Japan is more than just temples, cherry blossoms, or sushi & Ramen. There are a few wholesome activities and places to explore in Kabukicho, renowned as a hub of “adult” fun, and one of them is Robot Restaurant, where they offer high-tech laser lights, sparkling dancers, and colorful robots for your entertainment.

Is It Really a Robot Restaurant?

Not really. It’s actually like watching a medieval time reenactment only the heroes and antagonists are robots, dinosaurs and singing & dancing ladies. It’s family-friendly, nothing lewd or obscene. There were options for lunchbox style meals, but the draw was the show.

Buying Tickets For The Robot Restaurant

I searched the internet for ways to get discount tickets for the Robot Restaurant. Fortunately, I was able to get a good deal with Klook. Instead of just getting your ticket for approximately JPY8,000, I got mine for about JPY5,982.76 and it includes an alcoholic beverage.

I suggest purchasing Robot Restaurant tickets in advance from Klook, which offers 30-35% off the standard ticket price.

The Klook website states that the deal includes:

• Robot Restaurant tickets and watch flashy dancers and energetic robots put on a phenomenal show.
• Enjoy the vibrant setting and props integrated into a themed performance.
• Fabulous set pieces will entertain and amaze you throughout your stay
• See performers go into battle with robots accompanied by strobe lights, lasers, an infectious music.
• Get priority access on the Klook Exclusive Lane to quickly enjoy Robot Restaurant.

There are four showtimes daily:

• First Performance: 4:00pm (doors open 3:00pm)
• Second Performance: 5:55pm (doors open 5:00pm)
• Third Performance: 7:50pm (doors open 7:00pm)
• Fourth Performance: 9:45pm (doors open 9:00pm)

Pro tip: Be sure to see the first show for the day. According to friends who also went to Robot Restaurant, they were not able to get pictures with the robots as they were shuffled out after the show too quickly in preparation for the next show.

Once in the Robot Restaurant

• Be sure to bring your mobile voucher or a printout to the ticket counter. This is located just across the Robot Restaurant entrance on Sakura-dori Street. Their crew are just around, ready to assist you.
• Once you present your voucher or confirm yur name on the list, the staff will give you a form. You have to give this to the counter and exchange for tickets. (They included souvenirs – I got a nail clipper that also doubled up as beer bottle opener.

While Waiting for the show.

As instructed, I had arrived 30 minutes prior to showtime. However, it’s really to your benefit to arrive as early as you can because you’ll want to spend some time in the waiting area lounge – which is amazing! You will be entertained by Daft Punk-ish band dressed as robots playing covers. Because you have assigned seats you can show up early or not, your choice, but it’s worth it for the band and drinks.

Before The Robot Restaurant Show

• About 5-10 minutes before the show is due to begin, you’re escorted down to the “arena”. It’s actually pretty tight quarters so you’re instructed to quickly take your seat.
• Noise-blocking headphones are being offered prior to the show, I highly recommend taking one as the music can be too loud and hard on their ears.
• It’s shoulder to shoulder but doesn’t matter if you sit in rows one, two, or three. Lights go out and the craziness begins!

Robot Restaurant Show

I didn’t know what to expect when I got the tickets, but I’m extremely glad I did. As to not spoil you here are some things that you can anticipate: Glittery-costumed singers, rainbow-feathered dancers, neon-lit dragon floats, ninjas shredding on electric guitars and of course, several large and impressive robots! The show runs for 90 minutes divided into 3 sets with 10-15 break.  To put it into a few words, it’s weird & spectacular. It will give your senses quite a ride.

Things to Remember Before You Go To The Robot Restaurant

• It’s better if you eat before or after the show as drinks & popcorn are overpriced. So skip the snacks and explore Shinjuku, the neighborhood is cramps with restaurants.
• Food & soda are not allowed inside.
• Flash photography isn’t allowed, smartphones are okay for taking pictures and videos.

How to Get There

Take the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. Walk to the crossing. Cross the street (and don’t go underneath the train tracks), heading towards Kabukicho. Cross the large road at the traffic lights. Don Quijote will be on your right. Turn right and walk one block, then turn left into Sakura-dori Street. The Robot Restaurant is just down the road. You can’t miss it.

Is it worth is?

If you already think Japan is weird, this will surely attest every stereotype that you have heard about. Though, this does not accurately reflect what ‘Japanese culture’ really is, it gives you a taste of what Japan has to offer aside from their rich history and culture. This show is an elaborate combination of traditional motifs with a kick of Hollywood influence (with tons of neon lights, extravagant costumes, and over-the-top singing & dancing.

Personally, it was wacky, it made no sense, it was the best time I’ve had in years. What a show, worth every bucks.

Robot Restaurant really is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world, so if you’re in Tokyo, check it out for yourself!

Location

DISCLAIMER: Golden Island Senorita seeks to deliver readers with honest and straightforward reviews. This review is entirely based on my personal experience. I did not (and still do not) get any compensation for my visit, including freebies, free meals, gift vouchers, and the like, and I paid for the food out of my own wallet.