10 Interesting Izakaya in Tokyo's Shinjuku.
Shinjuku is an area that's lively even by Tokyo's standards. Here, there's an endless stream of people out and about even in the wee hours of the night. Many bars and izakaya are located here. Among them, look out for these 10 that are full of their own character! They're sure to offer you a unique experience!
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1. Robot Restaurant (Shinjuku-sanchome)
The Robot Restaurant is a huge hit with tourists. Large robots dance together with dancers dressed in beautiful costumes in impressive shows that run all day. You won't be able to take your eyes off the the colorful and lively stage!
It's not just the stage that's colorful. No matter where you look in the restaurant, it's always lively and festive. It always feels extraordinary. All the seats are sofa seats, so it's fun to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
The show includes performances by cute female dancers, taiko (drum) performances, cool light shows and many others. The unique show will surely become a special holiday memory.
About Robot Restaurant
Opening Hours: 3:10 PM - 11:00 PM
1st show opens 3:10 PM (starts 4:00 PM)
2nd show opens 5:00 PM (starts 5:55 PM)
3rd show opens 7:00 PM (starts 7:50 PM)
4th show opens 9:00 PM (starts 9:45 PM)
Closed: Open all year
Fee: 8,000 yen
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, UC
Access: Around a 5-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR, Private Rail and Metro Lines
Around a 5-minute walk from Exit B9 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station, accessible via various Tokyo Metro Lines
Address: Shinjuku Robot Bldg. B2F, 1-7-1 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-7-1 新宿ロボットビルB2F (Google Map)
HP: www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/?lng=en (English)
HP: www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/?lng=han (Traditional Chinese）
HP: www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/?lng=ja (Japanese)
2. Ranse no Koshitsu Sengoku Buyuden (Shinjuku)
Sengoku Buyuden is an izakaya that's perfect for those that love Japanese history and samurai. Replicas of samurai armor stand at the entrance to welcome you. The inside of each private dining room is decorated based on famous battles or samurai.
The menu is made up of Japanese food like sashimi and yakitori. You can also try dishes that make use of ingredients from all over Japan or even regional cuisine. The condiments are contained in a helmet-shaped container and they also pay great attention to the plating of the dishes.
For drinks, you'll mainly find shochu, but they also have cocktails, beer and wine available. The designs on the glasses, mugs and coasters are actually the family crests of the samurai families and are called "kamon". They were used to indicate one's origins, family lineage, pedigree and social standing. It's fun to guess which one you'll get when you make your drink order.
About Ranse no Koshitsu Sengoku Buyuden
Opening Hours: (Mondays - Thursdays) 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
(Fridays, Saturdays, Day Before Public Holiday) 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM
(Sundays, Public Holidays) 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Closed: Open all year
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, UC
Access: Around a 3-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR, Private Rail and Metro Lines
Address: T-Wing Bldg. 4F, 1-6-2 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-6-2 T-wingビル4F (Google Map)
HP: www.diamond-dining.jp/ (Japanese Only)
3. Fishing Restaurant Zauo (Shinjuku)
Is this the sea? Or a river? Nope, this is an izakaya where you can enjoy fresh fish and shellfish. Fishing Restaurant Zauo features seating areas shaped like boats, with a huge seafood tank surrounding them. Here, you catch your own fish and they can cook it for you on-site.
Different fish are put in the tank every day, but you can find ise shrimp, sea bream and other premium fish. Catching the seafood yourself makes it extra delicious, doesn't it? It's an izakaya that even children would love.
The fish can be prepared sashimi-style, boiled, or fried, so pick the cooking style and fish what you like. Don't worry, if you didn't catch anything, you can still make an order from the menu!
*Fishing is only available for weekday lunch meals. You need to reserve 1 day in advance.
About Fishing Restaurant Zauo
Opening Hours: (Weekdays) 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (last orders 2:00 PM), 5:00PM - 11:00 PM (last orders 10:00 PM)
(Weekends, Public Holidays) 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (last orders 2:30 PM), 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM (last orders 10:00 PM)
Closed: Beginning and End of Year
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UC
Access: Around a 8-minute walk from South Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR lines
Around a 5-minute walk from Exit A3 or A4 of Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line
Address: Washington Hotel Shinjuku 1F, 3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区西新宿3-2-9 新宿ワシントンホテル1F (Google Map)
HP: www.zauo.com/en/ (English)
HP: www.zauo.com (Japanese)
4. Capcom Bar (Shinjuku)
The Capcom Bar is a must-visit entertainment bar if you're a fan of Capcom's games. There's a huge screen in the bar from which you can watch game videos while you eat. There are 3 terminals from which you can try out various games as well.
