks you can receive a collector’s coaster and the restaurant has a point collection system with which special goods can be won, in addition to those that can be purchased at the dedicated sales corner.
Reservations must be made at least two hours in advance if you wish to find a place in this space.

photo credit:japantravel.com

Official Website: https://www.pasela.co.jp/paselabo_shop/ff_eorzea/
Address:
TOKYO: 2F, 1-1-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku,
OSAKA: 4F Pasela Resort, 1-4-27 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-fu

Cinnamoroll Café

photo credit: sanrio.com

Cinnamoroll, a white puppy with long ears, blue eyes, and a curly tail, is one of the most adorable characters of the Sanrio brand. The environment of this café creates an extremely relaxing atmosphere thanks to its delicate colors and its irresistible dishes. Here it is possible to taste the Omu rice, the Stroganoff fillet, the special Shortcake and some seasonal dishes. There is also a shop with limited edition goods.

photo credit: rainbowholic, Japan Italy Bridge, rietiru 

Official Website: http://www.cinnamorollcafe.com/shinjuku/
Address: Shinjuku Marui Annex 3 Chome-1-26 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022

Gudetama Café

photo credits: digjapan.travel, picsunday.com

Gudetama is a lazy egg who thinks that everything is mendokusai (a pain) and never has any motivation. And he is the protagonist of the cafe located on the seventh floor of HEP FIVE, a shopping center near the Umeda station in Osaka. Recognizable thanks to its designs, this café offers an exquisitely evolving menu that reflects the lazy and unmotivated nature of its character, in an environment that combines all the shades of pastel yellow with large plush toys by Gudetama in its classic lazy poses.
Cups, magnets and gadgets of various kinds are available to be purchased to bring with you the memory of the most lethargic experience ever!

photo credits: gudetamacafe_hepfive, cafe_shirokuma

Official Website: http://gudetama.createrestaurants.com/jp/info.html
Address: 〒530-0017 Osaka, Kita-ku, Kakuda-cho 5-15, HEP FIVE 7F

Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe

photo credits: japantravel.com, blog.we-are.com

Through the winding streets of Jiyugaoka in Tokyo, a small garden café is hidden, inspired by the stories told in the world of Beatrix Potter whose protagonist is Peter Rabbit. The atmosphere inside the cafeteria is very welcoming and inviting. The blue and white checkered tablecloths cover every table that is decorated with the author’s books that you can read and draw on and, sitting next to the customers, you can find the stuffed animals. The wooden floors and furniture give warmth to the environment while various photographs are hung on the walls. On the shelves we find flowers, woven baskets, gardening tools and small objects that evoke images of the picturesque English countryside. Every dish on the menu is carefully designed and, of course, there is a small section dedicated to souvenirs if you want a small piece of sweetness to keep as a souvenir.

photo credit: nemui_ohirune_shitai, luv_barbie_pink, lolitandthecity, curetofficial

Official Website: http://www.peterrabbit-japan.com/cafe/
Address: 1 Chome-25-20 Jiyugaoka, 目黒区 Tokyo 152-0035

Pokémon Cafe

photo credit: digjapan.travel, jw-webmagazine.com

Have you ever dreamed of shouting “Gotta catch’em all!”? You may not be able to do it literally, but the most loyal fans will find joy at Pokémon Café. Opened in 2018 and associated with the Pokémon Center DX, this restaurant is spacious and bright, furnished with simplicity and minimalist decorations, with wooden floors and large tables.
As in any self-respecting character café, Pokémon-themed food and drinks are available, in addition to the seasonal menu available only for a limited period of the year. The unique gadgets always attract collectors. In fact only here is it possible to find poke-thermos, Pikachu stuffed animals in a cook version and the famous Pokéball-shaped cups! Unlike other cafes, online booking is required in advance as the seats are highly sought after.

 

photo credit: nane0v0, xx.asu.pika.025.xx, hanrutmoe

Official Website: https://www.Pokémoncenter-online.com/cafe/
Address: 2-1-2 Nihombashi | Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Bldg. 5F, Chuo 103-0027, Tokyo

Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory

photo credit: tripadvisor.com, trip101.com

A solitary sign with 3 small painted Totoro signals the existence of this small café in the quiet neighborhood of Daita, hidden among many plants and tree trunks. Adorable puffs inspired by the famous Studio Ghibli creature are served in various flavors. From traditional vanilla and chocolate to seasonal matcha, white peach and Adzuki beans. But if your stomach demands something more, just go up to the second floor, to the Toto Café where tasty pasta dishes are served with iced coffees.

