Pokemon Bento and Tokyo

A recipe for a Pokemon Bento inspired by our time in Tokyo! Rice is paired with Pikachu and Eevee-shaped omelets, fried chicken, and vegetables.

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We recently spent nearly two weeks in Tokyo! We had such a fantastic time seeing the city, trying a variety of restaurants, and spending time with friends.

I will be sharing our experiences in a series of blog posts. Today, I am covering our time at Tokyo Character Street, the Pokemon Cafe, Nissan Crossing, and Red Tokyo Tower along with a recipe for a Pokemon Bento!

Check out my previous Tokyo posts:

• Pork Gyoza and Tokyo (Yoyogi, Shimokitazawa, Meiji Jingu, Gotokuji Temple)
• Japanese Crepes and Shibuya, Tokyo
• Matcha Baked Donuts and Odaiba, Tokyo
• Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice) and Tokyo (Ueno and Asakusa)

Tokyo Character Street

On our second day in Tokyo, we met my friends Yoko and Yuri at Tokyo Character Street. It was my first time seeing them since 2007!

Tokyo Character Street (東京キャラクターストリート) is located in B1 of Tokyo Station (東京駅). This underground shopping area is packed with over 20 stores featuring iconic cartoons and characters for every age.

At the time of this post (2023), it is open daily 10 am-8:30 pm. The exact hours may differ for specific shops.

It was very busy on a Sunday afternoon! Many of the stores had queues to enter and a few such as the Kirby Cafe were handing out timed tickets (for a few hours later).

If you are visiting on one of the more popular days/times, it may be helpful to check out the map beforehand to figure out exactly where the stores are and prioritize which ones are most important.

We spent most of our time in the Pokémon Store (ポケモンストア), Lego Store (レゴⓇストア), Rilakkuma Store (リラックマストア), and Tomica Shop.

Pokémon Cafe

One evening, we had dinner at the Pokémon Cafe in the Nihombashi Takashimaya Shopping Center about 700 meters (almost 1/2 mile) east of Tokyo Station. 

Visiting the Pokémon Cafe was a bucket list experience for the kids and they loved it so much. The cafe features a variety of Pokémon-themed food, drinks, sweets, and specialty items.

Pikachu even comes out during the meal! You can also buy merchandise only available at the cafe (Claire got the Eevee plate).

The cafe was separated into five different areas- Eevee, Snorlax, Lapras, Jigglypuff, and Pikachu). We were assigned to a table in the Snorlax area. There is a dedicated photo spot between the Jigglypuff and Lapras areas.

Advance reservations (for up to 8 people) through their website are required. During our visit, there were no walk-in slots.

Reservations open 31 days in advance at exactly 6 pm Japan time. This was 5 am for the Eastern Time Zone so I set my alarm for 4:55 am. I immediately went to pick a slot, but hesitated for a couple of seconds and that’s all it took for them to be gone. I read online about trying again at the 20 minute mark (5:20 am) for bookings that didn’t complete and was able to get a reservation then!

Make sure to pick the correct city. There is also a cafe in Osaka. 

Each table has a tablet to pick out your meals and ordering at least one menu item per person is mandatory (excluding infants). Seating is for 90 minutes with the last order 30 minutes before the end of the reservation.

We picked the following:

• Pokémon Cafe Kids Plate- Pikachu Hamburger (ポケモンカフェキッズプレート〜ピカチュウハンバーガー).
• Everyone’s Attracted to Eevee Plate (みんなメロメロ♥️イーブイプレート). Claire was also excited to get a mini Eevee plate toy from the Gachapon that matched her meal exactly.
• Say Hello to Eevee’s Royal Milk Tea with a fluffy tail financier (こんにちはイーブイ！ロイヤルミルクティー).
• Gengar’s Confuse Ray Grape Frozen Smoothie (ゲンガーのあやしいひかりスムージー).
• Everybody’s Favorite Pikachu Plate (みんなだいすき！ピカチュウプレート).
• Pokémon Cafe’s Very Chocolate Parfait (ポケモンカフェのベリーチョコレートパフェ).

In addition to the main menu, there are special-themed dishes throughout the year. During our visit, they were highlighting Jirachi, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and Chinese-style set menus.

• Pikachu Chinese Restaurant’s Set Menu featuring Pikachu’s Veggie Meaty Ramen and Pancham Bun (ピカチュウ飯店のピカチュウ五目ラーメンとヤンチャムまんセット).
• Fuecoco’s Apple Soda Float (ホゲータのアイスクリームソーダ〜アップル).
• Jirachi’s Stars and Sweets Set (ジラーチの星つなぎスイーツセット).

