"Concafe" is an abbreviation for "Concept Cafe," referring to cafes that differentiate themselves by embracing a specific theme to stand out from other cafes. While they have "cafe" in their name, most Concafes also serve alcohol and operate as a "Cafe & Bar" hybrid.
So, you might be wondering, "Are Maid Cafes also a type of Concafe?"
Absolutely, you're right. Maid Cafes fall under the category of "Concept Cafes" with the theme of "maids."
Since the appearance of Maid Cafes in Akihabara over 20 years ago, a variety of Concept Cafes have emerged, extending beyond the realm of "maids." In recent years, Concept Cafes have gained attention, not just in Akihabara but also in Shinjuku, Osaka, Hokkaido, and Fukuoka, growing rapidly.
In this article, we'll explain what Concept Cafes are and introduce various types of them. Seeking an experience that deviates from the everyday, you might consider visiting a cafe that aligns with your favorite concept.
Furthermore, a common point of comparison for Concafes is "Girls' Bars."
Girls' Bars are establishments where you can enjoy drinks while chatting with female bartenders across the counter. However, there are distinct differences between Concafes and Girls' Bars:
Concafes have a specific concept.
Concafes incorporate "moe" elements (e.g., drawing on omelettes).
Concafes offer instant photo sessions.
Some Concafes feature male staff, as seen in "Men's Concafes."
Contact exchange is generally not allowed.
These differences mean that Concafes and Girls' Bars offer unique ways to enjoy the experience!
Having introduced various Concept Cafes so far, how did you find it? While "Maid Cafes" have been around in Akihabara for a while, now there's a wide array of Concept Cafes like "Butler Cafes" and "Cat Cafes." The Concept Cafe landscape is currently experiencing a competitive era of evolution.
However, even in the realm of Concept Cafes, there's a range of dedication to the theme. Some might merely involve cosplay, while others might feature foreign butlers trained in genuine butler schools. Your preference for immersing yourself in a specific world or enjoying the ambiance in a more casual way will influence your choice of establishment.
Additionally, alcohol availability and pricing can vary from one cafe to another, so conducting research beforehand for places of interest is advisable.
Given the influx of foreign tourists in Akihabara, many cafes appear to employ staff who can communicate in English.
The world of Concept Cafes is ceaselessly evolving, and it's impossible to look away. If you're tired of Maid Cafes, why not venture out to discover new and exciting Concept Cafes?