Trigger Warning (No pun intended): Although a polarizing subject, especially in the US, I am not promoting nor denouncing guns or the right to bare arms.
If you are a gun lover in Japan it might be hard to find a place like a firing range to fire a gun and “unload” all your stress. With the gun laws in Japan being one of the strictest in the world, getting a license and buying a gun is almost impossible. Especially if you are a foreigner. And definitely if you are just visiting.
But the next best thing to shooting a real gun at a gun range is a shooting cafe in Akihabara that lets you sip your favorite drink and shoot air guns. Since real guns are almost non-existent, air guns are quite popular in Japan with fans forming shooting clubs and air gun meetings and outings across Japan. This cafe located in Akihabara called Akiba Base caters to those air gun lovers who are looking for like minded gun enthusiasts as well as tourists looking for a fun and interesting themed cafe experience.
Akihabara is known for themed cafes that include maids, ninjas, vampires, cats and owls. So it is no surprise that Akihabara is also the place to shoot guns. Akiba Base is located on the 3rd floor of an building filled with themed cafes. And not only does it have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages but it also has a shooting gallery with a variety of guns to choose from.
The cafe has table seating, a bar counter with a variety of beer and alcohol options as well as a full food and drink menu. There is also a DJ booth and VIP lounge area for regulars. Check out my video to see the cafe and my first time shooting an air gun.
The first thing required when entering the cafe and choosing a course, is to fill out a waiver form and read the safety instructions. Along with ordering drinks there is also a variety of shooting options.
For advanced visitors, they can bring their own guns and pay only for shooting range time. For beginners there is an option to rent guns from the cafe and also have an instructor give lessons.
Other options include playing shooting target games and renting special guns like automatic machine guns and shot guns. The cafe is quite small so there is only one gun range so you might want to visit on off hours to ensure less waiting time.
Whether you are a gun nut or not, this cafe is a unique and fun experience for everyone. Using air guns instead of real guns means the chance of damage and injury is minimal allowing for a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Safety glasses are provided and instructors help load and reload guns for those who aren’t experts.
Much like maid cafes and other themed cafes, this cafe also charges by time and requires a drink purchase.
And as a take away souvenir, the beginner set also comes with a Polaroid picture with you holding your favorite gun. If you are in the Akihabara area and have exhausted your maid cafe and cat cafe visits, give Akiba Base shooting cafe “a shot” for something new!
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