Attached to the Pokémon Cafe is Pokémon Center Tokyo DX on the fifth floor of Nihonbashi Takashimaya East Building.

This shop has shelves lined with stuffed animals, cards, stationery, home goods, food, and limited edition items.

Nissan Crossing

On our first day, we stopped by Nissan Crossing in Ginza Place. It is near Ginza Station with an exit (A5) just outside the building.

This two level Nissan showroom focuses on the latest technology and gives you a chance to see and learn about a few concept and classic cars up close.

The kids enjoyed visiting here so much, we went back a couple of days later with Marc of No Recipes!

Crossing Cafe

Along with the cars on display, Nissan Crossing has a fun café on the second floor.

The menu (in Japanese and English) has coffee and tea drinks (iced or hot) and even hot chocolate, soda, and caffeine-free options. The iced matcha latte was so refreshing and perfect for taking a moment to relax during the afternoon jet lag.

The cafe has a edible-ink printer to personalize the drinks with images of cars, selfies, or another favorite photo. Claire decided on a picture of Olivia for the top of her lemonade.

Komeda Is

Before our trip, I received a copy of The Vegan Guide to Tokyo. Komeda Is (コメダイズ 東銀座店) in Ginza Shochiku Square / Tsukiji Shochiku Building was one of the recommendations.

It was only 550 meters (0.3 miles) from Nissan Crossing and such a fantastic lunch.

Komeda Is has a 100% plant-based menu with indoor seating and easy ordering in Japanese or English via individual tablets at the table. 

I ordered the recommended Soyハムカツホットサンド (Soy Ham Cutlet Sandwich) and アイスオーツミルクコーヒー (Iced Oat Milk Coffee). They were both so so good.

We also loved the プラントベースミックスサンドイッチプレート (Plant based mixed sandwich plate), 大豆ミートのボロネーゼ (Soy Meat Bolognese), トーストとトッピング (Toast with toppings- jam, ogura red bean paste, and cream cheese), and 小松菜とバナナのスムージー( Komatsuna and Banana Smoothie).

Red˚ Tokyo Tower

Evan requested Red Tokyo Tower after seeing videos online and it ended up being a favorite for the kids. This indoor entertainment center was also perfect for a 100˚F (38˚C) day.

As the name suggests, Red˚ Tokyo Tower is located inside Tokyo Tower. It opened in April 2022 and is Japan’s largest eSports park.

VR and other high tech attractions are spread across the 3-5th floors with a separate admission area on the first floor.

The closest transit stop for us on the Oedo Line was Akabanebashi Station (赤羽橋駅), then a 600 meter (0.4) mile walk north.

Opening hours and final admission vary based on the day, so check the official website for more information.

We spent about 3 hours here, but could easily have stayed longer. A Red Passport (RED°パスポート) includes re-entry up to 1 hour before closing. They also have a discounted Night Passport (ナイトパスポート) for entry after 17:00.

Each floor focuses on a separate concept with plenty of options for ages ranging from elementary school to adults. There may be height limits on specific attractions.

We spent the most time at Red˚ E-Motor Sports, Table Soccer, Valo Climb (AR rock climbing), and Bug Hunter using an AR motion sensor.

Other highlights include a board game area, survival games, jump rope running, escape action games, drone obstacle races, and tower tag.

Outside food is not allowed, but there are vending machines and a couple of food options.

Red Shokudo is on the first floor with set meals. You can also leave to eat nearby and come back.

Red Stand on the fifth floor. They have a few drinks, hot dogs, taiyaki and other snacks. We got the plain Hot Dog (ホットドック) and RED°Chicken and Basil Dog (RED°チキン＆バジルドック) for a light meal to hold us over until dinner.

Zōjō-Ji

Zōjō-ji (増上寺) is a Buddhist temple a short 350 meter (0.2 mile) walk east from Tokyo Tower. Its history dates back to 1393 and it was moved to the current location in 1598 when it was selected by Tokugawa Ieyasu as their family temple.

The main gate (Sangedatsumon) was built in 1622. It is the oldest surviving wooden building in Tokyo and an Important Cultural Property. This temple is also home to the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns and a Treasures Gallery with a model of the Taitoku-in Mausoleum in the basement floor.

Pokemon Bento

To pair with this post, we put together a Pokemon Bento inspired by our time at the Pokémon Cafe!

