There’s one show in Tokyo people have been raving and talking about continuously over the last few years, and regularly appears on TV shows. Introducing, Shinjuku's Robot Restaurant, where in an unassuming Kabukicho basement, an incredible spectacle takes place each night involving robots, giant machines, neon lights and bikini-clad dancers.
This is a show where you will have no idea what is going on. It is so bizarre and amazing at the same time. You will definitely get sensory overload from it. The amount of lights used each performance could probably light up an entire small village. The main event is essentially: dancing, lights and robots. Which makes it so different from any other show you have been seen.
The show is divided into a few parts and, honestly, there is not really any interconnecting story line which made it even more bizarre! During each part there will be costumed dancers alongside moving robots. This is definitely not regular family viewing. As the name implies they have moving robots and vehicles as well. It was amazing how they could choreograph the entire dance show in a very tight, indoor space. Considering how much goes on, this was definitely not an easy feat to achieve at all.
The main part that impressed me the most was the finale where everything came together. Moving robots, motorcycles and all sorts of crazy dancing. They give out a light stick to audience members too so you can wave it around and feel part of the spectacle.
The price for the show is ¥6,000, as of this writing. There are a few shows on a daily basis at 5pm, 6:40pm, 8:20pm and 10pm.The main show starts at those times, although beforehand there will be a short performance in their waiting area where you can get drinks and snacks before the real show begins. My suggestion is to come half an hour early to get the ticket and then head to the lounge room. The main show itself last around 75 minutes – it was a really unique and special experience for me and I'd definitely recommend this to those visiting Shinjuku.
