| Tokyo's Akihabara area is synonymous with electronics shops. But Akihabara, or Akiba as it is affectionately known, has also become famous for its thriving, and unique, Japanese pop culture. The area is now a hub for gaming, manga, and anime; attracting both Japanese and foreign visitors in droves. Amongst the maze of comic and electronic delights, an unlikely cultural phenomenon has emerged; Maid Cafes. That's right, Maid Cafes!
Greeting you at the door of a Maid Cafe will be a sweetly smiled waitress dressed in a maid uniform.
Once you step inside, the maids will chime: gWelcome back home, my master". Of course, ladies are welcome too; maids will welcome you by saying gWelcome back home, princess. "Part of a Maid Cafe's charm is that the maids are not only authentically attired, they even serve their guests as if they really are their masters.
The fun doesn't stop there! Since it is a real cafe, you can of course enjoy drinks and food there but the cafe's offer something extra.
Take the @home cafe in Akibafor example.
One of @home's maids, hitomi, is famous around town for her charismatic personality, so much so that she is known as "Charisma Maid".
 Hitomi invented her very own rock-scissors-paper game called "Moe-Moe Janken," complete with an original dance, which she performs several times a day to the delight of her masters. If a lucky master wins the game, he / she will receive a unique gift from the cafe. This is just one of many examples of the games and entertainment awaiting masters in maid cafes.
A Maid Cafe is not just any cafe; it is a place where you can actually experience unique aspects of Japanese pop culture. Come along to Akiba and see one for yourself.!! |
 Souvenirs that are unique to local areas in Japan have always proven popular amongst travelers. Traditional souvenirs are not to be missed, but how about a local Hello Kitty?
There is a range of Hello Kitty mobile phone straps available, in fact, there is one for each prefecture in Japan.
Let's take a look at what you might find.
 If you travel to Niigata prefecture, which is famous for producing quality rice, you can pick up a strap with Hello Kitty eating a rice ball. You definitely can't buy that at home!
In Saga prefecture, Hello Kitty will be popping her head outside of some "Arita ware", Saga's famous porcelain. In Yamanashi, you can find Hello Kitty sitting on top of another famous Japanese icon, Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. You never know, collecting Hello Kitty souvenirs from each prefecture might even be the perfect way to learn about the geography and culture of Japan!
 There are many other local character goods that you can find at souvenir shops in stations and airports. But a local Hello Kitty is a unique gift that you cannot purchase anywhere else; look out of them during your trip in Japan.
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