Maid Cafes in Akihabara

As you walk through Akihabara and other parts of Tokyo, you may see females in maid or other costumes advertising one of maid cafes. These cafes offer a unique opportunity for tourists to indulge in a different part of Japanese culture. While there has been some controversy over them, maid cafes are a safe and enjoyable experience. There are a few ground rules and tips you should know before visiting a maid cafe in Japan.
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​Where to Find a Maid Cafe
You can find maid cafes scattered all around Akihabara. Just by walking the main and side streets you may stumble upon a few. You may see advertisements or even an employee of a maid cafe inviting people to come inside.

The Master, Princess, and Maid Theme
When you enter a maid cafe, you will become known as a Master (male customer) or Princess (female customer). The main goal of a maid is to ensure you have a pleasant experience. You will either be paired with a maid or can sometimes choose one. 

Rules of Behavior
There are strict rules in place to ensure the safety and respect of the employees. You are not allowed to have physical contact or ask for personal information. As seen in the picture below, cafes may have other rules such as purchase minimums, limitations on photography, and time limits.

Rules and set options from @home cafe in the Don Quixote store in Akihabara

​Food and Drink Offerings
One of the fun parts of visiting a maid cafe is the interesting food art and drinks served. You can order dishes that are formed in a fun image or object. Japan is known for creative culinary presentations. Even drink offerings can be colorful and interesting. For example, a cappuccino may have a cute image on the top. Ordering a set, or packaged option, will usually save you money rather than ordering each item separately. 

Entertainment
Beside serving food and drinks, maid cafes offer various entertainment options. During your stay, you may have the option to play a game or take a photo with a maid. Other forms of entertainment may include a maid singing a song, doing a skit, or other interactions with customers.

Cover Charges and Wait Times
Maid cafes can be expensive. You should expect a cover charge in addition to food, drink, and other purchases. Even when purchasing a set, you can easily spend $25 to $30 for a short stay. Another issue is the chance of a wait list to be seated. Like many restaurants and bars in Japan, maid cafes have limited seating. Be mindful of a long wait during peak hours.

@home cafe in the Akihabara Don Quixote Store

For more information on @home cafe, visit their website here.

@home cafe Akihabara Cafe inside Don Quixote 5F