Poketinerary

Visiting a Pokémon Cafe is truly one of the most unique in person Pokémon experiences that you can have in Japan.

The Pokémon Cafe is a fully themed dining space where everything from the food to the aesthetic is entirely Pokémon related. But its not just about the food and decoration, the entire experience is designed to feel immersive and distinctively “Pokémon” (including the entertainment) which makes it a standout Pokémon experience for fans visiting Japan.

There’s currently two Pokémon Cafes available to visit in Japan, with one located in Tokyo and the other in Osaka.

• Pokémon Center Tokyo DX: Accessed behind the Snorlax statue right next to the Pokémon Center on the 5th floor of the Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. East Building
• Pokémon Center Osaka DX:  Located right next to the Pokémon Center on the 9th floor of the Daimaru Shinsaibashi Main Building.

Stepping into a Pokémon Cafe provides a similar feeling to the first time you visit a Pokémon Center, albeit in relation to food. You notice the soft colours and theme immediately and the immersion stays with you throughout the visit until the moment you leave.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Bright, inviting interior filled with Pokémon designs.
• A relaxed but lively atmosphere which includes interactive staff entertainment.
• Pokémon themed furniture, tableware, menus, food and drinks.
• Exclusive merchandise available to purchase such dinnerware, plush and more.

As eluded to above, at certain times a member of staff dressed as a character (often Pikachu or Gengar) will appear and provide some live action entertainment. A wholly fun experience in of itself but certainly something that may not appeal to everyone.

Being an official, curated experience that is exclusive to Japan certainly makes it feel more special than non official themed counterparts.

Here’s why:

• Officially operated and located alongside respective Pokémon Centers.
• Seasonal menu rotations which feature limited time dishes.
• Exclusive officially licensed merchandise only available to Cafe visitors.
• A level of detail and presentation that reflects Japan’s culture in a nutshell.

For most visitors, it’s less about the food itself (which honestly isnt incredible) and more about the experience as a whole, whilst being part of a Pokémon focused environment.