photo credit: onetheycallbela, eliseaki, cooki3zz

Official Website: http://www.shiro-hige.com/main/
Address: 5-3-1 Daita, Setagaya 155-0033, Tokyo

Shirokuma Cafe – Polar Bear’s Café

photo credit: tripzilla.com

Shirokuma-san, the big polar bear who stars in the manga written by Aloha Higa and owner of a bar that welcomes animal and human friends, is also the inspiration for this cozy café. Lots of masterfully modeled bear-and-panda shaped dishes will inspire customers to take lots of photos, captivated by their beauty and tenderness. The restaurant is cozy and guests can pose for many souvenir photos with adorable cartoon characters, while children can have fun in the corner dedicated to them, full of toys and a television! Do not miss the small shop where you can find soft stuffed animals, notebooks, t-shirts, bags, stationery and bento boxes.

photo credit: chillintokyo.wordpress.com, airvarie

Official Website: http://www.shirokumacafe.net/.en/
Address: Tokyo-do Shinjuku-ku Takadanobaba 2-1-2 TOHMA takadanobaba 1F

Alice in Wonderland Café – Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant

photo credit: materialicious.com, yanderette

Five restaurants inspired by the Lewis Carroll novel have permanent locations in Japan.
Each of them is extraordinarily engaging and transports visitors to the different scenarios of Alice’s world. There are five themes to choose from: the maze, fantasyland, the fantastic book, the magical land, and the old castle. The menu is strictly inspired by British cuisine. To enter the wonderland it is necessary to book online or you can do it in person by going to the restaurant a few days before.

photo credits: samuelponce.cl, satokomorimoto, mydreamsofdisney, kiki_0_0

Official Website: http://www.alice-restaurant.com/
Address:
ALICE IN LABYRINTH (GINZA, TOKYO) 104-0061 東京都中央区銀座8-8-5 太陽ビル5F
ALICE IN FANTASYLAND (UMEDA, OSAKA) 530-0012 大阪府大阪市北区芝田1-8-1D.D.HOUSE１F
ALICE IN FANTASY BOOK (SHINJUKU, TOKYO) 160-0021 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-6-2 Ｔ－wingビルB2F
ALICE IN MAGICAL LAND (NISHI-SHINJUKU, TOKYO) 160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿1-5-1 新宿西口ハルクB3
ALICE IN AN OLD CASTLE (IKEBUKURO, TOKYO) 171-0022 東京都豊島区南池袋2-16−8 鈴和ビルB1

Vampire Cafe

photo credit: dd-holdings.jp, ginzavampire

A macabre atmosphere, red velvet curtains, and luxurious chandeliers catapult customers into Medieval Europe, into a real “vampire house”. Inside the café, there is even an altar, a coffin and a cross struck by a beam of light to allow total immersion in the gothic world of the legends concerning the creatures of the night. Of course, the menu is also thematic: dishes and cocktails with unique names belonging to the Italian and French cuisine and are served by staff in a vampire costume.

photo credit: prtimes.jp, ginzavampire

Address: 7F, La Paix Bldg., 6-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Moomin House Cafe

photo credits: yelp.com

The Moomin, despite belonging to the Finnish tradition, have also found a way in Tokyo to welcome fans into their world. The environment recreates the natural woods in which the Moomins live, giving the café that relaxing and timeless aspect whose goal is to allow everyone to have a place to get together and where they can witness many fun moments. Big puppets live in the café and keep company to the lucky visitors who are able to sit next to them. The dishes are tasty and as always perfectly presented to pamper the heart of those seeking a moment of tenderness.
The most famous menu is the “Souvenir Moomin House Pancakes” because the pancakes are served at the table along with ceramic figurines as a souvenir to take away with them.

photo credit: moomincafe.jp, japantravel.com, moomincafe

Official Website: https://benelic.com/moomin_cafe/
Address: 1F Tokyo Soramachi, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Square Enix’s Artnia Cafe

photo credits: sweetkammi.wordpress.com

Located in Shinjuku, Artnia mixes its being Square Enix’s official goods store with the café whose dishes are based on the company’s prestigious game series. Inside, it’s divided into 3 areas: the “Fancy Area”, the area dedicated to the merchandising of Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, the real “Café & Bar” that occupies most of the space and the splendid “Luxury Area” located behind the bar and designed in black granite. This luxurious area is a real museum containing replicas of the sagas, statues, works of art and jewels, but it is the fountain that rises in the center to be the real attraction of Artnia. It contains a red crystal suspended inside a waterfall that pours into a pedestal with all the spheres of Materia of various colors.

