Shinjuku’s vibrant streets conceal a remarkable array of café experiences that transcend the ordinary. From themed wonderlands celebrating beloved characters to time-honored establishments steeped in history, these destinations offer far more than just a caffeine fix. Each café curated in our selection provides a distinctive atmosphere, innovative culinary creations, and memorable moments worth savoring. Whether you’re seeking the perfect Instagram backdrop, a taste of gaming nostalgia, or an elegant parfait to conclude your night, these extraordinary establishments represent the cutting edge of Tokyo’s diverse café culture.
Cinnamoroll Café Shinjuku Marui Annex
Step into the dreamlike world of Sanrio’s beloved character at the official Cinnamoroll Café in Shinjuku Marui Annex. This whimsical space is filled with the adorable blue-and-white puppy character known worldwide from the same company that created Hello Kitty.
The café creates an immersive experience where every detail celebrates this iconic character. From plates and cups adorned with Cinnamoroll designs to specially crafted food and drinks that are almost too cute to eat—you’ll want to capture everything on camera. The Shinjuku Marui Annex location offers exclusive merchandise and limited-time menu items that die-hard fans simply can’t miss.
Location:
Shinjuku Marui Annex, 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
11:00-20:30 (Last orders at 20:00)
Contact:
03-6380-1175
Experience the café:
Artnia
Located in Higashi-Shinjuku, Artnia is the official café operated by Square Enix, the legendary gaming company behind Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts. This unique establishment combines a merchandise shop and mini-museum with a themed café-restaurant.
Connected directly to Higashi-Shinjuku Station (Exit A3) within the convenient Shinjuku East Side Square complex, Artnia showcases an impressive array of merchandise featuring beloved characters from Square Enix’s most famous titles. The collection ranges from detailed figurines to practical items like keychains designed after iconic game elements such as the Thief’s Key.
The café takes gaming fantasy to delicious reality with its menu. Highlights include pancakes shaped like the popular Dragon Quest Slime character and cappuccinos decorated with character art. What sets Artnia apart is its commitment to quality—these themed creations aren’t just visually appealing but genuinely delicious, crafted with the same attention to detail as the games themselves.
Address:
6-27-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone:
03-6457-6714
Nearest Station:
3-minute walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station (Exit A3)
Hours:
11:00-22:00
Closed: Thursdays and other irregular holidays (please check the official website)
Experience Artnia:
Meikyu-Kōhī Shinjuku Ramble
Enchanted by Classical Music in an Underground Haven
This classic kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee house) has been cherished in the heart of Shinjuku for nearly 70 years. The underground floor, accommodating approximately 200 seats, exudes Showa-era retro charm with its velvet sofas and chandeliers. Time seems to stand still in this dimly lit sanctuary where classical music fills the air, creating the perfect atmosphere for unhurried relaxation.
Phone:
03-3352-3361
Address:
3-31-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1F & B1F
Access:
1-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit A1)
Hours:
9:30-18:00
Closed:
January 1st (New Year’s Day)
Experience the ambiance:
Parfaiteria Bell Shinjuku 3-chome
Parfaiteria Bell pioneered the concept of ending a night of drinks with a luxurious parfait in Shinjuku. Operating from 5 PM until midnight or 1 AM, this dessert destination follows an intriguing pattern—relatively quiet in the early evening, but growing increasingly busy as the night progresses. Catering to adult tastes, the menu even features alcohol-infused parfaits.
The establishment serves creative desserts using seasonal ingredients that change throughout the year. Located in the vibrant Shinjuku 3-chome district, Parfaiteria Bell offers a sophisticated parfait experience in an elegant atmosphere that perfectly complements Shinjuku’s dynamic nightlife.
Parfaits range from 2,000 to 3,000 yen—slightly upscale but worth the indulgence.
Phone:
03-6273-0736
Address:
Cross Building 4F, 3-8-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access:
Directly connected to Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C5)
Hours:
Weekdays: 17:00-23:00
Weekends & Holidays: 15:00-24:00
Sundays: 15:00-24:00
Closed:
Open daily
Get a glimpse:
Takano Fruit Parlor Main Store
Located on the fifth floor of Shinjuku Takano, a fruit specialty shop with over 130 years of history, this fruit parlor has been delighting patrons since its opening in 1926. The signature “Fruit Parfait” showcases approximately 12 seasonal fruits artfully arranged with seasonal sorbet. For the ultimate experience, the “Shizuoka Musk Melon Parfait” features Japan’s king of fruits, offering an exquisitely fragrant flavor profile. Monthly special menus ensure visitors can enjoy the changing tastes of each season.
While the most popular item is the Fruit Parfait at 1,870 yen, the premium Shizuoka Musk Melon Parfait commands 7,700 yen—an exceptional splurge. Most menu items average around 2,000 yen.
Phone:
03-5368-5147
Address:
3-26-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 5F
Access:
Directly connected to Shinjuku Station (Tokyo Metro Exit A6)
Hours:
11:00-21:00 daily
Closed:
Open year-round
See the experience:
Paul Bassett Shinjuku
Experience the world champion barista Paul Bassett’s vision of coffee perfection at his eponymous café in Nishi-Shinjuku. With a relentless focus on beans, roasting, and barista craft, Paul Bassett selects the finest coffee beans from around the world and roasts them in-house using their own roasting machine.
This establishment offers an unparalleled coffee experience, combining world-class espresso with exquisite sweets—a combination that can only be found at Paul Bassett. The café aims to create a new coffee culture in Japan through its commitment to exceptional espresso, outstanding sweets, and superior service.
Coffee prices range from 500 to 600 yen, comparable to other specialty coffee shops while delivering championship-level quality.
Phone:
03-5324-5090
Address:
Shinjuku Nomura Building B1F, 1-26-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access:
3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo Metro Exit A18)
Hours:
Weekdays: 7:30-20:30
Weekends & Holidays: 9:00-20:00
Closed:
Open daily
Experience the café:
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