Tokyo | 6 curious concepts from Japan

 

Coming to Tokyo means discovering its districts, temples, parks, numerous restaurants and street food, but that’s not all! Here are 6 curious concept bars and cafés we’ve tried out that are an integral part of Japanese culture.

 

A trip to Japan is in the works, so I invite you to read all our other articles on Japan to help you get organised and make the most of your time there:

• 6 tips for eating cheaply in Japan
• Kyoto, the day I became a geisha
• Recipe: Shrimp and vegetable tempura
• Hiroshima, Miyajima and immersion in a Japanese family
• Kyoto & Nara, 4 days in the heart of traditional Japan
• What to do in Tokyo? Our favourites by neighbourhood

 

1. THE MAID BAR

Here, you’ll plunge straight into the world of Kawaï. The concept is totally offbeat! We come for a drink in a very childlike environment, served by maids from the world of manga. The soubrettes are young girls dressed in maid uniforms who serve you food and drink while entertaining you (songs, shows, entertainment…). Entrance costs are different during the day (¥500/p) and in the evening (¥800/p), and once inside, you’re obliged to either have a drink with sweets or try ice creams in the shape of cats, teddy bears or turtles. Small toys are also available to soak up the atmosphere – we had bunny ears! When it’s time to serve, a great deal of laughter awaits you, along with the little ceremony that goes with it. We’ll leave you to find out for yourself. Please note that photos are not allowed inside and that you are not allowed to touch them. Last but not least, this bar has absolutely no sexual character – quite the contrary. In fact, we were very surprised to find a fairly varied audience: young adults aged 18, but also couples, groups of friends, families and even businessmen who came with their briefcases! So be respectful of them. You’ll find these bars all over the Akihabara district in Tokyo. We tested the Calaugh.

• 

• 

 

2. NEKO CAFÉ

Another curiosity imported to France is the Neko Bar also known as Cat bar. These places of relaxation and calm are popular with Tokyoites! Stressed by their daily lives, they don’t necessarily have the space to own a cat in an apartment, but the Japanese love them, hence the success of these bars. The concept is fun: you drink your coffee for between 30 minutes and 1 hour, while petting cats, in a very zen and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find people quietly reading a book on comfortable chairs or sofas, as well as people working on their computers and groups of friends enjoying a quiet chat. The cats move between your legs, playing with their accessories or resting on their cat trees. You’ll have to take your shoes off at the entrance, wash your hands and pay a minimum consumption of ¥800/p (for the one we tried in Tokyo). After 1 hour, you must pay ￥250 every 15 minutes. In the meantime, the cats can go about their business and you can calmly move around to look at them and stroke them. You’ll find these bars not only in Tokyo, but in every major city in the country. In Shibuya, Hapineko is renowned, so be sure to book a slot. Why did we like it? because this offbeat concept contrasts with the fast-paced Japanese lifestyle!

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

3. THE OWL BAR

An idea that could only come from an eccentric country like Japan. We tested the “Owl Bar” dn the Asakusa district, near the Senso-Ji temple. And to tell you the truth, we were surprised. After paying an entrance fee of ¥890/p, including access with a drink or ice cream, we arrived not at an owl bar but at a mini zoo. We’re greeted by a capybara (a large beaver from Latin America), followed by meerkats, a macaw, squirrels, two pink flamingos and several owls tied to logs. In short, the concept was far from what we had imagined, and made us feel sorry for these animals who had very little space. Owls are animals that fly almost exclusively to hunt, but unlike the cats in the Neko bar, who didn’t seem unhappy, we came away from the experience very sceptical. We were curious but sadly disappointed about the ethics and the location! In the end, it’s not that great!

 

4. THE MODERN SUSHI BAR

Let’s move on from the world of cafés and turn to what we French love – eating! In Japan, sushi bars are a must. You’ll find them at all prices, of course, but when it comes to value for money, we found an absolutely brilliant address, a chain restaurant we tested in Tokyo, in the Shibuya district called UEBOI. Take a seat at one of the counters and place your order in English on the electronic shelves in front of you. You’ll be served at lightning speed! You have a wide choice of maki and Nigiri (with tuna, squid, octopus, salmon, shrimp etc.) for only ¥100 for 2 pieces. Once you’ve placed your order, a small conveyor belt brings your meal to you right in front of you on a small plate. Just pick it up and send it back with the push of a button! It’s fast, inexpensive, tasty and efficient! Depending on the brand, you pay either by the number of plates you have stacked, or by successive orders. Believe us, you’re in for a treat. So don’t miss out, or you’ll be missing out on something truly unique. When will this concept be available in France?

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 

5. TAITO STATIONS

Whether you’re in Akihabara, the mecca of video games, in other parts of Tokyo or in other major cities across the country, you owe it to yourself to visit a Taito station. You’ll find all kinds of games on 5 floors, from pincer games for catching stuffed animals to arcade games, fighting games, car games and the musical games that some Japanese get so excited about. (watch our video overview of Japan). In the spirit of music and very easy to play, with no need to read Japanese, Taiko is a game where you simply tap a drum to the rhythm of the music. I recommend it for two, with friends or as a good old-fashioned game of Mario!

 

6. THE KARAOKE  

Finally, you can’t leave Tokyo without trying karaoke. Prices vary greatly and are often charged by the hour. In Tokyo’s Shibuya district, expect to pay ¥1,250 per person in the evening with unlimited soft drinks, but here’s a little tip: it’s cheaper in the afternoon. In the countryside, prices can drop to ¥400 per person in the evening. You will find song lists in Japanese, of course, but sometimes in English depending on the establishment. Karaoke remains a very popular activity among Japanese people, so if you are travelling with friends or meeting Japanese people, don’t hesitate to suggest it for an even more fun time.