What a manga cafe offers
These shops are known by several names. Manga kissa emphasises the manga library; netto kafe, often shortened to nekafe, emphasises the computers. In practice, most offer both.
Booths give privacy for reading, working or resting, and drinks are often included in the price.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 漫画喫茶 | manga kissa | Manga cafe |
| ネットカフェ | netto kafe | Internet cafe |
| ブース | būsu | A private booth |
| 空いている席はありますか。 | Aite iru seki wa arimasu ka. | Are there any seats available? |
Registering as a member
On your first visit, staff will ask whether you have used the shop before and whether you are a member. Registration usually involves filling in a form and showing photo ID.
If your ID is not Japanese, ask whether it is accepted before filling in the form.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 初めてのご利用ですか。 | Hajimete no go-riyō desu ka. | Is this your first visit? |
| 会員登録 | kaiin tōroku | Membership registration |
| 身分証明書をお持ちですか。 | Mibun shōmeisho o o-mochi desu ka. | Do you have ID with you? |
| パスポートでもいいですか。 | Pasupōto demo ii desu ka. | Is a passport okay? |
| 会員カードを作りたいです。 | Kaiin kādo o tsukuritai desu. | I would like to make a membership card. |
Choosing a booth
Seat types are usually shown on a board with pictures. Open seats are cheapest; reclining booths suit reading; flat-floor booths let you lie down; pair seats fit two people.
If you plan to sleep, ask for a flat-floor booth and whether a blanket is available.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| オープン席 | ōpun seki | Open seat |
| リクライニング席 | rikuraining seki | Reclining booth |
| フラット席は空いていますか。 | Furatto seki wa aite imasu ka. | Is a flat-floor booth available? |
| 二人で使える席はありますか。 | Futari de tsukaeru seki wa arimasu ka. | Is there a seat for two people? |
| 個室 | koshitsu | Private room |
| 禁煙席でお願いします。 | Kin'en seki de onegaishimasu. | A non-smoking seat, please. |
Time packs and charges
Pricing combines a basic rate for a first block of time with extension charges in shorter blocks, or a fixed pack for several hours. Packs are usually better value for long stays.
The questions worth asking are when a pack starts, how long it lasts and how extensions are charged.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 基本料金 | kihon ryōkin | Basic rate |
| 三時間パックでお願いします。 | Sanjikan pakku de onegaishimasu. | A three-hour pack, please. |
| ナイトパックは何時からですか。 | Naito pakku wa nanji kara desu ka. | From what time does the night pack start? |
| 延長料金はいくらですか。 | Enchō ryōkin wa ikura desu ka. | How much is the extension charge? |
| 延長は自動ですか。 | Enchō wa jidō desu ka. | Does the time extend automatically? |
Drinks, food and facilities
Many shops have a free drink bar and sell food you can order to your booth. Facilities such as showers, blankets and chargers vary widely.
Rules on bringing in outside food also differ, so ask before you do.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ドリンクバーは無料ですか。 | Dorinku bā wa muryō desu ka. | Is the drink bar free? |
| シャワーは使えますか。 | Shawā wa tsukaemasu ka. | Can I use the shower? |
| 毛布を借りられますか。 | Mōfu o kariraremasu ka. | Can I borrow a blanket? |
| 食べ物は持ち込めますか。 | Tabemono wa mochikomemasu ka. | Can I bring in my own food? |
| 席から注文できますか。 | Seki kara chūmon dekimasu ka. | Can I order from my seat? |
Quiet rules and paying
Booths are separated by low walls, so phone calls and loud videos are usually not allowed. Use headphones and take calls in the designated area.
When you leave, bring your bill slip or seat number to the counter. The staff calculate your time and any extensions.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 通話は禁止です。 | Tsūwa wa kinshi desu. | Phone calls are not allowed. |
| ヘッドホンをご使用ください。 | Heddohon o go-shiyō kudasai. | Please use headphones. |
| 精算お願いします。 | Seisan onegaishimasu. | I would like to pay and leave. |
| 利用時間を確認してもいいですか。 | Riyō jikan o kakunin shite mo ii desu ka. | May I check how long I have used? |
Registration, choosing options and confirming charges is the same pattern as Unihongo's Hotel Check-in Problem mission, where you practise catching formal service Japanese and asking the one question that matters.