One of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo is the Robot Restaurant, which is located in Kabukicho area near Shinjuku Station. I personally usually find popular tourist attractions to be an underwhelming experience. I was therefore pleased to discover that the Robot Restaurant Tokyo actually lived up to their reputation and is an attraction that I can definitely recommend that visitors to Japan should actually visit!
The Robot Restaurant Show was a great and energetic experience, with lots of dancing, the robots and a great light show. We really enjoyed the show as it really is a great way to experience Japanese culture done in their own unique style.
Note that our Robot Restaurant tickets were sponsored by Voyagin.
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Robot Restaurant Review
The Robot Restaurant burst into public attention in 2013 when Anthony Bourdain featured the crazy Tokyo Robot Cabaret Show attraction in his Parts Unknown TV series. As a uniquely Japanese experience the Robot Cafe Tokyo has since been one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Tokyo.
In our case, we were one of the few who did not visit during our first visit to Japan, probably as we had young children at the time. On our more recent Japan visit we were finally able to visit the Robot Restaurant as a family and we had a great evening out! Our Voyagin Robot Restaurant tickets were booked in for the 4pm entry, which included the pre-show lounge live show, with the main show to commence at 5.30pm and finish by 7pm.
Shinjuku Robot Restaurant Pre-Show and Lounge
The Robot Cabaret Tokyo pre-show is only available for the 4pm entry option, otherwise you get to visit the waiting area in the lounge on the upper floor where there is seating and an option to purchase drinks from the Robot Bar as well as to pre-order a bento box for dinner. You can also pre-order bento boxes, drink vouchers and popcorn when you book your tickets through Voyagin.
Of note is that the pre-show is not suitable for children as the dancer’s attire and dancing style was adult entertainment. The main Robot Show, however, is suitable for children.
Main Robot Show Tokyo
Once the main show room is ready in the basement level you are directed to descend the stairs into the room where you can find your allocated seat.
The seating is set up as rows of seating with tables on the two longer sides of the room, with 3 rows of stepped seating on each side. The front rows are very close to the action and enable you to be more interactive with the performers, while the rear rows enable you to have some height to view the whole show more easily. Our seats were in the rear row around half way along the row and we were very happy with our seating position.
If you have pre-ordered a bento box you will find it at your seat when you arrive. Additional Japanese style fast food and drink options are available from mobile carts on the main show floor both before the show and during the intermission.
After getting settled, we were pleased that they offered headphones for children which reduced the sound level. Our youngest son (age 10) is sensitive to sound so this option enabled him to better enjoy the Robot Show Japan. You are also recommended to bring your own earplugs for your children. Note that children aged 0-3 years old can sit on their parent’s lap, older children require their own seat and ticket.
We then sat back to enjoy the show! The Robot Show Shinjuku was very energetic, with a lot of lights and loud accompanying music. We had a great time! The sequence of performances are as follows, with three sections. At the end of each section there was a short break where you could purchase food and drinks and visit the golden bathrooms.
Section 1: Taiko Drumming Show, Torii Gate Song and Dragon Drumming
The Taiko Drumming segment was awesome and a great demonstration of a modern take on taiko drumming. We had just participated in a taiko drumming lesson only a few days before so we had a good appreciation of the effort involved. The drumming was fast paced and energetic and a great start to the show!
Section 2: Robots versus Humans Fight
The second segment was all about Robots fighting against Humans. The robots were amazing, the actors put on a great show and everyone loved the show!
Section 3: Light Dancing, Robots Dancing, Light Sticks and Animal Parade (finale)
The final segment kicked off with the light dancing show which was awesome and wrapped up with the finale parade which was utterly crazy and lots of fun.
Where to Purchase Robot Restaurant Tokyo Discount Tickets
Voyagin is an online travel agency in Japan which offers a great option to reserve Robot Restaurant discount tickets. Their current deal is for 34% discount off the normal ticket prices for the 2.30pm daytime show, and an 18% discount for late afternoon and evening admission. Through Voyagin you will get an instant confirmation for your Robot Restaurant tickets.
After you add your tickets into your Voyagin Shopping Cart, go there and you will see the recommended add-ons available for your visit. You can choose from upgrading to VIP seats on the front row and in the centre of the row, centre location 2nd and 3rd row seats. You can also pre-order a sushi bento box (must be pre-ordered at least one day prior) or purchase a discount voucher for popcorn and a drink.
Voyagin also runs regular coupon code promotions to make your tickets even cheaper, so keep an eye out for coupon code options after you click through and in your shopping cart.
Click here to book your Robot Restaurant discounted tickets through Voyagin
Robot Restaurant Tokyo Price
Through Voyagin Robot Restaurant price is from $US51 per person for daytime shows and from $US63 per person for late afternoon and evening shows. If you wish to purchase premium seats you will need to pay an additional fee after you go to your shopping cart.
Robot Restaurant Menu
The Robot Café Japan only offers limited dinner options. You can pre-order a sushi bento box, popcorn and drinks or purchase fast food options from mobile carts either before the show or during each break.
Robot Restaurant Show Times
The Japan Robot Restaurant Show Times vary depending on the season. At the time of writing (15 July 2019) the show options were as follows:
- 2.30pm entry for the 3.30 – 5pm main show. Note that if you book your tickets through Voyagin this show also includes an option to get photos taken with the robots.
- 4pm entry for the 5.30 – 7pm main show, including lounge special live show
- 6.30pm entry for the 7.30 – 9pm main show
- 8.30pm entry for the 9.30 – 11pm main show
For all of the show times after you enter you first wait in the lounge area, which has seating and the Robot Bar Tokyo area where you can purchase drinks. For the 4pm entry you also get to see their live pre-show, which was good fun but not suitable for children. The main show was a child suitable show.
A common question is how long is the Robot Restaurant Show? The main show is 90 minutes long.
Robot Restaurant Address
The Robot Restaurant is located within a short 400m walk from Shinjuku Station in the Kabukicho red light district. The area is quite safe to walk around during both the daytime and night time, with normal precautions. It is located close to the Golden Gai bar area of Kabukicho so is a good option to get started for a big night out on the town!
The map below shows further details on how to find the Robot Restaurant.
Robot Restaurant Dress Code
The Robot Restaurant dress code is casual, there are no specific requirements.
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Join the Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group
You are also welcome to join our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group – it is a great resource to enable you be inspired and to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Japan!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
