Contrary to the name, it’s not a haunted house, and it isn’t a cutesy anime in the style of Casper the Friendly Ghost — and although Manboo is probably the most popular Internet café chain in Japan, it’s not just an Internet cafe, either. Sure, you can rent out a cubby equipped with TV, computer, and beanbag, and surf to your heart’s content, but the true value of the place is as a crash pad if you’ve missed that last train home, or if you’re one of those hardy backpackers who need an ultra-cheap room for the night. Well, maybe not that cheap — it’s about 1800 yen ($17) for an eight-hour stay — but it’s certainly dark and subterranean enough for a good night’s sleep, as long as you don’t mind the slight lack of privacy (open-air cubicles), cigarette-scented cushions, and the lack of a decent shower. And if you find yourself unable to doze off, at least you can spend the whole night playing World of Warcraft online. Now that’s full service.

Ho Lin

Ho Lin

Ho Lin is a writer, musician and filmmaker living in San Francisco.

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