Be Treated Like A Princess At A Butler Cafe In Japan

By Karmen on 19 Sep 2019

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

If you've fantasised about being a refined lady born into a wealthy family like in Downton Abbey, your fantasies can come true (sort of)!

The Swallowtail Cafe in Tokyo, Japan offers a unique service where the cafe waiters act as your butlers where you've just returned to your own mansion for tea or dinner.

Read on to find out more about this quirky cafe!

Step into a Japanese take on Victorian England

Photo from wattention.com

Photo from intheluggage.com

The cafe's interior is designed to look like a home of Victorian aristocracy, with polished hardwood floors, a fireplace and a giant chandelier made of Swarovski crystals. Even the bathroom is decorated like a Victorian home so your fantasy doesn't stop even if you need to take a toilet break.

Photo from ph.phonebooky.com

With various roles like House Steward, Butler and Footman, the staff are impeccably dressed and will act as your butlers while you're dining in your 'home'. The butlers will strictly stay in character throughout your time there and do typical butler things like pouring your tea and refer to you as 'ojōsama' which roughly translates to 'Milady'.

Every butler undergoes training and has to pass a test which explains the high level of service. If you like feeling like a lady or queen taking a break from horse riding lessons or ruling your empire, the butlers here will surely make you feel that way!

Refined & Insta-worthy food

Photo from butlers-cafe.jp

For the food, you have a choice of afternoon tea or dinner. Themed cafes are usually known to be lacking when it comes to the actual food, but this cafe is an exception. Beautifully plated on elegant dinnerware, the food quality is on par with what you'd expect from a luxury hotel!

Photo from butlers-cafe.jp

If you're drinking tea, it comes served in a variety of gorgeous china cups and saucers!

Bear in mind the cons

Photo from butlers-cafe.jp

If you have a big appetite, the portions may not be enough to satisfy you. The website is in Japanese and the butlers may only speak limited English or none at all, so prepare Google translate or grab a Japanese-speaking friend along.

Lastly, those who aren't into this fantasy situation might find the whole affair a tad awkward and cringe-inducing. We recommend visiting this cafe in a group to have the most fun!

If you're looking for a unique experience, the Swallowtail Cafe is one to consider! Surprisingly, it's popular with both girls and guys so grab your significant other along for the butler ride too. If you're planning to visit, remember to make your reservations well in advance!

?3-12-12 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo