Enter the maid cafe. A cafe concept where waitresses dressed in cute uniforms treat you like you are their beloved master (or other role depending on the theme of the cafe). Maids greet customers as “master” and serve kawaii (cute) food and drinks with smiley faces and hearts drawn with ketchup on omelets. Sometimes they perform a song or dance. Maid cafes represent an important part of the modern Japanese subculture and offer a unique taste of otaku life.

A maid with customers in Akihabara.

As otaku culture moved into the mainstream, maid cafes popped up in different forms such as butler cafes (male waiters for female customers), macho cafes, princess cafes, and other role-play establishments that transform your average lunchtime into a surreal spectacle.

Most maid cafes will have a seating charge, which you have to pay even if you don’t order, and most places will require that you make an order as well. Customers are limited to a certain amount of time and have to pay attention to a set of rules. Have to keep things as innocent as possible after all.

In Akihabara, there are tons of options to choose from, and some are more niche (i.e., dodgy) than others. Here are three of the best that are welcoming for tourists.

Cure Maid Cafe

Akihabara’s pioneering maid cafe. There’s much less noise here than other cafes in Akihabara. It’s more of an authentic experience. The maids in their Victorian-style outfits will serve you politely, but there isn’t any singing or dancing. The food is a mix between Japanese and European cuisine, and as a plus, there’s no seating charge. If you’d prefer to have your meal quietly while still enjoying the maid experience, Cure Maid Cafe is a good option.

Maidreamin

This popular chain of maid cafes has sweet, cheerful maids who never seem to stop smiling. Everything is cutesily played up. The maids say, “Welcome home, master!” in Japanese when you come in, sing and dance, draw pictures on your meal, and chant cute incantations with you to make your food more delicious. There are several different cafes in Akihabara. Some feature full-on Valentine’s Day decor and stages for mini-concerts.

@Home Cafe

One the most foreigner friendly maid cafes in Akihabara, @Home Cafe is considered by some to be the gold standard of maid cafes. They were awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2015. Like Maidreamin, the maids at @Home Cafe will greet you cheerfully, sing and dance, but there are also special courses available where you can play games with your mid of choice. It may seem odd, but if absolutely destroying a cute girl in a children’s game sounds like your type of fun then you’ll want to pay a visit.

Everyone has their favorite Godzilla. Whether it’s the prolific and heroic Showa Godzilla, the heel-era Heisei Godzilla, the latest bro-Godzilla from Legendary, or the 1954 OG, you really can’t go wrong. Excluding the 1998 Jurassic Park-knockoff Godzilla from TriStar. He doesn’t count. Regardless, if you’re in Japan, you owe it to yourself to meet the big guy himself.

Find more spots for your Japanese pop-culture pilgrimage in our anime and manga section.

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In stark contrast to other Pokémon Centers around Japan, the Shibuya outlet is a bit… dark. Its black walls and neon lights fall right in line with Shibuya’s reputation for underground fashion and partying.

The incubation chamber holding a captive Mewtwo at the entrance makes it feel like more of a Team Rocket base than your friendly neighborhood Pokémon Center.

Photo by: Peter Austin Shhh, you don’t want to wake him.

Once you’ve successfully snuck past Mewtwo, you’re welcomed by exclusive graffiti-covered clothing and skateboard decks. This is all before entering the actual store where the rest of the (friendlier) Pokémon are.

Wait ‘til you see the Swarovski Pikachu

Photo by: Peter Austin Poke street wear and skateboards.

Of course, the latest generation and fan favorites like Eevee and Pikachu dominate the shop floor. However, every generation is well represented including the entire Caterpie line.

If you’ve been to other Pokémon Centers in Japan, you’ll notice they each have their own stylized Pikachu mascot. The one in Kyoto, for example, has a truly regal Pika decked out in a traditional Japanese kimono. In Shibuya, Pikachu comes rocking two new styles.

One has our favorite electric-type Pokémon covered from head to tail in graffiti. The other style has Pikachu sporting a baseball cap and a can of spray paint ready to tag up more of his buddies. This Pikachu has had enough of his red-capped trainer and is officially sticking it to the man, street artist style.

