The Most Bizarre Bars and Restaurants in Shinjuku, Tokyo

1. Robot Restaurant *CLOSED

The Robot Restaurant is a huge hit with tourists in Tokyo. 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.

2. Ranse no Koshitsu Sengoku Buyuden *CLOSED

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.

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 *CLOSED

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!

5. Prison Restaurant The Lockup *CLOSED

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!

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!

In most Japanese elementary schools, a school lunch is provided. In this restaurant, you can try items that are commonly served in school lunches, such as fried bread and frozen oranges. It's a menu that you won't be able to easily find elsewhere, so it's a good chance to experience Japanese culture.

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 *CLOSED

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.

8. Mysterious Shinjuku Store *CLOSED

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.

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: www.english.cuore.bar (English)

HP: www.cuore.bar (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!

 

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