8 Unique Themed Restaurants and Bars in Shinjuku
Best Crazy Themed Restaurants and Bars in Shinjuku, Tokyo
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If you wish to have a unique and extraordinary dining experience in Japan, themed restaurants and bars are the best option to choose, particularly in Tokyo. You may have heard about that robot-themed restaurant, but there are more unique and crazy themed bars and restaurants located in the Shinjuku area nowadays! I have picked some of the most unique and entertaining themed restaurants and bars in Shinjuku.
And if you need a comprehensive guide to the Shinjuku area, be sure to check out our All-in-One Guide to Shinjuku.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
Themed Dining: A National Obsession with a Shinjuku Twist
Japan has a well-documented enthusiasm for themed dining experiences. Maid cafés in Akihabara or ninja hideouts in Kyoto are some of the many examples in the country where the ambiance is as integral as the menu. These venues cater to a broad spectrum of interests, including anime aficionados, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a dining experience that deviates from the norm.
Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most dynamic districts, exemplifies this trend. The area boasts a variety of themed restaurants and bars that reflect its diverse cultural landscape. For instance, the Samurai Restaurant in Kabukicho combines high-energy performances with futuristic decor, attracting both tourists and locals.
The district’s embrace of themed dining is not merely a novelty; it reflects a broader cultural inclination towards experiential consumption. In a city where space is at a premium and traditional dining establishments abound, themed restaurants provide a unique value proposition. They offer patrons an opportunity to engage with Japanese culture in a manner that is both entertaining and memorable.
Moreover, Shinjuku’s themed dining scene contributes to its reputation as a hub for innovation and creativity. By continually evolving and introducing new concepts, these establishments ensure that the district remains at the forefront of Tokyo’s culinary and entertainment sectors.
Unique Themed Restaurants and Bars in Shinjuku
1. Samurai Restaurant Time
The first restaurant we introduce is the Samurai Restaurant Time, originally known as Robot Restaurant. Following a closure in 2021 as Robot Restaurant, it made a triumphant return, reopening at its original Shinjuku location in May 2023 and becoming one of the best-known restaurants among foreign tourists. However, there are very few people who have actually been to this restaurant.
You may imagine that there will be a show related to robots or samurai, and it is true in a way, but we guarantee they have something beyond our imagination. So, here’s the system of the restaurant. You will be charged for entrance (10,000 yen), which includes a few drinks or a tasty light meal. You can book a ticket at a discounted price in the link below.
Related article: Robot Restaurant Reopened in Shinjuku in May
The Samurai Restaurant show is produced by the same company and at the same location as the previous Robot Restaurant (in Kabukicho, Shinjuku). If you wish to visit, the renovated Samurai Restaurant wouldn’t be a letdown for you to experience the same craziness and excitement!
<<Get 8% OFF Samurai Restaurant Time here! >>
Review: Samurai Restaurant to Open in Shinjuku
2. Zauo Fishing Restaurant
Zauo Fishing Restaurant (釣船茶屋 ざうお 新宿店) is a unique restaurant that features a large fish preserve in its center. This preserve is home to various high-quality fish, including salmon, flounder, and spiny lobsters. At Zauo, you can rent a fishing rod for 100 yen and try your hand at catching your own fish. After you’ve caught a fish, you can choose how you would like it prepared: grilled, deep-fried, or served as sushi or sashimi.
If you prefer not to fish yourself, you can still order dishes made with the fish from the preserve, although the price will be slightly higher. I highly recommend experiencing both the joy of fishing and enjoying the delicious, fresh Japanese seafood at Zauo.
 Access |
9 min walk from Shinjuku Station |
|---|---|
 Business Hours |
11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4–10:30 PM. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. |
 Price |
4,000–7,000 yen |
 Official Website |
https://www.zauo.com/ |
3. Koshitsu Izakaya Rokunen Yonkumi
I hope the restaurant Koshitsu Izakaya Rokunen Yonkumi (個室居酒屋 6年4組) brings back memories from your days as an elementary school student. This themed restaurant evokes the atmosphere of Japanese elementary schools from several decades ago. You can find a variety of familiar Japanese snacks and cup ramen that will surely evoke nostalgic feelings. All snacks are available for just 500 yen.
In addition to the nostalgic items, they also offer a standard izakaya menu featuring dishes like edamame and grilled chicken. What makes this restaurant unique is that they unexpectedly hand out a sheet of paper with several simple math questions for you to solve while you enjoy your drinks. The questions are easy, but it can be quite fun to try to solve them with a slightly tipsy brain. If you manage to get a perfect score, you may even win a prize!
| Access |
5 min walk from Shinjuku Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
3-11:30PM |
| Price |
3,000 yen |
| Official Website |
https://6-4.jp/shinjuku/ |
4. Alice in Fantasy Book
Alice in Fantasy Book (絵本の国のアリス) is inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” a novel by Charles Dodgson that is known worldwide. You will have a fantastic and exciting experience in this magical dining space. The interior is adorned with various decorations that evoke the story and take you back to your childhood.
In addition to the enchanting atmosphere, the menu features dishes related to the narrative of Alice. Seasonal courses are curated by a chef from a renowned hotel chain. For instance, pumpkin-based dishes are available in October, and desserts like parfaits are offered in winter. Each cocktail on the menu has a unique concept inspired by the characters from the story.
| Access |
3 min walk from Shinjuku Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
Lunch 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, Dinner 5–10 PM (Weekends from 4PM) |
| Price |
3,000 yen |
| Official Website |
https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/alice/ehonsinjyuku |
5. Magic bar CUORE
At Magic Bar Cuore (マジックバーCUORE), you can enjoy a professional magic show while sipping on cocktails in a captivating atmosphere reminiscent of a medieval castle. In addition to the mesmerizing performances, the bar features a variety of wisdom rings and puzzle items that will pique your intellectual curiosity.
Unwind from your daily stress in this unique setting, where you can choose from over 500 different cocktails to find the perfect drink for you. If you’re considering hosting a birthday party at the bar, be sure to make a reservation through their website to order a beautifully decorated magical cake.
| Access |
7 min walk from Shinjuku Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
12 PM–5 AM |
| Price |
1,500–5,000 yen |
| Official Website |
https://cuore.bar/ |
▽Check out the Best Themed Cafes and Restaurants in Tokyo, too!▽
Hope you have enjoyed the list! For more unique and trendy spots in Tokyo, please check out listed articles below, too!
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