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Last updated: February 2026 Pokémon Cafe Iced Latte If you're a Pokémon fan of any age, you have to check out the Pokémon Cafe - it's one of the coolest experiences you can have! Whether you are just a casual observer or a devoted fan, this cafe will be a great experience. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this enchanting spot. Visiting Tokyo for the first time? Check out our Planning your Trip Guide. ⚠️ Travel Update (2026): The Pokémon Cafe Tokyo (Nihonbashi) will be temporarily closed for renovations from March 23, 2026 through late June 2026 (planned). 👉 Read our latest closure update here. What Makes the Pokémon Cafe Unique? The Pokémon Cafe is not just any themed eatery; it’s a celebration of the cherished Pokémon universe. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be surrounded by an immersive ambiance filled with colorful decor & plush toys. The friendly staff enhances the magic, their enthusiasm adds to the atmosphere, making sure that guests feel fully engaged with the world of Pokémon. The immersive décor brings the Pokémon world to life. Pokémon Cafe Menu: Experience a Foodie’s Paradise One of the most exciting aspects of the Pokémon Cafe is its menu. Expect adorable dishes designed to mirror various Pokémon. Among the fan favorites are the Pikachu-themed curry, which features bright yellow rice shaped like Pikachu and a napping Snorlax's Lunch Plate. The flavors are just as impressive as the presentation. Each meal is crafted with care, ensuring every bite is delightful. Also, the cafe offers refreshing drinks that are just as creatively designed as the food. A drink like the Pikachu Ice Cream Lemon Float is a great way to complement your meal. 💴 Expect to spend about 2,500 yen to 5,000 yen per person. Super cute Pikachu-themed dish that tastes absolutely delicious! Reservations in Tokyo, Japan To ensure a smooth visit to the Pokémon Cafe, making a reservation is crucial. This popular spot tends to be busy, especially on weekends, with many visitors eager to experience the magic. 🌟 Reservations can be made online 31 days in advance. 🌟 When booking, you can select from specific time slots. Each table is usually allocated a two-hour window. How hard is it to get Pokémon Cafe reservations? Reservations can be competitive, especially for the Tokyo location. Popular time slots often fill within minutes of release, so planning ahead and booking as soon as reservations open gives you the best chance of securing a table. Some people do struggle to make reservations. We recommend watching our YouTube video that has a simple step-by-step guide to making Pokémon Café Japan reservations and our impressions of the experience. Informative Video of your Visit to the Pokémon Cafe Interesting Fact: There are only two Pokémon cafes in the world, one in Tokyo and the other in Osaka, making this truly an exclusive Japan experience. Tokyo vs Osaka Pokémon Cafe: Which Should You Visit? Tokyo (Nihonbashi) Next to Pokémon Center Tokyo DX Easier to combine with sightseeing Most popular location Osaka (Shinsaibashi) Often slightly easier reservations Great for Kansai itineraries Same themed experience For more things to do in the Kansai/Osaka Area, check out this page. ⚠️ Note: Osaka will be staying open during Tokyo's Pokémon Cafe renovations and may be harder to book then, check this post for all the details. What to Expect During Your Visit After checking in with your email reservation number, you’ll be guided to your table. The cafe has an electronic menu system, allowing you to browse options at your own pace. Digital Menu at Pokémon Cafe and Themed Food Items Throughout your meal, be prepared for some delightful surprises. Character mascots make special appearances, creating memorable moments that enhance the overall dining experience. We had the pleasure of experiencing pastry chef Pikachu and Gengar . Take time to soak in the surroundings. The décor has numerous photo opportunities, from vibrant artwork to plush Pokémon scattered throughout. Bringing Home Pokemon Memories: Merchandise The Pokémon Cafe offers more than tasty food; it’s also a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise! After your meal, by the checkout, browse through collectible items and adorable plush toys that serve as delightful mementos of your visit. These items capture the essence of both the cafe and the Pokémon characters, making them ideal souvenirs. 💴 Budget around 1,000 to 3,000 yen to bring home a piece of the experience. Tip: If you wanna check out the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX next to the cafe and grab some more cool Pokémon stuff, it's best to get there early or book an early time slot! Pokémon Center Tokyo DX in Tokyo, Japan by cafe Is the Pokémon Cafe Worth It? For Pokémon fans and themed café lovers, the experience is absolutely worth it! Between exclusive menu items, character appearances, and the immersive atmosphere, it’s one of the most unique dining experiences in Japan. Even casual fans often enjoy it as a memorable travel activity. Conclusion The Pokémon Cafe experience in Tokyo, Japan is a paradise for fans wanting to dine in the whimsical world of Pokémon. I hope you can experience this unique experience in the heart of Tokyo!

