( CNN ) -- Talk about creative coping mechanisms for being alone -- from the blogger who photographs selfies with his imaginary girlfriend to the company that takes your stuffed animals on vacation without you , Japan appears to be cornering the market on accommodating solo travelers . You can now add the `` anti-loneliness '' Moomin House Cafe to the menagerie of `` wait , what ? '' strokes of Japanese brilliance . We first wrote about the Moomin House Cafe in 2012 , but the cafe went viral a few weeks ago and has since been besieged with customers wanting a taste of its `` anti-loneliness '' magic . CNN 's Yuki Arawaka paid a visit ( see gallery photos ) following the cafe 's new surge in popularity . To save its lone customers from the awkward perils of solo dining , the cafe kindly seats diners with stuffed animal companions called Moomins , a family of white hippo-like characters created by Finnish illustrator and writer Tove Jansson . Moomins are brought to each table so that patrons -- solo or in groups -- can have a turn sitting with them . Weekday mornings are the quietest time , while weekends are packed all day long . Sukiyabashi Jiro : The world 's best sushi bar . Respecting Moomin culture . To honor the characters ' heritage , Moomin House Cafe serves bread made from Finnish rye , and offers food and pastries in the form of Moomin characters . Cafe staff say there have been long lines almost every day since its `` lonely-friendly '' concept went viral . It 's a long overdue turn in the spotlight -- the cafe has been open since 2003 . There are now three Moomin Cafe locations in Japan -- the Tokyo Dome location is especially popular with Dome concert goers . Beloved for their whimsical adventures and diverse array of characters , Moomins are celebrated in their home country of Finland and anime-obsessed Japan . This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of their creator , Tove Jansson , who was born in 1914 and died in 2001 . A Moomin theme park is a popular destination in Finland . Another one is slated to open next year in Japan . Moomin House Cafe , Tokyo Dome City LaQua shop , 1-1-1 Kasuga , Bunkyo , Tokyo ; +81 3 5842 6300 ; 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 11 extremely practical Japan travel tips .
At Tokyo 's Moomin House Cafe , lone patrons are seated with a stuffed animal for company . The cafe is located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, and has been open since 1995. Originally from Finland , Moomin characters are popular in Japan .