The Robot Restaurant

If you have spent any time researching Tokyo, you have heard about the Robot Restaurant.  Despite having “restaurant” in its name, this place is not famous for the food.  It is famous for the robots, neon lights and loud music.  So it is crazy, but is it fun?

The Robot Restaurant is located in the Shinjuku district.  It is located a short walk from Shinjuku Station, which is the largest in the world.  When you get close to the Robot Restaurant, you should notice the bright neon signs.  The attraction has become very popular since being feature on Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown and will often sell out.  If you want to be sure to get a seat, you should purchase tickets online beforehand.  They are sold on numerous website.  We used this one because it was the cheapest.  Tickets are available with or without a bento box dinner.  I would not want to eat dinner during the show and would recommend doing so elsewhere.  Most tickets will include one free alcholic beverage.  Additional food and beverages can be purchased during the show regardless of your ticket.

A robot playing a guitar?  Just the start to a bizarre night.

Photograph by Jeffrey Palmer

Once it is time for your show, you will be led up to a bar.  This is where you will get your one free drink.  The lounge area is the most gaudy room that I have ever seen.  Joy loved the gold, roundback chairs.  Also, there was a guy in a robot outfit playing a guitar.  We waited about 30 minutes before being taken down into the basement for the show.  The room was smaller than expected with several rows of tightly packed seats running along two of the walls.  Before the show starts, the first couple rows are given a “safety demonstration.”  It’s pretty simple, when a robot part comes at your head, duck.  And with that, the show begins.

I’m not sure how to describe the show.  Regardless of how I do, it would be lacking.  It has an entirely Japanese script, and no discernable plot.  It is just a bizarre spectacle and highly entertaining.  You can watch a video and try to get an idea for it but ultimately you just have to be a part of it.  I could easily go on using superlatives to try and sell you on why the show is so great.  I’m not going to do that though.  The very lack of structure and uniqueness that makes the show so engaging also makes it difficult to communicate.  I’m at a loss for words.  In all, the entire experience lasts about two hours.  I will add that it is not for everyone.  If you are uptight and only appreciate meaningful performance, you probably should not go.  I was somewhat put off by, well… other American tourists.  You know them; the abnoxious, roudy, drunk version.  While the show itself exemplifies the stark extremes found in Tokyo, the crowd is overwhelmingly Westernized.  Put that aside, grab a drink and just let yourself enjoy the show.