Verdict
Destinations
Experience · Tokyo

Samurai Restaurant (formerly Robot Restaurant), Kabukicho

The neon-and-drums variety show that replaced the defunct Robot Restaurant — note it now runs in the daytime, not the legendary evening slot.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for
  • Night owls
Depends
  • If you've only got a day
  • Families with kids
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • Photographers
  • Adventurers
Not for
  • Travellers on a budget

Worth it for night owls; not for travellers on a budget.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

The same fun-dumb neon, taiko and float chaos in the old venue — still a singular, only-in-Kabukicho sensory overload.
Not independently verified — estimated
It's a misnomer to call it a night out: the successor show runs in the daytime (latest start around 4:30pm), so it can't anchor an evening the way the original Robot Restaurant did.
Not independently verified — estimated
Still pricey for what it is, with fewer robots than the legend, and the food remains an afterthought.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • With friends

    A ridiculous, high-energy night out that groups either love or laugh off.

  • As a couple

    A novelty date for couples who want camp over class.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
¥8,000–10,000
Time
1.5 hrs
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Evening show slots; book a session in advance
Getting there
In the heart of Kabukicho, near Shinjuku Station's east side
Booking
Reserve online; ¥8,000–10,000; treat the meal as incidental
Accessibility
Loud, low-light venue with stairs may be tough for some visitors
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

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Sources

What we checked

  • The original Robot Restaurant closed; the Samurai Restaurant opened in Shinjuku as its successor in 2023
  • In the heart of Kabukicho
Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →