Manga Cafes: Japan's Secret Budget Accommodation

Manga cafes (manga kissa or internet cafes) are one of Japan's best-kept budget secrets. For ¥1,500-2,500, you get a private booth, unlimited drinks, shower access, and a surprisingly comfortable place to sleep.

What Is a Manga Cafe?

Manga cafes are 24-hour establishments originally designed for reading manga and using computers. They've evolved into de facto budget accommodations, especially in cities where late-night trains stop running.

What You Get:

• Private booth (flat or reclining seat)
• Unlimited soft drinks (drink bar)
• WiFi and computer access
• Blankets and pillows (usually)
• Shower facilities
• Thousands of manga to read

How Much Does It Cost?

Typical Pricing

Package	Duration	Price
Night Pack	6-8 hours (usually 11pm-7am)	¥1,500-2,500
3-Hour Pack	3 hours	¥600-900
Hourly Rate	Per hour	¥300-500

Pro Tip: Night packs are the best value. You're essentially paying ¥200-300/hour for accommodation.

Best Manga Cafe Chains

1. Manboo (マンボー)

The most popular chain for overnight stays.

Highlights:

• Flat mat booths available (great for sleeping)
• Showers included
• Locations near major stations
• English menus at some locations

Find Them: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Akihabara

2. Gran Cyber Cafe Bagus

Slightly upscale manga cafe experience.

Highlights:

• Cleaner, newer facilities
• Better booth privacy
• Massage chairs available
• Women-only floors at some locations

3. Kaikatsu Club (快活CLUB)

Nationwide chain with consistent quality.

Highlights:

• Over 400 locations across Japan
• Flat mat rooms available
• Free breakfast at some locations
• Good for travelers outside Tokyo

4. Internet Cafe Popeye

Budget-friendly option.

Highlights:

• Lower prices than competitors
• Basic but functional
• Good for quick overnight stays

Booth Types

Standard Booth

• Reclining chair
• Computer desk
• Most common, least comfortable for sleeping
• Price: Lowest tier

Flat Mat Booth

• Floor-level mattress pad
• Can fully lie down
• Best for sleeping
• Price: ¥200-500 more than standard

Pair/Group Booth

• Larger space for 2 people
• Good for couples
• Not available everywhere

Step-by-Step: Your First Manga Cafe Stay

1. Finding a Manga Cafe

Look for signs saying:

• マンガ喫茶 (manga kissa)
• インターネットカフェ (internet cafe)
• ネットカフェ (net cafe)

Most are on upper floors of buildings near train stations.

2. Checking In

1. Enter and approach the counter 2. Show ID (passport for foreigners) 3. Choose your booth type and package 4. Get your booth number and membership card 5. Find your booth and settle in

3. Using Facilities

• Drink Bar: Usually near the entrance, unlimited refills
• Showers: Ask at reception for towel/amenities (small fee or free)
• Manga: Browse shelves freely, return books when done
• Food: Vending machines or order from menu

4. Checking Out

• Return to counter before your time expires
• Pay any additional charges
• Overtime is charged by the minute (expensive!)

Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

Bring With You:

• Earplugs (essential - it's not silent)
• Eye mask
• Phone charger
• Change of clothes

Choose Wisely:

• Request a booth away from the entrance
• Ask for the "flat mat" option
• Go for the longest night pack available
• Arrive early for better booth selection

Comfort Hacks:

• Use provided blankets to pad the surface
• Keep shoes off in your booth
• Use the shower before sleeping
• Set multiple alarms (easy to oversleep)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Incredibly cheap (¥1,500-2,500/night)
• Central locations near stations
• No reservation needed
• Private space (sort of)
• 24-hour access
• Unlimited drinks
• Hot showers available

Cons

• Not actually beds
• Can be noisy
• Smoking sections in some cafes
• No windows or natural light
• Limited luggage space
• Not great for tall people

Who Is This For?

Great For:

• Solo budget travelers
• Missing the last train
• Short layovers
• Backpackers passing through
• One or two nights maximum

Not Ideal For:

• Couples (limited space)
• Anyone with large luggage
• Light sleepers
• Extended stays (more than 2-3 nights)
• Anyone wanting a "real" sleep

Manga Cafe vs Other Budget Options

Option	Price/Night	Privacy	Comfort	Shower
Manga Cafe	¥1,500-2,500	Medium	Low	Yes
Capsule Hotel	¥3,000-4,500	Low	Medium	Yes
Hostel Dorm	¥2,500-4,000	Low	Medium	Yes
Budget Hotel	¥5,000-8,000	High	High	Yes

Location Tips

Tokyo

• Shinjuku: Most options, open late
• Shibuya: Good for after-clubbing
• Akihabara: Lots of choices, otaku-friendly
• Ikebukuro: Good value options

Osaka

• Namba: Near nightlife
• Umeda: Near train stations

Other Cities

Look near major JR stations - there's usually at least one manga cafe within a 5-minute walk.

Final Verdict

Manga cafes are a legitimate budget accommodation option for 1-2 nights, especially if you're:

• Stuck after missing the last train
• Trying to minimize accommodation costs
• Looking for a uniquely Japanese experience

Don't expect luxury or great sleep, but for the price and convenience, they're hard to beat. Consider it part of the Japan experience.

Quick Reference

Average Night Pack: ¥1,800-2,200 Best For Sleep: Flat mat booths What to Bring: Earplugs, eye mask, charger Book Ahead: Not necessary English Friendly: Limited, but manageable

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Looking for other budget accommodation options? Check out our [Japan Budget Travel Guide](/blog/japan-budget-travel-guide) for hostels, capsule hotels, and more money-saving tips.