Kobe Satanic Gothic bar Idea, Japanese Satanism, Rocky Horror. Tokyo Goth shops, jirai kei & acubi fashion.
Welcome to the dark underworld of Gothic & Fetish bar IDEA in Kobe, Japan! Strap yourself in for an evening of drinks and entertainment with Mistress Midori and her corset-bound staff.
In this post, I’ll take you inside another favorite hangout for Japanese Satanists: Gothic and Fetish Bar Idea in Kobe (here’s my video about the experience). If you’re keen to explore Japanese Satanism and demonic attractions — and see the latest in cute / Gothic Lolita / Jirai Kei fashion — then this is the Goth travel guide for you!
Also, for the new year — here are some new pics featuring my oversized white earmuffs by Skandinavik Fur! Check out this family-run company for all things warm and fuzzy (they also made my infamous hot pink Mongolian sheep coat).
Anyone else wish we were entering 1997 again, and not 2025? I’ll just keep on dressing like it was the Y2K era (loving the Korean acubi street style aesthetic recently).
My red chunky highlights are by Katya at Kore Salon Vancouver. This Y2K inspired hairstyle contrasts nicely with the Skandinavik earmuffs.
And I somehow managed to find the only cute puffer jacket out there: this one here by Desigual. It’s a cropped metallic purple puffer coat that makes me want to vibe with Mase.
Now, let’s descend into a little-known Goth bar in Kobe, which is filled with witchy / Satanic / occult books and oddities! For footage from inside, see my video on @LaCarmina IG.
It’s always a good idea to visit IDEA bar… tell Mistress Midori that La Carmina sent you. Location / address: 2-17-8 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
Midori is the cousin of the late Taiki-san (both are pillars of Satanism in Japan – Taiki ran the legendary Satanic Shop Territory Osaka). At Idea, Midori showed me some new books featuring pentagrams and other dark symbology.
IDEA is filled with Goth taxidermy and creepy collections, much like Osaka’s Territory. There’s a pentagram sigil and spiky nail bed on the counter, and regular shibari / bondage / domination demos set to industrial gothic music.
Ready for a ritual with a demonic baby doll? If you’re intrigued about Satanism in Japan, read my article with Dr. John Skutlin on this subject.
Dr. John Skutlin explains: “Midori opened her own “Mystic, Fetish & Gothic Bar” called IDEA [pronounced as the original Greek, which refers to “form” in the Platonic sense]. She really pulled out all the stops with the design of the place as well, with a lot of help from her cousin, Taiki.” Case in point: these pentagram coasters and the long bar filled with sharp nails. (You can remove the glass top and lay your victim onto the spikes!)
“Lining the shelves behind the bar are three sets of six bars each—666—and the number of iron bars lining the walls of the restroom number 72—one for each demon of the Ars Goetia grimoire. Demonic tomes and art abound, of course, and the soundtrack is mostly dark electro mixes courtesy of Taiki, who also designed Midori’s unique pentacle sigil for the bar.”
In our Idea video here, you can see my friend Mistress Maya and the Idea staff playing with these handcrafted whips!
“That’s all looks though—the best part of IDEA is the people. Midori is one of the warmest and kindest people you’d ever hope to meet, and she has a talent for finding interesting young ladies (sometimes men) to work at the bar who are fantastic conversationalists and, of course, knowledgeable about the fetish and occult world. The parties she holds, which fall on the holidays marking the Pagan Wheel of the Year, involve everything from your standard rope tying and dripping candle wax to suspension performances and scarification.”
Read more of my conversation with Dr. John Skutlin about Satanism in Japan here, and I hope you’ll get the chance to experience Gothic & Fetish Bar Idea in Kobe.
Before our visit, Mistress Maya took me to get a taste of the famous beef. You don’t need to order the branded “Kobe beef” itself in order to have a delectable meal at Miyabi Steak, a laid-back teppenyaki restaurant run by a skilled chef. His perfectly seared chateaubriand wagyu, garlic rice, and vegetables were melt-in-your-mouth magic. If you visit Kobe, I hope you’ll get a chance to dine on the juicy meat at Miyabi Steak.
