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.
