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Interesting Themed Restaurants and Cafes In Japan |
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Japan has some very fun and unique themed cafes and restaurants. So many of them peak my interest because they do sound like they would make for an exciting experience to have. Unfortunately, where I lived there isn’t anything similar to them (or at least isn’t year-round to enjoy, like those that sound perfect for Halloween).
I felt compel to list as many as possible and include some sources of photos, videos and/or personal experience from those that actual visited the locations. Though sometimes, photography and/or filming is not allowed inside (but some exception may be made, such as advertising or snapping a photo of your food but not always).
I’m also considering using these as prompts or Coffee Shop AUs (Alternative Universe) ideas for my fanfiction. It’s one of those classic AUs that you can never go wrong with, but it wouldn’t hurt to spice it up to keep things fresh in the fandoms. For example: Instead of the well known Coffee Shop AU (or Barista AU) in which all the cast works at a regular Cafe or Bar -- it's an Planetarium-themed Cafe, Bar or Restaurant.
Or the cast is divided in which the other half works there and the rest is customers. Just imagine the staff members having to dressed as aliens or uniforms inspired by planets. They served customers in a darken building because it has a huge projection that places stars everywhere and there's a glow in the dark (or blacklight) mural of a giant nebula on the walls. The tables, chairs and whatnot would be in the style of a spaceship and food would be space themed too. That would make for an interesting story setting and it doesn’t have to just be about canon characters of a fandom. It could focus on an OC (Original Character), Self-insert or Reader-insert that works in such a place.
Alcatraz ER
One of the strangest and oldest of Tokyo’s themed cafes, is Alcatraz ER a “medical prison” and you are the patient. The waitresses are dressed as nurses, and their first order is to handcuff you and led you towards your cell to be locked up.
When you’re seated you’ll be given the menu (an English menu is available too), but what’s more interesting is the horrifically themed drinks and dishes. There’s p***s Sausage (in which a sausage is carved to resemble a severed p***s), fried rice boobs, beef p***y, and so on. There are also plenty of strange cocktail concoctions served in syringes, mannequin heads and test tubes. For example, pitchers of beer is served in bedpan urinals and a drink named as “sperm juice” is served with a banana carved to look like a p***s. Once you’ve picked your poison, waitresses are summoned by raking the bars of your cell with an iron bar.
Many of the novelty dishes come with waitress interaction such as being fed from a baby bottle or being instructed to lick the various bodily fluid stand-ins. If the visceral horror theme of the food and decor is not enough, the staff enacts various regular “shows”. It begins with the lights going out, the sirens wailing and red flashing emergency lights switching on. At random, an unlucky patron gets pulled from their cell and becomes an victim of a terrifying clown and nurse to “experimented on” with giant syringes and fake penises. This is definitely not a kid-friendly place, and even if it was they do not allow children to enter.
Note: Alcatraz ER is one of two jail themed cafe in Tokyo’s popular suburb of Shibuya. The other is Japan’s larger prison themed chain, The Lock-Up, which has several branches in Tokyo and around Japan. The difference between the two is that The Lock-U is just a prison themed place while Alcatraz ER takes on the theme of a prison hospital.
Alice in Fantasy Book
It is a Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland themed fantasy restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The menu (which is available in English as well) is essentially an adult pop-up book, and each page is an elaborate culinary re-telling of the classic children’s story. The food is mostly French and Italian. The other branches of Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant (like this one in Ginza) have their own menu specialties. Reservations for seats will cost ¥ 500 (about $4.47 USD and must consist of two people or more) and can be made online or by phone. If you do reservations you can also get a special cake included with your meal. It is possible to walk in without it, but you won’t have the option for booth seats.
