On
a total whim, I decided to check out the Peter Rabbit Café located in Jiyugaoka, an area which is known for its quaint dining and shopping for various reasons.
People often attribute this to its easy access from Shibuya and Yokohama, as
well as being an alternative to those who are either tired of the crowds in Shibuya and Harajuku. I was bit surprised that a character café would be
located in a neighborhood like Jiyugakoa, especially since Jiyugaoka has been
attributed as the more mature alternative to places like Harajuku. However
the storefront of the Peter Rabbit Café would be nearly impossible in a place
like Harajuku.
I snapped these in a hurry for some reason.
The
store front isn’t exactly a page ripped from a Beatrix Potter book, but it’s
adorable regardless. Visitors are greeted by a snacking Peter, and even pass by
his trademark blue jacket on the way to the front door.
I
was seated immediately, which I think is another plus of this café not being
located in a more bustling area. I came a bit after lunch on a Monday, which might
have attributed to the café not being fully seated. However I have tried to go
to character cafes in Harajuku on a Wednesday afternoon and have had to weight
in 40 minute lines. I’m sure it’s a lot livelier on the weekends of
course. A couple came and sat at the
adjacent table towards the end of my meal, but for the most part I had the
section to myself.
I had the choice to sit in a more tea party themed dining
room, or on the enclosed veranda. I chose the veranda thinking I could watch
people passing by on the street, but didn’t realize I would be sharing the
table with a plushie of Peter facing the window.
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| Wasn't Much of a Talker |
I
didn’t do a lot of research on the café before I came, so I’m sure the waitress
saw my face flush when I realized I wouldn’t be eating alone per say. I was really embarrassed at first, especially since I was eating alone, and panicked
that I had stumbled on a spot for little girls on a mommy daughter date.
Definitely didn’t care after a few minutes when I realized I wasn’t the only
adult in the café, or the only person eating alone. I’m sure everyone has seen
the articles about the cafes that give you a stuffed animal to eat with if you
dine alone, but I’m not sure if that’s the exact reason why this café has one
at almost every table. I would say it has more to do with the tea party theme
of the place.
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| A lone peter. I think I would have felt even weirder if I had set in this room instead. |
Each
table has two copies of a Beatrix Potter story, as well as little bell to ring
when you’re ready to order. I really appreciated the bell since I still feel
really shy and embarrassed when I need signal or call for a waiter in a
Japanese restaurant.
It’s
still Easter season in Japan, so it’s no surprise that the café featured a
limited time Easter set.
The
other recommended sets were named after Mrs. Potter. One being the Cottage Pie
set, and the other the Roast Beef set.
I settled for some Omurice (Omelet Rice)
which is a staple of any themed café you encounter in Japan.
Themed
cafes usually have pretty slapped together food that isn’t worth the already inflated
price. This curry rice was however super yummy, and looked equally amazing. I
loved that they even put effort into making the cheese shaped like the other BP
characters.
I
felt kind of guilty eating the tiny bread Peter since he was too cute, but I
guess it would be weird to just leave him on the plate.
Unfortunately
I didn’t grab desert, but I did get this cute café mocha for after my meal.
I
seriously felt like this plushie was judging me the entire time.
Since
I didn’t get the set, I ended up paying a little bit under 3,000 yen in total
for my lunch. Of course the set would have been cheaper, but I don’t feel too
sour about having coughed up for much just for some coffee and curry rice. The
restaurant is well decorated, and the food is well prepared for themed café
standards. I think it helps that this café isn’t a pop-up café. A lot of
pop-ups will have food for the same price, but at a lower quality, and a nearly
empty room that’s decorated with various posters and wall stickers, much like a
12 year old’s room. There also isn’t much commotion, and for the most part operates
like any other eating establishment in Japan. I think it’s definitely worth the
visit if you’re a Peter Rabbit fan, and don’t mind the idea of having to
possibly eat with a stuffed rabbit.
