Tokyo is a city that thrives on big, bold experiences, and few places embody that better than Samurai Restaurant in Shinjuku. For visitors, it’s an all-in-one day out: samurai stage battles, yokai monsters, Japanese taiko drumming, and festival mikoshi floats performed with infectious energy, all paired with light meals and drinks. The result is a sensory overload that feels distinctly Tokyo — and completely unforgettable.

Samurai Restaurant in Shinjuku: An Entertainment Experience Like No Other

As one of Japan’s top show-restaurants, Samurai Restaurant is a Tokyo must-visit place which draws both first-time tourists and repeat visitors looking for something they won’t find anywhere else. The venue sits in the heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, about five minutes from JR Shinjuku Station, and its dazzling décor makes the entrance hard to miss.

Located in one of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment areas, this dinner-and-show venue takes over the location once home to the famous Robot Restaurant which closed in 2021. Where the former focused heavily on futuristic robots, the new concept blends Japanese cultural icons with neon spectacle, creating a show that is both steeped in tradition and brimming with playful chaos.

The restaurant runs three performances every day which blend Japanese tradition with dazzling modern spectacle. These shows typically feature an engaging array of cultural motifs, including samurai, oni demons, taiko drums, festival mikoshi floats, and various futuristic displays such as neon-lit robots, capturing the energy of Japan’s traditions while presenting them with a twist.

Inside, the space is equal parts nightclub, theater, and theme park, decked out with lights and samurai-inspired motifs. Guests are provided with colorful penlights, encouraging interaction with the performance and contributing to a festive glow throughout the theater. The penlights are collected afterward, but those who want a keepsake can browse the on-site merchandise and souvenir stands during breaks and after the show.

For international visitors, the Samurai Restaurant offers English-friendly staff and subtitles, ensuring that the storyline and performance can be readily followed and enjoyed.

Highlights of Samurai Restaurant: Three Acts of Energy and Surprise

Each performance is divided into three distinct acts, separated by a brief intermission. Lasting approximately one hour and 40 minutes, the Samurai Restaurant show incorporates numerous surprises. What follows are highlights only—part of the fun is not knowing what’s coming next.

The show begins with a spirited kampai, or communal toast, where the audience is invited to raise their drinks and set the mood before the curtain rises. From there, the lights dim, the music swells, and the first act explodes onto the stage. Dancers, drummers, and costumed monsters fill the room, invoking Japanese yokai folklore in a riot of color and sound.

The second act begins on a softer note, with miko shrine maidens and cherry blossoms giving way to sword-wielding samurai. The stage combat, known in Japan as tate, is choreographed like a dance, blending martial artistry with theatrical drama. This act strikes a balance between cultural storytelling and pure entertainment, keeping the energy high even when the pace slows.

The third act is pure celebration. Festival dancers shout wasshoi as illuminated floats circle the stage, echoing the giant lanterns of Aomori Prefecture’s Aomori Nebuta Festival. A taiko drumming battle between “angelic” and “demonic” performers drives the finale, while more dancers, monsters, and even robots rejoin for the climactic crescendo. It’s organized chaos at its most joyful, sweeping the audience up in energy until the final curtain falls.

Food and Drinks at Samurai Restaurant

Food may not be the first thing on your mind when you book Samurai Restaurant (despite the name), but it adds to the experience. Each ticket includes either a bento meal set or two drinks, valued at about ¥1,500. Bento choices range from sukiyaki-style beef bowls and sushi to ramen, udon, and appetizer assortments.

If you opt for drinks, you’ll find plenty to choose from: beer, wine, sake, highballs, chu-hi cocktails, or soft drinks. On top of that, wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) with green tea are served during breaks, adding a cultural note between acts.

Extra snacks and beverages are also available for purchase throughout the show. Combined with the pre-show toast, these details give Samurai Restaurant more of a celebratory atmosphere than a sit-down dinner—the kind of shared night out that feels festive from start to finish.

Samurai Restaurant Showtimes, Ticket Prices & Reservation

There are only three shows daily with limited seating, and because Samurai Restaurant is enormously popular, advance booking is highly recommended. Making a reservation is simple, and tickets can be purchased online through the official website or major booking platforms. Reservations can be made up to four weeks in advance, and peak times sell out quickly.
 

	Duration	Doors	Ticket Price
Morning show	10:50 am – 12:30 pm	10:30 am	¥8,000
Afternoon show	2:00 pm – 3:40 pm	1:30 pm	¥10,000
Evening show	4:30 pm – 6:10 pm	4:00 pm	¥10,000

Before your visit, there are a few important details to keep in mind:
Inclusions: Admission covers either a meal (five options) or two drinks, a solid value considering the performance.
Age Restriction: Entry is 18+ only, and ID is required. While the policy is strict, the show itself is lively and culturally themed rather than adult-oriented.
Policies: Tickets are non-refundable and changes cannot be made. Guests arriving late may lose their reservation.
Conduct: Entry may be refused to those who appear intoxicated.

📒Note: Samurai Restaurant also hosts limited-time seasonal special shows, themed around holidays such as Halloween and Christmas. For the most updated information, check out the official website or Instagram page.

How to Get to Samurai Restaurant from HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho

From HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho, simply walk about 8 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station and take the JR Yamanote Line toward Shinjuku. The ride is around 25 minutes, and once you arrive at JR Shinjuku Station, exit via the East Exit. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk into Kabukicho.

Look for the colorful entrance of Samurai Restaurant, almost directly opposite a Family Mart. After checking in at the dazzling reception desk, you’ll be guided downstairs to the underground theater where the show takes place.

Should you need a hand with anything during your stay, our hotel staff are more than happy to help! Whether it's tips for making ticket reservations or figuring out the best transport options, feel free to come by and chat with us anytime!

Samurai Restaurant
Address: 1-7-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30 am – 6:10 pm (Shows at 10:50 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit, or 4-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line B11/B12 Exits
Website: https://samurai-restaurant.tokyo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samurairestaurant_official/

Writer

Lisa Wallin
A curious sojourner, Lisa Wallin has lived in Japan for about 15 years, along with 7 other countries. She has an insatiable appetite for local narratives, with a focus on regional culture, crafts and food. When not chasing stories, she enjoys coffee, visiting shrines, and exploring the country both with and without her dogs.