Photo by: Peter Austin The graffiti artist formerly known as Pikachu.

The store has an awesome Pokémon x Super Mario mashup with classic 8-bit Pokémon models used to create larger 8-bit Super Mario characters on a whole line of t-shirts and bags. The reverse mashup is next door in the Nintendo Store! Go ahead and catch them both. After that, you may as well continue your nerdom pilgrimage over to the Capcom Store. They’re all located in the new Shibuya Parco, which has a whole floor dedicated to otaku culture.

If you just happen to have a ton of extra cash to burn, check out the sparkly and (extremely) expensive Pikachu decked out head to toe in Swarovski crystals. This glorious Pikachu is the crown jewel of a whole Swarovski Pokémon collection. It can be yours for the low, low price of ¥300,000.

Photo by: Peter Austin The most expensive Pokeball on the planet.

To match the dazzling Pikachu, level up your Poké fashion game with a bedazzled keychain or phone case. For the serious Pokémon card players, there are leather and crystal deck cases. Which one will you choose?

Aside from the exclusive merch, the store stocks all the usual Pokémon goods, with trading cards, plates, socks, bags and so much more. If you can imagine a Pokémon on it you can probably find it here.

Feeling hungry after all that shopping? Head over to the Pokémon Cafe for even more Pika cuteness.

Rebuilt in 2019, the Shibuya Parco shopping complex contains a lot more than the luxury stores on the ground floor suggest. With ten floors and an eclectic mix of shops ranging from Gucci to Nintendo, Parco definitely has something for everyone.

Photo by: Peter Austin Find Mewtwo up on the sixth floor in the Pokemon Center!

The floors are separated by theme, but the coolest is definitely the sixth-floor Cyberspace Shibuya which is dedicated to games, manga, and otaku culture. This is where you’ll find Japan’s first and only shops dedicated entirely to Nintendo and Capcom. If that isn’t enough, there’s the Shibuya Pokémon Centre, a Shonen Jump shop and eSports cafe too.

Photo by: Peter Austin Spend a relaxing afternoon on the rooftop terrace after you’re done emptying your wallet.

Inspired by the winding alleyways located all over Tokyo, the “Chaos Kitchen” on the basement floor is not your typical department store food court. Highlights are a very rare vegan izakaya (Japanese pub), an outpost of Shinjuku Ni-chome’s LGBT bar Campy and another pub where you can eat a cicada parfait. Yes, a cicada parfait. We weren’t feeling brave enough to try it on our visit, we’ll leave that up to you.

Photo by: Wikipedia Commons The old Shibuya Parco closed down in 2016 after being destroyed by Shin Godzilla.

The rest of the floors are filled with even more stores, art galleries, a cinema, and a rooftop terrace with aerial views of the city. You can even find the neon letters that made up the old Parco sign. In short, this place rules.

Check out some of the exclusive shops inside below.

Gamers be warned, the Nintendo Store in Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood has a near limitless supply of stuff you never knew you needed.  Like what, you ask? Well, for starters, The Legend of Zelda coffee mugs with a life bar that depletes as the drink inside cools down. Nintendo knows that coffee is the real life force.

Photo by: Peter Austin Link, looking #thicc.

Life-size statues of Zelda’s Link, Animal Crossing’s Isabelle, Splatoon’s female Inkling, and of course Mario, are surrounded by special goodies you can’t get anywhere else. Better empty your bank account and bring an extra-large suitcase.

They even sell whiskey tumblers emblazoned with the Hylian crest, because rescuing princesses warrants a drink or two.

The one and only dedicated Nintendo store in Japan is the centerpiece of Cyberspace Shibuya, located in the Shibuya Parco shopping complex. With a floor dedicated to the likes of Capcom, Pokemon, Shonen Jump, and more, Cyberspace Shibuya is an otaku’s dream.

It’s a me, Mario!

Photo by: Peter Austin Wa-hoo!

As you may expect, Mario is a dominant theme throughout the store. From notebooks, plushies, and keychains to dinner sets and tote bags, no possible souvenir is left behind.

For those adults with an unhealthy obsession with The Legend of Zelda, how about a pair of socks or a business tie with Link on it? They even sell whiskey tumblers emblazoned with the Hylian crest, because rescuing princesses warrants a drink or two.

