10 Best Unique Bars in Tokyo

One thing you should definitely try in Tokyo is visiting a themed bar. Prison, Ninja Penguins, there are a variety of crazy and weird themed bars/Izakayas in Tokyo today where you can have an extraordinary dining experience. Check out our picks of 10 must-visit unique bars/Izakayas in Tokyo!

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1. Sengoku Buyuden Shinjuku <<Permanently Closed>>

A Samurai themed restaurant, Sangoku Buyuden Shinjuku (戦国武勇伝 新宿) has numbers of armors displayed and warload concept interior from Sengoku period. Each table is in a private room and has a name after famous warloads. Enjoy traditional Japanese meals with a wide variety of Sake from many regions.

<<Book your seat at Sengoku Buyuden!>>

Sengoku Buyuden
Map: http://bit.ly/2PKaGCk
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station/East exit
Hours: 17:00～24:00
Website: http://www.diamond-dining.jp/shop_info/sengoku-buyuden/

2. The LockUp Tokyo <<Permanently Closed>>

The restaurant The LockUp Tokyo (ザ・ロックアップ) is a prison themed restaurant in the Kabukicho are of Shinjuku. You will be taken to their seat as prisoners in the restaurant with dimly lights and unique hidden gimmicks. The restaurant offers unique and photo worthy prison themed food and drinks as well as special entertainments such as surprising events and shows.

The LockUp Tokyo
Map: http://bit.ly/2Y79nRT
Access: 4 min walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 17:00~24:00
Website: https://www.lock-up.jp/tokyo/

3. Magic bar CUORE

Enjoy sipping on authentic cocktails while watching spectacular magic show! Magic bar CUORE (マジックバークオーレ) is an unique and entertaining bar located in Kabukicho area, Shinjuku. The magic show with mind-blowing tricks and illusions are performed by professional magician, and guests can enjoy watching it up close. There are approx 500 kinds of cocktails that you can enjoy through the night.

Magic bar CUORE
Map: http://bit.ly/2HJPCdi
Access: 7 min walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 19:00~5:30 am next day

<<Reserve Seats at a Magic Show Bar in Shinjuku, Tokyo>>

4. Hana no Mai (Sumo theme)

The traditional Japanese sport, Sumo themed restaurant Hana no Mai (両国八百八町 花の舞) is located in the “Mecca of Sumo” Ryogoku area, Tokyo. The spacious dining area has an authentic Edo period decor with the Sumo stadium-like seating with the actual Sumo field in the middle where special Sumo shows take place. Try “Chanko Nabe” (hot pot dish) which is a traditional meal of Sumo wrestlers.

Hana no Mai
Map: http://bit.ly/2PMXE6Z
Access: 1 min walk from Ryogoku Station
Hours: 11:00~24:00 (~23:00 on Sunday)
Website: https://www.chimney.co.jp/event/ooedo808/ec/index.html

5. Penguin Bar Ikebukuro

Penguin Bar Ikebukuro (ペンギンのいるBAR 池袋) is an unique venue where guests can enjoy food, drinks and watching cute little penguins. There is a large glass cage with swimming pool at the bar where (currently 4) penguins live. Guests are free to watch and take photo of adorable penguin. The feeding time is available a few times a day and guests are also allow to feed penguins.

<<Click HERE to make a reservation at Penguin Bar!>>

Penguin Bar Ikebukuro
Map: http://bit.ly/2H2XZjw
Access: 8 mins walk from Ikebukuro Station
Hours: 18:00~03:00 am next day (~1:00am on Sunday)
Website: http://www.penginbar.jp/en/

6. Nanairo Temari Uta Shinjukju

”Temari” is a Japanese traditional craft embroidery handball. The traditional Japan themed restaurant Nanairo Temari Uta Shinjukju (七色てまりうた新宿) has Temari shaped cute and cozy private pods to dine. Their specialty is “Temari Sushi” which is a ball-shape Sushi served at 2–4$ each.

Nanairo Temari Uta
Map: http://bit.ly/2vBKZum
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station/East Exit
Hours: 17:00～24:00 (~04:00 on Friday, Saturday and day before Holidays)
Website: https://nanairotemariuta.com/

7. Ninja Akasaka

Japanese top-class assassins, Ninja is serving Sushi nowadays in Akasaka. Ninja Akasaka (ニンジャ アカサカ) is located in Roppongi/Akasaka area. The place looks like a dark hideout of Ninja in feudal era and all black ninjas waiters are ready to serve and entertain guests. Not only the performance but the place actually has a great feedback of their food such as Suchi dish. This is one of the most popular places where Hollywood stars or celebrities often dine when they visit to Japan.

NINJA AKASAKA
Map: http://bit.ly/2IZ662J
Access: 3 mins walk from Akasakamitsuke Station
Hours: 17:00~23:00
Website: http://www.ninjaakasaka.com/

▼Ninja Restaurant has opened a new branch in Shinjuku area!▼

8. Science Bar INCUBATOR

If you are a science geek, this bar will not let you down. Science Bar INCUBATOR (サイエンスバー インキュベータ) is a small unique laboratory themed bar is located near Shinjuku. A bartender in a white coat serving beverage in laboratory glassware and cook small snacks on alcohol burners. Try their “wine tasting” which comes in test tubes.

INCUBATOR
Map: http://bit.ly/2PKarqU
Access: 3 mins walk from Yotsuyasanchome Station
Hours: 18:00～2:00

9. Kichijoji Yurei (Permanently Closed)

Japan is known for the country of horror after producing such movies as the Ring or the Grudge so why not to throw yourself into a scary bit in Japan! Well, the ghost Izakaya might not be as scary as those movies but it’s surely more fun place! Kichijoji Yurei (吉祥寺 遊麗) has unique ghost themed menu, ghost like dressed waiters and few surprises might pop up while you dine!

Kichijoji Yurei
Map: http://bit.ly/2GWrNwU
Nearest Station: 3 minutes walk from Kichijoji Station
Hours: 17:00~01:00
Website: http://www.yurei.jp/

10. Hospital Themed-Prison Hospital ALCATRAZ E.R. (Permanently Closed)

Alcatraz E.R. (アルカトラズE.R.) is not just hospital themed but “Prison Hospital”. It’s more like the Resident Evil looking and each rooms are divided with cages. They have very unique and funny food and beverage such as “brain buster” “dead chicken” served by kinky zombie nurse waiters.

<Latest Update> The prison hospital themed restaurant, Alcatraz E.R. is permanently closed now

ALCATRAZ E.R.
Map: http://bit.ly/2VcmKCw
Access: 9 mins walk from Shibuya Station
Hours: 17:00～23:30
Website: http://alcatraz-er.net/

Which themed bar do you wanna visit most? For more info about unique and strange places ONLY in Tokyo, check out these articles, too!

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