A kawaii tour of Tokyo

Probaby Japan’s most popular export, the cultural concept of ‘Kawaii’ – translated as ‘cuteness’ – has exploded into a global phenomenon. Think cartoon characters with giant eyes, fluffy baby animals, Pokémon, Hello Kitty and frilly Edwardian outfits known as Lolita fashion.

These are the best spots around Tokyo to revel in the playful and adorable kawaii aesthetic.

Cat Street

A hub for the so-called ‘Lolita’ Fashion, Cat Street in Harajuku is – misleadingly – not about cute kittens, sorry. But what it lacks in adorable animals, it more than makes up for in kawaii culture. Here, you’ll find vintage shops, street fashion boutiques, street art, cafés and a constant parade of young trendsetters donning their latest kawaii-inspired outfits. Stay just a short walk from Cat Street at the Hotel Emit Shibuya.

Shibuya 109

One of Tokyo’s biggest shopping malls, Shibuya 109 is the place to go if you’re looking to take home a kawaii souvenir. This tube-shaped building is a kitsch wonderland with ten floors stocked full of kawaii keyrings, cuddly toys, clothes, jewellery and other delights. Must-visit stores are Liz Lisa for endless florals and lace, Secret Honey for its collaborative dresses with Disney, Sarah Zodiaque for adorable alice bands and Ruby Rose for diamante bling. Check into a capsule pod for the night at The Millennials Shibuya, just 10 minutes’ walk from Shibuya 109.

Kawaii Monster Cafe

The first stop on any self-respecting kawaii tour is the Kawaii Monster Cafe in Shibuya. Designed by kawaii pioneer and art director, Sebastian Masuda, it’s an extravaganza for the senses, with pumping pop music, giant cupcakes and gummy bears, and disco ball ceilings. Choose between being seated in the kaleidoscopic Mushroom Disco, Milk Stand, Bar Experiment or Mel Tea-Room zones, and try the ‘candy salad’ dish, served by waiters dressed in outlandish costumes. Climb down from your sugar high in the relaxing spa pool at Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya-jingumae, just down the road from the café.

The Disney Store

There’s something very special about Tokyo’s Disney Store, located in a building in Shibuya built to resemble a miniature version of the pastel-coloured Disneyland castle. Once you’ve entered through the Mickey Mouse-shaped door, you’ll be greeted by a palatial spiral staircase, leading visitors up the three levels of soft toys, merchandise, magic mirrors and other interactive displays. Stay in the heart of Shibuya at the coolly-designed Hotel KOE Tokyo.

Sanrio Puroland

The Hello Kitty version of Disneyland, the indoor theme park of Sanrio Puroland is a kawaii paradise. Though it features several popular Sanrio characters such as My Melody and Little Twin Stars, Hello Kitty (now worth 5 billion USD per year) is the star of the show. Expect live stage shows featuring extravagant costumes, fireworks, gentle but entertaining rides, arcades, purikura (kawaii photo booths) and – of course – the Hello Kitty house where everything (literally everything) is shaped like her head. Stay a 5-minute walk from the theme park at Keio Plaza Hotel Tama, where some suites are even decked out with Hello Kitty wallpaper.

Panda Cafe

Luckily, from an animal rights perspective, this Asagaya café doesn’t house real pandas. But literally everything is panda-themed, from panda-shaped latte art to panda souvenirs designed by the shop owner himself, Kanazawa-san. Stickers, toys, stationery, sweets, a giant panda telephone, you name it – they’ve got it. If you’re not feeling hungry, you don’t need to have a sit down meal. Visitors are welcomed to browse the books and oddities while grabbing a takeaway coffee (try the panda mocca or panda caramel latte). Stay a few stops down on the metro line from the café, in the Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku.

Tokyo Disneyland

Last but not least, kawaii enthusiasts simply must visit Tokyo Disneyland. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2018, this year promises big celebrations and special events. An immersive, magical experience, the theme park contains seven themed lands, including the World Bazaar (styled like a 20th-century North American town), Fantasyland (where you’ll find the incredible Cinderella Castle) and Adventureland (where you can sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean). Try to plan your daily itinerary so that you make the most out of all the spectacular shows, parades, costumes and decorations. Stay in an official Disneyland resort accommodation at the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel.