Best Character Cafes in Japan 2025
Best Limited-Time Character Cafes in 2025
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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 2025.
1. Zootopia 2 Cafe
A special Zootopia 2 Cafe is coming to Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi to celebrate the release of Disney’s Zootopia 2. The limited-time cafe offers photogenic menu items inspired by characters like Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and newcomers including Gary and Pawbert, all themed around scenes and personalities from the film. Menu items follow Disney’s health guidelines with lower salt and sugar. Visitors can also enjoy original cafe merchandise and perks, such as a multi-case for advance reservations, collectible paper coasters with drinks, and clear-card gifts with purchases.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo
Omotesando: OH MY CAFE
19 December 2025 to 19 April 2026
Ikebukuro: BOX cafe&space Grandscape Ikebukuro Store
25 December 2025 to 1 March 2026 - Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC Store
20 December 2025 to 1 February 2026 - Osaka/Umeda: BOX cafe&space KITTE OSAKA Store
19 December 2025 to 8 March 2026
Website: https://zoo2.ohmycafe.jp/
2. LittleTwinStars Cafe
Location and Date:
- Tokyo: BOX cafe&space Q Plaza Harajuku Store
11 December 2025 to 8 February 2026 - Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Global Gate Store
18 December 2025 to 15 February 2026 - Osaka: BOX cafe&space KITTE OSAKA Store
18 December 2025 to 25 January 2026 - Miyagi: BALLER:S Aeon Mall Shinrifu Store
18 December 2025 to 25 January 2026
Website: https://stars-cafe-2025.theme-cafe.jp
3. CHOPPER’s CAFE
CHOPPER’s CAFE, a new ONE PIECE collaboration cafe, will open in Tokyo for a limited time this winter. Held at BOX cafe & space SHIBUYA109, the limited-time cafe celebrates Tony Tony Chopper with adorable themed food, desserts, and drinks. Highlights include Chopper-shaped curry rice, playful omurice, sweet parfaits, and character-inspired beverages. Visitors can also purchase exclusive café goods such as acrylic stands, keychains, mugs, and mini towels. Guests who reserve in advance receive a special sticker, while each drink order comes with a random collectible coaster.
Location: BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109
Date: 24 December 2025 to 1 February 2026
Website: https://choppers-onepiece.theme-cafe.jp/
4. Disney Twisted Wonderland The Animation Cafe
A special “Disney Twisted Wonderland The Animation Cafe” pop-up will open in Tokyo Omotesando, Osaka and Nagoya. Inspired by the tea party at Heartslabyul dorm, the cafe offers a variety of unique and photo-worthy dishes and drinks, all meeting Disney’s nutrition guidelines, plus exclusive merchandise and souvenirs.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo: OH MY CAFE, Omotesando Hills B3F 【MAP】
30 October to 14 December 2025 - Osaka: kawara CAFE&DINING, Shinsaibashi OPA 9F 【MAP】
30 October to 30 November 2025 - Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC
20 November to 16 December 2025
Website: https://twst2025.ohmycafe.jp/
5. KUROMI 20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE
A popular Sanrio character, Kuromi celebrates her 20th anniversary in 2025. To mark the occasion, the “KUROMI 20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE”, themed around a stylish Y2K “gal model” aesthetic in purple and pink, will open for a limited time at 4 cities in Japan. The menu includes a meatball plate inspired by the cafe’s key visual, trendy purple-and-pink pasta, Y2K-style curry, Kuromi-colored parfaits, and a special birthday glass cake, along with themed drinks. Exclusive cafe goods featuring new illustrations and special bonuses will also be available, creating a cute, photogenic experience perfect for celebrating Kuromi’s milestone year.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo/Shinjuku: BOX cafe&space Lumine EST Shinjuku Store
9 October to 30 November 2025 - Miyagi/Sendai: BALLER:S Aeon Mall Shinrifu Store
14 October to 9 November 2025 - Aichi/Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC Store
8 November to 7 December 2025 - Osaka/Tennoji: BOX cafe&space Tennoji MIO store
20 November to 21 December 2025
Website: https://www.sanrio.co.jp/characters/kuromi/
6. The Apothecary Diaries Cafe
The Apothecary Diaries Collab Cafe – “Formulation Tea Room” will be held for a limited time from 24 October to 8 December 2025. The popular Japanese anime, Apothecary Diaries themed cafe will open in Tokyo (Ikebukuro PARCO), Osaka (Shinsaibashi), and Nagoya (PARCO). Enjoy beautifully crafted dishes inspired by the series, aromatic teas, and hands-on spice experiences. Guests can collect exclusive coasters, clear files, and menu cards featuring new character art.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo: Collabo_Index Ikebukuro PARCO
24 October to 1 December 2025 - Osaka: Collabo_Index SHINSAIBASHI
31 October to 8 December 2025 - Nagoya: Collabo_Index Nagoya PARCO
31 October to 8 December 2025
Website: https://collabo.sld-inc.com/kusuriyanohitorigoto
7. Hogwarts in the Snow Limited Food and Cafe Menu
Limited food and cafe menu will be offered in Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo for a limited time for an winter event, Hogwarts in the Snow. The popular afternoon tea will turn into a Christmas theme and various white items will be available, such as Christmas Backlot Burger with snow white buns, all white pancakes and milk shake.
Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
Date: 8 November 2025 to 12 January 2026
Website: https://www.wbstudiotour.jp/en/hogwarts-in-the-snow/
8. Blue Lock Cafe Special Trip
A special cafe in a collaboration with one of the most trending Japanese manga/anime right now will open at 5 venues in 4 cities in Japan, including Tokyo Ikebukuro and Harajuku, Nagoya, Osaka and Sendai. With a concept of trips of each 7 characters of Blue Lock, the Blue Lock Cafe Special Trip features a special menu with colourful and photo-worthy food, dessert and drinks as well as cafe merchandise, using an original illustration.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo Ikebukuro: BOX cafe&space Grandscape Ikebukuro
7 November to 21 December 2025 - Tokyo Harajuku: BOX cafe&space Q Plaza Harajuku
8 November to 7 December 2025 - Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Global Gate Nagoya
7 November to 14 December 2025 - Osaka: BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE
7 November to 21 December 2025 - Sendai: BALLER:S Aeon Mall Shinrifu
13 November to 14 December 2025
Website: https://bluelock-cafe2025.theme-cafe.jp/
9. Tom and Jerry Diner
A limited-time cafe, “TOM and JERRY DINER by Cafe Fan Base,” is now for a limited time in Yokohama. Step into the playful world of the classic cartoon Tom and Jerry, where Tom, Jerry, and Tuffy bring their endless chase to life inside the cafe. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively, whimsical atmosphere as if they’ve jumped straight into the animated series. The menu features original dishes and desserts inspired by the characters, offering both visual fun and delicious flavors. Guests can also shop for exclusive cafe merchandise, making this a delightful experience full of laughter, mischief, and smiles.
Location: Yokohama Landmark Plaza
Date: 12 November 2025 to 12 January 2025
Website: https://cafefanbase.com/event/tomandjerry/
10. Ranma ½ Cafe
To celebrate the broadcast of the second season of the TV anime Ranma ½, based on Rumiko Takahashi’s classic slapstick martial arts romantic comedy, a special themed cafe inspired by the show’s unique world will open for a limited time in Tokyo and Osaka. Fans can enjoy an energetic “Martial Arts Delivery Race” theme, featuring newly drawn illustrations of characters running with delivery boxes. The menu includes food, desserts, and drinks inspired by the characters, served in special okamochi-style cases. Exclusive limited-edition goods and special bonuses featuring original artwork will also be available.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo Ikebukuro: BOX cafe&space Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro
7 November to 14 December 2025 - Osaka: BOX cafe&space KITTE OSAKA
7 November to 14 December 2025
Many character-themed events take place in cities like Osaka and Nagoya, which are best reached from Tokyo by Shinkansen. If you plan to visit multiple cafes or pop-up events during your trip, traveling by bullet train is the fastest and most comfortable option. You can easily search schedules and book tickets in advance through Japan Bullet Train, our official partner service for Shinkansen reservations.
Thank you for reading! For more interesting and related information, please check out the articles below.
Written by
"The world is my oyster." As a dedicated globetrotter and hammock enthusiast, I’ve spent years chasing new experiences, collecting stories, and discovering the world’s most incredible destinations. Born and raised in Japan, I’ve always had a deep connection to my roots, but my love for adventure has led me to spend over a decade exploring countries across the globe—from culture-rich cities to remote hideaways.
Travel isn't just a hobby for me; it's a lifestyle. I'm constantly searching for new ways to fuel my wanderlust. Over the years, I’ve developed a wealth of knowledge and a treasure trove of tips that make traveling more enjoyable, practical, and meaningful.
Through my experiences, I've come to appreciate not only the beauty of travel but also the importance of understanding diverse cultures, embracing the unfamiliar, and stepping out of my comfort zone. My travels have shaped who I am today, and I’m excited to share those lessons with others.
With Japan Web Magazine, I aim to offer practical advice, insider tips, and firsthand stories that help travelers navigate their journeys to Japan or setting off on a global adventure. From hidden gems in Japan to travel hacks that make any trip smoother, I hope my insights inspire you to embark on your own adventures and make the most of every moment. Let’s explore the world together!
You can also find my stories here ▶ https://medium.com/@nahobm
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