Photo by: Peter Austin The store has more than just Zelda and Mario goods!

Of course, Nintendo also has plenty of stuff for fans of the less famous games. From Splatoon alone there are Shibuya Crossing styled t-shirts, towels, pins and even a skateboard deck. For something more practical, they stock a whole array of Animal Crossing kitchen goods, including an oven glove so cute you won’t want to actually use it.

Pick up a cuddly Pikmin to throw at your friends, just don’t do it in the store. If you can’t bear to pick a single character, go for the Nintendo Tokyo Collection which has them all.

Nintendo Switch it up

Photo by: Peter Austin Play til your heart’s content.

Even with all of this, the store still has space to dedicate to the Nintendo Switch, with a trial area for you to get your fix. Try out the latest games and drool over all the Switch models on display.

Pikachu and Mario make one hell of a mashup in the shop’s Pokémon x Mario Maker 8-Bit Scramble collection. Here you’ll find loads of Pokémon models made with 8-bit Super Mario blocks. The reverse of this killer mash-up can be found next door in the Pokémon Center!

Find more spots for your Japanese pop-culture pilgrimage in our anime and manga section.

With a life-sized Ryu from Street Fighter preparing to spam Hadouken standing outside, Japan’s first Capcom Store is very easy to spot. Located on the sixth floor of the Shibuya Parco shopping complex, the store is filled to the brim with all manner of Capcom related goods.

Photo by: Peter Austin Hadouken!

Street Fighter, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney—all the popular franchises are here, plus more! Whether you prefer to use your fists, a mega buster, or your keen deductive reasoning to fight baddies, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye.

Inside Tokyo’s Capcom Store

Photo by: Peter Austin Japan’s first Capcom Store.

The store is quite small but the walls are stacked with enough exclusive merchandise to satisfy even the most extreme fan. Socks, mugs, figurines, t-shirts, character cookies—the variety of choices is almost overwhelming.

One wall is completely lined with plushies of all Capcom’s characters. These ridiculously cute soft toys range from palm size to pillow size.

Photo by: Peter Austin Plushies galore.

Not tempted by an adorable Ryu or Ken? Check out the range of stationery goods for something more practical. Set your desk apart from your stale office coworkers with a Mega Man notebook or feather pen.

Capcom… perfume??

The pièce de résistance of the store has to be the perfume. Yes, perfume. If you’ve been wondering what Dante from Devil May Cry or Phoenix Wright smell like, here’s your answer. The character-based perfume sets even come in Monster Hunter versions, if you prefer a wilder aroma.

Take a peek at more of the exclusive goods at the Capcom Store’s official website.

Photo by: Peter Austin A killer photo op.

After shopping you can snap selfies with Ryu, or head over to other dedicated photo spots. In the Monster Hunter section of the store there’s a large Rathalos mural, with a 3D claw for added drama. Armed with the scent of a true monster hunter, wield the over-sized sword and strike a heroic pose to commemorate your visit.

Find more spots for your Japanese pop-culture pilgrimage in our anime and manga section.

• Permanently closed as of Nov. 17, 2019

Photo by: Matthew Coslett Outside the warehouse.

Anata no Warehouse (meaning “Your Warehouse”) is a place that has such a foreign feeling that a visitor could conceivably get cyberpunk culture shock simply from entering. Of course, in the case of this arcade, this effect is intentional. The building is based on Kowloon’s “walled city,” an infamous overcrowded slum that used to exist in Hong Kong. To add authenticity to this illusion, there is a carefully designed layer of grime on everything.

…Make no mistake about it, most people are here to game.

As you take the escalator up from the ground floor into the arcade itself, gradually the sounds of the faux-Chinese townscape melt away and are replaced by the noisy roar of arcade machines. Sure, the unique atmosphere of the location is a big part of its attractiveness, but make no mistake about it, most people are here to game. Each level of the building is dedicated to different types of gamers from pool sharks to people trying to win cuddly toys on the coin drop machines to the UFO catchers.

Photo by: Matthew Coslett Inside the slum.

