17 Best Character Cafes in Japan 2024

Best Limited-Time Character Cafes in 2024

Best Character Cafes in Japan

Japanese cafes are among the favorite places for locals and visitors alike to unwind with a drink, relax, and soak in the unique atmosphere. These cafes offer experiences that showcase the culture and creativity of Japan, ranging from modern and themed cafes to animal cafes, each with a unique menu reflecting seasonal ingredients and the latest trends.

Character cafes, in particular, provide a must-visit destination for tourists and fans. While many of these cafes feature limited-time events dedicated to popular characters, some continuously offer character-themed menus. These cafes offer unique experiences, exclusive merchandise, and themed menus that delight visitors of all ages.

If you’re searching for the best character cafe events and collaborations in Japan, look no further. In this article, I will share some of the most exciting character cafe events happening in 2024.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.


1. SpongeBob Cafe in Tokyo 2024 (Tokyo)

SpongeBob Cafe in Tokyo 2024-min (1)
© 2024 Viacom. SpongeBob SquarePants created by Stephen Hillenburg.

SpongeBob Cafe in Tokyo is held to celebrate its 25th anniversary, featuring various goods and themed foods on their menus available for a limited time only.

Dates: June 13 to November 4, 2024
Location: RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK South 2F (MAP)
Website: https://benelic.com/cafe_secret_recipe/

More info:

▶SpongeBob Cafe in Tokyo 2024

2. Frozen Cafe (Tokyo, Osaka)

Frozen Cafe-min
ⓒ Disney

The well-known Disney animation offers a Frozen Cafe this summer in Japan featuring theme-menu that gives a chill and refreshment for the hot weather. Various goods and souvenirs are available for a limited time only.

Locations & Dates:
– Tokyo
Location: OH MY CAFE, Shinjuku Mylord 7F (MAP)
Date: 5 July to 1 September 2024

– Osaka
Location: Collabo_Index SHINSAIBASHI (MAP)
Date: 8 August to 8 September 2024

Website: https://sister.ohmycafe.jp/

More info:

▶Frozen Cafe in Japan 2024

3. Pokemon x PRONTO Collaboration in 2024 Summer (Nationwide)

Pokemon x PRONTO Collaboration in 2024 Summer-min
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

A special summer collaboration of PRONTO with the popular Japanese anime Pokemon. Featuring a special menu inspired by Pokemon characters. Also available the original merchandise for a limited time only.

Dates: July 11 to September 16, 2024
Location: PRONTO・È PRONTO nationwide (192 stores)
Website: https://www.pronto.co.jp/special/Pokemon2024_Website.html

More info:

»Pokemon x PRONTO Collaboration in 2024 Summer

4. 30th Anniversary Detective Conan Cafe (Various Locations)

30th Anniversary Detective Conan Cafe-min
©青山剛昌/小学館

The popular iconic manga and anime series “Detective Conan” celebrates its 30th anniversary in a special pop-up cafe held in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Hakata, and Miyagi. Featuring exclusive themed food and drinks inspired by the character and limited edition merchandise.

Locations & Dates:
-Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Location: BOX cafe&space Shinjuku Mylord 7F (MAP)
Date: 26 July to 23 September 2024

-Aichi (Nagoya)
Location: BOX cafe&space Global Gate Nagoya 1F (MAP)
Date: 26 July to 23 September 2024

-Osaka (Umeda)
Location: BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE store 7F (MAP)
Date: 26 July to 29 September 2024

-Fukuoka (Hakata)
Location: BOX cafe&space Hakata OIOI 3F (MAP)
Date: 3 August to 8 September 2024

-Miyagi (Sendai)
Location: BALLER:S AEON Mall Shinrifu 2F (MAP)
Date: 1 August to 1 September 2024

-Hokkaido (Sapporo)
Location: Cafe Interlude Coach & Four Shinkawa-Dori (MAP)
Date: 26 July to 1 September 2024

Website: https://30th.conan-cafe.jp/information/

More info:

»Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Cafe in Japan 2024

5. Nintama Rantaro x Sanrio Cafe (Tokyo, Osaka)

Copyright © 2024 AMO CAFE.
© A/N・EP © ’24 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPR. NO. L651693 © 2024 AMO CAFE.

