Maid cafes are one of the most popular attractions in Akihabara, but what are they exactly? Maid cafes are a type of cosplay restaurants where waitresses dressed as maids treat customers as masters. Because the increasing popularity has led to a fiercer competition, many new subcategories appeared which makes it difficult to define them as a whole.
In theory, there are three main categories: izakaya – classic, bar and entertainment cafes. The classic cafes are the ones where you can relax and enjoy talking to waitresses dressed as French maids, while in bars you can sing and relax with a drink while watching the maids perform. The entertainment cafes are the biggest category and it includes all cafes with a certain theme or game and karaoke activities.
The waitresses are usually young, attractive women portraying a cute character, much like those you see in anime. To add to the image, their costumes are usually very bright and colorful versions of real-life uniforms. They usually perform on a stage and some even have original songs you can’t hear anywhere else.
On their home page, you can check the payment system, menu, overall atmosphere and maids working there.
As you may read there, in some cafes, you can get some extra services such as spoon feeding, ear cleaning, and massages. There are also fun activities like playing a board game or singing karaoke. Just be careful because this kind of services cost extra fee which can get pretty high.
It is important to add that, no matter how innocent the waitresses look, there are many cafes which purpose is to rip you off. The initial cost is reasonable but they add a lot of extra charges and the price skyrockets quickly. That why we suggest you keep to the unofficial main street if you want to experience different styles of cafes.
Maid cafe street
Most of the cafes have their own home page where you can check the payment system, the overall atmosphere and maid working there. Also, they mostly have their original songs you can’t hear anywhere else.
In this street, you have buildings with a few cafes inside.
For example, here you have four cafes, each on a different floor.
Maideamin
Maidreamin is a classic maid cafe chain which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The maids are dressed in adorable white and blue costumes with pink details. Their job is to bring laughter to customers who visit their ‘land of dreams’. Each of the maids comes from a different background and has many stories to lighten up the mood. You may see them outside the store welcoming the customers. They very friendly and you can lightly say hello if you see them or even ask the way if you get lost.
The cafe is relatively affordable and the visit will cost you somewhere from 1000 to 3500 per person. Meals and desserts are prepared with great attention and are shaped to look like animals. You can check them out on their site.
It is a nice place for beginners who are just getting to know the maid culture and families with children. There is even a wedding plan perfect for an afterparty.
Homepage:
Address:
Zeniya Bld. 3F, 1-8-4, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
There are there more stores in Akihabara!
Takada Chuo-door Bld. 2F, 1-14-1, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
Kyoeki Sotokanda Daiichi Bld. 4F, 4-4-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
Sumiyoshi Bld. 6F, 3-16-17, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
Grand Pirates
Great Pirates is one of the newer cafes that are bringing a twist to the original idea. Here the maids are dressed as pirates and the interior is modeled after a ship tavern. The walls are decorated with savers, gun replicas, ship models and there is a vintage chandelier on the ceiling. You really feel like entering a fantasy world. The only thing is that everyone is a captain here. When you become a part of the crew they will show you the secret treasure.
Good news for ladies is that on weekdays the first charge is free.
If you like their style you can visit one of their cafes with different concepts, too: StarLightNovel and CinderellaLegend.
Homepage:
Address:
Zeniya Bld. BF1, 1-8-4, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
@home cafe
A bit further away you will see ＠home cafe, one of the most popular maid cafe chains.
They focus on entertainment and making the customers feel like they are home. The maids treat you like you have finally found your way back home after a long, tiring trip. However, in this home, magic exists and by saying the magic words together with maids the food gets delicious and the maids stay forever young.
The basic stay is one hour. However, during busy hours the service can get slower but they won’t ask for any extra charge if you stay a bit longer. The focus is on giving the customer the experience they paid for. Also, feel free to talk to any of the maids that pass by your table.
If you visit on your birthday or the day before or after, you will get a free performance, cake, and a commemorative photo. No reservation needed. You just need to have a document with your birthday written on it.
They have the amusement menu where you can choose one of the activities they provide and make your experience even more memorable.
What makes it different is that there are many more female and child customers so female travelers don’t have to worry they will be the only woman there.
Also, the prices are more than affordable and, since you get all the information when you enter the store, there are no unwelcome surprises.
Homepage:
Address:
Mitsuwa Bld. 4~7F,1-11-4, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo,101-0021, Japan
Don Quijote Akihabara Store, 5F, 4-3-3, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
As we mentioned above, the competition is fierce and numerous cafes open and close every year. That is why there are many cafes trying to charm the customers with unique concepts and adorable costumes. We will try to introduce you to as many as we can on this site.
Cure Maid Cafe
Cure Maid Cafe was the first maid cafe to open in Akihabara. It is an anime themed cafe which is well established in the comunity. Therefore it has interesting seasonal collaborations that helped Cure Maid Cafe to stay relevant even now in over-saturated Maid Cafe industry.
Here you can listen to more traditional concerts with maids playing flute or harp. It is a more peaceful and relaxed place dedicated to moe anime culture.
Homepage:
Business hours:
Monday～Thursday: 11：00～20：00
Friday and Saturday: 11：00～22：00
Sunday and Holiday: 11：00～22：00
Address:
3-15-5 GEE! STORE ･ Akiba6F, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