Updated February 2026 One of my favorite parts of traveling in Japan is experiencing different hotels in each city. Over several trips, we’ve stayed in a mix of accommodations across Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, and each one offered something completely different — whether it was location, comfort, or overall atmosphere. This post is a growing collection of honest reviews from our stays so far, sharing what stood out, what to keep in mind, and who each hotel might be best suited for. I’ve also added links to check availability and prices on Klook   for readers who are currently planning their own Japan trip and want an easy way to compare options and often has good deals. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share hotels and services I’ve personally stayed at or genuinely recommend. We are using a 5-point scale : 5⭐ Excellent - 4⭐ Very Good - 3⭐ Good - 2⭐ Fair - 1⭐ Not Good At All Quick Comparison: Hotels We Stayed at Across Japan (Full reviews below) City Hotel Best For Location Highlights Star Rating Would We Stay Again? Tokyo (Ueno) Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi First-time visitors & easy train access Walking distance to Ueno Station, JR lines, food spots, and shopping streets 5⭐ ✅ Yes — excellent base for exploring Tokyo Kawasaki Slash Kawasaki Couples & Stay Close to Airport Between Tokyo & Yokohama, with nightlife 4⭐ ⚠️Maybe - Fun location but not the best Yokohama InterContin-ental Yokohama Grand, an IHG Hotel Luxury Stay Bay views & several nearby attractions 4.5⭐ ✅ Yes — as a treat and calmer alternative to Tokyo with a view Osaka Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji First-time visitors & luxury shoppers Central to Osaka's city center and many shops 4.5⭐ ✅ Yes — convenient and lively area Osaka Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba Second Time Traveler & Affordable stay Centrally located in Osaka's city center & cheap eats 4⭐ ⚠️Maybe - Practical Stay but better options close-by Osaka Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka First-time visitors & spacious rooms Close to major train stations & popular Osaka districts 5⭐ ✅ Yes — Perfect location and value Fukuoka ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka Luxury & Service Close to airport, a major train station, & shopping 4.5⭐ ✅ Yes — Excellent Service & Location Hotels We’ve Stayed at in Japan (By City) Tokyo Hotel Reviews Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi - Tokyo Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi in (Ueno) Tokyo, Japan Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi is a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable, well-located hotel in Tokyo without paying premium prices. We chose this hotel mainly for its location , and it ended up being one of the most convenient stays we’ve had in the city. 📍 Location:  Ueno - Haneda Airport - 40 min Train Ride, Narita Airport - 1hr Train Ride Ameyoko Shopping District - 3 min walk Akihabara - 9 min train ride Ueno-hirokoji Station - 2 min walk Okachimachi Station - 2 min walk Ueno-okachimachi Station - 3 min walk The hotel is within walking distance of Ueno Station, Okachimachi Station , and multiple subway lines, making it easy to get around Tokyo and even take day trips outside the city. The Ueno area  itself is lively but not overwhelming, with plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, and shopping nearby. Our room was compact, as expected for Tokyo, but thoughtfully designed and very clean. The bed was comfortable, and the space worked well for resting after long sightseeing days. The hotel also has a modern, calming atmosphere that felt especially nice at night when returning from busy areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku. We really enjoyed our twelve-night stay there! 🧳 Why this hotel is a good choice: Excellent access to JR lines and subways Walkable area with food, shops, and convenience stores Clean, modern rooms ideal for sightseeing-focused trips Good balance of comfort and affordability Close to Akihabara ⭐ Overall Experience: 5⭐ A reliable, well-located base perfect for exploring Tokyo. This hotel is especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Tokyo , travelers planning to explore multiple neighborhoods, or anyone who values transportation convenience over luxury amenities. 👉 Check availability and current prices for Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi on Klook Read our full detailed review of this hotel here. Kawasaki Hotel Reviews Slash Kawasaki Slash Kawasaki Room View Slash Kawasaki is great choice for those seeking to stay near the airport area and want a contemporary but yet affordable stay. We chose this hotel because we wanted to explore  the Kawasaki area, its location  between Tokyo and Yokohama, and its affordability . 📍 Location:  Kawasaki - Haneda Airport - 22 min Train Ride, Narita Airport - 1hr 33 min Train, Yokohama Station - 18 mins Train Ride, Shibuya - 36 mins Train Ride Kawasaki Station - 8 min walk Keikyu-Kawasaki Station - 6 min walk This hotel is conveniently located by two stations that give easy access to Haneda Airport, Tokyo as well as Yokohama. Kawasaki is an industrial city with a lively nightlife. Slash offers trendy, compact rooms that have projector screens and reclining beds. Free amenities, like free beer happy hour, and a rooftop patio with free coffee & tea. Just outside the hotel, there are convenience stores and dining options. We carefully explored the nightlife and appreciated our modern yet budget-friendly stay. 