It’s no secret that Tokyo has some weird and wonderful things that don’t exist in the West, and that its strangely contradictory traits of open-mindedness and uniformity produce some of the most interesting cultural nuggets in the world.

So, for your delight and amusement, here’s a quick look at 3 of the best themed restaurants in Tokyo. Granted, they definitely a bit crackers, but we love them for it!

1. The Lock-Up

Have you ever dreamed of dining in a haunted prison themed restaurant? Well, it’s your lucky day! Good service isn’t on the menu here – but that’s kind of the whole point.

Handcuffed upon arrival, you’re led to your cell along dark corridors with recorded screams as your background music. You’re then locked up for the duration of your meal.

The cocktails are legendary and aptly named, including Drug Addiction, Bad Loan, and Electric Shock. Brought to you in scientific beakers and syringes, experimenting is part of the fun. The food is Izakaya, which is lots of small plates, and has equally interesting names.

Stick around after your meal and you’ll experience a prison break, where freakishly dressed monsters run riot (and if you’re unlucky may even pay you a visit!) chased by your waiters and waitresses dressed in sexy cop outfits. Brilliant!

 

2. Ninja Akasaka

Synonymous with ninja culture, Japan is the perfect place for a ninja themed restaurant.

Located in the Akasaka-Mitsuke district, an unmarked black door leads you back in time to a (tasty) Shogun-era adventure. Greeted at the door by a ninja-waiter, you’re given a secret password, then led through a labyrinth of corridors, over a disintegrating bridge, to your table.

The food is awesome – unique modern Japanese with a western twist. Dine on ninja star rice and samurai pizza. One of the more spectacular specials involves a sword being pulled from a coconut shell, releasing a fountain of dry ice.

While you’re eating, the ninjas entertain you with magic tricks and demonstrations – if you’re lucky, you may get a visit from the restaurant’s very own illusionist.

The only thing that isn’t from years gone by is the cost –the experience doesn’t come cheaply, but it’s worth every yen. In fact, it’s a shame that Japanese culture doesn’t foster tipping, because there’s no place more deserving.

 

3. @home cafe

@home cafe is a pioneer of maid cafes that celebrate the Japanese affection for cuteness. You’re welcomed as the master the minute you enter, and looked after by young Japanese girls dressed as anime-style English Victorian maids. It’s a little titillating, but this cultural phenomenon is no sex joint and is, on the whole, quite innocent.

Queuing time can be as long as two hours, and once you sit at your table you’re presented with a list of rules – no touching, maximum stay one hour, no photographs, etc.

Your adorably dressed, cute maids are masters of conversation, and your menu features a list of cute-sounding options including Cutie Seal Seafood Curry and Cutie Puppy Curry Set. All the food is presented with typically cute faces, and you can also pay to have your photo taken with the anime of your choice. The sense of utter bewilderment comes absolutely free!

With a variety of games available and the odd pop performance thrown in for good measure, this is an experience not to be missed.

Getting to Tokyo

From the UK, you can fly to Tokyo from London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Both airports have excellent long-stay parking options for the duration of your trip, which you can see here and here.

Flights arrive at Haneda or Narita International Airports, and there are many rail and bus options to get you into the city.

Tokyo is the capital of fine dining with nearly twice as many Michelin stars as second-placed Paris, but for a taste of Japanese eccentricity a trip to its themed restaurants is essential.

Remember, never travel without travel insurance! And never overpay for travel insurance!

I use HeyMondo. You get INSTANT quotes. Super cheap, they actually pay out, AND they cover almost everywhere, where most insurance companies don't (even places like Central African Republic etc!). You can sign-up here. PS You even get 5% off if you use MY LINK! You can even sign up if you're already overseas and traveling, pretty cool.

Also, if you want to start a blog...I CAN HELP YOU!

Also, if you want to start a blog, and start to change your life, I'd love to help you! Email me on johnny@onestep4ward.com. In the meantime, check out my super easy blog post on how to start a travel blog in under 30 minutes, here! And if you just want to get cracking, use BlueHost at a discount, through me.

Also, (if you're like me, and awful with tech-stuff) email me and my team can get a blog up and running for you, designed and everything, for $699 - email johnny@onestep4ward.com to get started.

Do you work remotely? Are you a digital nomad/blogger etc? You need to be insured too.

I use SafetyWing for my digital nomad insurance. It covers me while I live overseas. It's just $10 a week, and it's amazing! No upfront fees, you just pay week by week, and you can sign up just for a week if you want, then switch it off and on whenever. You can read my review here, and you can sign-up here!

sep-icons
teach-blog

So if you’re ready to…..

1) Change your life
2) Travel the world
3) Get paid to travel
4) Create a positive influence on others
5) Be free of offices and ‘real world’ rubbish

Then Sign Up Below and Let’s Get Started!

Follow me on Instagram @onestep4ward