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Kawaii Monster Café Harajuku

written by Kierstin Anderson July 26, 2016
Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku Tokyo Japan

Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku Tokyo

When I heard that I was going to Kawaii Monster Café, I had no idea what to expect. However, stepping inside was leagues beyond what I anticipated; this place is insane. Harajuku is known for its wacky and colorful fashions, and this café embodies everything Harajuku stands for (and more). Walking through the restaurant solicited reactions like, “this is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” to, “this is so weird and I’m uncomfortable.”

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The weird starts at the café entrance, which is a monster’s mouth (named “Mr. Ten Thousand Chopsticks” or “Mr. Choppy’s”). The restaurant itself? Legend has it that it exists in his stomach. But wait, it gets weirder!

Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku Tokyo Japan

After you walk inside Mr. Choppy’s mouth, you see the Sweets-Go-Round. It’s a giant rainbow carousel with different objects, with animals that look like they are made out of melting candy. The whole ceiling is covered with broken mirror pieces, and flashing lights and pop music add to the wild atmosphere of the place.

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There are four different seating areas of the café. The Mushroom Disco has tables under giant poisonous mushrooms and extraterrestrial plants. Hidden behind the Mushroom Disco is a secret room, decorated with red lips, called the “Secret Area for Talkative Ladies.”What do they talk about? Well, you have to go there to find out…

 Cafe Harajuku Tokyo Japan

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The show is held right in front of this area. The next area is called the Milk Stand, which is themed like a wacky baby’s room. Milk bottles hang from the ceiling, and giant animal heads drink from these bottles over the tables. This area of the restaurant really made me think, “This is either the strangest thing ever, or the most Japanese thing ever.”

The Mel-Tea Room is next. In here, the walls look like pastel chocolate and giant ice cream cones are dripping down from the ceiling. Giant macaroons are stacked up against the walls (along with giant ants going after these sweets). Right next to the Mel-Tea Room is the “Experiment” Bar, for adults only. The bar is lit up by a huge jellyfish hanging over the counter. There is also a secret VIP room with a pink cat theme.

Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku Tokyo Japan

Monster girls run around the café and put on shows. They have colorful hair and weird outfits- the monster girl I met had purple hair and a bracelet made out of baby shoes. The food in Kawaii Monster Café is just as bonkers as the rest of the place. It’s all rainbow; no matter what you order, you’re guaranteed to get a good picture for your Instagram. They claim that the coloring for their food is healthy and natural. Some popular menu items are rainbow pasta with “paint” dip, and the “colorful poison parfait extreme,” which is a giant rainbow parfait.

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Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku Tokyo Japan

The restaurant is non-smoking, but does have a smoking area for you to duck into. There is an English menu, and most of the workers and some of the monster girls can speak English. It is possible to reserve parts of the restaurant in advance for parties (which would be necessary if you have a large group, because there are 193 seats in total). Reservations can be made via Facebook Messenger or through this Voyagin link.

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In short, this place looks like Tim Burton’s fantasy, if Tim Burton were a kawaii Japanese schoolgirl. I know I am definitely coming back, and bringing everyone I know with me. Kawaii Monster Café perfectly captures what Harajuku is about: the weird fashions, the bright colors, the over-the-top atmosphere, and even the slight creepiness of it all. So if you find yourself in Harajuku, definitely go to Kawaii Monster Café for the strangest and most fun meal you’ll ever have.

Kawaii Monster Cafe Location Information

Website ||| Facebook (Japanese only) ||| Twitter (Japanese only) ||| Instagram

Make a Reservation!

Nearest Station: 5 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line (click on the Google Map for directions)

 Hours of Operation: Weekdays and Saturdays 11:30 am- 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm. Sundays and holidays 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. If it is crowded, there is a time limit of 90 minutes on your stay (or 2 hours for dinner).

Showtimes: Lunch shows are weekdays 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, weekends 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm , and 3:30 pm. Dinner shows are only on Fridays and Saturdays, at 6:45 pm. Another event called “Pink Fat Cat with Yuka” is on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:55 pm and 8:45pm.

Estimated Price: There is an entrance fee of ¥500 for each person, and the average fee per person is ¥2500. Kawaii Monster Café takes VISA, UC, DC, UFJ, AMEX, JCB, and SAISON credit cards. Kawaii Monster Cafés also sells 13 different souvenirs, so be sure to pick up a totally sweet “Kawaii Monster Café” T-shirt! If you visit often, you can earn a Monster Card–the more you return, the more your rank will increase. Customers with high rankings get special privileges!

“Why Go?”: Scroll up and look at the pictures. Do you mean to tell me you are willing to go through life without seeing all of that in person?!?!?

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