🧳 Why this hotel is a good choice: Close to Airport Affordable Area Conveniently Sandwiched in between Yokohama & Tokyo Nightlife ⭐ Overall Experience: 4⭐ A convenient stay with affordable dining options, lively at night. Great option for adventurous couples , those seeking affordability, or needing to stay by the airport . I wouldn't recommend this hotel for families or those wanting to be closer to Tokyo. Although mostly safe, certain parts of the ward require caution. 👉 Check availability and current prices for Slash Kawasaki on Klook Yokohama Hotel Reviews InterContinental Yokohama Grand, an IHG Hotel InterContinental Yokohama Grand Exterior View InterContinental Yokohama Grand is a modern luxury hotel off the Yokohama Bay. This iconic sail-shaped building offers amazing views of Yokohama Harbor and the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. We chose this grand hotel to make us of our IHG hotel points and its location . 📍 Location:   Haneda Airport - 45 min Train Ride, Cup Noodles Musuem - 10 min walk Minatomirai Station - 6 min walk Sakuragicho Station - 12 min walk Bashamichi Station - 14 min walk The hotel is centrally located to many attractions found in Yokohama. Many of them being in walking distance with no need to take a train, like the Cup Noodles Museum, Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, Osanbashi Pier, and several shopping malls. The Minatomirai Station is a short walk away that connects you to other Yokohama Bay attractions, like Chinatown. Check out our Yokohama guide for all the top places to visit. Sunrise View from Our Hotel Room Window The setting for this hotel is breathtaking and conveniently near the sights we wanted to see. The rooms were magnificent and generously sized. We reserved a room overlooking the harbor, providing a stunning view of the bay's sunrise and sunset. On another occasion, we stayed in a room with a city view showcasing the iconic Yokohama Ferris Wheel, Cosmo Clock 21. 🧳 Why this hotel is a good choice: Exploring Yokohama Luxurious stay with amazing views IHG Member ⭐ Overall Experience: 4.5⭐ A luxurious stay with an iconic view in a huge room. The hotel is huge and provides upscale amenities. Definitely recommend for those looking for a luxury stay in Yokohama or a great hotel points redemption . This is a more upscale experience, not those seeking a budget-friendly option or a casual stay. 👉 Check availability and current prices for InterContinental Yokohama Grand on Klook Osaka Hotel Reviews Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji, an IHG Hotel Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji Exterior View Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre is a stylish art deco hotel in Minami, Osaka. Located in a vibrant central area and near several high-end shops. We chose this hotel due to our IHG hotel points  and its convenient location . 📍 Location:   Itami Airport - 45 min Train Ride, Dotonbori - 20 min walk Hommachi Station - 3 min walk Shinsaibashi Station - 7 min walk Sakaisuji-hommachi Station - 9 min walk Ferrari Car Dealership On Street The surrounding area has several luxury car dealerships and upscale shops on a strip that you can explore on a 20 minute walk to Dotondori. Alternatively, you can use the nearby Hommachi or Shinsaibashi stations to travel quickly. This was   a convenient 4-night stay that included complimentary breakfast. The lobby offers numerous complimentary amenities, as well as some available for an additional fee. The front desk staff were friendly and accommodating, while the rooms were both clean and contemporary. Great first time stay in Osaka! 🧳 Why this hotel is a good choice: Centrally located in Osaka's city center Breakfast Included IHG Membership ⭐ Overall Experience: 4.5⭐ A practical stay that includes breakfast and conveniently located. This hotel is especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Osaka , travelers planning to explore multiple areas in Osaka or surrounding areas, or anyone who values luxury shops nearby. 👉 Check availability and current prices for Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre on Klook Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba Room View at Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba  is a comfortable and convenient stay located in Osaka. Located  in the heart of Osaka City  and near many stations. We also chose this hotel due to our IHG hotel points  and its convenient location . 📍 Location:   KIX Airport - 1hr 1 min Train Ride, Dotonbori - 16 min walk & train Yodoyabashi Station - 7 min walk Kitahama Station - 7 min walk Hommachi Station & Sakaisuji-hommachi Station - 8 min walk The surrounding area has numerous business establishments, giving it a less touristy vibe and offering affordable dining options. The hotel is ideally situated between three major metro stations: Honmachi, Yodoyabashi, and Kitahama, all of which are less than 10 minutes away. This was   a comfortable, practical two night stay. The lobby though small offers numerous free amenities, as well a 24/7 marketplace with some convenient and affordable options. A special feature of the rooms are that they have local artist-drawn wallpaper that showcase the vibrancy of Osaka. The room was  both clean and cozy. 🧳 Why this hotel is a good choice: Located in the heart of Osaka City IHG Membership Comfortable, Practical Stay ⭐ Overall Experience: 4⭐ Plan B option that is affordable. This hotel is especially well-suited for those familiar with Osaka looking  & looking for an affordable, convenient location stay. 