How to get a Pokémon Cafe reservation in 2026
The Pokémon Cafe takes reservations only, and the most-wanted slots vanish within seconds of opening. It is one of the most frustrating bookings in Japan because the window is small and precise.
Once you understand the rolling 31-day system and the 18:00 JST release, it becomes a game you can actually win — especially if you also watch for cancellations.
Release schedule
New reservations open every day at 18:00 JST for the date exactly 31 days ahead. Cancelled slots also reappear at unpredictable times.
When it opens in your timezone
Tickets open at 18:00 JST, every day, for the date 31 days ahead.
That is the local clock time the sale opens. Set an alarm, or get a free email alert before it.
18:00 JST is early morning in the Americas and late night in much of Europe. Since a new date opens every single day, being ready at the right local moment matters as much as counting the 31 days. Work out what 18:00 JST is where you are before your target date comes into range.
Step by step
- 1Count 31 days backWant August 20th? Reservations for that date open at 18:00 JST on July 20th. Every day at 18:00 JST, one new day (31 days out) opens.
- 2Sit on the official reservation site at 17:59 JSTHave the date and party size selected, then submit the instant slots appear. Seconds matter.
- 3Watch for cancellationsPeople cancel constantly. Checking the reservation site the evening before your date, and refreshing every 20 minutes, often surfaces a freed slot.
Watch out for
- •The Tokyo cafe is closed for renovations from March to late June 2026 — target the Osaka cafe for that period.
- •Missing 18:00 JST by even a minute usually means the best slots are gone.
- •There is no waitlist — cancellations are first-come, first-served.
Official site: Pokémon Cafe (Osaka)
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance can I book the Pokémon Cafe?
Exactly 31 days. A new day opens each evening at 18:00 JST.
What time do Pokémon Cafe reservations open?
18:00 Japan Standard Time, every day, for the date 31 days later.
Can I still get in if it is sold out?
Sometimes. Cancelled slots reappear on the reservation site, so it is worth checking repeatedly close to your date.