With photo booths, cosplaying staff, and costume rental for diners, this is one of the most unusual food courts you’ll find in Japan.

The word “yokocho”, or “alley” is often used in Japan to refer to a narrow side street lined with izakaya taverns and restaurants, all clustered together in a small space to create a lively atmosphere filled with the sound of happy diners.

Usually, the customers at these restaurants are dressed in everyday wear, with businessmen often stopping by after a long day at work to unwind before catching the last train home. For those who know where to look, though, there’s a very different kind of yokocho where office suits look entirely out of place, and it’s called Cosplay Yokocho.

▼ Cosplay Alley recently opened on 23 June in Uguisudani in Tokyo’s Taito Ward.

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Here you’ll find up to 30 waitstaff dressed up as characters from some of the country’s most popular anime, manga and game franchises.

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Customers can choose from a wide selection of various dishes, with teppanyaki restaurants, seafood specialists, cake sellers and wine and cheese stands all packed together in the undercover area, and while it looks more like a crazy food court, it has the same lively, laid-back ambience you’d find at a yokocho alley.

The staff will be appearing in different costumes each day, and customers can also join in the fun with a special rental service being offered for free to female diners.

Despite the restriction on males not being able to use the rental service, customers of any gender are welcome to visit and wine and dine amongst all the characters while dressed in their own cosplay outfits brought from home.

And for those too shy to wear their cosplay outfits to the venue, there are changing rooms on site for customers to use so they can transform themselves into their favourite character in a fun and non-judgemental environment.

▼ If you’re as bold as Sailor Suit Old Man is with his cosplay,
you won’t need to use the changing rooms.

To add to the fun atmosphere of the alley, a rental photography studio can also be found on the premises, offering the “lowest prices in the region” for both group and personal use.

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And customers can also earn points for drinking and dining on the premises, which can be exchanged for discount coupons.

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With so many deals and services on offer, along with the promise of tasty food and beverages, this cosplay haven won’t stay a secret for long. Be sure to check it out before everyone else crashes the party!

Information

Cosplay Yokocho / コスプレ横丁
Address: Tokyo-to, Taito-ku, Negishi 1-1-14, theatre alley (cosplay alley)
東京都台東区根岸1-1-14 劇場型横丁(コスプレ横丁)
Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Source: @Press
Featured image: Instagram/amanomono
Insert images: @Press