There’s no doubt that Japan is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage. And what would a trip to Japan be without exploring the many maid cafes throughout the country?
These cafes are all different, but they all have one thing in common – the opportunity to experience a calm and soothing environment courtesy of a qualified maid. Not only do these cafes provide a relaxing oasis for guests, but they’re also a great way to explore the culture and customs of Japan.
Whether you’re looking to blow off steam or learn about Japanese history and etiquette, a maid cafe is worth visiting!
What is a Maid Cafe?
Maid cafes dot Japan.
And anyone who visits a maid café will tell you the experience is unique. This character is what makes maid cafes popular. Guests are welcomed and served drinks and food by a maid. Staff may even perform concerts for their guests.
They are great places to socialize with other people. You are in for a pleasant visit with themed rooms, like a garden or tea room to boot. Be sure to check one out during your stay!
History of Maid Cafes in Japan
Maid cafes have been around for at least twenty years. The first maid café opened in 2001 in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan.
Legends say that the first maid café in Japan was CURE MAID CAFE, which opened in 2001 in Akihabara. Later, @Home cafe opened in 2004.
Recently many new and unique cafés have opened. The business concept spread throughout Japan, Asia, and then the world. In Akihabara, the maid café mecca hosts so many maid cafes the area has become synonymous with them.
However, some people have made a more profound connection to the history of maid cafes. Geisha were performers who could dance, sing, do calligraphy, and do other artistic and social activities at a top level. The original geisha term translates to “artist” or a “doer of art”. Geishas served as supreme companions – courteous and hospitable.
Geisha even created games they would play with guests. These activities and traits align with what modern maids do at maid cafes. Maids seek to provide a comfortable experience for guests – and depending on the maid café concept – with class.
How Do They Work?
The concept, interactions, and price differ from store to store. Remember, the costs may be higher than in a typical coffee shop. The cafe may tack on a seating charge. A standard maid café may have maids who interact with customers more (ex., Drawing pictures with the customers or making the food magically taste better). Keep in mind: The premium price comes with a unique service.
Ordering food is like western restaurants.
Generally, in cafés, they say isasshaimase (welcome) to the customer who arrives and arigato gozaimashita (thank you very much) to the customer who leaves. However, maid cafés say okaeri nasaimase, goshujinsama (welcome home, master) when the customer arrives, and itterasshaimase, goshujinsama (see you soon, master) when he leaves.
Some tips from a former maid are:
- Don’t take the maid’s picture without permission.
- Don’t touch the maid.
- Don’t ask the maid for her number to date her.
- Learn basic Japanese word and phrases
Top Rated Maid Cafes in Tokyo
Here are the top five maid cafes you need to check out in the capital of Japan:
1. @Home Cafe
Many maid cafes showcase a similar theme. But some go above and beyond.
@home café is one of those places and called the gold standard of maid cafes; the cafe is a short walk from JR Akihabara Station and has several cafes inside.
@home café opened in 2004 and has been going strong for nearly 20 years. The maids in this café are known to exhibit top-notch quality in their food and service. This trait is unique because maid cafes are not renowned for their food quality.
Kawaii Kokkoii Sugoi conducted an interview with Hitomi, the #1 maid at @home, and premium maids at Chimu and Mizukin. All three women share that some of the traits they have that they use to make @home a great experience are:
- Always be “genki” – have energy or health.
- Form a connection with customers by learning some basic English lessons
- Be a passionate maid
These traits helped @home to become famous and have popular maids. If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, the restaurant offers a cozy space to enjoy yourself and a welcoming experience.
2. Cure Maid Cafe
Cure is the first permanent maid café in Akihabara. The maids at this establishment have a unique theme. The maids are Victorian-style maids. If you want a traditional maid experience and less genki, then Cure Maid Café may be for you.
Masato Matsuzaki opened Cure Maid in March 2001 to appeal to otakus. Otakus could come to a place without being judged.
The cafe has been a roaring success and an international phenomenon. We say mission accomplished.
3. Akiba Zettai Ryoiki
Akiba Zettai Ryoiki takes the honor of the world’s first cyber café. Officially known as Abika Zettai Ryoiki A.D. 2045 opened in March 2019 in Akihabara. This maid café is a sci-fi themed café. This place is a locale where maids aren’t maids but are robot cats. The café has a neon décor and displays computer-generated music videos.
Yousuke Yamamoto, who runs the café, says of the theme:
“We thought it was very fitting given Akihabara’s geek image. There are a lot of fans of cyberpunk culture here, so we’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from movies like Blade Runner and Japanese anime like Ghost in the Shell. We were worried that if we went too cyberpunk, it would end up uninviting. We can’t have that in a maid café.”
4. Maidreamin
Maidreamin is a cafe that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of anime or just want to relax after a long day, this cafe has a perfect atmosphere.
Plus, the cosplay photo shoots are a real hit with visitors of all ages. If you’re looking for a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Japan, maidreamin is the place to go!
In an interview with Honey’s Anime, Mariru, a maid at maidreamin, describes why Maidreamin became so popular:
“It’s because there’s a dreamland here. Every person has a dreamland in their heart — it’s not some concept or format that we give you to enjoy by paying the entrance fee. We communicate with each of our guests one by one to add fun and laughter to their dreamland. When we started, our masters and princesses mostly came from Akihabara, but now there are so many tourists coming to see us every day. People come to see our live performances, and families visit us with their little princes and princesses. It’s a truly friendly place for all kinds of people, and that’s the secret of how we’ve continued for 10 years and it’s how we’ll continue for another 10 years.”
5. Akiba Guild
Maid cafes are a popular attraction in Japan for a good reason. They offer a unique experience. Akiba Guild is one of the best maid cafes in the country, and their casino games are a must-try.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional casino games or you want to try a new one, the café has you covered. You can enjoy various games, from blackjack to roulette to poker, with maid dealers who will help you get into the swing of things.
Why You Should Visit a Maid Cafe in Japan
After reading this blog, you will better understand the different types of maid cafes in Japan and why they are so popular. From themed restaurants to those with universal appeal, there is a maid cafe to suit your needs. Don’t wait any longer. Take the first step and plan a trip to Tokyo and visit one of the best maid cafes in Japan today!
