Imagine walking into a café and being greeted with a “Welcome home, princess”.
That’s the idea behind Shibuya’s Butlers Café in Tokyo. According to Japan Travel, it has been operating since 2006 with mostly foreign waiters who introduce themselves as butlers. They wear suits with white gloves, escort each customer to her table, and leave her a bell: just ring it and someone will come over to ask “Yes, princess?”. There’s even an optional tiara, in case the character needs her crown.
Before sitting down, they fill out a form with their name and mood, with options like “I need to relax”. The visit lasts two hours, and payment is made at the table. Taking photos of the butlers is not allowed; only photos of the food are. You could get a photo of your favorite butler carrying you in his arms for 1.500 yen. On the way out, they escort you to the elevator and bow.
The concept originated as a response to the maid cafés of Akihabara, designed for male customers. An Inverse report takes a critical look at it and describes it as an example of “decorative” immigrant labor, where the waiters’ appearance matters as much as the service. Would you go and be served like a princess?