Animal Themed Cafe
These types of cafe are extremely popular, because most homes in Japan are tiny and either not suited for pets or pets aren’t allowed. And even if they did allow pets, a lot of people don’t have the time or energy to take care of them. This is the main reason why these types of animal cafes (especially cat and dog cafes) are so popular.
it started with cat cafes and it didn’t take that long for many others animal cafes to pop up. Now there’s capybaara cafes, pigs, goats, penguins, hedgehogs, lizards, bunnies, owls, raccoons and so on. Of course, not all cafes prioritizes the well-being of the animals (especially the more exotic or non-domesticated ones). The cafes listed below are those that actually care about the animals and were carefully selected based on ethics and/or support for rehabilitating strays for adoption.
Note: Majority listed are cat cafes because bunnies, owls, hedgehogs and whatnot have their own needs which are ignored in such cafes. For example: Owls are nocturnal creatures that are meant to fly and not be kept indoors just for the whims of gawking crowds during the day. Hedgehogs are also nocturnal animals, and while they bond with their owners, it is still stressful for them to be around too many new people (especially when they’re trying to sleep).
Artnia Square Enix Cafe
Artnia, is the official cafe and merchandise store of Square Enix. It is a themed cafe that serves dishes inspired by the popular games like Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts. It is located in a surprisingly classy white dome-shaped building in Shinjuku Eastside Square, Tokyo. It is also right next to the Square Enix Headquarters and directly behind the Higashi-Shinjuku station.
Within the cafe it is divided into three sections: the museum area, a gift shop, and of course the cafe. The cafe serves sandwiches, coffee, parfaits and other desserts, pancakes, and drinks (which are based on summons, materia and elixir). Speaking of which, you can’t order alcoholic beverages until 5:00pm. Otherwise, you can get a non-alcoholic cocktail version of them. The waitresses primarily speak Japanese, but the menus are somewhat English friendly.
The savory food itself is less ‘themed’ than you’d find at some themed restaurants, but it is still decent. Even if you don’t buy anything from the shop area (which can be pretty expensive, but it does contain some exclusion items sold only there), a cold drink order will get you a free coaster. You get to pick either Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest designs. You also don’t need a reservation.
Capcom Cafe
In case you didn’t know, Capcom is one of the leading game developers in Japan. Besides serving up Capcom-themed food and drinks (such as Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Devil May Cry, Phoenix Wright , and so on), there is also a little merchandise shop inside of it.
The Capcom Cafe is a permanent cafe, but the theme is always switching every few months or so. Currently, the cafe is serving Monster Hunter X-themed food and drinks until June 27, 2018. After that? Who knows?
it is important to make a reservation in advance because each day is separated in different time blocks. You then have to choose one and come to the restaurant at that chosen time only. At the end of each session (there’s a 2 hour limit), everyone will have to leave the restaurant.
Also keep in mind that the seat you are assigned to has a number and that number goes with the receipt pad with the same number. This is especially important if you and your friends intend to pay separately. They also have menus in English. An average meal will cost you between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000, which is about $17.90 USD to $26.85. Capcom Cafe is located in the Aeon LakeTown kaze shopping mall in Koshigaya Laketown, a suburb of Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture.
Gundam Cafe
In Akihabara, a suburb of Tokyo is the home to a Gundam-themed cafe that serves as the base of operations, for those that enjoy the fantasy world of Mobile Suit Gundam. You won’t have a hard time looking for this one, because right at the entrance there’s a human-sized Gundam statue to greet you – well, not literally.
Visitors will find at least one of the female staff members dressed in a uniform styled after one of the female Gundam characters, and there is even a corner of the shop dedicated to selling themed products ranging from ningyo-yaki (sweets filled with bean jam baked in the shape of a Gundam) right down to special Gundam coasters that can not be bought anywhere else.
You can indulge yourself in their very own robotic menu, with dishes garnished according to the Gundam robot of your choice. As for drinks, legal aged customers can quench their thirst with their original Gundam-themed cocktails served from 5:00pm until closing time. No reservation required (which make it one of the few anime cafes not needing one).
