Lunch at the Hello Kitty Saryo Café in Kyoto

Dining room of the Hello Kitty Cafe in Kyoto

Have you ever wanted to dine on sweet treats with Hello Kitty, one of Japan’s most beloved icons? If you’re in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, the Hello Kitty Saryo café is the place for you! 

UPDATE: According to reports, The Hello Kitty Saryo café has moved from Kyoto to Enoshima Island in Kanagawa Prefecture. However, I wanted to keep this post up so you can see the very cute food and pretty decorations it had when it was located in Kyoto. 

The Dining Room

Hello Kitty sitting at a restaurant table
Dining room at the Hello Kitty Saryo Cafe in Kyoto

As a lifelong fan of Hello Kitty, my excitement level was in overdrive before I even set foot in the restaurant. The second I walked into the dining room, I was floored by all the little details. Painted murals featuring a kimono-clad Hello Kitty adorn the walls, her signature bow serves as the base of each table leg, her image is printed on every napkin, display cabinets hold Sanrio trinkets – everywhere you turn, there are cute Hello Kitty elements.

The best part? There are giant Hello Kitty plushies you can sit with!

I also really appreciated that the space took its Kyoto location into account. The dining room has beautiful wood accents reminiscent of traditional Kyoto architecture, and there is a small but lovely Japanese garden right outside (more on that later).

Hello Kitty-Themed Food

Hello Kitty pancakes with pumpkin sauce, vanilla ice cream, and walnuts at
Pancakes with pumpkin sauce, vanilla ice cream, and walnuts

Of course, the decorations aren’t the only branded items. Hello Kitty designs grace each meal! The menu is chock-full of sweet and savory dishes. The pancakes with pumpkin sauce I ordered (with matcha powder sifted on them in the shape of Hello Kitty’s face, of course) were delicious. For that Kyoto feel, meals are served on lovely red and black lacquer trays.

Hello Kitty matcha latte with bow-shaped sweets
Hello Kitty matcha latte with bow-shaped sweets

The drinks are just as cute! Order a matcha latte with a Hello Kitty marshmallow and bow-shaped sweets to go with your lunch. (I still use the souvenir coaster that came with it.)

The Garden & Outdoor Area

Japanese style garden with Hello Kitty stone sculpture
Japanese-style garden with Hello Kitty stone sculpture

The outdoor area is just as adorable as the indoor space. After lunch, you can relax outside in the adorable Japanese-style garden with bamboo, moss, rocks, and a Hello Kitty stone sculpture.

Hello Kitty teahouse
Tea master Hello Kitty in her teahouse

Not to be missed is the life-size replica of a teahouse draped in pink and gold colors with a statue of Hello Kitty herself serving as the tea master.

The Gift Shop

Hello Kitty gift shop
Hello Kitty gift shop next to the Hello Kitty Saryo café in Kyoto

If you are still craving more Hello Kitty goodness, you can peruse the two-storied gift shop next to the café. This is a great place to pick up some cute gifts for the Hello Kitty lovers in your life (and for yourself).

Bonus

Bow-shaped bathroom mirror
Hello Kitty bow-shaped bathroom mirror

Even the bathrooms have adorable details! How cute is this bow-shaped mirror?

(All photos taken by Clara Juliette)

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Hello Kitty Café in Kyoto

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