Photos show iconic exterior being torn down, putting a giant question mark over the future of the popular tourist site.
Robot Restaurant
The unusually-named restaurant battles against the robots of Kabukicho with spooky spirits and staff that look like creepy androids.
Behind the bright lights and massive robots at this popular tourist spot is a female president who’s been there from the very beginning.
Shinjuku’s Robot Restaurant is the stuff of legend the world over. An epic music and light show with a dash of burlesque flair featuring enormous robots, exotically dressed dancers and more neon than the original and 2010 sequel to Tron put together, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Tokyo and looking for a dose of quintessential “WTF Japan?” weirdness (no, seriously, just check out its website).
But what if you’re not a trust-fund Toby or a highly successful business magnate with the cash to splash on weekend trips to Japan? Those plane tickets don’t come cheap, and Tokyo is known for being on the pricey side, so short of a wealthy aunt popping her clogs or your idea for edible cutlery coming to fruition, you may never have the chance to see this baffling spectacle of awesomeness. If you happen to live in or near Sydney, though, your feet won’t even need to leave terra firma for you to experience it, thanks to a unique event coming up in February.
A new restaurant modestly named “Robot Restaurant” has opened in Shinjuku on 18 July but already has generated a lot of buzz on the internet. Its quick surge in popularity may have to do with the rumored post-apocalyptic giant robot show that goes on while you eat and is said to cost 10 billion yen (US$127M) to create. We had to go and see if this is for real.





Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
We try the viral screaming rubber chicken car park hack in Japan
Awesome time lapse video shows Vietnamese artist carving amazingly detailed wooden Goku statue
Ghibli’s scene-stealing warawara are ready to keep you company as adorable keychains【Photos】
Japanese beauty trends of the 20th & 21st centuries, and predicting future fashions
Digital resurrection after death? 63 percent of Japanese and American survey participants say nah
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
We try the viral screaming rubber chicken car park hack in Japan
Awesome time lapse video shows Vietnamese artist carving amazingly detailed wooden Goku statue
Ghibli’s scene-stealing warawara are ready to keep you company as adorable keychains【Photos】
Japanese beauty trends of the 20th & 21st centuries, and predicting future fashions
Digital resurrection after death? 63 percent of Japanese and American survey participants say nah
New Kyoto crane game cakes are poised to become the next big thing in Japan
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Mr. Sato smokes some dead leaves he found on the street 【Retro Sato】