Sometimes, you want more than a basic coffee when you go out — you want a unique setting and original treats. There are cute and kitsch cafés all over Japan, but Osaka has more than its fair share due to the size of the city. This gives you multiple options to choose from, all of which have something different to offer.
Pokémon Cafe
There are several branches of the official Pokémon Cafe, including one in Osaka. No one comes here for the food (it’s perfectly fine but nothing special) — it’s all about the setting. This includes a performance from Pikachu and exclusive merch with your meal that you can take home afterward.
Since the café is hugely popular, it’s worth making a reservation about a month in advance. Alternatively, you can join the standby line to wait for your turn to enter — but it might take a while.
Address: 1-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward (map link)
Open hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day
Web site: www.pokemon-cafe.jp/ja/cafe/
Grenier Umeda Store
Although it’s located in a busy shopping area, Grenier Umeda Store has a cozy café feel with its rustic decor. The highlight, though, are the pastries. The mille-feuille is a favorite, especially strawberry (when in season) but also crème brûlée, lemon merengue, chestnut, and various other flavors.
Address: 1F, Hankyu Grand Building, 8 Kakudacho, Kita Ward (map link)
Open hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day
JTRRD Cafe
JTRRD Cafe turns smoothies into an art form, using a combination of fruit slices, edible flowers, and syrups to decorate drinks into impressive designs. Choose an existing beverage or customize one with your choice of fruit and toppings.
The meals and desserts at this café aren’t just as fun but equally delicious. To remember your experience, consider taking back some handmade marshmallows in cute shapes.
Address: 1F, Tatsuta Building, 3-4-5 Tenma, Kita Ward (map link)
Open hours: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
Cinnamoroll Cafe
One of the best themed cafés in Osaka has to be Cinnamoroll Cafe. If you’re a fan of the pup, this is definitely not one to miss. The café spans three floors: the first has merchandise, the second is the regular café, and the third is for reservations only. The time limit is 30 minutes if you only order drinks and 60 minutes if you also order food. You can expect all your food and beverages to fit the theme, no matter if you order blue curry or ice cream.
Address: 1-5-14 Namba, Chuo Ward (map link)
Open hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Pathfinder Xnobu
There are three Pathfinder Xnobu cafés in Osaka, all offering some of the best coffee in the city. What makes them special, though, is the latte art. In particular, there’s a rainbow latte, where the foam features all the colors of the rainbow.
Address: 2-5-9 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward (map link)
Open hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day
Address: 1F, Plum Garden Nakazaki, 1-6-9 Ukida, Kita Ward (map link)
Open hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day
Address: 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita Ward (map link)
Open hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day
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