👉 Check availability and current prices for Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba  on Klook Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka Exterior View Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka is a modern stay located in Osaka with larger rooms than the standard stay. Located very near Dotondori and Osaka Namba station. We chose this hotel due to our Hyatt hotel points  and its extremely convenient location . 📍 Location:   KIX Airport - 49 min Train Ride or 1hr 9min Airport Limousine Bus Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station - 5 min walk Osaka Namba Station - 7 min walk Namba Station - 10 min walk Dotonbori - 13 min walk Surrounded by many affordable and delicious eateries. The hotel is perfectly situated to a main hub station, Osaka Namba, as well as local stations too. It's not just a short walk to Dotondori, but also an enjoyable one with numerous shops and dining options along the route. This two night stay was absolutely amazing, honestly surpassed my expectations. The lobby was open with a convenient self check-in, and the staff were attentive and helpful. The breakfast/lounge area was large and inviting. The rooms were stylish, spacious, comfortable and very clean. One of our best stays in Osaka! 🧳 Why this hotel is a good choice: Located in a popular area in Osaka Near a Central Station Hyatt Membership Larger Room Stay ⭐ Overall Experience: 5⭐ Excellent location and friendly service with a comfortable room This hotel is particularly ideal for those looking a spacious room in an excellent Osaka location . First time visit friendly . 👉 Check availability and current prices for Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka on Klook Fukuoka Hotel Review ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, an IHG Hotel Ana Crowne Plaza Fukuoka Exterior View ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka  is a great option for travelers looking for a luxurious and convenient stay in Fukuoka. We chose this hotel mainly for its location , and due to our IHG hotel points , and visiting RX-93ff Gundam . 📍 Location:   Fukuoka Airport - 13 min Train Ride, RX-93ff Gundam - 30 min away Hakata Station - 4 min walk Canal City Hakata - 9 min walk Our photo of the RX-93ff Gundam outside of Mall Conveniently only 13 mins away from the airport. The hotel is within walking distance of the massive Hakata Station, which has multiple subway lines, making it easy to get around Fukuoka and surrounding areas. Inside and around Hakata Stations are plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, and multiple shopping areas. The service was the highlight of this fancy hotel, honestly the best we have EVER received. The rooms may seem a bit outdated and on the smaller size for this type of hotel but they were comfortable and clean. The hotel lobby and lounge area were very classy. 🧳 Why this hotel is a good choice: Excellent access to JR lines and subways Walkable area with food, shops, and convenience stores Close to the Airport IHG Membership ⭐ Overall Experience: 5⭐ Outstanding and welcoming service in a fantastic location near the airport. This hotel is particularly ideal for those who prioritize excellent service in a prime location over cost-effectiveness . 👉 Check availability and current prices for ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka on Klook We also stayed on an overnight ferry, check out this post - Osaka to Beppu Sunflower Ferry (2025 Guide): Route, Tips & What to Expect 🛏️ How We Choose Hotels in Japan (As you can see there are some patterns) 🚆 Location - To Stations & Planned Attractions on our Itinerary 💰 Affordability - We visit & book during slow seasons or use flash sales/points to get discounts - Japan can get pricey in peak times! 🏨 Hotel Points - IHG & Hyatt Points - We love redeeming IHG and Hyatt points for free or low-cost nights—many of our stays were partially or fully covered this way! 🧹 Cleanliness & Service - We prioritize well-reviewed, modern properties with friendly staff (common in Japan!) 💵 What we like to spend - We prefer to always stay for under $100 a night, preferably with points or between $40-70 a night 🔎 What we look for in amenities - Wi-Fi , luggage storage (for the day, overnight, or a couple of days), laundry Area (essential for 2+ week trips to keep costs down & pack lighter), & free amenities (like toothbrushes and bath soap) Our choices boil down to convenience, value, and comfort so we can focus on exploring Japan without stress. ✨More booking tips for Japan hotels Japan Accommodation Tips: First-Time Traveler’s Guide   Staying in Japanese Hotels: Essential Tips & What to Expect   📝 Final Verdict: Best Hotels for Different Travelers These picks stand out based on our actual stays—scroll up for full details! First Time Travelers : Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi - Tokyo Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji - Osaka Caption by Hyatt Namba - Osaka Luxury: InterContinental Yokohama Grand - Yokohama ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka - Fukuoka We hope this breakdown of how we choose hotels (and our top picks by traveler type) makes your planning easier. Conclusion We hope this detailed review of our Japan hotel stays helped you decide where to stay on your next trip. For more in-depth tips on booking strategies, what to expect in Japanese accommodations, and other lodging options like ryokan or capsules, check out our dedicated accommodation guides ! Drop a comment below if you’ve stayed at any of these hotels or have questions about Japan lodging—we’d love to hear from you!

