Girls Bar Rules and Etiquette in Akihabara: A Guide for First-Time Visitors
Girls Bars are a uniquely Japanese nightlife experience, offering a laid-back atmosphere where Maids (Cast Members) serve drinks and chat with customers. While they're pretty casual, there are still important rules of etiquette every guest should follow.
Whether you’re curious, unwinding after work, or exploring Akihabara’s nightlife, here’s how to behave respectfully at a Girls Bar in Japan.
1. Know What a Girls Bar Is (and Isn’t)
Girls Bars are:
Counter-style bars with female staff (Maids) serving and chatting with patrons
Relaxed and peer-level—not overly formal
A mix between standard bar service and social interaction
Girls Bars are not:
Hostess clubs (no fancy dresses or private booths)
Dating venues or matchmaking services
Strip clubs or adult entertainment
By understanding these differences, you can avoid trouble and have a comfortable and fun time.
2. No Physical Contact
A hard boundary in every Girls Bar:
No touching or hugging
No leaning over the counter
Always respect personal space
Even if the bartender is friendly or flirty, the environment remains professional.
3. Don’t Ask for Personal Info
Respect the staff’s privacy—always. That means:
No asking for their real name
No requesting LINE ID, phone number, or social media
No asking to meet outside of work
The relationship stays within the bar.
4. Understand the System & Charges
Most Girls Bars operate on one of the following systems:
Time Charge: You pay by the hour or per set time
Drink Charges: You’re responsible for your drinks and often the bartender’s
5. Keep Conversation Light & Fun
Great topics:
Hobbies, music, food, travel, anime, Japanese culture
Friendly banter and light flirting (if mutual)
Avoid:
Dirty jokes or sexual questions
Insults or pushy behavior
Intense or interrogative conversations
Girls Bars are meant to be casual and enjoyable, not awkward or uncomfortable.
6. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission
Along the same lines as most establishments in Japan:
No pictures of the Maids or customers. (Unless you have permission)
Always ask even if taking pictures of drinks and interior
Respect the privacy of both staff and other guests.
7. Be Mindful With Your Phone
Phones are allowed, but etiquette still applies:
Step outside if you need to take a call
Don’t answer calls at the bar
8. Don’t Be Possessive or Jealous
Maids will talk to multiple customers—it’s part of the job
Don’t be jealous, don’t demand attention, the Maids will talk to you and absolutely will be talking to other people.
Girls Bars are social spaces, not one-on-one services
9. Be Polite & Follow the Rules
Say thank you and show appreciation
Don’t get aggressive or disruptive, especially after drinking
Always follow staff instructions
Kindness and humility are highly valued in Japanese service culture.
Final Tip: Every Bar Is a Little Different
Rules may vary from Girls Bar to Girls Bar, but the core etiquette stays the same.
If it is your first time a Maid will go over the rules for that Girls Bar.
Summary: Respect Makes the Experience Better
By following these basic rules, you’ll not only enjoy your visit—you’ll also be welcomed back. Girls Bars are a unique, social part of Japanese nightlife, and treating the staff with respect ensures a great time for everyone.
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