I…don’t even know where to begin when trying to describe what the Robot Restaurant was like. Tourist haven aside, it is an experience that needs to be had first hand.
Nestled in a somewhat questionable area of Shinjuku, the Robot Restaurant is more of a Vegas-style show venue than a restaurant with only basic bento boxes and snacks available and a tonne of flashing lights and shiny objects. It is built across multiple levels with main show floor underground, ground floor entry and the bar and waiting room on the third floor.
I booked online which is slightly cheaper but you need to pick up your ticket from a ticket office around the corner from the venue, front door staff will direct you if your confused. One is then ushered up to the bar and waiting room. Judging by the other visitors, it is definitely a tourist hot spot.
The whole experience starts right at the front door with the straight up bling, bright colours and flashing lights. And then the waiting room takes it to a whole new level. Walls, floor and ceiling all covered, it felt like standing inside a kaleidoscope toy. There was some pre-show entertainment of a live band, dressed to match the room, and the guitar players were in robot costumes.
It’s hard to describe the show itself without spoiling it. But at the same time you will probably spend most of it not actually knowing what is going on, in a strangely entertaining way. Music, dancing, boxing, fighting, more dancing. Just wow.
I’ll conclude with the following imagery. A panda riding an elephant, fighting a mercenary, with help from a fire breathing bee. That happened.
(at Robot Restaurant, Shinjuku)