The well-known ninja world of Nintama Rantaro and Sanrio characters held a collaboration-themed cafe in Tokyo and Osaka. The cafe featured a special menu with dishes and drinks inspired by characters from both Nintama Rantaro and Sanrio. A limited edition of exclusive merchandise is also available.

Dates: July 31 to September 1, 2024
Locations:
– Tokyo
AMOCAFE Ikebukuro 1st store (MAP)

– Osaka
Oshi Cafe Namba Marui Store (MAP)

Website: https://amocafe.shopinfo.jp/

6. Magical Doremi Cafe 2024 (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)

Magical DoReMi Cafe
©東映アニメーション

The Magical Doremi Cafe 2024 invites fans to experience a colorful menu inspired by the anime Ojamajo Doremi. Visitors in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya can enjoy themed dishes like the Takorice Bowl and Pineapple Burger, along with delightful character-inspired sweets, celebrating the magic of this cherished series.

Locations & Dates:

-Tokyo
Location: Box Cafe & Space Lumine Est Shinjuku Store (MAP)
Date: 1 August to 6 September 2024

-Aichi
Location: Kawara Cafe and Dining Nagoya Parco Store (MAP)
Date: 22 August to 29 September 2024

-Osaka
Location: Kawara Cafe and Dining Shinsaibashi Store (MAP)
Date: 29 August to 6 October 2024

Website: https://ojamajodoremi-cafe2024.jp/

More info:

▶Magical Doremi Cafe in Japan 2024

7. BAYMAX Cafe (Tokyo)

Baymax cafe-min
©︎ Disney

From a Disney character, BAYMAY will hold a cafe event featuring a themed menu and exclusive merchandise related to the character available for a limited time at BOX cafe & space Tokyo Solamachi store.

Dates: August 2 to September 16, 2024
Location: BOX cafe & space Tokyo Solamachi store (MAP)
Website: https://bm2024.ohmycafe.jp/

More info:

▶BAYMAX Cafe in Tokyo 2024

8. Minion Theme Cafe in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya)

Minion Theme Cafe in Japan-min
COPYRIGHT © PARCO CO.,LTD

A collaboration cafe event featuring the well-known character The Minions offering a themed menu and limited edition items related to their latest movie the Illumination Despicable ME4.

Dates: August 3 to September 24, 2024
Location: Shibuya PARCO 6F TOKYO PARADE goods&cafe
Website: https://cafe.parco.jp/parade/detail/?id=9012

Dates: August 10 to September 17, 2024
Location: THE GUEST cafe&diner Shinsaibashi store (Shinsaibashi PARCO 6F)
Website: https://the-guest.com/dm4_cafe_osaka/

Dates: August 22 to September 30, 2024
Location: THE GUEST cafe&diner Nagoya Parco store (Nagoya Parco West Building 8F)
Website: https://the-guest.com/dm4_cafe_nagoya/

More info:

▶Minion Theme Cafe in Japan 2024

9. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Cafe in Japan 2024 (Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka)

Jujutsu Kaisen 0-min
© 2021 「劇場版 呪術廻戦 0」製作委員会 ©芥見下々/集英社

The Jujutsu Kaisen Cafe will hold an event in four venues in three cities in Japan Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Special themed menus inspired by the characters and exclusive merchandise will also be available.

Genre: Collaboration Cafe
Location and Dates:

Tokyo

  • BOX cafe&space Q plaza Harajuku (MAP)
    August 29 to October 27, 2024
  • BOX cafe&space Harajuku ALTA (MAP)
    August 29 to October 27, 2024

Osaka

  • BOX cafe&space Tennoji MIO (MAP)
    August 29 to October 27, 2024

Nagoya

  • BOX cafe&space Global Gate Nagoya (MAP)
    August 29 to October 27, 2024

Website: https://0.jujutsukaisen-cafe.jp/

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Cafe in Japan 2024

10. Keio Plaza Hotel x ONE PIECE Collaboration Sweets Buffet

Keio Plaza Hotel x One Piece Collab 2-min
© Keio Plaza Hotel Co.,Ltd.

A special collaboration with the popular anime and manga series “One Piece” and the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo. Featuring a girl’s party sweet buffet, with themed decorations and themed sweets buffet inspired by the character or scenes from the series. Where the guest can enjoy a unique dining experience surrounded by the themed decor of the One Piece.

