Japan is widely celebrated for its cleanliness and order. They have a welcoming environment for visitors from around the world. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, from temples and shrines to natural wonders, Japan presents experiences that attracts travelers. Yet, like everywhere else in the world, Japan has quirks that contribute to its charm. From unusual game shows, fashion trends, and odd flavored food, Japan is not afraid to offer unique experiences. These quirks, while a little odd, are embraced and often become tourist attractions. Particularly Tokyo’s café culture.
One of the interesting aspects of Tokyo is its café scene. In Tokyo, you can find a remarkable range of cafés, from classic Japanese aesthetics to those unusual themes. These themed cafés not only offer the usual coffee and food, in addition they provide a unique experience. But, just because they are unusual it doesn’t mean it won’t be a good experience.
Tokyo’s Café Culture: Themed Cafés in Tokyo
maidreamin
Location: Akihabara
The ever so popular maid cafés where the waitresses dress up in maid costumes. maidreamin is probably the largest maid cafe chain in Japan.
Maids greet incoming customers and they want to give them the best service. Similarly to any other café, you can order food and drinks. Customers may also pay extra for pictures with the maids.
Visiting a maid café is a must, it’s a funny memory you can look back on.
Macho Café
Location: Nakano
Next, is a complete 180 from the maid cafe. Macho Café is what the name implies, the workers at this café are macho men. Here you can experience what it’s like to be a true macho man. They serve healthy, high protein dishes that promote muscle growth in addition to the usual café menu.
However, if muscle men isn’t your thing. Around Tokyo there are even muscle girl bars where, you guessed it, there are girls with huge muscles.
Soineya: Cuddle Café
Location: Akihabara
Here customers get to sleep with girls. ‘Sleep with’ meaning that they pay to nap on their knees, in their arms, and an expensive offering of cuddling with them.
Probably the most unusual themed café on the list. This café has been open for over 10 years, so there is obviously a market for it.
Cat Café Asakusa Nekoen
Location: Asakusa
Another popular themed café. The cat café has made it worldwide, not just in Japan. Many cat cafés in Japan shutdown because of the treatment (or the lack of) of the felines. But Cat Café Asakusa Nekoen is far from that.
The owner of this café adopted all these cats. Their previous owners abandoned them. You can play with all the cats, and you could actually adopt them and give them a furever home.
The looks of the café is an interesting point. The café looks like a regular bedroom, as if someone actually lives there with the cats. It gives the café a more cozy feeling.
More Traditional Cafés, Here are the best Tokyo Cafés:
Sarutahiko Coffee, The Bridge
Location: Harajuku
Sarutahiko Coffee is a café chain in Tokyo. Each branch has been customized to the area they are in. The most popular branch is at The Bridge near the Harajuku Station where you can overlook the pedestrians below. So if you’re a people watcher, this is a great café to check out.
Since this is a chain café the menu is bigger than those independent cafés. Thus you get a variety of food options.
Kayaba Coffee
Location: Yanaka
A popular tourist destination that is over 100 years old. This is a more traditional Japanese café where you can experience a “kissaten”. A kissaten is a traditional tea room that also serves coffee.
In a kissaten you can expect more traditional seating, music and dim lighting, similarly to a Jazz Club. People nowadays use it to describe more traditional styled cafes, compared to the sleek modern style.
Reissue Coffee
Location: Harajuku
This café is famous for its latte art. You can show them a picture for inspiration or make your own requests for art. You would think that with the amazing art, the coffee might be lacking. However it’s quite the opposite, according to customers the coffee is genuinely good.
The coffee is on the pricier side, but if you’re into latte art or just want to be amazed, it will be worth it.
GYRE.FOOD
Location: Shibuya
This large floor includes a restaurant, deli, bar and café. The owners of this space want customers to enjoy food while thinking of issues in the world, such as climate change and environmental issues.
They designed the area with the concept of circulation. You will find a lot of greenery and especially soil. A vital part of the circulation of life.
The baristas prepare the house-made deli and café menu. Meanwhile, top Japanese chefs prepare the menu for the restaurant which serves French cuisine.
Explore More of Japan’s Culture
Tokyo’s café culture highlights the city’s blend of traditional elegance and modern quirkiness. Additionally, there are much more cafés to visit than the ones listed. Tokyo has a little bit of everything for everyone, and not just discussing cafés.
You have a lot more things to do in Japan than just café hopping, here is some other activities you could plan. Moreover, If you’re a foodie you can check out our list of high-end sushi bars.
