UPDATE (January 2023): This post has been updated, but if you’re visiting Japan, here are a ton more posts for you to check out:
My Day at Super Nintendo World
Snoopy Cafe Japan
Tiffany Cafe Tokyo
Pokemon Cafe Japan
Kinopio’s Cafe (aka Toadstool Cafe)
Delta One Suites Review from Los Angeles to Tokyo
Since I was born and raised in Tokyo, Sanrio played a huge part in my childhood and my creativity. In other countries, Sanrio is predominantly represented by Hello Kitty and you visit Sanrio Stores at the malls. But in Japan, Sanrio is part of the Japanese culture and yes, Hello Kitty is the star of the show but closely followed by Keroppi, Pochacco, My Melody, Kiki & Lala, Batz-Maru, Tuxedo Sam, Winky Pinky, Peckle and Peppy, just off the top of my head! Bet you don’t recognize half of what I just listed!
When I found out Pompompurin had his own cafe near my house in Harajuku, I knew I needed to visit! In the beginning, it was so popular that people would line up in the morning to get a time-card that would tell you when to return that day to get seated! I hate lining up for most things so I patiently waited a year or so until it wasn’t as insane.
I read some blog posts and reviews about terrible service and mediocre food but I wasn’t going to let that ruin my Pompompurin Cafe experience. BUT, what do you know? I received fantastic service from all the employees and our dishes were delicious! And trust me, I have high standards for customer service and cuisine since I grew up in Japan. I personally had no complaints – in fact, I would happily go back again to try other dishes…or indulge in the Roast Beef Donburi once again!
We visited the Pompompurin Cafe in Harajuku on a weekday, around 7:30PM. It was empty, let alone a long line as warned. We were immediately seated as I sat and gawked over the charming, creative details of the cafe.
Since I’m Japanese, they gave me the Japanese menu but not to worry, they have an English menu for visitors.
How cute (how many times can I say ‘cute’ in this blog post?) are the menu items? Yes, the items are pricier than a regular latte, soda or milkshake but I expected that from a themed cafe.
We ordered the Beef Stroganoff and the Roast Beef Donburi (Rice-bowl), which both ran approximately 1,800 yen. I was shocked by the portions of the dishes; I couldn’t finish all of it even though I was starving! The Roast Beef Donburi had a significant amount of roast beef, rice, a raw egg yolk for the hat and the best daikon sauce. Absolutely delicious! My fiancè loved his Beef Stroganoff so much he almost forgot to share some of it with me!
We were way too full for dessert unfortunately, so we walked over to the corner merchandise area for several Pompompurin items where they have limited edition souvenirs that are only available at the Pompompurin Cafe Harajuku. The items are absolutely adorable, the temptation to bring everything home was a real struggle!
All in all, I really enjoyed my experience at the Pompompurin Cafe in Harajuku and it met my expectations of it being super kawaii! Even as an adult, I appreciated all the attention to detail, friendly service and delicious food. If you have any children that are Sanrio fans, I guarantee they’ll have a blast. The children’s menu was just as darling!
Information:
- Address: 1-7-1 Jingu-Mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 150-0001 (3rd floor of the Cute Cube building)
- Website: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com/jp/index.html
- Hours: 11AM-9PM
- Other locations available throughout Japan
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I didn't even know there were characters other than Hello Kitty. I know, I'm a terrible person! A lot of girls at my school were into Sanrio but I had no clue what was going on. What an adorable cafe! I can't believe the size of the portions either, it's a shame there wasn't room for dessert! #flyawayfriday
Oh my! This is a cuteness overload! I understand why places like this get packed when they open. At least the crowds have died a little bit. While I was growing up, my favorite character was Keroppi. I liked Badtz Maru too. During those times, one of the few stores licensed to sell the merchandise (now they are everywhere) had a really wide selection. #FlyAwayFriday
Oh my goodness! This place looks so adorable. Sounds like you had an amazing time.
How cute is that cafe! Although I never got into Sanrio as a kid and my daughter hasn't taken to it, either, I know she would love this cafe. She'd love pointing out all the characters around the room. And the food comes shaped like the character? Adorable. #flyawayfriday
Oh my gosh – that is just about the most adorable cafe ever! If I saw that I would have definitely had to eat there! How can one not help but smiling when looking at those faces! 🙂 #flyawayfriday
Honestly, I want to go to Tokyo just for the theme cafes. This one looks so cute! I was obsessed with Sanrio when I was little. Hello Kitty was obviously my fave but I also loved Badtz-Maru. #FlyAwayFriday
Well I know 2 little girls that would absolutely love this place! We came across a srore in NY that sold all this stuff but in the UK it's so hard to find it and my girls love it! #flyawayfriday
My kids would absolutely love this place. I am thinking we'll take them in 2- 3 years when the youngest is 6 or 7. We'll have to make a stop here, if so. #FlyAwayFriday
What a colorful place. And I'm so happy you had fantastic service. I hate reading reviews about places because I believe in creating your own experiences. Hope the beef stroganoff was delish. #FlyAwayFriday
What a cute cafe! Glad the food was good along with the service. Just love all the colors. I pinned this for my later use when I visit Toyko 🙂 #FlyAwayFriday
Well if this isn't the cutest place I have ever seen! I would love to visit here one day #flyawayfriday
Hahaha! I'm always surprised when people don't know but it happens! Thanks for stopping by, Kat! xo
Oh my gosh Keroppi and Badtz Maru were too cute! Thanks for stopping by, Ruth! xo
Isn't it so cute? Too cute! Haha! Thanks for stopping by, Kate! xo
I think whether you like Sanrio or not, it's just an adorable cafe that kids would love! 🙂 The kids meal was adorable too! Thanks for stopping by, Allison! xo
Isn't it?! It was just too cute!!! Thanks for stopping by, Tiffany! xo
Haha right? It's just so cute! Hello Kitty for SURE but Badtz-Maru is also adorable! Thanks for stopping by Courtney! xo
Awww! That's so sweet! Hopefully you can make it to Japan someday and take them! <3 Thanks for stopping by, Alex! xo
Aww that's so adorable! YES definitely stop by when you can, your kids will loooove it! Thanks for stopping by, Liana! xo
Oh definitely! I always like to try it out myself too! Glad you agree, not many people do! Thanks for stopping by, Cherie! xo
Isn't it adorable? Aww yay, thanks for pinning! Hopefully you can make it there someday! xo
Isn't it adorable?! Hopefully you can make it out there someday, it's worth it! Thanks for stopping by, Chiera! xo
One of the most adorable cafes I have ever seen! He is the cutest little thing. I need to go there!
Isn't it?! If you ever make it to Tokyo, you should definitely visit! xo