Kawaii Monster Cafe
The restaurant is designed to be the inside stomach of a trippy purple and pink swirl monster — Mr. Ten Thousand Chopsticks, who goes by the name Choppy. Inside the theme is suppose to evoke the spirit of Harajuku itself—colorful, loud, flashy, and according to the restaurant’s website, “is like a monster that swallows everything in its path and keeps expanding.” The cafe was born as a creation of the widely acclaimed modern art designer Sebastian Masuda who fascinates the world with his peculiar take on “kawaii” (cute).
There is five mascot Monster Girls (and sometimes Monster Boys) who go by the names of Sweet Baby, Selfish Dolly, Happy Candy, Sexy Nasty, and Moody Crazy. They are the visual icons of the restaurant and each Monster Girl has her own style and distinct personality. They help guests find their seat since the cafe is so large that each area has a different theme: The Mushroom Disco, Bar Experiment, Mel-Tea Room, and the Milk Stand.
While aimed at kids and families by day, the Kawaii Monster Cafe caters to a more adult audience in the evening. The site is transformed into a cabaret, and offers KMC Showcase (evenings with DJ and shows). Monster Girls with more risqué outfits perform burlesque or dance shows.
Reservations isn’t needed, but if you want to sit in a cool booth instead of a regular table you will need it. There’s an entrance fee of ¥ 500 (which is about $5.00 US dollars for a 90-minute session) per person, even for children (aged four and up). You are also required to order at least one drink and one of the dishes. The menu is on an iPad which has both English and Japanese on it, and the staff, while not fluent in English, are used to foreign customers. The Kawaii Monster Cafe is set in the Harajuku District of Shibuya in Tokyo.
LUXIS
Luxis is less of a theme cafe and is actually a regular restaurant that’s an elegantly decorated “aqua bar and restaurant.” The name is a combination of “luxury” and “oasis.” The main attraction at this restaurant is the enormous fish tank, from floor to ceiling in the dining area. Depending on where you are seated, it can be very fascinating to see sea creatures, especially swimming sea turtles, while you’re eating.
It’s quite a classy affair, with prices to match, but the food is excellent and the atmosphere genial. Be sure to visit the bathroom, where more fish await. Luxis focuses on Italian cuisine, such as salad, pizza, pasta, risotto, and other specialty dishes. The recommended house specialty dishes is their deep-fried pork cutlet and simmered Saga beef with stewed hamburger. They also have charcoal-grilled dishes and desserts. And they have several kinds of alcoholic drinks that go well with their dishes, from cocktails and beers to champagne, wine, and whiskey. They also have non-alcoholic cocktails and smoothies for those who don’t or would rather not drink.
Additionally, it is recommended to book in advance if you’re heading in large groups. The restaurant is just a minute walk from the JR Ebisu Station.
Ninja Akasaka
Is a ninja-themed restaurant (designed to resemble a Japanese castle within a village), where you can enjoy a bountiful feast of delicious food, served by waiters dressed up like ninjas. They guide diners through small corridors, narrow passageways, waterfalls, bridges, and secret doorways to show them to their tables. The dimly-lit hallways create an eerie ambiance, making patrons feel like they’re being pursued.
While eating, ninjas will keep guests entertained with magic tricks, table side demonstrations (especially if you order some of their signature dishes) and by sneaking up on them when they least expect it, to take orders, check up, or to hand over the check. The menu, (which they offer in English as well) is presented in the form of a scroll that contains many peculiar ninja-themed foods.
The food is modern Japanese cuisine with a French twist. It is pricey with the meal courses ranging from ¥ 7,000 to ¥ 15,000 (about $62.64 US dollars to $134.23), but worth it for those who want a one-of-a-kind ninja experience. Reservations can be made via phone or through their website. Do check their website for more details, especially if you intend to order from their course menu, or if you want to bring children along. The Ninja Akasaka is located at Tokyu Plaza Akasaka and the nearest station is Akasaka Mitsuke Station.
Robot Restaurant
The name Robot Restaurant is a bit misleading, because it is more of a bizarre sci-fi-inspired place and it’s not really a restaurant. It is one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo and is located in what’s probably best described as the “neon district” (also known as the red-light district) of Shinjuku. It is often sold out, so reservations is a must and you can only purchase tickets online. The full price of tickets depends on the cabaret-style show, which there are only three to four performances a day.
