Gundam is a national animation icon and also has a wide fan base overseas as well. This GUNDAM Cafe has become a mecca for fans of Gundam.

Located right outside of the JR Akihabara Station Electric Town exit, look for the life-sized V antenna from the Gundam robot.

What tickles the hearts of fans the most are the dishes and drinks based on the stories and characters in the anime. Although easy to recognize dishes in the form of mobile suits are popular, hardcore fans would want to opt for the more lesser known menu items and smile knowingly looking at their names and descriptions (English menus are available).

Also take a look at the toilets. There are various surprises when you press a switch, like Char’s Zaku Mono-Eye lighting up, or the sounds of Gundam starting up.

In addition there are also Gundam plastic models, displays of the signatures of the production staff, sales of limited edition goods and much more. We’re sure you’ll be able to enjoy the cafe as a small theme park of the hugely popular Japanimation.

AKB48 is Japan’s top idol group and their popularity can also be called a social phenomenon. Akihabara is home to the AKB48 Theater, where the girls perform, and tickets for shows at the theater are extremely hard to come by. That’s why this AKB48 Cafe & Shop Akihabara was opened as a place to casually enjoy the world of AKB48.

The cute and hip store interior, characteristic of AKB48, is filled with signatures and scribbles handwritten by the members. Fans are sure to be mesmerized by all the writing.

In the cafe area, you can enjoy menu items that have a unique connection with the members. The shop is filled with limited edition goods and you don’t need a reservation to go in. The cafe area in particular, which airs videos of AKB48, is always lively with customers and is staffed by vibrant cafekko (cafe girls). The cafe area has also become a place where fans can meet and interact.

There are also many fans from overseas that come to the store and “they enjoy themselves just as Japanese fans would by looking at the signatures and the goods,” says Mr. Suzuki, the store manager. For people who are hardcore AKB48 fans, we recommend using the theater area or the private rooms where you can thoroughly immerse yourself in the world of AKB48. Although reservations are required, weekday afternoons are relatively available.

On the other hand, there also seem to be cases where tourists who have little or no knowledge of AKB48 stop by the cafe in search of actual current trends in Japan. If you’re tired of the regular sightseeing routine, why not come here and experience Japan’s unique idol culture and the passion of their fans?

When you think of Akihabara, one thing you can’t leave out is the “concept cafe.” Concept cafes are stores with that theme. Maid cafes where the staff are maids and the customers are masters are popular one set theme where the staff and customers immerse themselves and play their respective roles within , and there are many stores that stimulate that “moe” feeling.

Among these concept cafes in Akihabara, one that is attracting attention right now is the Butler Lounge Refleurir. Good looking butlers provided the ultimate in hospitality to the “dear ladies.” It is a maid cafe for women.

Sofas in the Rococo style elegantly line the 7th floor private lounge.

What further enhances the extraordinary situation is the selection of tea, with over 50 varieties of tea to choose from. Because Refleurir also holds tea classes, the way they brew and serve tea is also first rate. Enjoy an elegant tea time just as the aristocracy would.

Japanese service, from restaurants to all other areas, is said to be among the best in the world. Try experiencing the latest in Japanese hospitality born from the Akiba culture.