The main attraction for most visitors is undoubtedly the video games. Unsurprisingly for a venue based on a part of Hong Kong that only exists in the memory for its citizens, its Japanese doppelganger is filled with the type of games that would have been played in Kowloon during the late 80s/ early 90s when the slum saw its final days.

Photo by: Cristina M An iconic scene you walk across.

If you are from the generation that hears names like Spikeout, Darius, Space Harrier, Parodius and Gauntlet and think they sound like the names of exotic cars or designer drugs, then you may not appreciate the gaming experience that Anata no Warehouse has to offer. Most of the more modern games seem almost guiltily on display, tucked into the corner just in case. If you are willing to give retro gaming a try or desperately want to re-experience the 90s; however, you’ll soon find yourself on your next roll of 50 yens, desperately trying to beat that boss.

Photo by: GurtyGurt Arcade time!

This is definitely a place for adults (age limit is 18 and up only). The fifth-floor of the warehouse continues the 90s theme with an internet cafe where you can even get a massage. Alright, then. However, in order to use all the cool facilities inside (like the comic shop with the latest magazines, the Mahjong booths or the darts corner)  you will need to make a membership. You can find more information about the membership here.

Photo by: Ruxandra Florea Front desk area of the internet cafe

In short, Anata no Warehouse is a place with a real sense of time, place and identity. It genuinely feels like it could be a part of a Chinese slum in the late 90s. Admittedly, part of the run-down area that focuses more on more innocent fun than the notorious gambling dens that the real area was known for. While you will have to endure the narrow corridors, neon and noise that both areas were notorious for, the brave of heart will Anata no Warehouse a great place to come not just for the games but also for the experience.

Comiket is the event — and an indescribable experience — for Japanese culture lovers.

Biannually, more than 500,000 attendees, many of them suited up in their favorite cosplay, gather at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba to share their passion for anime, manga, and video games.

What to expect

Comiket, which is short for Comic Market, is the world’s largest fair for dojinshi (self-published manga). Because of their scarcity, goods found at Comiket are highly coveted by collectors. Corporate vendors do attend Comiket but the main allure is the 30,000 independent sellers.

Photo by: Mimi Dietderich The entrance to Tokyo Big Sight for Comiket.

You’ll find novels, manga, artwork, and more all produced by independent artist circles. Some are original, while others are based on original franchises. Content ranges from works for general audiences to those for *ahem* mature readers only.

The Comiket experience

For many, Comiket starts before dawn in an attempt to acquire rare treasures. The moment you enter the convention, panic emerges as you struggle to get your bearings. Countless tables stacked with a plethora of items exclusive to Comiket crowd the convention center.

Most vendors only accept cash, so make sure you bring a fully stocked wallet or you’ll be sorry.

There’s no guarantee that any circle will reprint older works and many tables sell out of their popular items or entire stock before noon! Therefore, any experienced Comiket goer will tell you if you see something you like, don’t hesitate.

Looking for another place to buy anime collectibles?

Know before you go

Photo by: Puramyun31 Dojinshi booths at Comiket 84 in summer 2013.

Comiket lasts for three days in both August and December. Entry used to be free, but from 2019 a ¥500 fee will be charged. We highly recommend buying the Comiket Catalog for ¥2400 also.

The catalog contains a list of vendors, when they will attend, their table number, and an example of their work. The catalog also contains maps for navigating the huge event. Comiket rules, policies, history and how to use the catalog are printed in multiple languages but otherwise, the catalog is in Japanese.

Photo by: Raita Futo Cosplay is encouraged, but make sure you change after you arrive!

For Comiket first-timers, keep in mind that cosplay is welcome and encouraged! However, cosplayers must register (¥1,000 per day) and change inside the venue. Please don’t ride the train in your Sailor Scout uniform.

Most vendors only accept cash, so make sure you bring a fully stocked wallet or you’ll be sorry.

Japan’s bi-annual comic market is worth planning your trip around, so don’t miss out on your chance to browse thousands of original works.

Check out more anime and manga tourism in Japan.

Summer in Japan is synonymous with hot weather, fireworks, and festivals. Yokohama City Council have found a way to combine the best of all three with everyone’s favorite franchise: Pokémon.

