Gravure Idol Café: meet sexy "idols" and chat, and take photos!
Guradoru Bunkasai is one of those places you won't find on a tourist itinerary, even though it's in a popular tourist area in Akihabara... but this place is very fun if you like costumes/cosplay (which may include bikinis), photography, music, and generally semi-adult fun!
First of all, some definition of the café's concept would probably be helpful. Guradoru Bunkasai is centered around the "Gravure Idol", a term that in Japan popularly describes female models who pose for magazines, videos and other merchandise, emphasizing their physical attributes and often posing in swimwear. Perhaps the short definition would be more like "sexy model" but I'm sure you've caught on at this point as to the focus of this café is.
So, it's a bit different from the many maid cafes you'll see around the rest of the Akihabara neighborhood. Those cafes focus on the cuteness of the café maids, while this one focuses on more... grown up appeal.
Not to say that this is an adults-only establishment. It doesn't appear to have any adult-only entry restrictions; honestly, it promotes the beauty and enthusiasm of the gravure idols... and yes they fit the definition, as all of them have appeared in media of various forms as gravure idols, and in most cases continue to do so. Some of them are also "race queens"; I first saw the café manager at Tokyo Auto Salon (before I ever visited this café):
And here she is at the café:
The gravure idols will sing, dance, and serve drinks (and conversation if you can keep up with the language) as well. And, they will have photo sessions where every customer can rotate around to take photos of the idols. And if you're really drawn in here by the gravure factor... at 2000 some of them will change out of the costumes or casual wear they were wearing at the beginning of the cafe's hours, and get into their bikinis.
Guradoru Bunkasai at its hottest moments, from 2000-2200:
So, Guradoru Bunkasai kind of walks that thin edge between PC and adult entertainment, but if you like taking photos and in general enjoying the vibe of the people of Tokyo, this is definitely a fun and unique place to be!
Recommendations:
- The language barrier can be pretty tough here; recommend going with a local friend.
- Photos are allowed during the designated photo shoot times; if in doubt watch what the other guests do and follow along.
- Bring a camera!
Specifics:
Guradoru Bunkasai
Hours: 1500-2200 weekends, 1700-2200 Wed-Fri
Location:
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