Pokémon Café Tokyo

Of course, Tokyo is home to the world’s first Pokémon Café. (There’s now one in Osaka, too). It’s attached to the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX merch superstore, which is weirdly located in the annex of posh/conservative department store Takashimaya in Nihonbashi. The décor here is, perhaps, surprisingly bland; it’s all about the food and the characters.

What is Pokémon Café Tokyo like?

The cafe itself looks surprisingly normal: airy and bright with blonde wood. So, no, it does not transport you to a region from the game (though you are, technically, in the literal Kantō region). What it does have is lots of plushies, including some nice big ones.

There’s also a little show time where Pikachu makes an appearance.

What should I order?

Now this is where things get more interesting. The food is not amazing but it is also not objectively terrible. Most importantly, it’s presented extremely cutely. Everything that can possibly have ears is given ears (either Pikachu or Eevie ears, usually, for maximum cuteness). There are lunch plates, parfaits and smoothies, and teas and coffees on the menu. Nothing costs more that ¥2,000 unless it comes with a souvenir.

One of the cheapest things on the menu is also a fan favorite: the “Choose your Pokémon Latte” costs ¥700 (or ¥825 if you want a caramel or mocha latte, hot or iced). Yes, we agree that is a lot of money for a coffee. However, it comes printed with latte art of your choice of Pokémon character and is served in a mug shaped like half of the iconic red pokéball.

Also! For ¥2,200, you can order the latte in a special Pikachu or Eevie cup that you can take home. (For iced lattes, you have the option to purchase with a branded Pokémon Café glass). Plus, for every drink you order, you get a souvenir coaster.

There are always seasonal or promotional menu items, so keep a look out if you are a super fan.

Is there merchandise for sale?

Yes, you can buy the plates and mugs that are used in the cafe. Note that while you can buy the pokéball mug, you cannot buy the Pikachu or Eevie ones (those only come as a menu item). There are also mascot plushies that you can only buy here, like Chef Pikachu.

If you want to purchase any “special goods” you will have the opportunity to do so when you make a reservation. This is your only opportunity for these goods so think carefully, as you can’t change your mind later.

Pokémon Café Tokyo Essentials

Seating: One central communal table for solo customers and pairs and small tables that seat two to four. There is nothing fun or interesting about the seating. It’s just ordinary wooden tables and chairs, so not terribly cozy either.

Minimum order: One menu item (food or drink) per customer aged six and over.

Reservations? Essential. Book online (only). Bookings open days 31 in advance (from 6 p.m. JST), and fill up quickly. You must make a reservation by 10 p.m. the day before (no same-day reservations). Walk-ins are only accepted on rare days when there is an opening (or a cancellation). If you are more than 15 minutes late you will lose your reservation!

Time limit? Yup, every seating is for 90 minutes.

Photos allowed? Yes, and expected — everyone wants a photo of Pikachu when they makes an appearance.

Good for kids? Kids meals on the menu and (a limited number of) high chairs. Under 6s do need their own reservation (it’s also a good idea to book a seat for a baby stroller, too).

Good for solo travelers? Yes! The communal table means you’ll blend right in (and probably have an easier time making a reservation).

Good for groups? You can reserve for up to 8 people at once, but given the seating arrangements, you’ll be at separate tables. With no private rooms or booths, this one is probably better for small groups.

While we do our best to keep things up to date, information is subject to change. Last checked: January 2023.

by Rebecca Milner