10 Cutest Cafes in Japan That Are Totally One of a Kind

Tokyo is wild when it comes to cafes. Why settle for a plain latte when you can sip inside a wizard school, eat Totoro cream puffs, or have Pikachu snacks? For Filipinos flying to Japan, these cafes are not just places to eat. They are fun and Instagram-worthy attractions too!

I created a list for us—people who like pretty things—that would be helpful once we get to Japan. If you’ve ever thought of flying there just to go café hopping, this list is your cheat sheet! From anime-themed pastries to Sanrio buns, here’s where you should actually spend your yen.

Image credit: Pokémon Japan Website

This café sits right next to Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo. It is takeout-only, but that doesn’t stop fans from lining up for the honey Pikachu pastry and drink sets. They are compact, cute, and honestly made for IG stories. They also sell Pikachu plushies in chef hats plus themed cups you can bring home. No reservations needed, just walk in.

TBH, this one’s made for a quick flex on Instagram. You’re not staying long, but you’ll walk out with snacks and merch that scream Pokémon fan.

Image credit: Doraemon F's Kitchen Cafe Website

Inside Rayard Miyashita Park, you’ll find a café built entirely around Doraemon. The interiors have the Anywhere Door and other gadgets, so yes, it is also a photo spot. The menu is playful, like Doraemon lying under a futon made of rice and stew. You can also buy exclusive Doraemon goods here. Reservations are a good idea, especially if you want to avoid long waiting times.

Honestly, even if you didn’t grow up watching Doraemon, this place is still fun. But anyways, who on earth doesn't know who THE Doraemon is?!

Also read: 8 Konbini Snacks You Can Only Try In Japan

Image credit: the_cookie_594 | Instagram

Yes, it is literally Shaun the Sheep in café form. The place is full of Shaun designs and the menu is playful without being tacky. You order straight from your phone using a QR code. Families love it, but the food is solid enough that even adults who are not fans of the show will not feel out of place.

As a cookie lover myself, I’d actually want to go here. It’s the type of place where you order for the photo but end up staying because the food looks like it actually slaps.

Image credit: Shaun Village Shop & Cafe Website

Yes, it is literally Shaun the Sheep in café form. The place is full of Shaun designs and the menu is playful without being tacky. You order straight from your phone using a QR code. Families love it, but the food is solid enough that even adults who are not fans of the show will not feel out of place.

Adding this to my travel bucket list too, and so should you! In my opinion, it looks like the perfect breather if you’re already tired of the busier areas of Tokyo.

Image credit: Sesama Street Market Website and Instagram

Located in Sunshine City Mall, this café is quieter compared to Pokémon and Sanrio. The food and drinks are colourful, plus there is a shop with limited Sesame Street items. If you grew up with Elmo or Cookie Monster, or you are bringing kids, this is an easy and chill stop.

Honestly, I’m shocked this café isn’t more hyped. Because why is everything SO CUTE??? It’s lowkey, not crowded (as per the reviews, OK?), and super kid-friendly. This is one of the underrated spots in Japan you should visit. Kind of a win if you hate long lines and crowded places like me!

Image credit: shirohige_puff | Instagram

This one is famous among Studio Ghibli fans because it is the only place officially allowed to sell Totoro cream puffs. Each puff is about ¥500, which is cheap for how unique it is. The Setagaya branch has a cosy café upstairs, while Kichijoji is smaller and takeaway-focused. They sell out fast, so it is better to reserve ahead or go early in the day.

I haven't even seen one Ghibli movie and I'm hyped to see this cafe in person! Aside from the fact that my friend keeps sending me reels of this cafe, TBH, even if you’re not into Ghibli, these cream puffs look too good to pass up. It’s like eating a piece of Japanese pop culture.

Image credit: cafe_zingaro | Instagram

Hey, performative males! Come check this out! They have matcha!

Murakami, the artist behind those colourful smiley flowers, turned this Nakano café into an art and gaming spot. The food and drinks feature his designs, but the fun part is the tables that double as retro game consoles. You can play Mario, Street Fighter, and more using flower coins you buy at the counter. Drinks are from Fuglen Tokyo, so quality is guaranteed. Just check their IG before going because they do not keep regular hours.

Dear fellow pop-culture junkies, this is the café for you! It’s artsy, playful, and not your usual coffee shop.

Image credit: Sanrio Japan Website

Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll all show up on the menu here. The café has two areas: dine-in or takeout. Inside, every corner is filled with Sanrio décor and plushies. If you do not want to wait for a table, the takeout counter sells buns, cakes, and drinks in cute packaging. Weekends mean lines, but you do not need to book in advance.

Let’s be real. Even if you’re not a hardcore Sanrio fan, the food here is cute enough that you’ll still want to try at least one thing. If you're going to Japan as family with kids, you better add this to your itinerary for real.

Image credit: Kirby Cafe Website and Instagram

Kirby Café is one of the hardest themed cafés to book in Japan because yes, it’s that popular. The food is super extra: Kirby-shaped pancakes, curry with a smiling face, and even drinks that look like power-ups. The whole place is pastel and cheerful, so it feels like you stepped straight into Dream Land. Reservations are required and they open months ahead, so plan early.

TBH, this is a bucket-list stop. If you can actually snag a table, flex it. Even non-gamers will get why it’s worth the hype.

Image credit: moomincafe_floralvalley | Instagram

This one is iconic. The Moomin Café seats you with a giant Moomin plushie if you come alone, so you are never “eating by yourself.” The vibe is cosy and Scandinavian, since the Moomins are Finnish characters. The menu has cute character pancakes, lattes with Moomin art, and hearty meals. They also sell exclusive Moomin goods. It is family-friendly but also popular with solo travellers who want that quirky café experience.

OK, this might be the most Filipino-friendly one. You can go solo, with barkada, or with family, and it’ll still make sense for everyone.

Also read: 10-day Christmas and New Year Japan Trip: Complete Travel Itinerary

If you’re heading to Japan, café hopping is honestly a whole attraction on its own. Prices range from around ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person (about ₱400 to ₱1,200), so it is not super expensive if you plan it right. My tip? Pick 2 to 3 cafés in the same area per day so you are not wasting time on trains. Ikebukuro alone already has Pikachu Sweets, Sanrio Café, Sesame Street Market, and Magic School Grimoire, so you can do a café crawl without burning energy. Whether you are into anime, Sanrio, or just quirky food, Japan has more than enough cafés to keep your itinerary full and your stomach happy. These places are actually the places perfect for (food) content creators/vloggers to visit. Y'all better credit me for this curated cheat sheet though!