Location and Ambiance of the Pokémon Café
The café is conveniently located next to the Pokémon Center, inside the Daimaru department store in the Shinsaibashi area, right in the heart of Osaka. This is great because you can enjoy delicious food while browsing all the adorable Pokémon merchandise. There are also gachapon machines where you can try your luck at getting some fun Pokémon toys.
While the space isn’t as large as the Tokyo branch, it has a unique charm. Everywhere you look, there are pictures of Pikachu in various roles, from decorating cakes to serving food and cleaning tables. You’ll also find statues of new Pokémon from the Scarlet and Violet games, along with an incredibly cute photo corner featuring characters like Pikachu, Chespin, and Piplup. The most impressive feature is the giant Pokéball hanging from the ceiling, which makes the space even more magical.
Food and Drinks
The Pokémon Café is known for serving dishes that are not only visually stunning but also surprisingly delicious. You place your order through a tablet, and you can order as much as you want within your 90-minute reservation (with 60 minutes for ordering). I tried the Pikachu curry, with a fried chicken face shaped like Pikachu, served alongside mashed pumpkin salad. I also chose Charmander as my “companion” for the meal. There are also dishes featuring Squirtle and Bulbasaur, so be sure to check the menu.
For drinks, I opted for the Royal Eevee bubble tea, topped with sweet whipped cream, almond tail, and a cute cookie face. Although I’m not typically a fan of bubble tea, this drink was so charming that I had to try it. Plus, it’s a perfect blend of a dessert and a drink—how awesome is that?
Gifts and Fun Experiences
Every time you order a drink, you’ll receive a different Pokémon-themed coaster, depending on the Pikachu pose you pick. I was lucky enough to get one featuring the adorable Pokémon mice, which are quite popular right now.
After the meal, I treated myself to a black coffee in a Pikachu mug, paired with a Pikachu tail-shaped cookie. It was the perfect way to end the meal. The café also offers a latte in a Pokéball cup with Pokémon-themed latte art on top, but since I’m not a fan of milk coffee, I stuck with the Pikachu mug.
Entertainment and Shopping
The fun doesn’t stop with the food! While dining, Chef Pikachu makes an appearance to greet guests and perform a joyful dance with the staff. The performances are in Japanese, but the dance steps are easy enough to follow if you want to join in.
After your meal, you can visit the café’s shop, which sells adorable Pokémon-themed items like Pikachu cutlery sets, plates, and plush toys. Some items require advance reservations, so make sure to check before your visit.
Conclusion
Overall, I had a fantastic time at the Pokémon Café. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere and food were delightful. If you’re a Pokémon fan, this is definitely a must-visit spot in Osaka or Tokyo.
The Pokémon Café has two permanent locations in Osaka and Tokyo, open daily (with some exceptions). Reservations are required, and you can book online. If you can’t get a reservation, you can try waiting in line outside the café in case someone cancels. Be prepared to act fast and be patient, as the reservations can be competitive!
