Summary
- History of the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo
- What to see and do at the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo?
- How to get to the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo?
- - By Subway
- - By Shuttle
- Robot Restaurant Schedules and Rates in Tokyo
- - SCHEDULE
- - RATES
- Good to know
Are you spending a few days in Tokyo or are you living there? Take the opportunity to live a unique experience at the Robot Restaurant in the Japanese capital!
Is your stomach tight? Do you like science fiction? You're probably wondering what's the connection between these two questions... It's the Robot Restaurant!
In Tokyo, nothing is like anywhere else. Codes and habits are upset. If you're ready to try something unusual, you'll be spoilt for choice. There's no shortage of themed cafes and restaurants. The Robot Restaurant in Tokyo is in this vein, but it's far superior to its counterparts. Here you can enjoy a meal in a unique atmosphere, where robots put on a show!
Located in the Shinjuku district, in Tokyo's Red Light District, better known as Kabuchiko, the Robot Restaurant plays the game of signs with a thousand colours, neon lights with a thousand bulbs and repetitive tunes, which will appeal to your senses.
Welcome to the paradise of the strange and unusual!
Read also: The 8 must-do things to do in Tokyo for a first stay
History of the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo
In just a few years, the Robot Restaurant has become a mythical place, which people come to discover from the other side of the world, like a legendary monument. Namie Osawa is at the origin of the concept. Before embarking on this beautiful adventure, the Japanese woman worked in the textile industry. In a country where robots tend to take the upper hand over humans, Namie Osawa wanted to give another colour to this relationship.
While the Japanese become slaves to technology and often suffer from a life dominated by work and the obligation to achieve results, they can now come and relax in an unlikely setting , defying the codes of a very rigid society. Tourists, too, benefit from this innovative concept!
The publicity that the Robot Restaurant received when it opened has greatly contributed to developing its notoriety. Some people think that the concept came at the right time, shortly after the 2011 earthquake, allowing Japanese society to get out of its slump. While it is obvious that the Robot Restaurant was not going to solve the country's problems, it is not impossible that the climate of tension led the Tokyoese to look for a new way to cut themselves off from their daily lives.
The opening of the Robot Restaurant would have cost the modest sum of 10 million euros! If this amount seems significant, it is not that much of an exaggeration, considering the means deployed to entertain and surprise the customer. Between the price of the land, in the heart of Kabuchiko, the demolition of the old bars located on the site of the current establishment, the construction of this amazing restaurant, the decoration and the high salaries of the artists, the cost is justified.
Contrary to popular belief, the Robot Restaurant is not an establishment where meals are served by robots. It goes further!
What to see and do at the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo?
What to see? A robot show! What to do? Eat!
Actually, the Robot Restaurant is more of a show place than a restaurant. The customer goes there first of all because the restaurant is part of Tokyo's must-do, and because it offers a show out of the ordinary. The quality of the dishes served does not equal the uniqueness of the experience. The Robot Restaurant is more an attraction than a Mecca for Japanese gastronomy.
In culinary terms, the meal consists of a simple bento. The less greedy will be satisfied with the snacks sold during the intermissions.
As far as entertainment is concerned, just entering the Robot Restaurant is an adventure in itself. You don't know where to look, as every square centimetre of the place has been designed to catch the eye and stimulate the brain. In the little corner, too, nothing has been left to chance. The light installations and flashy decorations of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas look pale in comparison!
The show is truly hallucinating! Don't look for meaning in the show, that's not the point. Let yourself be carried away by the sound and light effects, by the prowess of the dancers and robots, by the battles of the dragons or the charm of the hostesses, by the frantic rhythm that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end of the show. If you like peace and quiet, go on your way! The amateurs ofpsychedelic and crazy atmosphere will find their happinessthere.
Don't expect great art, but rather go to the Robot Restaurant to live a very unusual experience, in adequacy with this crazy facet of the Japanese, that we love so much.
How do I get to the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo?
The Robot Restaurant is located at 1-7-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
By Metro
In the capital, public transportation is a must. The easiest way is to take the subway. By taking the Yamanote Line, you get off at "Shinjuku Station", east exit. Then you can reach the Kabuchiko district in 5 minutes. The Robot Restaurant is located near the Golden Gai.
By Shuttle
The Robot Restaurant offers a paid shuttle service that can pick you up from your hotel. Reservations can be made online or by phone.
Robot Restaurant Schedules and Rates in Tokyo
SCHEDULE
It goes without saying that it is vain to hope to have a table on the spot, the same day! Remember to book several days in advance. You'll have to confirm your arrival by phone, 1 hour before the time slot you've booked for the show. Otherwise, your table will probably be assigned to other customers. After your confirmation, you will have to show up 30 minutes before the show starts.
- Opening: from 2pm to 11pm
- 4 shows per day: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm
Please note: The Robot Restaurant staff can be reached by phone from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at + 81-3-3200-5500. Remember to check the time slots on the website as they change very regularly.
RATES
- Entrance fee to the Robot Restaurant: ¥8,000 (about €66)
- Menu C, the Sushi Robot : ¥1,000 (about 8.26€)
- Menu B, the Japanese Style Dinner Box: ¥1,200 (about 10€)
- Menu A, the Grilled Beef Dinner Box: ¥1,500 (about 12.30€)
Each bentos is served with a small bottle of mineral water. You are not required to order a meal and can stick to the snacks sold during intermissions.
Please note: Any cancellation on the day itself, before 3pm, will incur the payment of a part of the entrance ticket. The same applies if you change the number of guests you are planning to attend. If a show is cancelled, the amount of your reservation will be returned to you.