This fun themed lunch has a rice base with Pikachu and Eevee-shaped omelets, fried chicken, cherry tomatoes, and flower shaped purple sweet potatoes and carrots.

Begin by placing a divider in the bento and fill one side with the freshly steamed rice. The bento box I used for this recipe came with a plastic divider, but you can also use silicone molds or liners.

I topped the rice with a little Noritama Furikake (egg and nori rice seasoning). This is completely optional. I happened to have it on hand.

I filled the other half of the bento with cherry tomatoes, karaage, pieces of ham, and carrots/purple sweet potatoes.

Flower Vegetables

To add a little extra decoration, I cut the raw carrots and steamed purple sweet potato slices in to flowers.

Try to use a carrot wide enough to fit the entire vegetable cutter. The stainless steel vegetable cutters I have are about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide.

You can simply cut out the flower shapes with the cutter or create a little more dimension by carefully slicing on the diagonal from the center of each carrot petal toward the side about halfway down through the thickness.

Steam the sweet potato until tender and allow to cool before cutting into flowers.

Save the leftover carrot pieces by dicing and refrigerating in an airtight container for up to a couple of days. I like to sauté them in meat sauces or use for fried rice.

Ham Flower

Since I used only two small circles of ham for Pikachu’s cheeks, I formed the rest of the slice into a couple of ham flowers to keep from wasting it.

You can make the pieces bigger or smaller based on the size of the ham slice.

Fold the ham in half and cut small slits along the folded edge, taking care to not cut all the way across to the other side. Roll the ham slice up short side to short side with the folded, sliced pieces facing up. Assemble in the bento along with the cherry tomatoes and karaage.

Karaage

Claire picked Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) for the other part of the Pokemon Bento. This is completely optional or you can swap for another favorite meat or vegetable filler.

For this particular lunch, I used store-bought Karaage to save some time. If you want to make it at home, I have a recipe for Karaage in my Karaage Don (Japanese Fried Chicken Bowl).

Pikachu and Eevee Eggs

I formed the Pikachu and Eevee in the Pokemon Bento using thin egg yolk crepes. The Pikachu base comes together with simply egg yolks and a pinch of salt. To get the darker color for Eevee, I added a splash of dark soy sauce and a little flour to hold it together.

In a small bowl, beat together the two egg yolks and a pinch of salt (or flour and soy sauce for Eevee) with a fork. Do not use a whisk. It may create too many air bubbles.

Place a small, non-stick pan over low heat and lightly grease with a thin layer of oil.

Once heated, add the beaten egg yolks, tilting the pan to form a thin layer. Remove the pan from heat. Once the top is nearly set, flip to let the residual heat finish cooking the other side.

Remove from the pan and set aside until cool enough to handle.

Use a small, sharp knife to cut out pieces of the yellow egg crepe in the shape of Pikachu’s head, body, tail, two hands, and two ears and the brown egg crepe in the shape of Eevee’s head, body (I also added feet to this), ears, and tail. I did this by hand, but you can also draw a stencil first as a guide. Make sure the pieces are small enough to fit across one side of the rice in the bento.

Assemble the pieces side by side over the rice.

I like to shred and refrigerate the excess egg pieces in an airtight container to use as a garnish in soup and noodle dishes.

Pikachu and Eevee Details

To add the details to Pikachu and Eevee, I used slices of nori, ham, and mozzarella cheese. You can also go with other white cheese slices as long as it doesn’t tear easily.

Use the nori to cut out the eyes, nose, mouth, ears (plus eyebrows and lines on feet for Eevee/base of tail for Pikachu). Transfer over the assembled egg crepes using tweezers.

Cut out two small circles of ham for Pikachu’s cheeks.

Form Eevee’s tufts of fur around the neck and on the tip of the tail from the mozzarella. I also pulled off tiny circles of mozzarella for the detailing on each eye.

Bento Food Safety

Be sure to follow food safety guidelines when packing your Pokemon Bento. I don’t recommend assembling this particular lunch for later. The Pikachu and Eevee are very fragile.

When handling the ingredients, use clean utensils and gloves. Wash everything well and avoid touching items with your bare hands. I personally find chopsticks and tweezers easier for placing small decorations and assembling the small details on Pikachu and Eevee.

Pokemon Bento Recipe

Adapted from Little Miss Bento

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5 from 6 votes

Pokemon Bento

A recipe for a Pokemon Bento inspired by our time in Tokyo! Rice is paired with Pikachu and Eevee-shaped omelets, fried chicken, and vegetables.

