Akihabara is not a typical district in central Tokyo when it comes to its nightlife. While there are many clubs and bars in other known tourist locations, such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, Akihabara mostly attracts people interested in manga and game culture. This is why you will rarely see regular clubs here, and even they mainly focus on music from Japanese games and anime. For those who like more culture, there are also plenty of maid cafes to choose from.
MOGRA
On weekdays MOGRA is a DJ bar with a repertoire that mostly consists of anime and game songs. DJs from around Tokyo gather here, including Mizukieru, Shanhai Shizuoka, OROCHI, Tonton, Kei. They mix nostalgic, trending and doujin songs. If you bring a CD, you can also request a song.
Once a week, customers get to experience the life of a DJ. DJ booth is open for rent on every Wednesday. Just be sure to reserve in time.
Every first and third Wednesday is a retro and bishojo game night.
Second and third Tuesdays are reserved for retro anime from the 80s and 90s.
Except for Wednesdays, you can request a song on every night as long as you follow the theme.
On weekends nights, they usually have events.
Business hours:
18:00~23:00, closed on Tuesdays
Entrance free of charge
Address:
Mitsubishi Bld. B1, 3-11, Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0016, Japan
Dear Stage
Dear Stage is a performance stage and one of the most popular nightspots in Akihabara. It is a multi-story building where you can watch live performances almost every evening for only ¥1000 (one drink included). On the second floor, there are two bars that charge ¥700 per hour.
Performers consist of vocaloids, aspiring idols and anime voice actors hoping to get discovered. Most of the performances are of anime songs in costumes.
Also, customers to get served by these talented people and have a chance to get to have a quick chat. You can even be served by vocalic but only through a TV screen.
What makes it different from a regular maid cafe is that the prices are noticeably lower and there is enough space for the audience to dance. You will see many fans cheering and dancing with their favorite performers.
Homepage:
Business hours:
18:00-22:50
Weekend and Holidays:
17:00-22:50
Address:
DEMPA Bld. 3-10-9, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
GAME BAR A-Button
A-button is a retro game bar perfect for releasing stress after a busy day. Many customers come alone and talk about games with each other. It is a fun place to have a couple of drinks surrounded by retro game paraphernalia. The drinks are a bit more expensive but you get access to all game systems in the store.
They have dozens of game consoles produced in Japan that customers are allowed to play with. However, you won’t find any Nintendo and Sony systems. Customers can bring their own games and consoles, too.
Homepage:
Business hours:
17:00~00:00
Closed on Mondays
Address:
1-13-9, Taito, Taito-Ku, Tokyo, 110-0016, Japan
GIRL’S CAFE TOKYO Akihabara
GIRL’S CAFE TOKYO Akihabara is only 3min from Akihabara station. It is a place where you can sing karaoke or play darts with staff which consists of girls ages 18-25. Since it is opened until morning, it is a pretty affordable place to wait for the morning train. or for an after party.
Homepage:
Business hours:
20:00~02:00
Address:
MT Bld. 10F, 4-7-7, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
SHINOBAZU CAFE
It wouldn’t be a real list about Akihabara nightlife without including a single maid cafe. Shinobazu Cafe is is a cafe bar where all female staff dresses as anime-inspired ninjas. Upon request, they can perform a board-breaking performance or help customers experience throwing a ninja star. Also, there are live singing and dancing performances in the evening.
The customers are treated as lords and princesses. However, you can rent a ninja costume for a few hours and experience being a ninja, too.
Homepage:
Business hours:
15:00~22:00
Saturdays:
12:00~22:00
Address:
Tsuchiya Bld, 2F-4F, 1-2-3, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