Soft toys and figurines related to Monster Hunter, Resident Evil, Street Fighter and other popular games adorn the bar. It's not a big place, so it's better to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
There are also many game-related dishes on the menu. They're inspired by the game characters or items found within the games, so it's bound to get any fan excited! The alcoholic drink menu is extensive as well, so it's even perfect for those who want to have a drink or two!
About Capcom Bar
Opening Hours: (Weekdays) 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
(Weekends, Public Holidays) 1:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Closed: Open all year
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB
Access: Around a 5-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR, Private Rail and Subway Lines
Address: Pasera Resorts Shinjuku Main Store 1F, 1-3-16 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 新宿区歌舞伎町1-3-16 パセラリゾーツ新宿本店1F (Google Map)
HP: www.paselabo.tv/capcombar/english/ (English)
HP: gurunavi.com/zh-hant/g868211/rst/ (Traditional Chinese)
HP: www.paselabo.tv/capcombar/ (Japanese)
5. Prison Restaurant The Lockup Shinjuku Branch (Shinjuku)
The Lockup was created with the image of a prison and a haunted house in mind, so it's dark and eerie. The restaurant staff will handcuff you the moment you walk in and take you to your table, which is located within a prison cell.
Since it's a restaurant that sells on eeriness, the menu is filled with eerie-sounding dishes like Captured Dead Souls and Zombie Pizza. The look of the dishes also leave a lasting impression, but they're made with ordinary ingredients such as chicken and potatoes, so rest easy.
You can have drinks served in blood transfusion packs or make your own cocktails. The drinks menu is full of interesting items. However, you'll need to keep your guard up when dining here or you'll get attacked by monsters! Those who have a strong heart can experience an out-of-the-ordinary day here!
About Prison Restaurant The Lockup Shinjuku Branch
Opening Hours: (Sundays - Fridays) 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (last orders 11:30 PM)
(Saturdays) 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (last orders 3:30 AM)
Closed: Open all year
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UC
Access: Around a 2-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR lines
Address: Shinjuku Square Bldg. 6-7F, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-16-3 新宿スクエアビル6F, 7F (Google Map)
HP: www.lock-up.jp/ (Japanese Only)
6. Year 6 Class 4 Shinjuku Higashi-guchi Eki-mae Bunko (Shinjuku)
Year 6 Class 4 is an izakaya decorated to look like a Japanese elementary school classroom. Small wooden tables and chairs, paper flower decorations on the wall, and other cute decorations dot the restaurant. Come and see if it is extremely different from the elementary schools in your home country!
They serve the salad dressing in a syringe and alcohol in a flask, so you'll need to shake the flask to mix the drink. There are many other carefully thought out items like these on the menu. Re-live your childhood when you dine here!
About Year 6 Class 4 Shinjuku Higashi-guchi Eki-mae Bunko
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM (last orders 11:00 PM)
Closed: Open daily unless otherwise specified
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UC
Access: Around a 2-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR and Private Rail Lines
Around a 1 minute walk from Exit B11 or B12 of Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Around a 2-minute walk from South Exit of Seibu-Shinjuku Station on the Seibu-Shinjuku Line
Address: Shinjuku Square Bldg. 9F, 1-16-3 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-16-3 新宿スクエアビル9F (Google Map)
HP: www.6nen4kumi.com/shinjuku/ (Japanese Only)
7. Black Swan Lake (Seibu Shinjuku)
Black Swan Lake is an entertainment restaurant that has been around for close to 40 years. Beautiful ladies put on dance shows throughout the day. Among them are transgenders or "New Halves" as they're known in Japan.
The tables are set up around the stage, so you'll be able to watch the show as you eat. The front row tables are so close to the stage that you could reach out and touch them. It's a show that's sure to leave an impression.
