Maid cafes have been around since the early 2000s, so it’s pretty hard to imagine Tokyo without them. With over 200 maid cafes in Tokyo, you’d think that the hype would have died down by now, but the competition among maid cafes in Tokyo has just increased. But what exactly is a maid cafe?
First established in the otaku haven of Akihabara, a maid cafe is a themed cafe where the server or waitress dresses like a maid and addresses her customers as “master." It may sound bizarre at first, but once you get inside the cafe, you will feel the warm and welcoming ambiance of the cafe.
Of course, each maid cafe in Tokyo has its own concept, which varies from one cafe to another. Among the 6 Best Maid Cafes in Akihabara, there is a cat-themed maid cafe and a Sengoku-period inspired maid cafe, for instance.
Japanese maid cafes have become an international sensation, with cafes branching out and popping one by one in countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and even Western countries like Canada, Mexico, France, and the United States.
Best Maid Cafes in Tokyo
There are hundreds of maid cafes in Japan, and because of their different themes, it can be a totally different experience depending on which cafe you visit.
Here are some of the best maid cafes in Tokyo.
- @Home Cafe
- Maidcafe Pinafore
- Cure Maid Cafe
- Schatz Kiste
- Honey Honey
1. @Home Cafe
@Home Cafe is one of the most popular maid cafes in Tokyo. Everything inside this cafe is painted pastel blue and pink to fully capture the feeling of Alice in Wonderland. The maids all wear white and brown uniforms and will gladly take you to your preferred seats. The cafe’s menu includes light meals and desserts for you to enjoy, and while you’re eating, the maids play games with you. They also hold special events such as birthday parties.
2. Maidcafe Pinafore
The girls of Maidcafe Pinafore don't just wear maid uniforms. This cafe has girls wearing fun outfits like flight attendants, school uniforms, and nurses in addition to the typical maid outfit. Because Maidcafe Pinafore can only accommodate 15 customers at a time with a maximum duration of an hour each, the cafe can get crowded at times, but the maids are very attentive to ensure that everyone is enjoying their time. The cafe’s menu offers delicious meals such as omelet rice, pasta, Japanese curry rice, and cute desserts. Maidcafe Pinafore is popular among both locals and tourists.
3. Cure Maid Cafe
Cure Maid Cafe is the original maid cafe, established in Akihabara, and is still the most popular maid cafe in Tokyo. This European-inspired cafe has the servers dressed up in classic Victorian style maid uniforms. Because of the cafe’s popularity, many game and anime companies hold events here, and if you’re lucky enough to visit the cafe on the day of the event you’ll be in for a surprise, as the theme changes. The cafe’s menu serves different types of tea, cake, and light meals. Every Saturday, they hold live classical concerts so be sure to drop by then!
4. Schatz Kiste
If you prefer a calm and quiet atmosphere, then Schatz Kiste is the Tokyo maid cafe for you. This German-style cafe features a wall of books and even has its own American board game room where you can spend your time playing games with your friends and the maids. If you don’t feel like playing a game, you can read a book or two while you enjoy a cup of tea. The cafe itself is quiet and serene, perfect if you just want to relax. Because the place is small, there is a fee for every 30 minutes spent there, so be mindful of the time.
5. Honey Honey
Honey Honey may be one of the most comfortable and affordable maid cafes in Tokyo. It’s popular with women because Honey Honey has a special service called Ojousama no Sui-tsu Setto which loosely translates to Ladies' Sweets Set. The female customers are also allowed to wear maid uniforms and take photos together with the real servers. This fun maid cafe also offers a simple menu of light meals and rich desserts.
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