Gundam Cafe is permanently closed according to Tokyo Cheapo.
Secretly, I’m a geek (sometimes not so secretly). I grew up glued to the TV whenever Mobile Suit Gundam was on, and I even hoarded a few model kits and collectibles as a kid. Fast forward to adulthood — and adulthood means you can finally afford to fund your nerdy dreams — I planned my Japan itinerary with military precision. Right there, between “eat ramen until I explode” and “visit every Don Quijote store,” was my mission objective: Gundam Cafe in Tokyo.
I had heard about this themed café for years, a haven for anime fans, model kit collectors, and basically anyone who’s ever imagined piloting a giant mecha. And when I finally set foot inside, surrounded by mechanical designs, futuristic interiors, and fellow fans geeking out, I knew I’d made the right call. This wasn’t just a café — it was a shrine.
Gundam Cafe Akihabara – The Atmosphere That Hooks You
The Gundam Cafe in Akihabara isn’t just another themed café; it’s a full sensory experience. You walk in and you’re instantly enveloped in a sleek, futuristic vibe that could easily double as a set from the anime. Giant wall panels display scenes from Mobile Suit Gundam, autographs from voice actors line the walls, and mecha memorabilia fills every corner.
The ambiance here deserves a 4.5/5. It’s futuristic but still warm, lively but not overwhelming. The lighting is soft yet dramatic, making the displays pop without blinding you while you sip your latte. Every inch of the space screams “fan service” — from the staff uniforms to the tiny Gundam touches in the cutlery and tableware.
The Food – Where the Fandom Meets Flavor
I’ll be honest: people don’t come to Gundam Cafe for Michelin-star dining. They come for the themed dishes, the fun plating, and the joy of eating something that looks like it was designed by a mecha engineer. My rating here? A solid 3/5. The food is perfectly serviceable — it’s not going to win gourmet awards, but it will win your Instagram likes.
Here’s what I tried:
- Shaazaku Rice (¥1,188) – The café’s special chicken rice wrapped in a soft omelet, decorated with the Zaku mecha motif. The sausage on its own was a bit bland, but when eaten with the egg and rice together, the flavors improved. A playful nod to the anime, but taste-wise, it’s more “fun” than “flawless.”
- Gundam Stew (¥1,058) – A comforting stew topped with baked cheese, shaped in the iconic Gundam design. The aroma was mouthwatering, and the cheesy crust gave it a homey touch. It was hearty but leaned on the mild side in terms of seasoning.
- Original Hot Latte (¥421) – Choose from 11 latte art designs. I picked the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos, because if you’re going to drink coffee, it might as well have a battle-ready mecha staring back at you.
The portions are modest, leaning more toward café snacking than a full meal, so if you’re arriving hungry, consider this your warm-up before dinner elsewhere.
The Service – Friendly but Could Be Sharper
The service at Gundam Cafe gets a 3/5. The staff were polite and approachable, and a few spoke English, which made ordering easier. They were also happy to chat about the café and the designs, which added a personal touch to the experience.
However, service speed can be hit-or-miss. During peak hours, orders take longer than expected, and the seating process can feel a bit chaotic. If you want a smoother experience, try visiting during off-peak times.
Best Items to Order at Gundam Cafe
If you’re a first-timer at Gundam Cafe, go for the most visually fun items — after all, that’s part of the experience. My top recommendations:
- Shaazaku Rice – Iconic and photogenic, perfect for Instagram.
- Gundam Stew – Comfort food with a fandom twist.
- Original Hot Latte – Collectible latte art you can drink.
- Char Aznable Parfait (if available) – Sweet, colorful, and unapologetically anime.
- Haropla Curry – Shaped like Haro, the adorable green mascot — cute enough to make you hesitate before eating.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Visit Early or Late – Avoid peak lunch and dinner hours to dodge long queues.
- Budget for Souvenirs – The café has an adjoining shop filled with exclusive Gundam Cafe merchandise you won’t find elsewhere.
- Check Seasonal Menus – The café often releases limited-time dishes tied to new anime releases or anniversaries.
- Bring a Fellow Fan – Sharing the excitement makes the experience 10x better.
- Plan Your Akihabara Route – The café is right in the thick of Akihabara, so combine it with visits to other otaku spots.
Location, Accessibility, and Parking
Gundam Cafe Akihabara is conveniently located just outside Akihabara Station’s Electric Town Exit. You can practically spot it the moment you step outside — it’s that close.
- By Train – Take the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, or Chuo-Sobu Line to Akihabara Station.
- By Foot – If you’re already exploring Akihabara, it’s a short walk from most major electronics and anime shops.
- By Car – Parking is tricky; the area is dense and designed for foot traffic. If you must drive, use nearby paid parking lots.
Accessibility is good — the entrance is street-level, and the interior is open enough to navigate with ease.
Final Verdict
The Gundam Cafe in Tokyo is not about culinary perfection — it’s about immersion. You go for the ambiance, the nostalgia, and the joy of being surrounded by the universe you grew up watching. The food won’t blow your mind, but it will make you smile.
If you’re a Gundam fan, it’s a pilgrimage. If you’re not, it’s still a fun and quirky stop in Akihabara. Overall, based on the metrics, I’d say: Highly Recommended for Fans, Casual Visit for Others.
Final Rating Breakdown
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
| Food | 3/5 |
| Service | 3/5 |
| Price | 4/5 |
| Overall | 3.6/5 |
Summary
The Gundam Cafe is an unmissable destination for fans of the mecha franchise, offering a one-of-a-kind themed dining experience in the heart of Akihabara. With its futuristic interior, fan-service-heavy menu, and an adjacent gift shop, it’s a playground for anime lovers. The food is secondary to the experience, but that’s part of its charm.
If your heart races at the sight of a Zaku or you can hum the Gundam theme song by memory, this place will feel like home. If not, you’ll still leave with great photos, fun memories, and maybe a souvenir or two.
Rating
GUNDAM CAFE, AKIHABARA
CUISINE: Filipino, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
ADDRESS: Atre Akihabara 2, 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0028
HOURS: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Daily)
ACCEPTS CREDIT CARD: Yes (Visa, Mastercard)
LANGUAGE: Japanese, English
SERVICE: Dine-in (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), Take-Away
NEAREST EXIT: Hibiya Line (H16), Yamanote Line (JY3), Chūō-Sōbu Line (JB21), Keihin-Tōhoku Line (JK28)
DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! I’m here to make sure you get all the info you need—no fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk about what it’s like to dine out. Every review I share comes from my own experience and is paid for out of my own pocket, so you can trust that what you’re reading is 100% honest and reliable.