Genre: Collaboration
Location: 2nd floor/All day dining <Jurin>
Dates: June 1 to September 30, 2024
Website: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/onepiece-fair/sweets.html

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO x ONE PIECE: Girl’s Party Sweets Buffet

11. Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2024

USJ Halloween Party 2024-min
TM & © Universal Studios.

An annual Halloween event in Universal Studio Japan featuring programs and activities such as HAHAHA Halloween Party and Halloween Horror Night that showcase activities, decorations, and parades of some popular characters such as Pokemon, Minions, My Melody, and Kuromi.

Genre: Halloween Event
Location: Universal Studio Japan
Dates: September 5 to November 4, 2024
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2024

12. Twisted-Wonderland Cafe (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)

Twisted wonferland cafe-min (1)
© Disney

Inspired by Disney’s Twisted Wonderland game a themed cafe event The Twisted Wonderland Cafe will be held in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Features theme menu, decorations, and exclusive merchandise inspired by the characters. Giving a unique experience and submerging visitors in the magical world of Twisted Wonderland.

Genre: Cafe
Location and Dates:
Tokyo

  • OH MY CAFE Shinjuku Mylord 7th floor (MAP)
    September 6 to November 4, 2024

Osaka

  • Collabo_Index SHINSAIBASHI (MAP)
    September 12 to October 20, 2024

Nagoya

  • kawaraCAFE&KITCHEN Nagoya PARCO store 5th floor (MAP)
    October 3 to November 24, 2024

Website: https://twst2024.ohmycafe.jp/

13. Sumikkogurashi Cafe (Tokyo)

Sumikkogurashi Cafe-min
©2024 San-X Co., Ltd.

The Sumikkogurashi Cafe from the well-known San-X characters features themed menus inspired by the characters such as desserts and meals. Limited-edition merchandise is also available for purchase.

Genre: Cafe
Location: BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi Store (MAP)
Dates: September 20 to November 4, 2024
Website: https://2024ebiten.sumikkogurashi-cafe.jp/

For information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Sumikkogurashi Cafe in Tokyo 2024

14. Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Cafe (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)

Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Cafe-min
© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L651619

The popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty will hold an event in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya to celebrate the 50th anniversary “Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Cafe” featuring themed menus and cute decorations inspired by the character. The visitor can also enjoy other gifts and a variety of items, limited-edition merchandise is also available for purchase.

Genre: Cafe
Location and Dates:
Tokyo

  • BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109 Shibuya Store (MAP)
    September 13 to October 27, 2024

Osaka

  • BOX cafe&space KITTE OSAKA 2nd Store (MAP)
    September 13 to October 20, 2024

Nagoya

  • BOX cafe&space Nagoya Lachic 1st Store (MAP)
    September 20 to October 27, 2024

Website: https://hellokitty-50th.theme-cafe.jp/

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Cafe in Japan 2024

15. Eevee and Friends Afternoon Tea (Tokyo)

Eevee and Friends Afternoon Tea-min
Copyright(C) Best Hospitality Network Inc.

Eevee and Friends afternoon tea is a special afternoon tea collaboration with the well-known Japanese anime character Pokemon and the Strings Omotesando. Featuring themed menus and lovely decorations inspired by the characters. The visitors can enjoy the place and the unique experience of afternoon tea bringing you to the Pokemon world.

Genre: Afternoon Tea Collaboration
Location: Cafe and Dining Zelkova (MAP)
Dates: September 17 to November 30, 2024
Website: https://www.strings-group.jp/omotesando/en/zelkova/

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Eevee and Friends Afternoon Tea in Tokyo 2024

16. Chibi Maruko-chan and Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa Collaboration

Chibi Maruko-chan and Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa-min
© さくらプロダクション / 日本アニメーション

Chibi Maruko-chan and Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa Collaboration is a unique dining experience featuring themed menus inspired by the characters with the cozy atmosphere of the popular cafe in Tokyo the Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa. The fans can enjoy delicious foods and exclusive merchandise of Maruko and friends.

Genre: Collaboration
Location: Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa
Dates: September 18 to October 31, 2024
Website: https://www.chibimaru.tv/

17. Evangelion Crossing EXPO (Tokyo)

Eva Expo-min
©カラー

The Evangelion Crossing EXPO is an immersive exhibition of the famous Japanese anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion” featuring a variety of exclusive merchandise, artwork, and original designs based on the series. Limited-edition items are also available for purchase. A collaboration cafe offering a special menu inspired by famous lines from the Evangelion series will also open at the exhibition site. Visitors and fans will enjoy the displays and other collectible items of the characters.

Genre: Exhibition
Location: Roppongi Museum
Dates: September 13 to October 22, 2024
Website: https://eva-x-expo.exhibit.jp/

-Concluded Events

KORILAKKUMA 20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE in Tokyo 2024 (Tokyo)

KORILAKKUMA 20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE in Tokyo 2024-min
© 2024 San-X Co., Ltd.

This is a special event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the popular Japanese bear character “KORILAKKUMA.” It features a limited-time cafe offering various meals and sweets themed on the character. There are also some cute goods and souvenirs available.

Dates: June 13 to July 28, 2024
Location: BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi Store 2 (MAP)
Website: korilakkuma20th.rilakkuma-cafe.jp

More info:

▶KORILAKKUMA 20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE in Tokyo 2024

Hello Kitty Themed Cafe

Hello kitty themed cafe-min
©’24 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPR. NO. L650716

The famous character Hello Kitty celebrates their 50th-anniversary garden party this summer. In collaboration with three food brands featuring limited-time offerings of a Hello Kitty-themed food and drinks.

Dates: June 19 to August 19, 2024
Location: J.S. Pancake Cafe (All Locations)
Website: https://www.flavorworks.co.jp/gardenparty

More info:

▶Hello Kitty Themed Cafe: HELLO KITTY 50th Anniversary GARDEN PARTY

Jujutsu Kaisen Cafe in Japan 2024 Summer

Jujutsu KAisen Cafe summer-min
©芥見下々/集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会

Jujutsu Kaisen cafe features a special themed menu inspired by the famous anime and manga series. Available for a limited time only with various merchandise related to the Jujutsu Kaisen world.

Locations & Dates:
– Tokyo
Location: BOX cafe&space Harajuku ALTA store 3F (MAP)
Date: 20 June to 18 August

– Osaka
Location: BOX Cafe & Space Tennoji MIO Store (MAP)
Date: 11 July to 18 August

– Nagoya
Location: BOX Cafe & Space Global Gate Nagoya 2nd Store (MAP)
Date: 20 June to 28 July

Website: https://kg.jujutsukaisen-cafe.jp/

More info:

▶Jujutsu Kaisen Cafe in Japan 2024 Summer

Kaiju No. 8 Cafe (Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi)

Kaiju No. 8 CAFE-min
©防衛隊第3部隊©松本直也/集英社 ©2024 THE GUEST cafe & diner.

The popular Japanese manga series “Kaiju No. 8” will have a special themed cafe event in Shibuya PARCO TOKYO PARADE Goods and Cafe. It features a specially designed menu and exclusive merchandise from the characters.

Locations & Dates:
– Tokyo
Location: Shibuya PARCO 6F TOKYO PARADE goods&cafe (MAP)
Date: June 22 to July 30, 2024

– Osaka
Location: Shinsaibashi PARCO THE GUEST cafe&diner Shinsaibashi (MAP)
Date: June 29 to August 6, 2024

– Aichi
Location: Nagoya PARCO THE GUEST cafe&diner Nagoya (MAP)
Date: July 6 to August 18, 2024

Website: https://cafe.parco.jp/parade/detail/?id=8987

Delicious IN DUNGEON Cafe IKEBUKURO

Delicious IN DUNGEON Cafe IKEBUKURO-min
©Ryoko Kui,KADOKAWA/Delicious in Dungeon PARTNERS

A collaboration cafe held at Atari CAFE and DINING Ikebukuro PARCO store. The cafe offers a menu featuring dishes inspired by the monster cuisine seen in the anime, as well as creative dishes made with rare ingredients. Additionally, they have exclusive course meals available only on weekends and holidays in the evening. You can also find original merchandise featuring newly designed, adorable chibi illustrations.