One last stop in Kobe: Vampire Squid, a bar dedicated to The Rocky Horror Picture Show! I spy Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Vampire Squid is decked out in Rocky Horror memorabilia, and plays the 1975 cult musical-film on repeat. Guests can say hi to the resident creature of the night, Fuku-chan the barn owl! (An owl is “fukuro” in Japanese, hence the name.)
Vampire Squid is the dream-space of Saki, who often performs at Idea’s anniversary events.
Address / location of the Rocky Horror bar: 3 Chome-11-18 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011, Japan
If you’re a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, then you’ll be mad for this glam Goth bar. Aren’t Kobe and Kyoto a hoot?
For video footage of Kyoto’s Seimei pentagram shrine, Satanic Idea bar and other spots featured in my blog, check out my reels on Insta @LaCarmina – thanks for the follow.
Here are a few more outfit pics for you — wearing Charli Cohen pants, Dear Cloud Miffy makeup bag, white earmuffs by Skandinavik Fur.
These are my first earmuffs ever, and I’m a convert. They do a remarkable job at keeping your head and ears warm.
Wearing this cropped puffer by Desigual, a short and padded metallic coat that fits with the acubi / y2k aesthetic.
Where will 2025 take us in The Collapse? Only time will tell… but I’ll definitely spend more time in Japan this year.
I’ll leave you with some dark Japanese fashion roundups, and suggestions for where to shop for Gothic Lolita Punk clothes in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese Gothic street style has evolved over the years — Gothloli (with frilly dresses, bonnets, etc) used to be more prominent, while now there’s a lot of “jirai kei” (landmine-style, or dark/edgy/naughty meets feminine cute).
Kuromi (the devilish Sanrio character) is the perfect poster girl for jirai kei. Here’s a Kuromi clothing collab that perfectly encapsulates the dark girly aesthetic.
I’ve written many Goth punk alternative Tokyo shopping guides over the years, but things keep changing — so here’s the latest look at where you can find Japanese Gothic fashion.
Studio Alta in Sunshine City Ikebukuro has a basement level filled with Gothic and Sweet Lolita and other subculture street styles.
I will forever be drawn to Japan’s spooky meets kawaii styles.
Corset lacing, ancient aesthetics, witchy hats… obsessed with the creativity of Japanese underground fashion.
Sunshine City mall in Ikebukuro is a great place to explore; it also has a Pikachu Sweets Cafe, Flower Miffy, Kiddyland, Thank You Mart, Hello Kitty store and other pop culture attractions.
See more photos from Sunshine City in this older blog post.
Shibuya 109, the tall department store near Shibuya Scramble crossing, remains one of the best spots to shop for trendy youth styles.
Mars, Liz Lisa, Rojita and other larme kei (soft, romantic girly) styles are omnipresent. I like to mix and match: I found a futuristic silver skirt and Gothic / jirai kei heels in Shibuya 109.
Onward to Harajuku, the youth culture and avantgarde fashion center of Japan. It’s also home to Sebastian Masuda’s 6%DokiDoki, one of the last bastions of independent fashion in this neighborhood.
6% Doki Doki still delivers on all things kawaii cute meets ghoulish technicolor.
Laforet Harajuku is still the #1 destination for Gothic Lolita punk and subculture clothing. If you can only go to one shopping center, make it this one.
Although Lolita dresses aren’t as popular as back in the day, you can still find the designer boutiques at Laforet like Alice and the Pirates, Angelic Pretty, and Baby the Stars Shine Bright.
However, there are dozens of floors contain all types of edgy styles. See my Laforet Harajuku post for a comprehensive walk-through of the department store, with plenty of photos.
Right now at Laforet Harajuku, you’ll find pentagrams, stomper boots, rave, and Y2K aesthetics.
There’s a great deal of handmade and funky vintage-coded fashion as well at Laforet.
