Visit These Anime Cafés You Can Find Only In Japan

Take note, anime fans!

Japan is the ultimate dream destination for those who love anime. After all, it’s the very place where manga and anime were born. Surely, you’ve probably already listed down your stops when you fly off to the country. If you’re a true-blue anime fan, shopping in Akihabara, the mecca of manga and anime culture, is probably at the top of your bucket list. Not to mention, there are tons of attractions like amusement parks and museums inspired by anime that you’d surely like to visit. Still, a trip isn’t complete without sampling food you’ll find only in your destination. Complete your anime pilgrimage by adding these must-visit anime cafés in Japan that serve kawaii (cute) and delicious dishes.

Pokémon Café, Chuo

If you grew up watching the anime and playing the Pokémon games on your Nintendo console, then be sure to visit Pokémon Café in Tokyo. Take delight in seeing the statues of your fave pocket monsters in this simple and airy anime café, which opened its doors more than a year ago. Pokémon Café serves Pokémon-themed dishes, like Pikachu Omelette or Eevee Latte that you'll find only here, so make sure to catch, or rather, eat 'em all! If you're lucky, you might even have a chance to say hi to the adorable Pikachu and Eevee mascots during your visit. But before that, make sure to reserve a spot online beforehand as the seats are highly sought after.

Straw Hat Café at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Of course, Ghibli Museum is a place you must totally visit if you loved classics such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Wandering around the museum in West Tokyo will make you feel like you’re walking through different scenes of Hayao Miyazaki’s epic masterpieces. Relax and bask in the quaint and whimsical atmosphere by indulging in delectable treats in the museum’s Straw Hat Café. Enjoy a warm bowl of Sunflower Soup With Barley and finish up your meal with a slice of Strawberry Shortcake.

Café Mugiwara, Minato

If you’ve managed to follow all the 903 episodes (and counting) of One Piece, then there’s no doubt you deserve a treat for being a dedicated fan of the series. Take a break from your arduous search for the famed One Piece by stopping over Café Mugiwara in Tokyo Tower. Eat to your heart’s content and try out dishes inspired by the long-running series in this anime-café-slash-library. Munch on Luffy’s Favourite Beef Pizza or take a sip of one of their cold drinks while you refresh yourself on the series’ plot with the manga volumes available for reading.

Shirokuma Café, Shinjuku

Enjoyed the everyday hijinks of Polar Bear and the café regulars in Shirokuma Café? Well, what if we tell you that you can step into that very place in real life? That’s right — you can visit Shirokuma Café nestled in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Not only is the café’s façade an exact copy of the one in the anime, but inside, you’ll find a big cut-out of Shirokuma serving you, as well as plushie versions of Penguin and Panda sitting on their usual spots. You might feel like it’s a waste to take a bite of super kawaii food they serve, but their delectable flavour is well-worth it. Enjoy Shirokuma’s Pancakes, or, if you’re craving for a savoury meal, Panda’s Basil Chicken Plate.

Doraemon Café at Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, Kawasaki

Tokyo isn’t the only destination worth-visiting for anime lovers. For all who miss seeing the iconic blue cat-robot on their TV screens, take the bamboo-copter straight to the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki. Reminisce Doraemon’s adventures with Nobita through the exhibits and artworks dedicated to the manga and anime series that filled everyone’s childhood. While you’re there, head to the museum’s café on the third floor to fuel up. Choose from an exclusive menu like the 4D Pocket Plate and Doraemon’s Taco-style Rice and see your fave characters on your plate. Note though, that they don’t sell admission tickets on-site, so get one in advance before you visit.

(Cover photo from: @pokemon_jpn)

Next, find out more anime destinations here.