Best Character Cafes in Japan 2026
Best Limited-Time Character Cafes
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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 2026.
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. Oshi no Ko × Sweets Paradise Collaboration
A special Oshi no Ko Collaboration is available at 6 locations of SWEETS PARADISE, including Tokyo , Osaka, and Kyoto to celebrate the anime Oshi no Ko Season 3. The event features various special dishes such as themed desserts and savory dishes inspired by the series, including character motifs, colorful sweets, and limited special menu items. Guests can also enjoy exclusive collaboration merchandise such as acrylic stands, keychains, stickers, and clear files available for purchase.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo (Harajuku): 6 February to 4 March, 2026
- Osaka (Tennoji): 6 February to 4 March, 2026
- Yokohama: 6 to 23 February, 2026
- Kyoto: 6 to 23 February, 2026
- Kobe: 6 February to 1 March, 2026
- Fukuoka: 18 February to 4 March, 2026
Website: https://www.sweets-paradise.jp/collaboration/oshinoko3
5. Ribon 70th ANNIVERSARY CAFE
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ribon magazine, a special Ribon 70th Anniversary Collaboration Cafe will open in Tokyo and Osaka from late 2025 through early 2026. The themed cafe features dishes, desserts, and drinks inspired by beloved Ribon characters and series, with playful presentation and pastel visuals. Guests can enjoy exclusive original merchandise such as acrylic stands, pins, tote bags, and more featuring anniversary artwork. The cafe also offers limited-edition novelties for reservations and menu orders. This collaboration is a must-visit for fans of classic shojo manga and Ribon’s 70-year legacy.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo: Grand Scape Ikebukuro 2F
27 December 2025 to 18 January 2026/20 January to 11 February 2026 - Osaka: HEP Navio 7F
15 January to 8 February 2026/10 February to 1 March 2026
Website: https://www.the-chara.com/blog/?p=100000
6. Sakamoto Days Cafe
A Sakamoto Days Cafe collaboration is coming to Harajuku, Daikanyama, and Kanazawa in early 2026 to celebrate the popular manga and anime Sakamoto Days. The themed cafes will feature creative menu items inspired by the series’ characters and world, including playful dishes, sweets, and drinks that reflect the personalities of Sakamoto and his allies. In addition to the food, fans can purchase original collaboration goods such as acrylic keychains, coasters, clear files, and other exclusive merchandise. The event is perfect for fans of the action-comedy series who want to enjoy themed eats and collectible souvenirs.
Location and Date:
- Oshiado Harajuku
- THÉSIER Daikanyama
- THÉSIER Kanazawa
9 January to 9 February, 2026
Website: https://oshiado.base.shop/p/00021
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. Evangelion Cafe
A special “Evangelion Series 30th Anniversary × YOKOHAMA Collaboration Cafe” will be held at Cafe Fan Base in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai. The limited-time cafe celebrates Neon Genesis Evangelion’s 30th anniversary with themed menu items inspired by iconic scenes, including dishes reflecting battles and pivotal moments from the series, plus seven character-inspired drinks. Guests who order collaboration items will receive a limited-edition coaster at random, and the cafe’s shop offers exclusive goods featuring original chibi illustrations and Yokohama-themed designs. This fan-focused event is a must-visit for Evangelion lovers.
Location: Yokohama Landmark Plaza
Date: 16 January to 26 February 2026
Website: https://cafefanbase.com/event/evangelion30th_yokohama/
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 2026
Website: https://cafefanbase.com/event/tomandjerry/
10. Puella Magi Madoka Magica Cafe
A Puella Magi Madoka Magica Collaboration Cafe will open this winter at BOX cafe & space locations in Tokyo and Osaka. The themed cafe features creative menu items inspired by characters and motifs from the Madoka Magica anime series, including colorful dishes, desserts, and drinks that reflect the magical world and key moments from the story. Original merchandise such as acrylic keychains, coasters, badges, and clear files will be available for purchase.
Location and Date:
- Tokyo: BOX cafe&space Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro
18 December 2025 to 1 February 2026 - Osaka: BOX cafe&space Tennoji MIO
25 December 2025 to 8 February 2026
Website: https://madoka-magica-cafe-girlsparty2025.theme-cafe.jp/
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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