If you’re into all things kawaii, take a stroll to Harajuku’s newest pop-up café (open until April 10) and dine with one of Sanrio’s most popular characters, Rilakkuma (literally, ‘bear in a relaxed mood’). The café, which is just near Meiji-dori, has been attracting mobs of young girls who want to dine on Rilakkuma-themed food, surrounded by the fluffy brown bear and his friends. You can choose your own printed luncheon mats (four types) and coasters (six types), which you can take home as souvenirs, and every table is equipped with a stuffed Rilakkuma doll, inspiring plenty of selfie-taking, as you can imagine.
The most popular item on the menu is the ever-so-kawaii eggs benedict (¥1,580), featuring Rilakkuma and his friend Ko-Rilakkuma’s faces on a bed of warm English muffins with spinach, bacon and delicious hollandaise sauce. Move on to dessert and dig into the decadent chocolate mousse (¥1,580) which comes served with a side sprinkling of peanuts and fruit pieces. You haven’t had the full experience if you don’t order a ‘Ko-Rilakkuma fluffy honey soda’ (¥980) — a mixture of lemon, ginger and herbs topped with cotton candy shaped like Ko-Rilakkuma. Pour the honey syrup and soda on the top, let the cotton candy dissolve, and you have a superbly refreshing drink.
Alongside Rilakkuma-themed food, you'll find an array of original goods at the store including tote bags, keychains, postcards and mugs. Note that you must make reservations online to visit or you’ll have to show up early for a 10am ticket, of which there are only 50.
Map and contact details here.
