For now, I feel like doing something fun! Here is a list of the most entertaining, jaw dropping and downright wonderful eateries you may stumble across whilst in the Land Of The Rising Sun.
Disclaimer: Having never visited Japan myself (yet) I do not own any of the following pictures. All photos belong to their respective owners.
1) Cat Cafes
This cafe is exactly what the name sounds like: patrons pay a fee (usually hourly) to come in and pet cats whilst they enjoy light refreshment. Tokyo alone has at least 40 establishments and they are massively popular, especially for people who live in small apartments and aren't allowed to keep pets.
The cats themselves aren't usually pedigree but moggies (the type you'd see sauntering across the street everyday). Some cafes have specific categories such as those focusing on black cats or ex-stray cats. Awwww.
Cat cafes must obtain a license and have to comply with strict Animal Protection laws. All the establishments therefore have strongly enforced rules for cleanliness and the cats best interests, for example making sure the kitties aren't disturbed when sleeping or by young children. Lots of Cat Cafes also help raise awareness of cat welfare issues like abandoned cats and spaying.
Other animal stroking cafes such as those with rabbits are also found.
2) Maid Cafes
Probably one of the more well known themed cafes in Japan, and are where the waitresses are dressed as maids, treating the customers as Masters (or Mistresses) serving food, playing games and even providing extra services such as.... massages and ear cleaning. Cure Maid Cafe was the first ever of its kind, and opened in Akihabara, Tokyo in 2001 and since then they have become increasingly popular. Originally catering solely to the male 'Otaku' (a Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly manga, anime or video games and in this case, maids) it is more about the service and experience than the food here. The menus generally consist of cutely decorated desserts and drinks, as well as savoury items like Omu-Rice where your serving maid can write a message on top in ketchup or sauce.
Maids may also do a special chant, individually or with a fellow maid and may even ask you to join in. Intended to make the food 'more delicious' they will use hand gestures and cute expressions. Their uniforms are generally based on French Maids, although there may be themed days where school uniforms, other cosplay or animal ears are worn to add appeal.
There are several rules enforced to keep the maids safe and defer stalking. The main ones being no photos inside the establishment (unless you pay a fee and have the maid decorate it herself), no touching the waitresses, no following them after their shift and no asking for contact details.
So popular are these places, that ones catering to females, called Butler Cafes, have also starting springing up.
3) Vampire Cafe
In the Ginza area of Tokyo, this one has to be one of my favourites. Again, pretty obvious with the name.
This one is a Gothic Lolita's dream to dine in. When you arrive and take in the mainly deep red interior (with a bit of black for good measure) you get ushered down a long hallway and see the floor is decorated with pictures of red blood cells. Red 'blood' cocktails can be drank from martini glasses while you enjoy Vamprific themed food. There's heavy use of velvet, candles, roses, crosses and coffins. Very atmospheric!
Servers wear French Maid costumes or Tuxedos.
4) Christon Cafe
Another Gothic establishment, this one is one to avoid if you are a strictly religious Roman Catholic. Slightly garish displays of gargoyles, statues of Saints and the Virgin Mary, chandeliers, oil paintings, stained glass windows, candle lined altars and crucifix shaped menus form the decor.
On the food side of things, it's said to be delicious and quite reasonable. The concept was so popular there are four of these themed restaurants in Japan.
5) Ninja Akasaka
Another one of my favourites! Shogun era comes alive in this classy, and very popular establishment (reservations should be made in advance!)
A ninja gives you a secret password then leads you to your table through an Edo period style village complete with winding passages and a disintegrating bridge. Wowzers. The food is amazingly presented (a sword is pulled from a coconut releasing dry ice smoke in one showy meal) but also expensive. I hear the dessert menu is very dramatic. I also hear that many of the staff (waiters especially) speak very good English.
Magicians will pull some mind boggling ninja skills at your table for entertainment.
Fun fact: they have a plaque commemorating Steven Spielberg's visit.
6) Alcatraz E.R - Medical Prison
Because everyone loves hospital food....
One of the creepiest by far!
Basically you are a patient in a medical prison and the nurse dressed waiters and waitresses will handcuff you, inject a giant needle into your butt and then lock you in a cell. Many choose to act along, dragging their heels and screaming - it's all part of the fun after all! Making tormented noises and moaning are also obligatory.
The food has a theme of 'death' and is often shaped like human body parts (even the unmentionable ones). Doll heads, syringes and test tubes are the cocktail glasses and severed body parts, weapons, bloody handprints and leaky walls form the aesthetic nicely.
If you think the Mental Ward may be a bit too much, there's always "Lock Up" - a restaurant with a prison theme. Like Alcatraz you are handcuffed and taken to a cell but by prison wardens this time. Again, you can apply your acting skills as throughout the night there are (planned, may I add) blackouts, crazy prisoners looking like something out of SAW in hockey masks, secret passages and rooms and also... JAILBREAKS! If someone random comes into your 'cell' hide them quick before they are caught! ;)
7) Namahage
Another way to scare the living crap out of your friends (and young children, mwahahaha) is the Namahage restaurant. In Akita (up North) dressing as demons and making kids cry brings.... good luck? I'm all for it.
The food is loosely based on traditional Akita cooking and whilst you are peacefully enjoying your meal... BAM! The lights go out and the show begins. Performers are dressed as massive Namahage (evil spirits) and go to different tables asking "Any bad or lazy guys?" (as they are said to go from house to house in Akita. Great place. I want to visit now!)
You will probably not need to, but it is best to feign fear or at least surprise so the demons will give you a blessing rather than drag you off to the mountain range for always and eternity. The funniest thing is - it's especially popular with families.
8) Cannabalistic Sushi
Nyotaimori, or 'female body plate' is where food (usually sushi or sashimi) is eaten off a naked woman's body. Here, you EAT the body! The skin is dough, the blood is sauce and all the organs are edible!
The dish/body is wheeled in on a hospital gurney and you use a scalpel/knife to cut it open and enjoy (hopefully between a few people as a 'body' is pretty big. It's like the edible version of "Operation".
9) Princess Heart
One where Lolitas should travel, the aim of this restaurant is to make you feel like a Princess! Maids and butlers greet you and give you your own tiara. There is a mirror at the entrance covered in jewels where you can look at yourself and preen. There is a magical tree which glows at night, forrest creatures and the seats have hearts on. You get the picture.
Very popular, advance booking is required. Funnily enough, single men are not allowed.
The food all have names relating to magic or fairy tales and are displayed beautifully. There's even smoked salmon shaped like a rose! Cocktails can be created in Cinderella's slipper!
I could go on with more: Buddism themed bars, Alice In Wonderland themed restaurants... one thing is for certain - there's a lot of fun in dining in Japan!