Shinjuku Annex is also a fantastic spot to find kawaii meets alt Goth clothes, accessories, makeup and more. See my Shinjuku Annex blog post for the details (the top floor has Kera Shop, Moi-Meme-Moitie etc).
Can’t wait to be back in Tokyo / Japan in 2025… Currently confirming the dates and details, and will keep you informed.
Thank you always for being part of my Japan Gothic chronicles. If you find these travel and shopping guides helpful, please consider sharing them on socials and with friends. ありがとう!
SHARE & COMMENT
Offbeat New York City! Sushidelic kawaii restaurant, Edge observation deck, Paradise Lost Satanic bar, Inter_IAM art.
New York City is one my favorite places in the world for eccentric, artsy, offbeat attractions. Every time I return to NYC, I have a giant list of new bizarro places to explore.
Such as this Harajuku kawaii sushi parlor (SushiDelic), founded by Tokyo’s Sebastian Masuda (the mastermind behind 6% DokiDoki and the now-closed Kawaii Monster Cafe)…
… as well as Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards, a devilish tiki bar called Paradise Lost, Inter_IAM immersive digital art museum, and more. Read on for my alternative food and travel guide to NYC — there are Seinfeld spots at the end, since I’m a mega-fan of the 90s sitcom!
Let’s start at SushiDelic, which lives up to its promise of sushi + psychedelic decor. This funky Japanese restaurant opened up in New York’s SoHo / Little Italy not long ago.
Address: 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013, United States
At SushiDelic, the food is as colorful as the Harajuku-pop decor. (We came on a Sunday to try their special sushi brunch menu, which includes this tiered tower).
The decor at SushiDelic is eye-popping, candy-colored cuteness. I’d expect nothing less from Sebastian Masuda, the legend behind the kawaii boutique 6%DokiDoki, Tokyo’s Kawaii Monster Cafe, and other Jpop meets art projects.
A pink conveyer belt goes round and round the counter, bringing out stiletto heels, jelly bags and other fabulosities (as well as plates of food!)
SushiDelic restaurant aims to be an immersive kawaii experience… these rotating, long-eyelashed cat heads certainly delivered that.
Kaiten sushi gets glitzed up at this New York sushi restaurant of dreams. (Here’s a video of the conveyer belt in action.)
Electronic music throbs as the cat-heads turn and the screen flashes with cute animations… What a vibe! (All photos Joey Wong)
At SushiDelic, even the dishes come in bright colors and shapes. The menu puts creative spins on sushi, such as a sushi parfait (made from raw fish and seasonal vegetables, but decorated like a layered dessert), and a decadent assortment of “Delic rolls.”
We had the sushi tower that included a sashimi assortment (salmon, tuna, scallop, hamachi) and a sampling of California, veggie, eel and wagyu rolls.
Watch my SushiDelic video on @lacarmina Instagram for footage of the NY restaurant (you’ve got to see the adorable pastel kitties in motion).
Sebastian Masuda’s restaurant serves drinks as well. I adored the yuzu mimosa (juice from my fav Japanese citrus fruit with Prosecco).
Aren’t the lipstick lights and vinyl record place settings fabulous?
Dine at SushiDelic for a playful sushi extravaganza that brings a taste of Harajuku to New York City.
Then, I got closer to the edge… I’m standing 100 stories above New York City! Be sure to watch our Insta reel about the Edge NYC experience.
This thrilling NYC observation point is Edge, located at 30 Hudson Yards. (You can see the sky deck jutting out from the top of the skyscraper).
The infamous Vessel is still closed due to jumpers… thankfully photographer Joey Wong and I shot inside the beehive in 2021 before it shut. (See our Vessel NY images here.)
This time, we were psyched to get to the top of Edge. It stands out from New York’s other observation decks because of its outdoor sky deck, which is the highest in the Western hemisphere (100 floors up).
From outside, these 360 degree views are the definition of cinematic. (You can go inside as well, for panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, and New Jersey).
Edge has several V-shaped suspension points edged by glass, which are the perfect photo spots. (It’s one of the most Instagrammable viewpoints in the city — here’s my reel about it).