photo credits: favy-jp.com

Official Website: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/artnia/index
Address: 1F Shinjuku East Side Square, 6-27-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Maid Café

photo credits: cat.m.mayberry, theginger1nch, maidreamin

Better known as “Meido Kissa”, the maid cafes are places where customers are served by Victorian-style waitresses, with their clothes full of lace. These maids have the specific task of satisfying customer requests, so the customers are called “Masters” if they are men, or “Princess” if they are women. These places are mostly concentrated in Akihabara and are always full of extremely accurate details. Once inside, a Maid will accompany the visitor who can only stay for 1 hour to the table and will have to choose whether to drink, eat or another of the available proposals. Moreover, the waitresses interact continuously with the customers and if these are not very talkative, then they will start to do ballets and sing little songs. They are very fun and carefree environments, for a more original break than usual!

photo credits: wheresmy_dang_food, ranamajid007, pegsfordays, debydraws, m00nvixen

Some of the most popular Maid Cafes:
At-Home Café, 1-11-4 Sotokanda Mitsuwa Bldg. 4-7F, Chiyoda 101-0021 Tokyo, https://www.cafe-athome.com/info/
MAIDREAMIN, head store: Sumiyoshi BLDG.6F 3-16-17 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0021 https://maidreamin.com
MELCAFE, 4 Chome-9-9 Nipponbashi Naniwa-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka http://mel-cafe.com[:ja]Japan is the richest land when it’s about magical places, in every sense! Even stopping for a snack can become a unique experience when you immerse yourself in a fantasy world like that of the “Character Cafes” scattered throughout the territory. What are these places? Particular types of themed cafes that allow customers fond of comics and animation to savor incredible kawaii dishes in a room totally inspired by a specific character.
There are temporary concept cafes that open about every two months, but fortunately, there are also permanent ones and they are a fundamental step for anyone who wants a bit of sweetness.

Fantastic Character Cafes and where to find them

PomPomPurin Café

photo credits: dangonews.com, straitstimes.com

Entering the PomPomPurin Café is like entering the room of this sweet big dog, a famous Sanrio character. You are welcomed by the yellow and brown of the furnishings, a quiet and relaxing place where you can enjoy sweets, drinks and specialties of various kinds. Inside the café there are “photo corners”, dedicated points to take a picture with your favorite pudding! There are also limited edition goods that can only be purchased at the in-house shop.

photo credits: thechibirain, littlemomiji, klawsbykatya, xxakira0412xx

Official Website: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com/jp/
Address:
TOKYO: 〒150-0001 Shibuya, 1-7-1 Jingumae, CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F
OSAKA: 〒530-0012 Kita, Shibata, 1−1−3 Hankyu Third Avenue South Building
NAGOYA: ３ 丁目-32-6 Sakae, Naka Ward, Aichi Prefecture 460-0008
YOKOHAMA: Yokohama City Nishi-ku 2-1-5. YOKOHAMA SOTETSU SQUARE

Final Fantasy Eorzea Café

photo credit: favy-jp.com

Final Fantasy Eorzea Café is a small sanctuary for all fans of the famous Square Enix game FFXIV. Eorzea takes its name from the region where the video game takes place. Its interiors are beautifully decorated and the café in Akihabara also has a bar where you can order alcoholic beverages.
The food and drinks served at the bar are constantly changing, just like in the game! By ordering different drinks you can receive a collector’s coaster and the restaurant has a point collection system with which special goods can be won, in addition to those that can be purchased at the dedicated sales corner.
Reservations must be made at least two hours in advance if you wish to find a place in this space.

photo credit:japantravel.com

Official Website: https://www.pasela.co.jp/paselabo_shop/ff_eorzea/
Address:
TOKYO: 2F, 1-1-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku,
OSAKA: 4F Pasela Resort, 1-4-27 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-fu

Cinnamoroll Café

photo credit: sanrio.com

Cinnamoroll, a white puppy with long ears, blue eyes, and a curly tail, is one of the most adorable characters of the Sanrio brand. The environment of this café creates an extremely relaxing atmosphere thanks to its delicate colors and its irresistible dishes. Here it is possible to taste the Omu rice, the Stroganoff fillet, the special Shortcake and some seasonal dishes. There is also a shop with limited edition goods.

photo credit: rainbowholic, Japan Italy Bridge, rietiru 

Official Website: http://www.cinnamorollcafe.com/shinjuku/
Address: Shinjuku Marui Annex 3 Chome-1-26 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022

