Anakuma Café – Visit a Whimsical Bear Paw Café in Tokyo!

Kawaii lovers, did you know that bears run a café in Tokyo?

That’s right, there are no humans in Anakuma Café, but a group of friendly bears that serve you coffee from their paws through a hole in the wall.

It’s a paw-some concept and one of the most unique coffee shops I’ve ever visited on my travels. 

The entire experience was enchanting, and you must visit for a bit of whimsy on your coffee run. 

Here is a complete guide to the bear paw café in Tokyo, the lore behind it and how it works. 

What is the Anakuma Cafe?

Anakuma translates to‘Bear Hole’ or‘Burrowing Bear’ in Japanese, and this unique, bright green café has no humans in sight.

Instead, your only interaction is with a mysterious bear paw through a hole in the wall! 

This kawaii experience often goes viral on social media, as it is so unique and fun. 

They have two branches in Tokyo and Fukuoka, and their overarching mission is to fight deforestation. 

The café’s unique concept also helps to employ those with anxiety or other mental health conditions who struggle with face-to-face interactions.

The story of the Bear Paw Café

Beyond being an enchanting place for a coffee run, did you know that Anakuma Café has its own lore? 

The story goes that there are 8 bears called Borus, Jack, Dia, Ru, Fuu, Daka, Tan Tan and Rou.

They saw that human rainforests were at risk, and so they decided to stand up for what’s right. 

As they were a little embarrassed and scared, they set up a green shop in Harajuku with a hole in the wall to serve tasty coffee with their paws.

With every cup, the money helps to bring back greenery to the world, and they will continue to do so until it’s thriving again. 

Where is the Bear Paw Hole in Wall in Tokyo? 

Anakuma Café can be found in the trendy shopping district of Harajuku in Tokyo. 

You’ll find it on an unassuming road just outside of the main thoroughfare of Takeshita Street.

Although it is located in a quiet area, you won’t miss this place as it’s painted a vibrant shade of green! 

The closest metro station is Harajuku, and it’s a 3-minute walk from there. 

How does Anakuma Café work? 

I had been wanting to visit this café for so long, I could bear-ly contain my excitement.

But when I arrived at the takeout counter, it dawned on me that I had no idea how it all worked. 

Of course, I knew I’d be served my drink by a bear paw through a hole in the wall, but… how? It’s completely contactless.

If you want to know more about the Anakuma experience, here is what to expect. Warning: there will be spoilers ahead. 

1. Order your drink on their tablet

Upon entering their bright green café, you’ll find a tablet screen on the left where you can make your order.

They serve up a delicious range of coffees, but they also have tea and a selection of sweet treats if you prefer.

There is also a selection of souvenirs to purchase, like keychains, hats and t-shirts.

The coffees are definitely more expensive than you would normally pay for drinks in Japan, but you’re paying for the hole-some paw experience. 

I decided to order a refreshing iced apple tea as it was boiling in Harajuku that day. 

They had just released some of their special bear cups, and so I wanted one. It even came with an Anakuma Café apron and hat. How kawaii? 

Once you’re ready, you’ll be asked to pay by contactless card payment, and your order will be in the queue. 

2. One of 8 bears will greet you

If you read up on the lore of this café, you’ll already know that 8 bears run this honey hive together. 

So, each time, you’ll meet a different kuma who will greet you on your visit. On my trip, this was Fuu. 

They will bring a bell before they appear and hold up signs to have a friendly conversation with you.

These will be some questions about where you’re from and your trip to Japan while they brew. 

3. Play Anakuma Café Gachapon

At some point during your whimsy experience, the bear will invite you to play Gachapon.

They will give you a special token in their paw that you can use for their Anakuma Café Gachapon machine. 

The capsule contains a special ticket that you can trade with the bear for a gift. I received a chocolate wrapped in special bear paper. 

I also received some cute sweets while I was waiting. The bears are so generous and kind. 

4. Get served coffee from a bear paw

After some more polite conversation with the bear, a bell will ring to announce that your order is ready.

Then, you’ll be handed your drink from a bear paw through the hole in the wall. 

This was the moment I had been waiting for, and it did not disappoint. It was such a paw-some moment. 

I was completely in love with my new bear cup too! My apple tea was adorable. 

They also gave me my receipt with a lovely hand-drawn message to enjoy my trip to Japan. It was all so lovely.

5. Enjoy your drink while supporting a great cause 

All that’s left is to say goodbye to the bears and enjoy your lovingly prepared drink.

Although the bear paw café is predominantly a takeout counter, they do have a small number of seats and a table to lean on.

I luckily enough to swipe a seat on my visit and loved watching the world go by whilst sipping on my iced tea. 

It also felt nice to know that my purchase here supported the regrowth of rainforests and other charitable causes. 

Don’t forget to send the bears a letter 

Another thing you can do while enjoying your coffee is to write a letter to these adorable bears.

They have a writing set in the back corner with some paper and pens. 

Then, you can walk around the corner and post your letter in their personal letterbox. 

They read all the letters they receive and may even write one back to you. It’s as sweet as honey!

Is Anakuma Café worth visiting? 

Yes, the Anakuma café was easily one of my favourite experiences in Harajuku.  

Being served my drink from a bear paw through a hole in the wall was just so cool. It was well worth the extra pennies. 

The entire visit from start to finish was utterly magical, and you felt connected to this world despite not seeing a single face.

It’s a coffee shop that challenges your ideas of fun interactions that make a lasting impression.

Plus, if that isn’t enough, with every order, you support a good cause. What’s not to love? 

Don’t skip this enchanting experience in Tokyo. These adorable kuma’s, making bear-licious drinks, are waiting for you!

Opening times

Anakuma Café is open from:

• Monday – Friday: 11 am – 9 pm
• Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm

So there is plenty of time to dig your claws into this whimsical den in Harajuku.

More magical things to do in Harajuku

Takeshita Shopping Street is the main thoroughfare of Harajuku and has so many exciting shops to discover.

One of my favourites was Wiggle Wiggle, a riot of colour and sound. There are fun photo opportunities to be found on the second floor. 

You can also visit the peaceful Togo Shrine above this street. No photos are allowed, but they sell a Hello Kitty goshuin and amulets. 

There is also a Snoopy Café, which is utterly kawaii, and you can buy themed pancakes and drinks. 

The Meiji Jingu Shrine is a short walk away and is a moment of calm in the chaos. You can visit the temple and see the famous sake barrels.

The new Harry Potter shop in Harajuku is nothing short of magical, and you can visit Tokyo’s Butterbeer Bar inside. 

Or, why not head to the Tokyo Plaza Harajuku and buy some treats at the Chiikawa Bakery? 

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Save the Anakuma Café for later!