【Akihabara & Ikebukuro】What Are Japanese Concept Cafes "Con Cafe"? Jirai Kei, Maid Cafes, and More

Concept cafes, popularly known as "con-cafes" in Japan, are a unique part of Japanese culture where you can enjoy specific themes such as maids, butlers, or the "Jirai kei" aesthetic in areas like Akihabara and Ikebukuro. In these holy lands of otaku culture, we will introduce the charm of concept cafes where you can experience anime and subcultures, along with our top recommended shops.

*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.

What is a "Concept Cafe"(Con Cafe)? Experience Japanese Subculture!

Have you ever seen girls dressed in maid outfits while walking through Akihabara? Maid cafes, which are incredibly popular with international tourists, are actually a category of "concept cafes."

A concept cafe refers to a cafe or bar that is built around a specific theme or world-building elements, such as maids, idols, Jirai kei, or butlers. Everything from the staff's costumes to the interior decor and service is designed to match a single concept. The main appeal of a concept cafe is the ability to enjoy an extraordinary escape from daily life in a unique atmosphere.

The Origin of "Con Cafes" is the Maid Cafe!

Concept cafes began to spread around the late 1990s and early 2000s, primarily centered in Akihabara, Tokyo. The origin dates back to 2001 with the opening of "CURE MAID CAFE" in Akihabara, which was Japan's first maid cafe.

Following its success, the number of maid cafes grew rapidly. Various other themes emerged, such as idols, students, and Gothic Lolita, leading to the widespread popularity of the "concept cafe" genre. Akihabara, in particular, is known worldwide as the "center of otaku culture" and is lined with a diverse array of these establishments.

How to Enjoy a Concept Cafe and the Pricing System

At a concept cafe, you can enjoy chatting with the staff, have "magic spells" cast on your food, or take photos together. Regular events and live performances are also popular, and there is a culture where regulars support their favorite "oshi" (favorite) staff members.

The pricing system varies by shop, but generally, it consists of a basic fee that includes an entrance fee and a drink, with the option to order additional food or "cheki" (polaroid).

Genres and Types of Concept Cafes! Jirai Kei, Maid Cafes, Butler Cafes, and More

There are many genres of concept cafes, so one of the fun aspects is being able to choose a shop that matches your own interests and preferences.

Maid Cafes: The Holy Land of "Moe" That Symbolizes Japan’s "Kawaii Culture"

Maid cafes are the representative type of concept cafe and are places where you can experience Japan’s kawaii culture. Staff dressed in cute maid uniforms greet you with, "Welcome home, Master, Mistress." When serving food, they cast a "delicious spell"(omajinai) by saying, "Oishiku nare~ moe moe kyun!"(a cute way to say "Become delicious!" in Japanese) and write messages on your omelet rice, creating a fun and entertaining experience.

💓Book a Popular Maid Cafe （KKDay）

Butler, BL, and Danso (Crossdressing) Cafes: Popular with Women for Their Extraordinary Atmosphere!

Butler, BL, and danso (cross-dressing) cafes are concept cafes that are especially popular among women, with many located in Ikebukuro. In butler cafes, staff members treat guests with the utmost courtesy, addressing them as "Young lady"(ojou sama) or "Young Master ."(ojou sama) At BL cafes, you can enjoy the interactions between handsome male staff members. In danso (cross-dressing) cafes, female staff dress in men's attire and serve customers in a gentlemanly manner.

Jirai Kei and Ryousangata Style Cafes: Enjoy Fashion and "Oshikatsu"

Jirai kei and Ryousangata  style cafes are a popular new genre. "Jirai kei" refers to a fashion style using black and pink that is sweet yet "yami-kawaii" (sickly cute). "Ryousangata" is a girly fashion style featuring white, pink, and black with plenty of frills and ribbons. The interiors are filled with cute decorations, and the menus often feature highly "Instagrammable" items. The staff dress in these fashions to create a dark-yet-cute aesthetic world.

Related Article: What are Jirai-kei, Minato-ku Girls, and the Yutori Generation? A Guide to Japanese Fashion Styles and Generational Categories

Anime and Anime Song (Anison Cafes): A Must-Visit for Anime Fans!

Anime and anison cafes are themed around anime and anime songs. Inside, you’ll hear anime songs playing, and the walls are decorated with anime posters and merchandise. You can sing your favorite anime songs at karaoke or chat with others about anime.

Related Article: What is Otagei? Complete Guide to Moves, Techniques, Stick Types, and the Meaning of Calls

Ninja, Samurai, and Japanese Style Cafes: Full of Japanese Charm and Popular with International Tourists

Ninja, samurai, and Japanese-style cafes are themed around Japanese culture and are especially popular with international tourists. At ninja cafes, staff dressed as ninjas will teach you how to throw shuriken and perform ninja arts. Many of these cafes offer English support, so overseas visitors can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

Animal Cafes: Relax with Cats, Hedgehogs, Samoyeds, and Owls

In Japan, there are “animal cafes” where you can interact with not only cats and owls, but also Samoyeds, micro pigs, hedgehogs, and many other animals. These cafes are popular because even people who cannot keep pets can easily enjoy a relaxing time with animals.

