A Cafe of Maids

While, we are on the Japanese theme, I am sure anyone who has visited Japan, and walked through the streets of Akihabara would have been handed a flyer by a girl dressed in a maid costume. You look at the flyer and you see it is advertising a 'Maid Cafe.'
So what is a Maid Cafe?
Well a Maid cafe is a theme restaurant which arose out of the otaku culture in Japan. The first Maid Cafe was 'Cure Maid Cafe' which opened up in Akihabara in 2001.
The main purpose of the cafe is roleplay. The waitresses dress in maid outfits and treat their customers has if they are the master. They will address them 'sama' which is an extra-polite form of 'san.' The experience is extra-special for the guest because they get more politeness and pampering than they world at a typical restaurant and Japanese restaurants are typically very polite.
The menus are very similar to any other cafe, but the maids will often decorate a dish with cute designs. I guess this service adds the image of an innocent and Kawaii maid.
The Maids will welcome customers by saying: Okaerinasaimase, goshujinsama (Welcome Home Master)
Some of the maids will perform a song or dance routine. You also have the option of playing games, such has card games or video games, with a maid or have a shoulder massage (fully clothed.)
There are some don'ts, mind you. You cannot touch a maid. You cannot ask for any sexual favours, you cannot ask for contact details or wait outside to met a maid when she finishes work. You are not allowed to take their photo or ask them on a date.
Some Maid cafes will allow you to have a photo taken with the maids, but there is a cost for that, but the maids you had your photo taken with will take the photo and decorate it before giving it to you.

I have often asked myself the question 'Would Maid Cafes exist if it was not for the culture of Geisha or Maiko in Japan?' OK, they maybe on opposite ends of Japanese culture but there are similarities between them both. They both entertain with music, dance, etc. They both treat their customers with deep respect and politeness. Both are non-sexual (despite what a lot of people outside of Japan think)

I have saved all the flyers I received for Maid Cafes. One that stood at was '@Home Cafe'
http://www.cafe-athome.com
So take a look, and if you ever fancy visiting a Maid cafe, then do so. It will only add to your experience in Japan. And don't worry, ladies, there are also now 'Butler Cafes.' But it is also worth noting that a lot of tourist with families visit Maid Cafes.