Gudetama Café

photo credits: digjapan.travel, picsunday.com

Gudetama is a lazy egg who thinks that everything is mendokusai (a pain) and never has any motivation. And he is the protagonist of the cafe located on the seventh floor of HEP FIVE, a shopping center near the Umeda station in Osaka. Recognizable thanks to its designs, this café offers an exquisitely evolving menu that reflects the lazy and unmotivated nature of its character, in an environment that combines all the shades of pastel yellow with large plush toys by Gudetama in its classic lazy poses.
Cups, magnets and gadgets of various kinds are available to be purchased to bring with you the memory of the most lethargic experience ever!

photo credits: gudetamacafe_hepfive, cafe_shirokuma

Official Website: http://gudetama.createrestaurants.com/jp/info.html
Address: 〒530-0017 Osaka, Kita-ku, Kakuda-cho 5-15, HEP FIVE 7F

Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe

photo credits: japantravel.com, blog.we-are.com

Through the winding streets of Jiyugaoka in Tokyo, a small garden café is hidden, inspired by the stories told in the world of Beatrix Potter whose protagonist is Peter Rabbit. The atmosphere inside the cafeteria is very welcoming and inviting. The blue and white checkered tablecloths cover every table that is decorated with the author’s books that you can read and draw on and, sitting next to the customers, you can find the stuffed animals. The wooden floors and furniture give warmth to the environment while various photographs are hung on the walls. On the shelves we find flowers, woven baskets, gardening tools and small objects that evoke images of the picturesque English countryside. Every dish on the menu is carefully designed and, of course, there is a small section dedicated to souvenirs if you want a small piece of sweetness to keep as a souvenir.

photo credit: nemui_ohirune_shitai, luv_barbie_pink, lolitandthecity, curetofficial

Official Website: http://www.peterrabbit-japan.com/cafe/
Address: 1 Chome-25-20 Jiyugaoka, 目黒区 Tokyo 152-0035

Pokémon Cafe

photo credit: digjapan.travel, jw-webmagazine.com

Have you ever dreamed of shouting “Gotta catch’em all!”? You may not be able to do it literally, but the most loyal fans will find joy at Pokémon Café. Opened in 2018 and associated with the Pokémon Center DX, this restaurant is spacious and bright, furnished with simplicity and minimalist decorations, with wooden floors and large tables.
As in any self-respecting character café, Pokémon-themed food and drinks are available, in addition to the seasonal menu available only for a limited period of the year. The unique gadgets always attract collectors. In fact only here is it possible to find poke-thermos, Pikachu stuffed animals in a cook version and the famous Pokéball-shaped cups! Unlike other cafes, online booking is required in advance as the seats are highly sought after.

 

photo credit: nane0v0, xx.asu.pika.025.xx, hanrutmoe

Official Website: https://www.Pokémoncenter-online.com/cafe/
Address: 2-1-2 Nihombashi | Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Bldg. 5F, Chuo 103-0027, Tokyo

Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory

photo credit: tripadvisor.com, trip101.com

A solitary sign with 3 small painted Totoro signals the existence of this small café in the quiet neighborhood of Daita, hidden among many plants and tree trunks. Adorable puffs inspired by the famous Studio Ghibli creature are served in various flavors. From traditional vanilla and chocolate to seasonal matcha, white peach and Adzuki beans. But if your stomach demands something more, just go up to the second floor, to the Toto Café where tasty pasta dishes are served with iced coffees.

photo credit: onetheycallbela, eliseaki, cooki3zz

Official Website: http://www.shiro-hige.com/main/
Address: 5-3-1 Daita, Setagaya 155-0033, Tokyo

Shirokuma Cafe – Polar Bear’s Café

photo credit: tripzilla.com

Shirokuma-san, the big polar bear who stars in the manga written by Aloha Higa and owner of a bar that welcomes animal and human friends, is also the inspiration for this cozy café. Lots of masterfully modeled bear-and-panda shaped dishes will inspire customers to take lots of photos, captivated by their beauty and tenderness. The restaurant is cozy and guests can pose for many souvenir photos with adorable cartoon characters, while children can have fun in the corner dedicated to them, full of toys and a television! Do not miss the small shop where you can find soft stuffed animals, notebooks, t-shirts, bags, stationery and bento boxes.

photo credit: chillintokyo.wordpress.com, airvarie

Official Website: http://www.shirokumacafe.net/.en/
Address: Tokyo-do Shinjuku-ku Takadanobaba 2-1-2 TOHMA takadanobaba 1F

Alice in Wonderland Café – Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant

photo credit: materialicious.com, yanderette

Five restaurants inspired by the Lewis Carroll novel have permanent locations in Japan.
Each of them is extraordinarily engaging and transports visitors to the different scenarios of Alice’s world. There are five themes to choose from: the maze, fantasyland, the fantastic book, the magical land, and the old castle. The menu is strictly inspired by British cuisine. To enter the wonderland it is necessary to book online or you can do it in person by going to the restaurant a few days before.

