Pop-up Cafes in Japan: A Short History and Overview!
Anna Ayvazyan
One of the most unique experiences to try in Japan is visiting pop-up cafes themed around your favorite anime, character, or movie. These temporary cafes offer exclusive menus, themed decor, and limited-edition merchandise, creating an unforgettable experience. This article highlights four must-visit pop-up cafes that will make your visit to Japan unforgettable.
What are pop-up cafes?
Pop-up cafes in Japan are temporary cafes that appear briefly and are often linked to special events, seasons, or collaborations. These unique cafes give brands, artists, and businesses a chance to connect with customers in fun and creative ways. You can find them in popular areas like Tokyo and Osaka, especially during anime shows or fashion events.
The menus at pop-up cafes are usually special, with drinks, desserts, and seasonal items you can’t get anywhere else. People visit these cafes to try the unique food and take pictures of the cool décor and beautiful food. The excitement of finding a pop-up cafe and trying something new has made them a popular part of Japan’s cafe culture.
Dandadan Cafe
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at the Dandadan Cafe, a pop-up café bringing the world of manga and unique flavors to life in Tokyo, Osaka, and Miyagi. Running from March 13 to April 20, 2025, this pop-up offers an exciting menu inspired by the popular series Dandadan.
Savor dishes like the chicken over rice inspired by Okarun, beetroot pasta inspired by Aira, and a yakisoba burger that’s sure to please. For dessert, don’t miss the Psychic Parfait, a refreshing peach jelly and sorbet treat, or the Mont Blanc Parfait. Thirsty? Try a blueberry lassi, lychee soda, or lemonade; each served with special character accessories you can take home.
You can also pick up exclusive merchandise like keychains, pin badges, mugs, and acrylic stands. The Tokyo location is at BOX cafe&space Matsumotokiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2 store, and the Osaka location is at BOX cafe&space KITTE OSAKA 2nd store. You can also find the Miyagi pop-up at BALLER:S AEON Mall Shin Rifu store. If you’re a Dandadan fan, you’ll have a great time at this pop-up cafe!
Chegoshim Cafe
Pop-up cafes aren’t just about Japanese characters; international favorites are making waves, too! One such example is the Chegoshim Cafe, a pop-up that brings the adorable characters from Korea to life in Tokyo. Running from March 13 to April 13, 2025, at BOX Cafe & Space in Shibuya 109, this cafe is a must-visit for fans of cute and colorful designs.
The food menu features bento boxes with rice shaped like the Chegoshim characters: Rabbit, Bear, Cat, and Dog Goshim. Choose from three delicious options: Yangnyeom Chicken, Seafood Bibimbap, and Bulgogi. Enjoy Smiley Donuts, each representing one of the four characters, or try cupcakes in strawberry, mango, and matcha flavors for dessert.
Not only is the food colorful, but the drinks are, too! Refresh yourself with colorful probiotic drinks in strawberry, mango, and muscat flavors. Grab exclusive Chegoshim goods like badges, mini acrylic stands, towels, clear pouches, and mugs to remember your visit. The Chegoshim Cafe shows that pop-up cafes are a global phenomenon, blending international and local flavors into one exciting experience!
Are you looking for a limited-edition experience, like a pop-up cafe? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door! So you can enjoy the latest spring goodies directly from Japan!
Gintama Cafe
Anime fans, get ready! The Gintama Pop-up Cafe brings the iconic series to life with a cherry blossom theme, making it a fun spring experience! The pop-up cafe will be held in Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sendai from March 19 to April 16, 2025.
Indulge in food items inspired by your favorite characters, like the Hijikata Special Anmitsu, Shinsengumi Curry, and Katsura and Elizabeth’s Tororo Soba. The soba noodles feature yams shaped like Elizabeth’s face—how fun is that?
For drinks, choose from vibrant options like butterfly pea lattes, berry milk, pistachio lattes, and, for the adventurous, tomato juice with a super spicy sauce. Each drink has accessories you can take home, making it a memorable experience.
The Gintama Pop-up Cafe also offers exclusive merchandise, including trading cards, badges, keychains, and tote bags. Whether you’re a die-hard Gintama fan or love unique pop-up experiences, this cafe is a must-visit!
Zootopia Cafe
Get ready to step into the world of Zootopia at this exciting pop-up cafe, open from March 7 to April 20, 2025, in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Set up in Shinjuku, KITTE Osaka, and Lachic Nagoya, this cafe brings the beloved animated film to life. Expect clever nods to the movie, from dishes inspired by the characters’ favorite foods to vibrant, themed drinks.
Food lovers will enjoy the Carrot Pasta Plate, inspired by Judy’s favorite snack, and the Soy Meat Taco Rice Plate, where the soy meat is shaped like Nick! Other unique dishes include popsicle-style potatoes with salad and fruit sandwiches resembling donuts. For dessert, don’t miss the Coffee Jelly Parfait.
The drink menu is just as exciting, offering butterfly pea milk tea, yogurt smoothies, carrot juice, and various hot drinks. You can also purchase exclusive souvenirs like mugs, coasters, and acrylic stirrers (which must be bought to take home). Be sure to grab some cute merchandise, such as stickers, acrylic keychains, eco bags, and card cases, to remember your Zootopia pop-up cafe experience!
Why should I visit a pop-up cafe in Japan?
Visiting a pop-up cafe in Japan is a unique and exciting way to immerse yourself in food and culture. These limited-time cafes offer one-of-a-kind experiences that go beyond just dining. They allow fans of anime, manga, and global icons to enjoy food and drinks inspired by their favorite characters and stories. The menus are often themed and feature creative, Instagram-worthy dishes you can’t find anywhere else.
Plus, they offer exclusive merchandise that lets you take home a piece of the experience. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply looking for a fun and colorful outing, pop-up cafes in Japan provide a delightful mix of atmosphere, food, and shopping. They allow you to enjoy something special, discover new flavors, and capture memories in a way that regular cafes can’t match. Which pop-up cafe do you want to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
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