The popular Rilakkuma-themed café makes its heartwarming debut in Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Team

Long-awaited by Rilakkuma fans, Japan’s ultra-popular bear has finally unveiled its first-ever themed café. It began soft operations on September 1, 2015, in Taipei, with an official grand opening on October 2. Amid the bustling streets of Taipei’s East District, stepping into this café feels like entering Rilakkuma’s dreamy kingdom — a rare and precious urban oasis that offers tranquility amidst the hustle. The café is filled with Rilakkuma’s presence everywhere, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in a healing, stress-relieving atmosphere surrounded by the adorable bear. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back, leisurely time.

Rilakkuma Café doesn’t rely on flashy décor but instead offers a naturally healing warmth and a commitment to quality. The clean white walls dominate the color scheme, and right at the entrance, you’ll be welcomed by the ever-popular Rilakkuma “store manager.” Take a closer look at the white metal lattice wall on the left side of the door — the delicate blue patterns are inspired by the dots inside Rilakkuma’s zipper, hiding his little secrets. Every detail in the café allows you to feel Rilakkuma’s boundless enthusiasm and the owner’s thoughtful design. There’s no excessive embellishment, yet the service is exquisitely refined. Moreover, at the entrance, on the counter, and even in the photo area, there are six large character plush toys — including Rilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and the little chick — waiting to greet fans and pose for photos.

The space of Rilakkuma Café includes a product display area flown in from Japan, a comfortable and spacious dining area, and a Rilakkuma sofa photo zone that will delight both adults and children. The café’s tableware is custom-made, and every seat comes with fluffy Rilakkuma-shaped cushions and plush toys. Even the wall decorations featuring Rilakkuma character goods and all the products sold in-store are flown in from Japan — showcasing the owner’s meticulous attention to detail.

Arthur, General Manager of Good Food International Culture Co., Ltd., said: “The birth of Rilakkuma Café is not just about fulfilling my own dream of owning a café, but also realizing the dream of my wife Mollie, who is a huge Rilakkuma fan. We hope to provide every guest with the most comfortable and spacious dining environment. We spared no expense to create an 80-ping dining space in the high-priced East District. Unlike other theme restaurants with their cute and compact styles, we focus on a fashionable and minimalist design using white and natural wood tones to create a home-like, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere. Every unique design and thoughtful detail in the café is the result of many heartfelt discussions between Arthur and Mollie. Seeing customers affirm our ideals and beliefs, and witnessing their happy expressions while dining, Arthur says it’s all worth it.”