Tir na Nog and More: Best Cafes for Valentine’s Day!
Karina Ikedo
Japan is famous for its traditions and technology, but what could be better known is its romantic appeal. Valentine’s Day in Japan is usually a full-blown chocolate affair. But there’s still room for a romantic café date with that special someone.
Japan is bursting with fun and unique themed cafes. From indulging in a fantasy-inspired cocktail bar in Tir na Nog to enjoying constellations at the planetarium café. Here are the best cafes to have some quality time and to celebrate the love you have in your life!
Tir na Nog
Tir na Nog is a medieval fantasy-themed cafe and bar in Tokyo’s Ginza district. The mythological Irish paradise of the same name inspires this iconic basement bar and café. From the moment you enter the door, you are transported from the glitzy streets of Ginza to a fantasy world.
Descend the narrow stairwell, and hundreds of butterflies and fairy figurines hang from the ceiling. While the shelves along the walls have tiny glass bottles of shimmery pixie dust. The vibe is reminiscent of the medieval taverns you would see in Lord of the Rings or Zelda. If people wore such garments, you could easily believe you had momentarily entered a land of fairytales.
Even the drinks menu reads like a fantasy book. With cocktails like the Pink Tako – a dark, fruity concoction garnished with squid tentacles. And the Lilly, where the drinking glass is under a puff of blue candy floss. Sip some of these mystic cocktails with your better half in this magical environment. During cafe time, you can get flavorful teas with free refills and a range of cakes.
Flower Wall Mone
Bring your loved one to this romantic cafe in Shinjuku with a dining bar and a flower shop. A beautiful giant wall art welcomes you when you enter this cafe. A flower chosen at the entrance takes the place of the charge fee and adds color to the table. The restaurant’s interior is a wonderland with flowers decorating the walls and mapping projection.
It offers a variety of flower-themed dishes and nighttime parfaits. Many of the chef’s specialties are on the menu. Enjoy the Bouquet Salad, loved by many as a signature dish, and the Apricot Parfait, filled with flowers and lace. The two-color Japanese-style Mushroom Hotpot dish using authentic chili peppers are also notable!
Looking to make your Valentine’s Day memorable? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese snacks right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese desserts in your home!
Planetarium Starry Café
Looking to kill some time before your flight out of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport? Head to Planetarium Starry Café on the fifth floor for a view of 40,000,000 stars while you wait!
You can order savory meals or smaller snacks and desserts. You can also get some fun space-inspired cocktails, so why not add to the ambiance? Try the Starry Bellini, a sparkling wine with orange-colored liquor inspired by the clouds of stars of the nebula. The flavor is pleasantly refreshing and perfect for sipping as you gaze at the stars above you.
While inside the cafe, you can watch short, arty, animated projections of the stars on the giant domed ceiling above. Most of the projections run somewhere between three to fifteen minutes. Starry Cafe is perfect for a romantic break to enjoy the space’s awesomeness.
Sweets Paradise
Does your desire for sweets extend far beyond a few forkfuls of precious pastry? Is ice cream your soulmate? If you answered yes to these questions, head to Sweets Paradise, an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet around Japan.
There’s no shortage of choice at this Japanese dessert chain. They’ve got puddings, custards, cakes, pies, pastries, a chocolate fountain, and a full ice cream bar with plenty of toppings. And the sweets come in all shades of sugar and spice—fruity, creamy, brûléed, nutty, fudgey, cinnamon, and chocolaty. Bring along your sweet tooth partner and indulge in this sweet heaven!
Kayaba Coffee
An old-school Japanese coffee shop with traditional architecture. This charming house in Yanaka district has been home to a café for over 70 years. Beloved by locals and visitors, you’ll find a fusion of the time-honored tradition and the modern craft. It pairs well with the wonderfully retro food menu.
Try the egg sandwich for a quick bite or the weekly lunch for a more substantial option. You also can’t miss the coffee parfait. The base of coffee jelly has rich vanilla ice cream, bits of chocolate biscotti, and whipped cream topping. On the side is a minor pitcher of espresso to pour on as you like; it’s a coffee lover’s dream. Kayaba is one of those places where you can lose track of time and drift away into daydreams.
Why should I visit fantastic cafes like Tir na Nog?
You’re in the right place if you’re looking to spend a memorable time with your loved one this year. Share the love this February with a romantic date at one of Japan’s top and unique cafes!
Many cafes throughout Japan will likely offer special, heart-shaped treats that are bound to taste better when shared. Have you been to one of these cafes before? Do you have a favorite spot in Japan to spend Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below!
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