A taste of Tokyo pop culture right here in Fukuoka! Following in the footsteps of Tokyo’s Akihabara and Harajuku, the third of only four AKB48 cafes in Japan recently opened in Daimyo. Bursting with AKB48 music, videos, posters and merchandise this cafe and shop are a paradise for fans of Japan’s most popular female group. Literally everything is related to the group, even the interior design which is shaped like a number “48”. Many of the walls and tables are covered with AKB48 members’ signatures and the young female staff all wear short-skirt uniforms similar to those worn by the singers on stage. The cafe features freshly baked breads, sweets and drinks inspired by or chosen by AKB48 members. Their comments and recommendations can be read next to the breads and sweets at the self-serve counter. The menu changes every week or two and includes cute and creative numbers such as guitar-shaped pastries, strawberry cheesecake smoothies and more substantial dishes such as pasta and pizza. Meanwhile you can watch their video and concert clips on the many video screens or flip through the library of AKB48 photo books and magazines. Beside the cafe is the shop, which is jam packed with with every AKB48 good imaginable- CDs, DVDs, books, straps, mugs, t-shirts, cookies and concert merchandise- including items exclusively available at the Fukuoka store. Even if you’re not a fan (yet), a visit to their cafe is a memorable Japanese pop culture experience!

AKB48 CAFE&SHOP HAKATA
1-12-6 NEO Daimyo I, 1F, Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-734-4848

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Open: Mon.~Fri.: 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:30), Sat., Sun., Hol.: 10:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
Closed: undecided

Menu: Guitar Bread ¥380, Snowman Bread ¥380, “48 Set”- order a sweet/bread +¥200 and enjoy your choice of soft drink and an AKB48 souvenir coaster (random selection), Cola ¥250, Beer ¥500, Cocktails ¥650

Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn164, Aug. 2012)