Japan loves its themed cafes. Some are popular enough to be permanent or semi-permanent, while others pop in and out in a few weeks thanks to collaborations with local establishments. Currently, one dedicated to the Senran Kagura series is open in Tokyo.
The Senran Kagura X GoodSmile X Animate Cafe is located on the fifth floor of the AKIBA Culture’s ZONE building in Akihabara, on top of four floors full of anime, manga, and collectible figures, and hidden behind the local Cospa cosplay store. It will stay open until Feb 26.
While it was launched to celebrate Peach Ball: Senran Kagura for Nintendo Switch, it includes artwork and goodies pretty much from the whole series, including the mobile hame Shinobi Master: Senran Kagura New Link and the recently released (in the west) Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal.
As you enter and get accompanied to your table, you’re pretty much immersed in the beautiful artwork by Nan Yaegashi, that Senran Kagura fans know and love. You can find plenty of images in the gallery below.
The menu is pretty standard for this kind of collaboration cafe, offering cute themed drinks, food, and desserts inspired by the characters of the games.
Prices for food range between 750 yen (less than $7) and 1,200 yen (roughly $11), while all theme drinks cost 600 yen ($5.47).
While this is on the pricey side for a normal cafe, it’s actually standard fare for themed ones. Incidentally, if you don’t know the difference, this is not a maid cafe. Themed cafes don’t have maids in attendance, and you will be welcomed by normal waiters and waitresses. No “kyun kyun” is involved in the service.
Below you can see what a friend and I ordered, a sparkly drink inspired by Ryona (including light-up ice cube) and hot cocoa aptly themed after Yuyaki.
They weren’t bad, but of course, you’re paying mostly for the atmosphere and the exhibition. Service was also great, but that’s a standard in Japan, especially in this kind of cafe.
Ultimately, if you’re a fan of the Senran Kagura series and you’re around Tokyo before Feb. 26, a visit is certainly warranted.
Nan Yaegashi’s art is awesome, and it’s a good way to express your support for the series since it might need it.
