is it worth it?

Yes. If you want a one of a kind cultural experience, this 90 minute, high energy, sensory overload is it. The name is a little misleading. It wasn’t really a restaurant, but a 3 part show with concessions. Overpriced popcorn, bento boxes, beer, and water were available to buy only during intermissions.

We purchased tickets in advance for the Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show. There were 3 shows per day and tickets sold out fast. The Robot Restaurant is now called Samurai Restaurant Time, but otherwise the information online appears the same.

We arrived early to access the pre-show lounge across the street. Drinks and snacks were available during a musical robot performance. After, there was a photo opportunity with the stars. At showtime, we followed a fun house like staircase to the Robot Restaurant.

There were 3 tiers of benches on each side of the stage. Our seats were in the front row and we felt part of the action. Before the show started, the crew warned us, at times we would need to lean back in our seats to avoid being sideswiped by a float. They weren’t kidding.

The show was wild. The acts didn’t have much to do with each other, but it made it even more of an experience. The first act felt like a carnival on steroids with bouncing birds, floats, and bands. The second act told a story of sea animals living a joyful, peaceful life until they were invaded by evil, robot aliens. The finale was a variety of musical performances with costume coordinated floats, glow stick covered men performing to a Michael Jackson mash-up, tribal dancers, and singing fish. Honestly, just go. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

how to get there?

Take the metro to Shinjuku Station and exit through the east gate. After a short walk, a skyscraper with an enormous white sign with colorful letters will direct you the remaining 20 meters. Follow the arrow, and you can’t miss it.

Have you visited the Robot Restaurant, was it worth it?

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September 2017