Step into a storybook at Hattifnatt Kichijoji (ハティフナット), a whimsical “picture book cafe” that feels like a secret hideout for adults and children alike. Located just a short walk from Kichijoji Station, this enchanting space is famous for its tiny 130cm entrance door, requiring guests to “shrink” like Alice in Wonderland to enter. Inside, every inch of the multi-story wooden interior is covered in vibrant, hand-painted murals of forest animals and fairytale creatures created by the artist duo Marini Monteany. Whether you are climbing wooden ladders to cozy loft seating, sipping a kawaii latte art creation, or enjoying their signature taco rice and homemade chiffon cakes, Hattifnatt offers a magical escape from the Tokyo bustle. It is the perfect companion to a day spent at nearby Inokashira Park or the Ghibli Museum.
About Hattifnatt Kichijoji
Climbing up the Ghibli-style stairs is the first thing you will experience at Hattifnatt Café. When you reach the top of the stairs, it will feel like you have walked into a wonderland. The entire space is decorated with numerous cute images and characters!
The café has three stories. The ground floor is the kitchen. A private room is also on the first floor. Its main dining area is on the second floor. If you would like to sit on the ground, climb further up to the loft area.
The wallpaper is the work of the famous Japanese picture book artist couple, Marini & Monteany (マリーニ・モンティーニ). The husband is responsible for drawing animals, while his wife draws children.
The toilet door is another small door you will need to walk through. But the painting on the wall next to the door might stop you from making another step. The little bear and the little girl peeking behind the trees look so innocent!
Just note that the space in the loft area is particularly narrow. Parts of the ceiling are low, and parts of the café are particularly narrow. But the person who designed this interior smartly leveraged this disadvantage to give the loft area a secret base vibe. Together, Hattifnatt is like a café built for elves!
The Food at Hattifnatt and the Cafe’s Handicraft Shop
Obviously, the café won’t have many repeat customers if the food doesn’t taste good. The light meals are incredible, and the desserts are almost works of art that taste like those served in a Michelin-starred café! The latte art there is also top-notch. And the best thing is, there are a couple of vegetarian options!
Passing through the small gate and climbing the stairs, the friendly staff will properly greet you on the second floor, making customer service at Hattifnatt great. If you don’t read Japanese, an English menu will be provided. When you are ready to order, scan the QR code and select your payment method. English notation is available for each menu item. If you need help, ring the bell on the table, and the staff will be with you shortly.
Just note that it is a popular spot, so the wait for your food can be long. In fact, there is usually a queue to enter. Please allow enough time for your visit.
Next to Hattifnatt, there is a store that looks just like the café. It is where you can find works of Marini & Monteany and other handicraft makers. Check out the accessories, cards, and other miscellaneous goods as you wait for your order!
Our Visit to Hattifnatt Café
We got to Hattifnatt on a rainy day. While rain isn’t usually welcome when someone is on a trip, it didn’t bother us much because we were under the café’s roof!
We were the second group to arrive at the café before it opened. This gave us enough time to take photos in the gorgeous café without strangers in the background. We also got to choose our seats. Although the loft area was tempting, we ditched it as we anticipated painful butts after sitting on the ground for a few hours.
As we didn’t expect Hattifnatt to have any vegan/vegetarian options, we had a few rice balls from Omusubi Gonbei while we waited for the café to open. Surprisingly, the taco rice’s meat sauce was made with soy meat, making it a vegan dish. As we take dairy, we also ordered a Margarita pizza. Both dishes were incredible. There was even an option to increase the brown rice for the taco rice, which we took!
What I found interesting was Hattifnatt’s dumbwaiter. In keeping with the café’s theme, the small freight elevator had to be pulled up and down manually. While the staff would have sore arms after a while operating the wooden dumbwaiter, I really wanted to give it a try (´▽｀*).
Hattifnatt’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Hattifnatt is open from 11:30 am to 9 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- It also closes on the 3rd Tuesday.
- The last order is taken at 8 pm.
- The cafe is a 6-minute walk from Kichijoji Station’s south exit.
Other Must-Visit & Unique Cafés in Kichijōji
While Kichijōji is in Tokyo, it has a different vibe. Hidden in the urban jungle are many unique cafés and dessert places that we highly recommend. Stop by any of the spots mentioned in the article and take a rest from your exploration of the area. We are sure you will be pleasantly surprised by the food and dining experience that any one of them provides!
For more information, refer to our article on The Best Guide to the Must-Visit & Unique Cafés in Kichijōji.
Discover the Attractions in Kichijōji
Now you know where to go for a meal, it is time to discover the attractions in Kichijōji. The neighborhood rated “The Most Desirable Area to Live” is great for almost everything. It is also home to the famous Ghibli Museum!
For more ideas on what to do in the area, refer to our Kichijōji article!