Come in the late afternoon and stay for sunset to see the light and shadows shift over the tall buildings.
Walk all around the Edge platform to see famous New York landmarks and skyscrapers over the horizon.
Thrill-seekers can scale and lean out over the skyscraper as well. You can also walk over a glass floor area and look down at the ant-like action below.
So much fun to take trippy photos while leaning on these angled glass walls. (Are you afraid of heights?)
You can book timed tickets to Edge at Hudson Yards online. We recommend staying until nightfall so you can see the twinkling lights over New York, New York.
For another type of New York magic… enter the INTERverse at Inter_IAM, an immersive / digital art museum in SoHo! Guests interact with two floors of high-tech generative exhibits, which respond to your movements and shift as you take part in them.
Inter_IAM lets you enter various rooms filled with multimedia works — such as this infinitely mirrored one. Please watch our video of the journey so that you can see the artwork in motion.
We received 3D glasses, which you can put on to enhance the INTERverse in prismatic ways. (It felt like dancing in another dimension with aliens!)
Loved the wide variety of imaginative, sensory spaces, which made for interesting portraits. Some of the exhibits even emanated heat!
Put the 3D glasses over your camera or phone lens for a filter effect.
Have you ever been to an immersive art experience like New York’s Inter_IAM?
The space disco vibes were immaculate.
How many of me can you handle at one time? Explore the beautiful, digital participatory art at Inter_IAM in NYC (and see our video of the museum visit for a preview).
Speaking of the devil… Did you know New York has a devilish tiki bar, Paradise Lost? Descend into an East Village tropical hellscape inspired by Milton’s saga of the fallen Lucifer!
Watch our Paradise Lost video for a sense of the vibe: you can drink fiery rum cocktails out of Baphomet’s head (or sip tasty mocktails), snack on international bites, hail Satan at the goat head altar, spot sigils in the bathroom… This “hell on Earth” is my type of New York speakeasy!
Finally, as a Seinfeld obsessive, I made my rounds of New York locations associated with the 90s TV show. “Look to the cookie, Elaine…” I had a black-and-white cookie at Culture Espresso, a NY snack featured in one of their episodes (and it was spectacular).
And I went to my old stomping grounds at Morningside Heights / Columbia University to shoot Tom’s Restaurant. You may recognize it as the exterior of the diner where Jerry Seinfeld hangs with George Costanza, Kramer, and Elaine Benes.
Address: 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States
I went here ages ago and ordered a big salad, of course (there are Seinfeld-themed menu items). The restaurant interior doesn’t look like the set on the television series, but the outside of the American diner is exactly the same.
Take a look at my IG video of New York Seinfeld food spots to see Tom’s and other spots.
“No soup for you…” I also dared to step into the lair of the Soup Nazi at his “Original Soup Kitchen!”
Address: 259A W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Known as The Original SoupMan in the 1990s, this soup restaurant was the domain of Ali “Al” Yeganeh. The hardcore Soup Nazi character is based after him!
You can order jambalaya (Newman’s favorite), mulligatawny, and other hearty favorites of the Seinfeld gang. (That is, if you behave — or it’s “no soup for you!”)
Walking around and trying street food / cheap eats is my fav thing to do in NYC. Joey Wong took a big bite out of the Bear Donut, while I tried my first ever pistachio latte at Maman Cafe.
So many excellent bakeries, bagel shops, and of course — pizza. (I’m partial to Joe’s Pizza, and also had an excellent mushroom New York slice at Andiamo Pizzeria).
We’re also fans of Los Tacos, Joe’s Steam Rice Roll, and other affordable snacks.
I also returned to St Mark’s Place, the seminal Goth punk neighborhood. Ah, memories of Search & Destroy and eating at Kenka with my spooky friends over the years!
For more alternative, Gothic and offbeat NYC tips, browse the New York category of my blog, and see my NYC videos on @LaCarmina Insta. I’m already as excited at this pink cat at the idea of returning soon!
LA CARMINA