‘Pikachu Tairyou Hassei Chu!’ or ‘An Outbreak of Pikachus!’ was first held in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district in 2014 to advertise a new Pokemon movie. As you can imagine, a festival involving hundreds of people dressed up and parading through the streets as a beloved national icon became absurdly popular and has now become an annual event.

In 2015, a bigger, brighter army of yellow Pikachus returned to Yokohama for the event, newly crowned: “Dancing? An Outbreak of Pikachus!” Legions of Pikachus banded together to dance at various performance venues around the city before culminating in the ridiculously adorable parade started the previous year. Fellow Pokémon Eevee was added into the mix into 2018, but Pikachu remains the star of the show.

Spot the Pikachu. The Yokohama Pikachu Outbreak takes place in and around the swanky Minato Mirai 21 district.

The 2019 event will take a page out of the Teamlab: Borderless book, combining projection mapping with LED-clad Pikachus illuminating the night sky! While previous outbreaks took place in the daytime, this year’s festivities will be mainly at night, for an extra magical effect. For a full schedule of the Pika-rific events, check the Pikachu Outbreak official website.

Thus far, the Pikachu Outbreak has attracted a total of 3.43 million fans and generated about 800 million yen ($7.7 million) worth of media exposure.

Usually held in the second week of August, ‘Pikachu Outbreak!’ makes for a great getaway for any aspiring Pokemon Masters who have exhausted all their effort on Pokémon Go and are in serious need of some Poké-therapy. Pokégraphers should also keep their well-worn smartphones and attached battery packs at the ready for the mass of photo opportunities that come from a city overrun with sailor Pikachus, hip-hop Pikachus and Hawaiian hula-dancing Pikachus.

How does that phrase go? Only in Japan.

Tokorozawa is drenched in the magical forest atmosphere you’d expect from a fantasy anime. The western Saitama city was the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s widely-loved film My Neighbor Totoro, after all!

Photo by: Saitama Prefecture Serene lakes, hiking trails, and Totoro are all waiting for you in Tokorozawa.

This whimsical woodland is full of hiking trails, serene lakes, and green tea farms only 30 minutes north of Tokyo. You can even meet Totoro in person!

If you’ve ever wanted to escape into a Miyazaki film — and can’t get a ticket for the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo — put Tokorozawa and its Totoro Forest on your travel list.

Totoro Forest

Photo by: Afantfseye Be careful not to get spirited away.

You’ll find the Totoro Forest among Tokorozawa’s Sayama Hills. It’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right into the movie if you visit during summer when the forest is overflowing with lush greenery.

The area is a protected nature reserve funded by donations through the Foundation of Totoro no Furusato (The Hometown of Totoro).

Film director Hayao Miyazaki himself was one of the first to donate to the area preservation fund.

Snap a pic with Totoro at Kurosuke House

The over 100-year-old Kurosuke House was named after the black soot sprites Mei and Satsuki find scurrying around their house in the movie.

Photo by: warmcheaptrips Totoro!

While the house is a bit far from the forest itself, a special guest is waiting for you upon arrival — Totoro himself! Take as many pictures as you want with the huge Totoro statue before exploring the gift shop or continuing on the nature trails nearby.

The house is free to visit, but donations which go to its upkeep are appreciated.

Cycle around Lake Sayama

Photo by: Saitama Prefecture Cycle or stroll along Lake Sayama.

Tokorozawa’s beautiful nature doesn’t stop at the Totoro Forest and Sayama Hills — you’ll also find Lake Sayama and its twin Lake Tama in the neighboring city.

The 10km path around these lakes is popular among cyclists. The lakes are part of the Sayama Prefectural Nature Park, which is scenic and serene in any season.

Cherry blossoms surround the lake in spring, and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on a clear, sunny day.

Sip Sayama Green Tea

Photo by: thingsamiloves How cute!

Just next door to the Kurosuke House is a Totoro-themed green tea farm and cafe called Wada-en (Map) —  in case you haven’t had enough Totoro yet.

Farms, where leaves are harvested for the local Sayama brand of green tea, can be found all across Tokorozawa. If you have a few hours to spare, you can pick tea leaves and learn how to make the tasty drink yourself.