The price ranges from ¥ 8,000 to ¥ 11,000 (about $71.59 US dollars to $100) per person. Purchasing them in advance gets you a discount, but you can get a better deal from a third-party ticket discounter such as Voyagin (they include a free drink and souvenir bottle opener as well as the discounted rates) or your hotel. That might seem like a lot of money, and it is, but this is a lavish production done by professional dancers. They rehearse around the clock to perfect the complicated choreography.
Just be sure to arrive 40 minutes prior to show time. Another downside is that there is no proper dining per se. Do not expect much (or anything) from the food, because all they offer is sad-looking sushi or pork bento boxes, which is priced at an additional ¥ 1,000 (about $10). It’s best that you eat somewhere else before going here and it’ll be cheaper too. They also offer snacks, but it’s similar to those offered in cinemas such as popcorn, drinks, and chips.
The entire place is decorated from floor to ceiling in over-the-top opulence: mirrors, neon rainbow lighting, chandeliers, large screen videos, and giant robots. If you are wondering if it is appropriate to bring kids – because the female performers do show quite a bit of skin, it is generally safe in that aspect. However, do note that music can be too loud for the kids, but Robot Restaurant does offer headphones for them to wear free of charge. But keep in mind, that you may not want to bring any kids in the late hours, particularly on weekends because of its location.
Sengoku Buyuuden (Samurai Themed Restaurant)
Located in Shinjuku’s famous nightlife district of Kabukicho is a themed restaurant that allows you to journey back in time to feudal Japan’s Sengoku (the Waring States Period). Sengoku Buyuuden (or "Sengoku Heroic Exploits”) provides seventeen private rooms, with each room designed to represent a famous military commander that you can choose from.
The immersive experience doesn’t stop with the decoration and ambiance of Sengoku Buyuden. The food served there is mainly Japanese cuisine and features a range of dishes that pay respect to traditional Japanese dining principles. The dishes are named after or inspired by generals or battles during that time period. Such as Siege of Sekigahara, Siege of Osaka, and so on.
They do have English speaking staff and reservations is needed (group must consist of 2 people or more to do so).
Kyoumachi Koishigure
Right smack in the middle of Tokyo, Shinjuku is Kyoumachi Koishigure, a restaurant completely embodying Kyoto. Entering inside it will instantly feel like you’re walking down the beautiful streets of Kyoto, with lovely lanterns hanging above you and flowers surrounding you. There’s even a red wooden bridge amidst the bamboo trees that will lead you to your seat.
One of their specialty dishes is the “spilling sushi” which consists of rice, topped with an overloading amount of sea urchin, crab, salmon roe and minced tuna. There are many other Kyoto style dishes that are on the menu, such as wagyu sukiyaki and the hot steamed “Bimei” pork.
If you’re lucky you may catch Maiko (an apprentice geisha) performing songs, dances, and/or playing the shamisen when you visit.
Soineya
On the edge of Akihabara, Tokyo’s epicenter for electronics, manga, and geek subculture is a place called Soineya, which translates to “sleep together shop”. It isn’t quite what it sounds like, but it’s more commonly known in the West as Tokyo’s Cuddle Cafe.
Anyone can visit Soineya to cuddle, nap, and talk with the girls that work there. Patrons can pay anywhere between ¥4,000-50,000 ($40-$450 US dollars) to sleep next to a girl at the cafe, for 20 minutes or up to 10 hours. There are extras you can pay for as well. Laying your head on her knees for three minutes, a five second hug, staring into each other’s eyes, choosing your girl, and choosing what she wears can all be arranged, for a price. But that’s it, because everything at the Cuddle Cafe is completely platonic. This kind of cafe is aimed at single men, and is thought to be a bandaid for the lonely and contact-deprived.
