Tokyo’s latest themed restaurants
Ra.a.g.f (Rabbit and grow fat)
Move over, felines: the bunnies have taken over! As soon as you see the store manager dressed in a bunny suit, you’ll know you’re in for a hare-raising experience. It’s appropriately located in Harajuku, a district known for its boundary-pushing fashionistas. Our furry friends come in a variety of colours and personalities, so you’re sure to find one to your liking!
Opening hours: 12pm – 7.30pm on weekdays (last entry at 7pm); 11am – 8pm on weekends and holidays (last entry at 7.30pm); closed on Fridays
Tel: +81 3 6805 0328
http://raagf.com
Cup Sake and Canned Food Bar ‘Kiha’ (カップ酒・缶詰バー『キハ』)
Japan’s railway is its pride and joy and there are plenty of ‘train geeks’ out there who would be happy to explain why. You’re sure to run into a few of them at this bar, which was designed with train enthusiasts in mind. The interior is decorated like a vintage train car, ready to whisk you away on a retro journey. So grab your sake and your canned meal and get ready for a trip back to the Showa era.
Opening hours: 6pm – 11.30pm, Monday to Friday; closed on Sundays, holidays and some Saturdays
Tel: +81 3 5651 5088
http://www.kiha-sake.com
Private Dining Bar Rokunen Yonkumi (Shibuya Branches 1 and 2) (個室居酒屋 6年4組 渋谷第一・第ニ分校)
Ever wonder what it’s like to attend a Japanese elementary school? Well grab your uniforms and knapsacks because class is in session! Each private room is designed like a classroom and the menu offerings are sure to make locals reminisce wistfully about their school lunches. If you’ve ever watched any school-based Japanese animations, you’ve probably got a good idea of what you’ll find. Relive the childhood magic.
Opening hours: 5pm – 11.30pm (Last order: 11pm); irregular holidays
Tel: +81 3 3496 6040
http://www.6nen4kumi.com/shibuya/
Fishing Boat Teahouse Zauo (Shinjuku Branch) (釣船茶屋 ざうお 新宿店)
There’s no fish fresher than the fish you catch yourself, right inside the restaurant, no less. Find a seat on the ‘fishing boat’ and get your bait and tackle ready. The chefs will immediately prepare your catch for you. Now’s the perfect time to settle on who the best fisher in the group is!
Opening hours: Lunch: 11.30am – 2pm (Last order: 1.30pm); Dinner: 5pm – 11pm (Last order: 10pm); Sundays and holidays: 11.30am – 11pm (Last order: 10pm)
Tel: +81 3 3343 6622
http://www.zauo.com/en/
Ninja Akasaka
Who doesn’t love ninjas? Ninja that serve up tasty food and drinks are even better! If you don’t speak Japanese, no need to worry because English menus are available. But watch out: those ninjas are a sneaky lot. Who knows what crazy surprises they’ll have in store for you!
From the oddly specific to the raucously entertaining, the five options listed above are only a small sampling of the kinds of unique dining experiences Tokyo has to offer. Did any in particular catch your eye? The thought of visiting one of these establishments might make you feel awkward at first, but don’t let that hesitation stop you from potentially having one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. It’s sure to make for a great story back home!
Opening hours: 5pm –1am, Monday to Saturday (doors close at 10.30pm); 5pm – 11pm Sundays and holidays (doors close at 9.45pm).
Tel: +81 3 5157 3936
http://www.ninjaakasaka.com