photo credits: samuelponce.cl, satokomorimoto, mydreamsofdisney, kiki_0_0

Official Website: http://www.alice-restaurant.com/
Address:
ALICE IN LABYRINTH (GINZA, TOKYO) 104-0061 東京都中央区銀座8-8-5 太陽ビル5F
ALICE IN FANTASYLAND (UMEDA, OSAKA) 530-0012 大阪府大阪市北区芝田1-8-1D.D.HOUSE１F
ALICE IN FANTASY BOOK (SHINJUKU, TOKYO) 160-0021 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-6-2 Ｔ－wingビルB2F
ALICE IN MAGICAL LAND (NISHI-SHINJUKU, TOKYO) 160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿1-5-1 新宿西口ハルクB3
ALICE IN AN OLD CASTLE (IKEBUKURO, TOKYO) 171-0022 東京都豊島区南池袋2-16−8 鈴和ビルB1

Vampire Cafe

photo credit: dd-holdings.jp, ginzavampire

A macabre atmosphere, red velvet curtains, and luxurious chandeliers catapult customers into Medieval Europe, into a real “vampire house”. Inside the café, there is even an altar, a coffin and a cross struck by a beam of light to allow total immersion in the gothic world of the legends concerning the creatures of the night. Of course, the menu is also thematic: dishes and cocktails with unique names belonging to the Italian and French cuisine and are served by staff in a vampire costume.

photo credit: prtimes.jp, ginzavampire

Address: 7F, La Paix Bldg., 6-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Moomin House Cafe

photo credits: yelp.com

The Moomin, despite belonging to the Finnish tradition, have also found a way in Tokyo to welcome fans into their world. The environment recreates the natural woods in which the Moomins live, giving the café that relaxing and timeless aspect whose goal is to allow everyone to have a place to get together and where they can witness many fun moments. Big puppets live in the café and keep company to the lucky visitors who are able to sit next to them. The dishes are tasty and as always perfectly presented to pamper the heart of those seeking a moment of tenderness.
The most famous menu is the “Souvenir Moomin House Pancakes” because the pancakes are served at the table along with ceramic figurines as a souvenir to take away with them.

photo credit: moomincafe.jp, japantravel.com, moomincafe

Official Website: https://benelic.com/moomin_cafe/
Address: 1F Tokyo Soramachi, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Square Enix’s Artnia Cafe

photo credits: sweetkammi.wordpress.com

Located in Shinjuku, Artnia mixes its being Square Enix’s official goods store with the café whose dishes are based on the company’s prestigious game series. Inside, it’s divided into 3 areas: the “Fancy Area”, the area dedicated to the merchandising of Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, the real “Café & Bar” that occupies most of the space and the splendid “Luxury Area” located behind the bar and designed in black granite. This luxurious area is a real museum containing replicas of the sagas, statues, works of art and jewels, but it is the fountain that rises in the center to be the real attraction of Artnia. It contains a red crystal suspended inside a waterfall that pours into a pedestal with all the spheres of Materia of various colors.

photo credits: favy-jp.com

Official Website: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/artnia/index
Address: 1F Shinjuku East Side Square, 6-27-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Maid Café

photo credits: cat.m.mayberry, theginger1nch, maidreamin

Better known as “Meido Kissa”, the maid cafes are places where customers are served by Victorian-style waitresses, with their clothes full of lace. These maids have the specific task of satisfying customer requests, so the customers are called “Masters” if they are men, or “Princess” if they are women. These places are mostly concentrated in Akihabara and are always full of extremely accurate details. Once inside, a Maid will accompany the visitor who can only stay for 1 hour to the table and will have to choose whether to drink, eat or another of the available proposals. Moreover, the waitresses interact continuously with the customers and if these are not very talkative, then they will start to do ballets and sing little songs. They are very fun and carefree environments, for a more original break than usual!

photo credits: wheresmy_dang_food, ranamajid007, pegsfordays, debydraws, m00nvixen

Some of the most popular Maid Cafes:
At-Home Café, 1-11-4 Sotokanda Mitsuwa Bldg. 4-7F, Chiyoda 101-0021 Tokyo, https://www.cafe-athome.com/info/
MAIDREAMIN, head store: Sumiyoshi BLDG.6F 3-16-17 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0021 https://maidreamin.com
MELCAFE, 4 Chome-9-9 Nipponbashi Naniwa-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka http://mel-cafe.com[:]