Note: There’s another that’s aimed at single women called Soine-ya Prime. But it is slightly different and has two main packages to pick from: Standard Plan and the Date Plan. The Standard Plan allows the client to spend 7 hours with a young man for a fee of ¥30,000 ($273 USD). The Date Plan is more expensive at ¥70,000 ($638 USD) because it includes a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort, which is a popular date spot for couples in Japan.
Swallowtail Butler Cafe
It is a Butler Cafe (similar to maid cafes), in which patrons can visit and be waited on by, well, waitstaff that dress and act like old Victorian Butlers. Reservation need to be made before going (at least two weeks in advance) since it’s very a popular attraction. However, there’s is a time limit once you’re inside of 80 minutes. It is located on Otome Road in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It’s also expensive and most of their menu changes monthly, but you do get quality food and drinks. Even though it’s called a cafe, it’s more of a very fancy, high-end restaurant with Victorian England-styled decor. They do offer a menu in English, but it’s definitely a good idea to go with someone who speaks Japanese. The butlers will do their best, but they speak very little English.
Vampire Cafe
The themed interior is apparently based on the concept of Dracula’s castle and despite cafe being in its name, it’s more of a small restaurant. Keeping with the theme, it’s only open for dinner (from 5:00 to 11:30pm), after all, vampires only come out at night. The food is a mix of Italian-French-Japanese dishes and they all have vampire themes and names, even the drinks. Reservation is recommended, the primary way is via Gourmet Navigator. Calling is an option too, especially to make sure that they’ve gotten the reservation, but not necessary. If you do, they may not speak much English (and it depends on who is working that day). They do have English menus though. Vampire Cafe is located in the luxury shopping district of Ginza in Tokyo.
Yurei Izakaya
This is a ghost-themed bar and restaurant filled with the scariest decorations you’ve ever seen, booby traps ready to make you scream, and servers (dressed in traditional white burial kimono) will tell you that they’re already dead. As soon as you are seated, a giant spider will come down from the ceiling to serve as your creepy-crawly new friend for the night. To call the waitresses, you’re supposed to strike a Buddhist prayer bell and hold up a bloody, severed hand.
The food here goes well with the theme, with dish having names like death rice cakes, ghostfire flaming spare ribs, ghost eyeballs for fried quail eggs, bloody potato fries, and more.
Zauo Fishing Restaurant
When you step into the restaurant, you will see a huge fishing boat which occupies most of the floor area of the restaurant and is surrounded by what looks like a moat containing various types of live seafood. Before you can eat, customers are encouraged to fish for their meal at Zauo’s indoor tanks. It is optional, but if you do it you can tell the waiters how you want your food cooked. Grilled or boiled? Sashimi or deep fried? Otherwise, you can just order off the menu, which is also available in English.
It costs ¥108 (incl. tax, which is about $0.97 US) for a small portion of bait (shrimp) which is to be used to catch the fish. The fishing rod with a tiny hook at the end is provided free of charge. Just keep in mind that whatever you catch, you are stuck with it and have to pay for it. Therefore, do have a look at the menu first to check out the prices of the fish, then target the more affordable ones. Though, the fishing price is much cheaper than ordering straight off the menu. Even if you add on the cost of the bait, it still works out to be cheaper.
However, there is limited seating on the boat so if they are all occupied, you will be ushered to the ordinary table booths located around the back of the boat. To avoid that, make an reservation a few days earlier and specified where you want to be seated at. Zauo is originally a restaurant chain from Fukuoka, but now has three restaurants in Tokyo: Meguro, Kamuro, and the largest and best located one in Shinjuku.
There’s so many others, but these seem to be the most interesting and popular to go to. Also I’ve been typing and staring at the computer screen for too long that my fingers and eyes need a break. I might come back and add more to this post or maybe do a part two if a bunch of new ones pop up in the future.
It's a bit annoying having to relinked everything, so please go to my blog post HERE if you're curious and want to check out the links.
 DamnBlackHeart · Mon Aug 06, 2018 @ 10:51pm · 0 Comments |
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