Just so you know, Robot Restaurant has closed it’s doors ( April 2020) with no announcement of as to when business will resume at this stage.
It’s a total tourist trap – but I’m crazy for this place.
Don’t let the Tokyo long-termers talk you out of it. It’s silly and funny (if you’re expecting something silly or educational? You’ll have a completely crappy time.)
I love it way more than I probably should for someone who lives in Tokyo! It’s just so silly, funny and random.
I recommend leaving your brain and logic at the door and just going with it. The show isn’t meant to make sense – it’s a rainbow feast for the eyes and ears.
I recommend booking online and keep an eye out in the tourist magazines in Tokyo for discount coupons. Oh…and even though it’s a restaurant, don’t eat there!! The sushi bento is ordinary. I also recommend buying fast food in the first room and then popcorn and drinks during the show.
Once you’ve made your reservation, keep an eye on your email. Robot Restaurant is strict with their rules regarding dresscode and ticket collection timing. In the first room (before the theatre) check out the amazing restrooms!! (You don’t go back in that direction so this is your only opportunity.)
If you haven’t had enough psychedlic fun after the show is over : the American Bar & Cafe Ren (run by the same company) is also pretty fun.
Incase you’re not entirely in the know you may not realize that Robot Restaurant isn’t actually a restaurant. You can grab some fast food in the holding area upstairs (fried chicken and fries and lots of booze etc.) and DON’T order the bento when you book the restaurant – ok? You’ve been warned. Its a sad little obento. Someone once told me that they need to offer it as part of the liquor licensing in Japan .. something about having to do with needing serve alcohol and still offer food, perhaps?
Other than that – they serve popcorn during the show – which tastes incredible if you’re properly liquored up for a full Robot Restaurant experience…
ROBOT RESTAURANT
1-7-1 SHINJUKU ROBOT BUILDING, KABUKI-CHO, SHINJUKU
新宿区歌舞伎町 1-7-1 新宿ロボットビル
OPEN: EVERYDAY (SHOWS IN THE AFTERNOONS & EVENINGS)
WEBSITE
Just an FYI: Personally, I don’t recommend taking children to the Robot Restaurant – teenagers would probably be fine. It’s not that the content of the show is racey or anything… its that the other clientele are often there for a boozy time. Especially for the late show – I’ve seen people being really sick and people on Bachelor parties etc. I know friends who have taken toddlers to the early show – personally? It’s double the cost of a kids ticket to Disneyland – take your kids to Disneyland instead.
I also wrote a post called Mari-Car and Robot Restaurant Equivalent for kiddies. Take a look here.
If you’re looking for places to eat just before the Robot Restaurant, you might want to take a look at my article here.
JUST AN FYI: I don’t recommend taking children to Robot Restaurant and here is why.
