Internet Cafes in Japan

How to Japan
6 min readJan 1, 2024

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Photo by Leon Seibert on Unsplash

Main Takeaways

  • An internet cafe in Japan is a multifunctional space that offers various services and amenities for manga and video game fans.
  • You can stay at an internet cafe for as long as possible and pay by the hour. Most internet cafes are open 24/7 and have different types of rooms and booths to suit your needs and budget.
  • In this article, I shared my experience at an internet cafe in Japan and described the check-in procedures, facilities, finding manga, dining, and room options.
  • An internet cafe in Japan might be a good option for digital nomads and travelers looking for a cheap, convenient, quiet, cozy, or fun workplace.

What is an Internet Cafe?

Photo by Emily Morter on Unsplash

An Internet cafe in Japan is more than just a place to surf the web or check your email. It is also a hotel, a library, a gaming center, and a karaoke lounge for manga and video game fans. You can choose how many hours you want to stay, and most locations are open 24 hours, making it ideal for those who want to play online games with friends, read manga, or study. Some cafes even have showers, massage chairs, and food delivery services to make you feel comfortable and pampered. In this article, I will share my experience of spending a day at an Internet cafe in Tokyo, one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads and travelers. I will describe the check-in procedures, facilities, finding manga, dining, and what the rooms look like. Whether you are looking for cheap and convenient accommodation, a quiet and cozy working space, or a fun and exciting entertainment hub, an internet cafe in Japan might be just what you need.

How to check-in

To enter an Internet cafe in Japan, you must register as a member first. This is usually free and easy to do. You must show your ID and fill out a form with your personal information. You will then receive a member’s card that you can use for future visits. After becoming a member, you will select the type of room and the number of hours that you want to stay. Different plans and fees depend on the time of day, the size of the room, and the amenities included. You will pay in advance at the reception or a vending machine. You will also get a locker key to store your belongings and a receipt with your room number and password. You can then go ahead to your room and enjoy your stay. Here are some examples of rooms Internet cafes have.

Rooms and Amenities

One of the most important things to consider when staying at an Internet cafe is the type of room or booth that you want to use. There are many options depending on your preference, budget, and availability. Some internet cafes have strict rules about eating and drinking in the rooms, so you may have to use the joint area or the vending machines for your meals. However, you can bring your food from outside or order delivery without a problem.

The rooms are soundproof and comfortable, with various features and facilities. Some rooms have massage chairs, gaming consoles, DVD players, or karaoke machines.

Some are designed as offices with desks, chairs, and computers. Some are spacious and cozy, with sofas, blankets, and pillows. Here are some examples of the rooms you can find at an internet cafe in Japan.

Unlike hotels, internet cafes do not provide toiletries or towels for free. You will have to buy them at the reception or a vending machine. Showers are free, but you must pay for laundry services to wash your clothes. You will also need to bring your pajamas. Here is an example of what they sell.

I am finding manga and using the internet.

After you have checked in and paid for your room, you will get access to Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi password may be printed on your receipt or displayed in the cafe. You can use the wifi to connect your devices or the computer in your room. Once settled in your room, you should explore the internet cafe's other facilities and services. Many restaurants have many manga you can browse and read for free. You can find manga of different genres, categories, and ratings. You can also access manga on the computer in your room or download them to your device. You can watch movies and shows on the computer or a TV screen in some rooms. You can choose from various genres and languages.

If you are into gaming, you will love the internet cafe as a place to play online games with your friends or with other customers. You can find gaming consoles, controllers, headphones, and games in some rooms or the common area. You can also play games on the computer or your device. If you speak Japanese, you can join people who are already playing a game at the cafe.

Dining at an Internet cafe

One of the perks of staying at an internet cafe in Japan is that you can enjoy a variety of food and drink options. Depending on where you are visiting, you might need help to eat cafe food in your room. This was the case when I stayed at an internet cafe. However, buying food from a convenience store or getting carry-out and bringing it in is okay. Some internet cafes have kitchens that supply customers with light meals at a reasonable charge. I ate yakisoba when I was there. There was an extensive menu, and I had many options.

Your experience might be different since many internet cafe chains exist in Japan. Here is an example of the food you can find at an internet cafe in Japan. Some internet cafes also offer free drinks to customers, such as coffee, tea, juice, or soda. You can refill your cup as many times as you want. You can also bring drinks or buy them from the nearby convenience store. However, some internet cafes do not allow alcohol consumption inside their premises, so check the rules before you drink.

As you can see, an Internet cafe in Japan is not just a place to use the Internet but also to enjoy various forms of entertainment and comfort. You can stay at an internet cafe for as long as you want and choose from different types of rooms and booths that fit your preferences and budget. You can also access various facilities and services like manga, games, movies, food, drinks, showers, and more. In this article, I have shared my experience of spending a day at an Internet cafe in Tokyo and how I explored the different aspects of this unique part of Japanese culture.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my article and learned something new about internet cafes in Japan. If you ever have a chance to visit Japan, try staying at an internet cafe and see what it is like. You might be surprised by how much fun and convenience you can have at an internet cafe in Japan.

If you are interested in learning more about internet cafes in Japan, or if you want to share your own stories or opinions on this topic, please leave a comment below or contact me via email. I would love to hear from you and connect with other internet cafe enthusiasts. Also, if you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family who might enjoy it too. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day!

References

Kaikatsu Club

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How to Japan

I help people navigate daily Japan-life like a pro with advice and tips. Watch my vlogs on YouTube https://youtu.be/FpAkzBCbZr8?si=fS5UBt3dk8uQaWeH IG:how2japan