Get Your Game On: Permanent Game Cafes in Japan (And Limited-Edition Pop-Up Collab Cafes!)

For many people, games are the reason they fell in love with Japan in the first place. Stepping into the worlds of Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Kirby, and Pokémon started a lifelong passion for Japanese games and culture, bringing millions of people flocking to Japan each year to see this country — and its many popular JRPG franchises — for themselves.

Along with the more traditional Japanese spots and cultural must-sees, these travelers are coming in search of the gaming utopia that changed their lives, and this often means making the trip to Japan’s unique gaming and anime cafes!

Let’s take you on a journey through Japan’s permanent game cafes (and a couple of limited-time-only pop-up game cafes!).

Love Kirby? Then you’ll love the Kirby cafe, it’s as simple as that! If you manage to book a table (which can be especially hard in Tokyo!), you can expect some of the cutest dishes in the city, with designs inspired directly by the world of Kirby itself.

We’re talking about pizzas that look like Kirby is swallowing them whole, a sleeping Waddle Dee omelet rice, a pink bento box that’s almost too cute to disturb, and colorful desserts and drinks that will bring a pop of color and fun to your Feed.

Even if you don’t manage to get a seat, these Kirby Cafes are always connected to a themed gift shop, meaning you’ll still walk away with some brand-new Kirby merch.

How to reserve the Kirby cafe?

It’s much easier to book a table at the Kirby Cafe in Fukuoka. Tokyo fills up within seconds, whereas you’ll often still find available slots in the Fukuoka calendar even within the month you visit, allowing for more spontaneous Kirby catch-ups.

Reserve your spot at Kirby Cafe Tokyo >

Reserve your spot at Kirby Cafe Fukuoka >

Top of many travelers’ lists are the Final Fantasy cafes, of which there are two! The most famous of the two is likely the Eorzea Final Fantasy Cafe, which focuses solely on the massively popular franchise that is Final Fantasy.

As one of Japan’s permanent collab cafes in Tokyo and Osaka, the Eorzea Cafe is surprisingly easy to book, giving each lucky diner 90 minutes to enjoy dining inside a fantasy land of their favorite JRPG franchise. 

The walls are decorated with symbols and weapons from the series, while the menu will swing from adorable to nostalgic with dishes like Moogle’s Cheese Hamburg Kupo, Fat Chocobo buns, Tonberry Omelet Rice, Chocobo’s Nest Pasta, cocktails named after Final Fantasy XIV expansions, and so much more.

Reserve your spot at the Final Fantasy Eorzea Cafe in Tokyo >

Reserve your spot at the Final Fantasy Eorzea Cafe in Osaka >

Artnia Cafe is the second Final Fantasy cafe in Japan, most well-known for its unique egg-shaped design and for being next to the official Square Enix headquarters in Shinjuku, Tokyo. For that reason, it’s often also known as the Square Enix Cafe.

You can’t seem to reserve a table at Artnia Cafe, but you can add your name to a waiting list when you arrive and hopefully you’ll be seated before too long. There’s plenty to keep you entertained while you wait, as this cafe is also half-museum, featuring a futuristic room off to the side with displays of figurines and merchandise from the Final Fantasy series.

Artnia Cafe is also sometimes referred to as the Dragon Quest Cafe or the Kingdom Hearts Cafe, as it splits its interests between these three franchises — in addition to themed events around other popular franchises.

There probably isn’t a person reading this blog who isn’t at least aware of Pokémon, or perhaps like me, made Pokémon their entire personality in their childhood — either way, a trip to one of Japan’s Pokémon Cafes is as sought after as a shiny Pikachu, and just as cute.

Much like the other game cafes in this list, you’ll find all manner of Pokémon-themed food and drinks on offer. Just like playing the game itself, the hardest part will be knowing which to pick! Are you tempted by a curry rice with Pikachu napping on a bed of curry? Or is eating from Snorlax’s sleepy tummy more your vibe? 

Just remember to save room for the “I choose you!! Poké Ball Dessert Bowl,” where a selection of desserts are waiting inside the series’ iconic Poké Ball.

Getting a reservation at Pokemon Cafe: Booking a table at both the Tokyo and Osaka Pokemon Cafe is incredibly difficult, requiring you to make a booking a month in advance. More details can be found in the Pokemon Cafe FAQs.

Reserve your spot at the Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo >

Reserve your spot at the Pokemon Cafe in Osaka >

Luida’s Bar is a slightly lesser-known game cafe (or bar) in Japan, likely since it doesn’t take its name directly from the franchise it’s based on: Dragon’s Quest. 

Like the game cafes before it, Luida’s Bar is a dream spot for fans of the series, featuring Dragon’s Quest-themed decorations on the walls and a menu filled with dishes and drinks in the shape of your favorite characters and enemies — including Slime-shaped buns and innovative cocktails.

You can pop in for a quick drink, in which case you may not need to book, but if you plan to eat something cute and Slime-shaped, it’s recommended to book ahead.

Follow the slimes to Luida’s Bar >

Reserve your spot at the Dragon Quest Luida’s Bar in Tokyo >

Fun Dragon’s Quest fact: Patty, known as Luida in the Japanese versions of the game, is a recurring name in the Dragon Quest series. It is a name given to different female characters who take charge of organizing the main games’ party members.

If you’ve already read our article on Tokyo’s best hidden bars, you know that this city has a passion for keeping its most unique spots hidden away. That includes 84 Hashi Cafe, also affectionately known as the Nintendo Cafe, a secret Nintendo-related cafe in Shibuya.

This Nintendo cafe is owned by Hashimoto Toru, a former engineer at the beloved video game company, and his passion for Nintendo’s creations shines bright. Every wall is decorated with memorabilia, illustrations, and signatures from key people and franchises, and it’s rumored that the Legend of Zelda jingle even plays when you first discover the location of the cafe. 

84 Hashi Cafe runs a 90-minute set experience, where you can enjoy a themed alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, light snacks, and even get a stamp book to take home (along with any extra merch you just can’t resist).

How to find the Nintendo Cafe (84 Hashi Cafe):

1. Book your desired slot.
2. Once confirmed, you will be sent the secret address.
3. Arrive on time for your reserved slot, as you’ll only have 90 minutes to soak up the Nintendo goodness!

Reserve your spot at Roppongi’s Nintendo Cafe >

And just like that, all your money is gone. Some things are just worth it, and we can’t help but agree that game cafes and collab cafes in Japan are one of those things.

While you’re giving into the nerdier side of Japanese culture, you might want to check out our articles for Japanese movie and anime food, Japan’s cutest foods, and Studio Ghibli food and where to find it!