The show is dynamic. Your eyes will be drawn to the dancers moving and the changing lights. The transgender performers will go round the tables before and after the show, so feel free to have a chat with them.
About Black Swan Lake
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
(Showtimes) 6:00 PM open (starts 7:00 PM), 9:00 PM open (starts 10:00 PM)
Closed: Sundays
Price: 2,500 yen
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, American Express, Diners Club, JCB
Access: Around a 10-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR, Private Rail and Subway Lines
Around a 6-minute walk from South Exit of Seibu Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
Address: Arao Bldg. B2F, 2-25-2 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町2-25-2 アラオビルB2F (Google Map)
HP: www.kokucho.com/en/ (English)
HP: www.kokucho.com (Japanese)
8. Mysterious Shinjuku Store (Seibu Shinjuku)
Mysterious Shinjuku Store is an izakaya with a futuristic feel. Stars are scattered around the restaurant and the bar counter glows blue. There are many private rooms available, so you can enjoy your drinks here without worrying about your surroundings.
You've got to try the Planetary Cocktails here. The cocktails inspired by planets like Mars, Venus and Earth are almost too pretty to drink.
The food menu consists of light bites, such as cheese and salad, as well as main courses like pizza. It's a good selection. The interiors are dimly lit, so you can enjoy your food in a relaxing environment. There's also an extensive sweets menu, so you'll be able to eat your fill here.
About Mysterious Shinjuku Store
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM
*Last orders for food is at 4:15 AM
*Last orders for drinks is at 4:40 AM
Closed: Open all year
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UC
Access: Around a 5-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR, Private Rail and Subway Lines
Around a 3-minute walk from South Exit of the Seibu Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
Address: Shinjuku Square Bldg. B1, 1-16-3 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-16-3 新宿スクエアビルB1 (Google Map)
HP: ダイニングバーミステリアス新宿店.com (Japanese Only)
9. Magic Bar Cuore (Shinjuku)
Magic Bar Cuore is a unique bar where you can watch a professional magician up close. There are over 10 magicians assigned to the bar and they'll perform various tricks with cards, coins and the like.
The bar is decorated with magic props and mysterious goods. A mysterious atmosphere is created through the interior's bluish lighting. This is a great place to get away from everyday life.
You'll have to stay alert even when you're going to the toilet. There are many door handles lined up on the door, but only one of them works. It's better to use the toilet as soon as you need it when you're at Cuore!
About Magic Bar Cuore
Opening Hours: 8:00 PM - 5:00 AM, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (only for those with reservations)
Closed: Sundays, Public Holidays (if you make a reservation, they can open on these days)
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, UC
Access: Around a 5-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR, Private Rail and Subway Lines
Around a 5-minute walk from South Exit of the Seibu Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
Address: Shinko Bldg. 5F, 1-2-13 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町１-2-13 新光ビル5F (Google Map)
HP: english.cuore.cx (English)
HP: cuore.cx (Japanese)
10. Bar&Fight Chikatogijo (Higashi Shinjuku)
Bar&Fight Chikatogijo is a recommended stop for those who love fighting sports. It's a bar located underground in Higashi Shinjuku with a fighting ring in the middle of the restaurant. Pro wrestling, pole dance performances and cooking showdowns are held here irregularly.
You're free to use the sandbag that's hung up in the restaurant to burn those calories that you consumed with your beer. It's also a great way to relieve the day's stress.
The varied menu features snacks like cheese and also main courses like omelet rice. There are also daily specials, such as the Kyo-no-Makanai Gohan (Today's Staff Meal) and Kyo-no-Don (Today's Rice Bowl).
About Bar&Fight Chikatogijo
Opening Hours: (Tuesdays - Thursdays) 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM
(Fridays, Saturdays) 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM
(Sundays, Public Holidays) 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Closed: Mondays, 5th Sunday of every month
Accepted Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB
Access: Around a 10-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station, accessible via various JR and Private Rail Lines
Around a 1 minute walk from Exit A1 of Higashi Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and the Toei Subway Oedo Line
Address: Korin Bldg. B1F, 2-14-12 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町2-14-12 光凜ビルB1F (Google Map)
HP: chikatougijou.com (Japanese Only)
Since you're in Japan, you'll surely want to experience something unique. All the izakaya in this list provide an experience that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Visit them and make some special holiday memories!
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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