Why Is Pokémon Cafe So Hard to Book? 8 Tips That Actually Help

There are only two cafes, each with a limited number of tables in fixed 90-minute slots. Fans from around the world want the same dates, and a whole month is released at the same moment, so thousands of people try to book in the same few minutes.

1. 1Know the exact release time in your own time zone (currently 18:00 Japan time on the 1st for the following month) and set a reminder a few minutes before.
2. 2Have the name, phone number and party size ready before release, so you're only clicking, not typing.
3. 3Use an email that receives @mail-pokemon-cafe.jp codes instantly. Add the address to your contacts and keep your inbox open, because the verification code must be entered within a few minutes.
4. 4Be flexible. Weekdays and the earliest or latest slots are often easier than weekend afternoons.
5. 5Choose the right seat type for your party. In Tokyo, B seats only take 1–2 people; in Osaka, A and B seats need at least 2.
6. 6Get the party size right first time. It cannot be changed after booking, and children of every age count.
7. 7Remember one email address can hold only one reservation at a time. Use a different email for each date you want.
8. 8Keep checking for cancellations. Seats come back whenever someone cancels, up to 22:00 Japan time the night before the visit.

Turning up without a booking rarely works: the cafe only offers seats at the entrance when there are same-day cancellations.