The loud, flashy, tourist-favorite Robot Restaurant is reopening! We attended a special pre-opening show, to get you the inside scoop — including how to get the best price on tickets. Get ready for an afternoon of strobe lights, dance performances, and yes, robots.
When is the Robot Restaurant reopening?
The Robot Restaurant is reopening on May 29, 2023, in the same Kabukichō location as before. It has moved one floor up from its old location, but that just means a shiny new stage and lighting set up.
Currently, there is just one show a day, from 2:30 p.m. to around 5:00 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m. and close at 5:30 p.m.
What’s changed?
The new stage is wider than the previous one, and at eye level, which makes for more comfortable viewing. This is a good thing because the shows go for longer, with four acts spread over a whopping two hours. Previously, shows were only 90 minutes.
And speaking of the shows, wow. In the past, Robot Restaurant shows were often described as “so bad they’re good,” but now, well, they’re actually good. We were thoroughly impressed by the skills and choreography of the dancers, and the storylines of the acts are definitely a step up.
Long-time Robot Restaurant fans will also be pleased to know that there are a few new “robots” and acts too, so it’s the perfect excuse to visit again.
How much does the Robot Restaurant cost?
Unfortunately, the price has gone up to ¥10,000. Prior to closing, tickets had risen to around ¥8,000, but there were usually discounts to be found.
However, the new ticket price includes your choice of a meal OR two drinks (including alcohol options).
Get tickets to the Robot Restaurant
The current best price for tickets – with an exclusive 11% discount — can be found on the Rakuten Travel Experiences website for ¥8,900.
Tickets can also be bought online via the Giragira Girls website with a discounted price of ¥9,000.
Has the food gotten better?
Again, those who’ve visited before will be happy to know the food situation has also drastically improved. The meal choices are sushi, ramen, udon, beef steak bentō, or an appetizer set — and honestly, they’re pretty decent.
We recommend the beef steak bentō as it’s the most filling option. Unfortunately, though, there aren’t any vegetarian or vegan menu options right now.
Our final thoughts
So there you have it, the Robot Restaurant — that we had thought was closed forever — is back, with a number of noteworthy improvements.
Now, would we recommend you go? If you’re in the mood to see a show that’s a bit like a live-action anime and a bit like a dinner show, then yes. But if you want monster-truck-style robot fights, then no you won’t find that here.
Oh, and this show is definitely not a family affair. While the shows themselves are not explicit, the Robot Restaurant is part of a larger adult entertainment facility. Some of the workers from the above floors may even be in the crowd — in their work outfits — watching the show with you.
Want to know more about the Robot Restaurant experience? Check out our full Robot Restaurant article here.