Dates: July 2 to August 18, 2024
Location: Atari CAFE&DINING Ikebukuro PARCO store (MAP)
Website: https://delicious-in-dungeon.com/en/

Eevee and Friends Afternoon Tea in Japan 2024 (Various Locations)

Eevee and Friends Afternoon Tea in Japan 2024-min (2)
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

A special afternoon tea featuring the popular anime character from Pokemon the Eevee and friends. Theme menu and goods are available for a limited time only.

Locations & Dates:
– Tokyo
Location: Aoyama Saint Grace Cathedral (MAP)
Date: July 3 to August 31

– CHIBA
Location: ArtGrace Wedding Coast Tokyo Bay (MAP)
Date: July 4 to August 30

– KANAGAWA
Location 1: Iseyama Hills (MAP)
Date: July 3 to August 30

Location 2: Yokohama Artgrace Portside Villa (MAP)
Date: July 3 to August 30

– SAITAMA
Location: Omiya ART GRACE Wedding Chateau (MAP)
Date: July 6 to August 31

– NAGOYA
Location: Strings Hotel Nagoya (MAP)
Date: July 3 to August 31

– OSAKA
Location 1: Saint Grace Villa (MAP)
Date: July 3 to August 30

Location 2: Osaka Art Grace Wedding Coast (MAP)
Date: July 3 to August 30

– KYOTO
Location: Art Grace Wedding Hills (MAP)
Date: July 3 to August 30

– FUKUOKA
Location: The Strings Hakata Cafe Lounge “Time Nest” (MAP)
Date: July 4 to August 30

– MIYAGI
Location: Art Grace Wedding Hills (MAP)
Date: July 15 to August 31

Website: https://www.bestbridal.co.jp/event/

More info:

▶Eevee and Friends Afternoon Tea in Japan 2024

Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba 5th Anniversary Festival (Various Locations)

Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba 5th Anniversary Festival -
©吾峠呼世晴/集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

In celebration of its 5th anniversary, the popular Japanese anime series “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba will hold a themed cafe featuring a themed menu inspired by the characters and offer limited edition merchandise.

Dates: July 9 to August 4, 2024
Locations:
– Tokyo
ufotable Cafe Tokyo (MAP)
Machi Asobi Cafe Tokyo (MAP)

– Aichi
ufotable Cafe Nagoya / Machiasobi CAFE Nagoya (MAP)

– Osaka
ufotable Cafe Osaka / Machiasobi CAFE Osaka (MAP)

– Tokushima
ufotable Cafe Tokushima (MAP)
Machi Asobi Cafe Bizan (MAP)

– Fukuoka
ufotable Cafe Kitakyushu / Machiasobi CAFE Kitakyushu (MAP)

Website: https://www.ufotable.co.jp/cafe/collaboration/kimetu/

IdentityV x Sanrio Characters x Chugai Grace Cafe

IdentityV x Sanrio Characters x Chugai Grace Cafe-min
©2024NetEase Inc. ©2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L651634 © Chugai Mining Co.,Ltd.

A collaboration cafe features a themed menu inspired by Identity V and Sanrio characters in Chugai Grace Cafe and special limited-edition merchandise. Fans will enjoy all three brands’ characters in one place for a limited time.

Dates: July 12 to August 8, 2024
Location: Chugai Grace Cafe (MAP)
Website: https://chugai-grace-cafe.jp/

Dozurusha Cafe – Fair – in SWEETS PARADISE (Various Locations)

Dozurusha Cafe  Fair - in SWEETS PARADISE-min
© DOZLE Corp. © 2018 INOUE CORPORATION

A unique collaboration, “The Dozurusha Cafe Fair,” is held at Sweets Paradise. It features menus and an eat-all-you-can dessert buffet inspired by famous characters, as well as limited-edition merchandise.

Dates: July 22 to August 25, 2024 (*dates differ between stores)
Location: Sweet Paradise Stores nationwide (9 stores)
Website: https://www.sweets-paradise.jp/collaboration/dozle_ennichi

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You may also like the following articles if you are interested in Character cafes!

▶Best Anime-Related Events in Japan

▶Best Events in Japan in September 2024

▶Best Events in Tokyo in September 2024

▶Event List in Tokyo This Week / Weekend

▶Event List in Osaka This Week / Weekend

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Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I  moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their  language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.