Last updated: February 2026 If you’re planning a Japan trip and hoping to visit the iconic Pokémon Cafe , there’s an important update travelers should know. If you’re planning a Japan trip, especially your first visit, check out our Plan Your Trip page. The Pokémon Cafe location in Nihonbashi , Tokyo , will temporarily close for renovations starting March 23, 2026 , with reopening currently planned for late June 2026 . According to the official announcement, the closure timeline may change depending on construction progress, and an exact reopening date will be shared later. The renovation aims to create a more comfortable and improved dining environment for guests. While this may affect travelers visiting Tokyo during spring and early summer 2026, there is still good news for Pokémon fans. The Pokémon Cafe location in Shinsaibashi , Osaka , will remain open and operating as usual, making it a great alternative for visitors who still want to experience the themed café, exclusive menu items, and character appearances. Planning to visit once it reopens or visit the Osaka location? See our complete Pokémon Cafe guide with reservation tips and what to expect. Travel Tip 💡 If visiting the café is a must-do experience, try booking the Osaka location as early as possible — reservations often fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. You can also plan your visit around nearby shopping and food districts to make the trip extra worthwhile. What This Means for Travelers: Double-check reservation availability before your trip. Consider visiting the Osaka location during the closure period. Watch for reopening announcements if you’re traveling later in summer 2026. We’ll update this post once reopening details are officially confirmed. Continue Planning Your Japan Trip Shibuya Sky Observation Deck Guide Harukas 300 Observation Deck Guide Accommodation Guide Page Our Hotel Review Guide

Learn how to get around Japan using trains, subways, buses, IC cards, and the JR Pass. Simple transportation tips for travelers. Transportation in Japan – How to Travel Easily by Train, Bus & Beyond Japan is famous for its fast, reliable, and efficient transportation system. Whether you’re riding the Shinkansen, exploring Tokyo by subway, or using a JR Pass to travel across the country, our guides will help you get around with ease. IC Cards & Tickets Suica Pasmo ICOCA how to buy tickets City Transport Tokyo Osaka Kyoto Shinkansen & Long-Distance Trains JR Pass regional rail passes Shinkansen Limited Express Trains Other Transport Domestic flights Ferries Taxis Rental cars Overnight Buses Japanic Attack is an independent Japan travel resource created to help travelers confidently plan trips using real experiences and practical advice.

Discover Japan’s Kansai region with guides to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe. Culture, food, attractions, and travel planning tips. Kansai Japan Travel Guide –Kyoto, Osaka, Nara & Beyond This guide helps travelers plan trips to the Kansai region in Japan with hotel recommendations, transportation tips, and real travel experiences. Discover the cultural treasures, historic, and lively food scene of the Kansai region in Japan. This includes Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe and more. Check out our guides below. Attractions & Activities POKEMON CAFE sunflower ferry Harukas 300 (Observatory) Food & Drink POKEMON CAFE where to stay reviewed stays stay guide Seasonal Highlights Ume (plum) season Getting Around Kansai Hinotori Limited Express Train Japanic Attack is an independent Japan travel resource created to help travelers confidently plan trips using real experiences and practical advice.

OUTSIDE OF JAPAN We know Japan is everything but find all our adventures outside of Japan here!