#Japan #Kobe #Hatenacoffee #Experiful

Hatenacoffee Café Opens in Kobe

Kobe is about to experience a unique adventure as the escape room café, Hatenacoffee, opens its doors tomorrow, September 2, 2026. This marks Hatenacoffee's first establishment in Hyogo Prefecture, expanding the popular mystery-solving café trend further across Japan. Managed by Experiful, a company specializing in experiential entertainment and café operations based in Tokyo, Hatenacoffee is set to provide a delightful and mysterious environment for locals and visitors alike.

What is Hatenacoffee?

Hatenacoffee offers a distinctive experience with its theme: "You can't leave without solving the mystery." Upon being seated, customers receive a puzzle alongside their chosen beverage. What sets this café apart is the absence of a time limit, allowing guests to enjoy their coffee while leisurely unraveling the mystery at their own pace. This approach opens doors for everyone, from first-time puzzle solvers to couples, friends, or solo adventurers looking for a new outing. Since the opening of their first location in April 2025, over 30,000 individuals have attempted to solve the mysteries, earning favorable mentions in popular television programs such as Fuji TV's "Mezamashi Terebi" and TBS's "Akko ni Omakase!".

Grand Opening Tomorrow in Sannomiya

Conveniently located just a three-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Sannomiya Station, Hatenacoffee invites you to experience a blend of casual café culture and engaging mystery-solving. This new facility will be the third branch in the Kansai area, following locations in Umeda and Namba. Advance reservations are available, but walk-ins without reservations will also be warmly welcomed.

September's Grand Expansion

Hatenacoffee is not stopping at Sannomiya. Following the grand opening, the café will launch additional locations consecutively: Fukuoka Tenjin on September 11, marking the company's first foray into Kyushu, and Sendai Ichibancho on September 15, extending the experience to the Tohoku region. This September marks the beginning of a significant expansion plan, aiming for a total of nine locations throughout the country, with the goal of establishing outlets in major cities by the end of 2026.

The Venue

The Kobe Sannomiya venue boasts a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere with a dark brown color theme, creating an ideal setting to enjoy rich coffee flavors while tackling intriguing puzzles. It's the perfect spot for a romantic date or a fun outing with friends. The café serves not only delicious beverages but also offers food options to enhance the overall experience.

Key Venue Details:

• - Location: 2-16-16 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0011, Japan (2nd floor, A Building)
• - Access: 3-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Sannomiya Station
• - Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (staff will be unavailable from 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM for a break; during this time, new entries and additional orders will not be accepted, though guests may continue to enjoy their seating)
• - Holidays: Second Thursday of each month (open if it falls on a public holiday)
• - Pricing: Puzzle fee (¥1,650 per puzzle) plus food/drink charges (drinks start at ¥550)

Reservations can be made in advance through the official Hatenacoffee website.

A Message from the CEO

Leo Nagayasu, founder and CEO of Experiful, believes that the richness of life is determined by the totality of one’s memories. He expresses enthusiasm for bringing such unique experiences to the people of Kobe, stating, "You don’t need special preparations; just walk into the café and create joyful memories." He invites the local community to embrace this fresh café experience.

About Experiful

Experiful is dedicated to the philosophy that life's richness is derived from the sum of memories. As a venture focusing on creating memorable moments, they have established several venues, including six Murderey style mystery stores and a range of interactive events across Japan. Featuring in various media outlets, Experiful continues to champion the appeal of experiential entertainment while striving for a society brimming with joyful experiences. To learn more about their projects and reservations, visit Experiful's official website.

Final Thoughts

Excitement surrounds the launch of Hatenacoffee, promising a new layer of entertainment while enjoying a comforting cup of coffee. With locations opening across the country, the mystery-solving café trend is poised to thrive. Join the adventure and find joy within the puzzles!