The Robot Restaurant is an iconic part of Tokyo's entertainment. It's difficult to know what to expect before the show, but with a bit of context, you'll be able to decide if the show sounds right for you. It's definitely like marmite, you either love it or you hate it (hence the occasional negative Nancy leaving negative reviews online). I think this is one of the most spectacular and extravagant shows I've ever seen.
THE SHOW
This show is unlike anything I've ever seen before, totally over the top Japanese entertainment. Dancers, acrobats, musicians, robots, lasers, music, costumes, the full works. It's the only show in the world where dancers and robots are on stage interacting together. Many describe the show as the best kind over sensory overload, and I totally agree. The flashing lights and loud music make the show all sorts of crazy, but I loved it. As a point of note, you can request earplugs, which may be a good idea if you have children or are more sensitive to loud noises, but the flashing lights maybe a little too much for some children.
Lasting 90 minutes, the show is split into 4 performances, with intervals lasting from 5-15 minutes. During the longest interval, food will be served for those who added it to their ticket. However, for an additional cost of £7-10, it is not worth it. The food definitely comes secondary to the show's entertainment, which is fine as it allows you to explore the Shinjuku area. This area is a popular nightlife district; there's pubs, restaurants, the red light district, and most famously Golden-Gai. Golden Gai is a block of small, lowkey, bars which have a capacity of at maximum 30 people (I will be uploading a post on the Golden-Gai area soon).
It is recommended to arrive 60-40 minutes before the show starts, and do not be late otherwise you'll be refused entry and no refund will be given. Whilst the Robot Restaurant is relatively futuristic, the ticket collection process is not. You'll still need to queue for 15-20 minutes to present your e-ticket in exchange for a physical ticket. after the queue, you'll be ushered upstairs to the bar area. You can also spend time in the bar area after the show. This area is also sorts of crazy too. With sparkly walls and red velvet chairs, it looks like something out of three different vegas or Macanese casinos in one.
Whilst initially intended to be a cabaret show for businessmen, it has evolved to be an audience of mainly tourists. That's fine with me as the rest of my trip I spent exploring more "authentic" Tokyo. Some reviews may call this experience a tourist trap, but like I said you either love it or you hate it. I personally think its a must-see in Tokyo. Luckily, you don't have to dress smart, like a businessman or woman, to gain entry. Dress code is casual. However, there are a few points to note to avoid being refused entry.
Do not be drunk
No dress up, or large wigs
If you have large tattoos I recommend to cover them up as they are associated with the crime organisation, the Yakusa. (although I'm sure as a tourist, they wouldn't get you confused)
There are 4 shows a day, 7 days a week, the earliest show each day being the slightly cheaper in price than the rest. Cost of purchasing a ticket will be discussed later in the post.
May 1st - September 30th: 3.30 pm, 5.30 pm, 7.30 pm, and 9.30 pm
October 1st - April 30th: 4.00 pm, 5.55 pm, 7.50 pm, and 9.45 pm
I suggest purchasing a ticket for the 5:30 pm show if you're wanting to see the pre-live show which is for over 18s only, as it is slightly more risque,
You can take pictures and videos to show your friends when you get home! They simply request no flash is used, and to be respectful to those sat behind and around you. There's nothing worse than a phone blocking the view. Especially as the seats are quite small, you may have to be more cautious.
COST
On the door, tickets cost 8,000 yen, about £60. However, as most shows sell out I recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, which also saves you a few pounds. I recommend purchasing from online retailers such as Klook, GetYourGuide, or Voyagin as you can save 10-40% depending upon the time of booking (all are reliable and safe to purchase from). Online bookings can be made until 5 pm, on the day of the show.
If you've spontaneously decided to visit the show, you can queue up half an hour before the show and purchase remaining tickets from guests that were no shows.
Children under 3 are free of charge but older than 3 is the same price as a regular ticket.
KLOOK: here
Typically offers the cheapest ticket price (20-35% discount)
2 exclusive gifts (a souvenir worth 800 yen and pictures with the robots)
You can use Klook credit against your booking
Klook Exclusive Lane means you'll get priority access
No refunds
GET YOUR GUIDE: here
Full refund up to 24 hours in advance
Flexible changing of show date and time
Slightly more expensive than Klook
VOYAGIN: here
official Robot Restaurant partner.
Exclusive first-row seat upgrade
Exclusive gift
More expensive but regularly run sales
no refunds
I booked through Voyagin, and received a free Robot Restaurant Bottle Opener, and was upgraded to front-centre for free. We had the best view of the show and felt like we were right in the middle of the action, for that reason I recommend booking through Voyagin. However, if you would prefer to be slightly further back book through Klook if you're definitely visiting, or Get Your Guide if you may need to cancel. The audience is made up of 4 or 5 long rows, so you'll be able to see pretty well wherever you are sat. Apparently, if it’s someone's birthday and you let them know you may get a little more attention (although I cannot guarantee this).
SOME OTHER POINTS OF NOTE:
it is wheelchair accessible, but perhaps arrive slightly earlier
it is not recommended if you have epilepsy due to the constant flashing lights
If you think the loud noises and flashing lights will be a bit too much for kids, consider checking out the Kawaii Monster Cafe which is located in Shibuya. I’ll write a post similar to this one for the Monster Cafe over the next few weeks.
Make sure your wifi is off! The robots are controlled using wifi, and you don't want to be the one person who ruins it for everyone else.
The show changes about every 3 months, so if you've been before you can go again for a whole new experience.
GETTING THERE
Although maps say it’s a 5-10 minute walk from Shinjuku station. Allow longer than this as the station is crazy big, and take quite a bit of time to even navigate out of it. Take the Tokyo Metro, the Toei Subway, or one of the JR trains to JR Shinjuku station. Exit from the East Exit.
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-Alicia
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