Related Article: 9 Recommended Animal Cafes in Japan! Cat, Samoyed, Owl, and Micro Pig Cafés

6 Recommended Concept Cafes in Akihabara and Ikebukuro! Maid Cafes, Butler Cafes, and More

Akihabara and Ikebukuro are areas in Tokyo with especially many concept cafes. Here, we introduce recommended cafes that even first-timers can enjoy.

【Akihabara】maidreamin | Maid Cafe

"maidreamin" is a nationwide maid cafe chain that originated in Akihabara.

The highlight is the live performances by the maids. With an original penlight in hand, you can join in the excitement as the maids sing and dance.

The menu features many cute-looking sweets and colorful drinks. There is also a wide variety of alcoholic beverages and snacks that go well with drinks. There are also birthday and anniversary celebration plans, making it perfect for creating special memories. English menus are available, so international guests can feel at ease. There are also locations in Thailand and South Korea, so be sure to check them out!

• Address: 6F Sumiyoshi Building, 3-16-17 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo (Akihabara Main Store)
• Access: 5-minute walk from Akihabara Station
• Business Hours: [Weekdays] 11:30–23:00 [Weekends & Holidays] 10:30–23:00
• Official Website: https://maidreamin.com/

【Ikebukuro】Butler Cafe Swallowtail | Butler Cafe

Butler Cafe Swallowtail is an authentic butler cafe in Ikebukuro. Upon entering the "mansion," the butlers welcome you as "My Lady" or "Young Master." The interior feels as though you have stepped into the manor of a British aristocrat.

You will find yourself mesmerized by the elegant manners of the butlers. 

During tea time, you can enjoy afternoon tea or light meals like pasta, while dinner time offers full course meals. The menu is meticulously prepared and changes monthly to reflect the seasons.

There is also a wide variety of teas, and with a collection of over 100 cups, the staff will select a cup for you based on the tea you choose or the season, adding to the excitement of the experience.

Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance through the official website’s reservation form.

• Address: B1F Showa Building, 3-12-12 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
• Access: 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station East Exit
• Business Hours: [Tea Time] 10:30–18:15 [Dinner Time] 18:30–21:15
• Official Website: https://www.butlers-cafe.jp/

【Ikebukuro】Ikebukuro Danshi BL Gakuen | BL Cafe

Ikebukuro Danshi BL Gakuen, also known as “Ikegaku,” is a concept cafe in Ikebukuro created for fans of BL (Boys’ Love). It has been featured in videos by famous Japanese YouTubers and on television. The theme is a school where male staff members acting as students and teachers welcome you.

The "BL Menu" is popular, featuring items like the “Mousou Couple Pocky,” where two staff members you choose eat a single Pocky stick from opposite ends, and the “Ecstatic Couple Rice Ball,” where staff eat a rice ball together in a playful, affectionate way.

• Address: Iwashita Bldg. 2F, 3-9-13 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
  *Moving to Ikebukuro E3 Bldg. 2F, 3-9-2 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo starting February 3rd

• Access: 15-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station East Exit
• Business Hours: [Weekdays] 15:00–22:30 [Weekends] 12:00–22:30
• Official Website: https://blcafe.jp/

【Akihabara】Ninja Cafe Sinobazu | Ninja Cafe

Ninja Cafe “Shinobazu” is a concept cafe in Akihabara where ninjas in training serve as staff. When you enter, the ninja staff greet you with “Welcome home, my lord, my princess!” You can try experiences such as board breaking, shuriken darts, and taking commemorative photos in ninja poses.

There are also live performances by the ninja staff, including tile breaking demonstrations. English menus are available, making it a great choice for ninja fans and overseas visitors who want to experience Japanese culture.

• Address: 2F–4F Tsuchiya Building, 1-2-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station
• Business Hours: [Weekdays] 16:00–22:00 [Weekends] 13:00–22:00
• Official Website: https://shinobazu-cafe.com/

【Akihabara】Milk Tears｜Jirai Cafe

“Milk Tears” is a Jirai kei cafe produced by the famous illustrator Yuimisu (ゆいみす） and cosplayer Chimu (千夢).

The interior is decorated in cute pink tones, and you can see staff dressed in Jirai and Ryousangata fashion styles. There is also karaoke, so you can enjoy singing and chatting with the staff.

• Address: 4F Matsui Building, 4-4-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station
• Business Hours: [Mon–Sat] 18:00–23:00 [Sun] 17:00–22:00
• Official Instagram: Here

【Akihabara】 Anison Cafe Stars@AKIBA｜Anison Cafe

Anison Cafe Stars@AKIBA is a dreamlike place for fans of anime and anime songs.

The first floor is a bar, and the basement is a karaoke space where you can enjoy singing anime songs while having a drink. Sometimes, the staff even dress up in cosplay as anime characters. Many events are held every month, including special events focused on specific genres such as "Jump Works (Weekly Shonen Jump) Day," so be sure to check the schedule for your favorite genre.

• Address: Nomura Daiichi Building 1F/B1, 2-23-10 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station
• Business Hours: [Mon–Thu] 18:00–3:00 the next day
                   [Friday & before holidays] 18:00–5:00 the next day
                   [Saturday] 17:00–5:00 the next day
                   [Sunday & holidays] 17:00–3:00 the next day
• Official Website: Here

Concept cafes are places where you can experience Japanese subculture and an extraordinary atmosphere. If you visit Akihabara or Ikebukuro, be sure to stop by a concept cafe that catches your interest.