Calling all anime fans, if you’re local to Los Angeles or plan to visit before the end of July, there’s an experience you simply cannot miss. This summer, fans of the global anime phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba will have the chance to step into the world of Tanjir and the Mugen Train through a limited-time collaboration at Bearology Temple City, presented by Boba Bear in partnership with Aniplex of America.
Demon Slayer × Boba Bear is an officially licensed experience. The popular beverage lounge has transformed into a fully immersive, anime-inspired pop-up where guests can take in Mugen Train-themed décor, exclusive drinks and collectibles, and interactive activations that bring the Demon Slayer universe to life.
“Boba Bear has always been about culture, creativity, and community,” said Teddy Zou, founder of Boba Bear. “We’re thrilled to partner with Aniplex of America to give fans a new way to engage with their favorite series while enjoying our signature drinks and brand-new themed menu.”
Demon Slayer x Boba Bear Highlights & Review
Easily the highlight of the experience, besides the Demon Slayer décor, is the themed beverage menu. The drinks are inspired by beloved characters. Guests can choose from:
- Tanjiro’s Gentle Resolve (green apple mint tea)
- Nezuko’s Sweet Bloom (strawberry lychee milk tea)
- Zenitsu’s Thunderbolt Zest (yuzu passionfruit lemonade)
- Inosuke’s Boar Charge (hot hazelnut coffee)
While I sampled all four, my favorite is the hazelnut coffee. I am a coffee lover, so that was an obvious choice for me. All four are delicious, with the lemonade offering a great option for those who cannot have caffeine or do not want it. My children said that was their favorite.
The Demon Slayer-inspired food available is:
- Mugen Gyunabe bento boxes
- Tanjiro sword churros
- grilled onigiri
The bento boxes are the star of the food items. It might not look like a lot, but all four of us could not even finish it. There is a lot of rice, which soaks up the great flavor of the beef. The onigiri is great as well. While the sword churros are good, ours were a little hard and difficult to eat.
Besides being able to keep your Bento Box, there is merchandise available for purchase.
- The Nichirin Tumbler, a strawless collectible with a sword-shaped window that reveals your fighting style based on your drink selection – each one channeling a slayer’s elemental affinity. Each tumbler includes a randomly selected credit card skin, and yes, there is an exclusive variant. $25
- The Nezuko Mug, designed after Tanjiro’s woven travel pack, reveals a hidden image when filled with a hot beverage. $25
- Channel the spirit of the Kamado siblings with this exclusive Demon Slayer apron, featuring a split design inspired by Tanjiro’s iconic green checkered haori and Nezuko’s delicate pink hemp pattern kimono. $50
What pop-up would be complete without photo ops? Placed around the “train cart” are standees of your favorite Demon Slayer characters. There are also in-store games including Rengoku’s Flame Trial, Fuku & Tomi’s Bento Stall, and the Dream Infiltration Group Game.
One of the really fun things about the experience is the themed train tickets. When you enter, you receive a collectible train ticket upon entry and have the option to earn custom stamps through various in-store activities, redeemable for exclusive rewards.
There are six stamps to earn. Here’s how:
- Trying all the food
- Catching all ten dropping cylinders during one of the games
- Returning for a second time
- Winning the group game
- Losing the group game
- Spending $100
If you collect all six stamps, you get a Demon Slayer mini backpack.
If you are a fan of Demon Slayer, or anime in general, and are able to visit, I highly recommend that you do. The food and drink do not disappoint, and while the group game was not available during the media preview, it is sure to be a good time, celebrating your favorite anime with other fans.
Cosplay is encouraged, and there are plenty of great photo opportunities. It truly feels as if you are stepping onto the Mugen Train.
Demon Slayer x Boba Bear operates seven days a week, from 11 am to 11 pm at 5805 Rosemead Blvd, Temple City, CA 91780. The activation will run for two months only, until the end of July.
The experience will also appear at major anime and night market events including Anime Expo LA, 626 Night Market, and Foodieland throughout the summer.
Learn more here.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She owns Mama’s Geeky, but also is a freelance writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for more than ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association. Her passion for film, television, video games, and comic books started when she was a little girl and has only continued to grow.