Course Main

Cuisine Japanese

Keyword bento, carrot, chicken, eevee, egg, karaage, lunch, pikachu, pokemon, rice, sweet potato

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 1 Bento

Ingredients

• 1/2 purple sweet potato cut into 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeter) slices
• 1 cup (200 grams) freshly steamed Japanese white rice
• 5 cherry tomatoes halved
• 2 Karaage Japanese fried chicken
• 1/2 carrot

Egg Crepes:

• 4 large egg yolks divided
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 sheet nori
• 1 slice ham
• 1 slice mozzarella cheese

Instructions

To assemble the Pokemon Bento:

• Fill a wok with water, keeping it low enough to not touch the bottom of the steamer.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
• Arrange the purple sweet potato slices in a steamer basket lined with parchment. Cover the basket and place in the wok over the steaming water.
• Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, remove the cover, and set aside to cool.
• Place a divider in the bento and fill one side with the freshly steamed rice.
• Place two small silicone cupcake molds in the other half of the bento, filling one with the cherry tomatoes and the other with the karaage.
• Peel the carrot and cut into 1/4 inch (6 millimeter) thick slices.
• Use a flower-shaped vegetable cutter or use a small knife to cut each slice into a flower shape.
• If desired, use a small knife the cut at an angle from the center of a petal down towards one side to create a more detailed pattern.
• Repeat with the cooled sweet potato slices to make purple sweet potato flowers.
• Assemble the flowers in the bento over the cherry tomatoes and karaage.

To make the Pikachu Egg Crepe:

• In a small bowl, beat together 2 egg yolks and a pinch of salt with a fork (not a whisk to avoid excess air).
• Place a small, non-stick pan over low heat and lightly grease with a thin layer of oil.
• Once heated, add the beaten egg yolks, tilting the pan to form a thin layer. Remove the pan from heat. Once the top is nearly set, flip to let the residual heat finish cooking the other side.
• Remove from the pan and set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Use a small, sharp knife to cut out pieces of the egg crepe in the shape of Pikachu's head, body, tail, two hands, and two ears. I did this by hand, but you can also draw a stencil first as a guide. Make sure the pieces are small enough to fit across one side of the rice in the bento.
• Assemble the Pikachu pieces as desired over the bed of rice on either the left or right side.

To make the Eevee Egg Crepe:

• In a small bowl, beat together another 2 egg yolks with the flour and dark soy sauce until smooth.
• Place the small, non-stick pan back over low heat and lightly grease with a thin layer of oil.
• Once heated, add the beaten egg yolks, tilting the pan to form a thin layer. Remove the pan from heat. Once the top is nearly set, flip to let the residual heat finish cooking the other side.
• Remove from the pan and set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Use a small, sharp knife to cut out pieces of the egg crepe in the shape of Eevee's head, body (I included two feet), tail, and two ears. I did this by hand, but you can also draw a stencil first as a guide. Make sure the pieces are small enough to fit across one side of the rice in the bento.
• Assemble the Eevee pieces as desired over the bed of rice next to the Pikachu.

To decorate Pikachu and Eevee:

• Cut out a small square of nori to fit over the part of the tail that connects to Pikachu's body. Use tweezers to place it.
• Cut out two more small triangle pieces of nori to create the tips of Pikachu's ears and place with tweezers.
• Use a punch or small sharp knife to cut eyes, nose, and mouth from the nori and use tweezers to place over Pikachu's face.
• Use a punch or sharp knife to cut out two small circles from the ham slice for Pikachu's cheeks.
• To use the rest of the ham slice- fold in half and cut small slits along the folded edge, taking care to not cut all the way across to the other side. Roll the ham slice up short side to short side with the folded, sliced pieces facing up. Assemble in the bento along with the cherry tomatoes and karaage. You can also cut the ham slice in half first to make two smaller flowers.
• Use a sharp knife to cut out two small ovals from the nori to fit inside Eevee's ears and place with tweezers.
• Use a punch or sharp knife to cut Eevee's eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and nose from the nori and place over Eevee's face.
• Cut out four thin, short lines of nori and use tweezers to place two on each of Eevee's feet.
• Cut out four very tiny circles or pieces from the mozzarella slice and use tweezers to place one on the upper part of each nori eye.
• Use a sharp knife to cut out the tip of Eevee's tail from the mozzarella and transfer over the egg piece.
• Cut out three more rounded pieces of the mozzarella and place in the section of Eevee where the head connects to the body.
• Serve the Pokemon Bento immediately.