8 MOST EXOTIC, BIZARRE AND WACKIEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS IN TOKYO

Enough of Sushi and shrines! Sushi places are all over the world like the one in your town, and you've seen enough shrines and temples from TV. What you really got to do this time in Japan is to enjoy the island’s exotic night life. The birth place of AVs and Karaoke has exceptionally exotic night culture. Here are 8 wackiest bars and restaurants you really gotta go. 

1. Kayabukiya Tavern: Perfect service from the monkey staffs

Though it looks like a perfectly normal pub from outside, it's is way cooler. Here, the mascot monkey staffs take your order and get you what you want, and they even join your table and entertain you when they feel like it. Monkey staffs also perform shows at the pub, and it's super Kawaii. 

2. Icebar

This below zero temperature bar has everything made with ice from bar and walls to glasses. It’s freezing but since 3,500 Yen cover charge includes not only a complimentary drink but also thermal jacket rental, don't worry about being frozen to death.

  

3. Penguin bar

It’s not surprising see cafes with dogs and cats these days, but you can't have heard of a bar with penguins. It's indeed exotic and worth a visit if you are penguin lovers. However those cuddly friends are just kept in an aquarium placed at one corner and it's not like penguins joining your table and drinking with you.

4. Vowz: Run by serious Buddhist monks 

Buddhist monks opened a bar to meet and relieve mankind living in a secular world in the belief that patrons feel less constrained in a place like bar. Bartenders are serious monks, not just costumed ones, and they serve religious chants and sermons and good cocktails. So why don’t you take a spiritual short break and have your soul cleansed here while in Tokyo?

5. Vibe Bar: The essence of sex toys  

In terms of adult industry, no country is a match for Japan, and the Vibe Bar is the one example. Located at the center of Tokyo, this adult toy themed bar with hundreds of sex toys is an absolute must-visit. Unfortunately, this perfect place for horny souls doesn't welcome one with penis unless he doesn't bring their girl friends with. 

6. Lock up: Drinks in a prison!

I guess this jail-themed bar has been introduced numerous times by various media. Though I have no experience of imprisonment, everything from the jail cells where you will be sitting to cocktails seemed very realistic and spooky. We see more and more horror-themed bars in Tokyo such as Vampire, but Lock up is the classic.

7. Robot Restaurant: Not much of robots but girls

How about a robot show with lots of sexy babes in leather bikinis? You will not see anything like this outside of Tokyo. Though, in this show, sexy babes take much important roles than robots, robots are pretty sexy too. Can't quite catch what it is? Just click and check out the video. 

8. Ninja Akasaka: Experience Ninja tricks

Today, there are so many bars and restaurants with various themes. It’s not exceptionally exotic in terms of the interior, but the foods and Ninja staffs which sometime even involve magic tricks would be beyond your imagination. I would strongly recommend “Go!”.



More Japan


AMAZING VEGAN RESTAURANT IN TOKYO, THE HEAVEN FOR VEGETARIAN TRAVELERS / By Jesse

KYOTO'S 17 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES / By Drunken Whale

JAPAN'S 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES BETTER THAN THE OTHER 8 / By Macrus

TOP 6 SUSHI BARS IN TOKYO : IF YOU DON'T GO, YOU ARE AN IDIOT / By Shibasaki Tabong

7 VERY IMPORTANT TIPS YOU WILL FIND IT EXTREMELY USEFUL WHEN TRAVELING JAPAN / By Mira

10 JAPANESE FOODS YOU GOTTA HAVE WHILE IN JAPAN / By Shibasaki Tabong

YUMMY OR SEXY TOP 12 JAPANESE SOUVENIRS / By Shibasaki Tabong

TOKYO'S 6 TRANSPORTATION PASS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A SMART TRAVELER/ By Karly

JAPANESE GEOGRAPHY FOR DUMMIES / By Macrus

11 MUST-VISIT NEIGHBORHOODS FOR YOUR PERFECT TOKYO EXPERIENCE / By Karly

 COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOUR NAGASAKI TRIP / By Mira

 BEST OF THE BEST RAMEN PLACES IN JAPAN, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY HIT WHILE IN JAPAN / By Ramen Adventures

AMAZING VEGAN RESTAURANT IN TOKYO, THE HEAVEN FOR VEGETARIAN TRAVELERS.

Are you a devout vegetarian wanting to have vegan dishes while in Japan? Then mark my words: it will not be easy to find one in Japan. But on the bright side, wherever you find, the quality and taste are pretty much guaranteed. Here is a beautiful article from a altruistic Jesse determined to help out fellow vegetarians. He is so kind he himself picked decent vegan restaurants in Tokyo after having long pilgrimage with the great love for mankind. You could find his full article on this link.

1. Loving Hut: Best Value for money Vegan buffet

Find our more on Japan Vegan

2. T's Tantan: Japanese cuisine for vegans 

                                                      Find our more on Japan Vegan

3. Nagi Shokudo: Best vegan set meals in Tokyo

                                      Find our more on Japan Vegan

4. Pure Cafe: Only place for vegan breakfast

                                       Find our more on Japan Vegan

5. Rejuve:  Unforgettable raw vegan food

                                             Find our more on Japan Vegan

6. Komaki Syokudo: Japanese temple food for vegans

                                      Find our more on Japan Vegan

7. Chien Fu: Taiwanese vegan restaurants 

                                       Find our more on Japan Vegan

Japan could be a hell for the unprepared vegetarians,  but with a bit of the guide and information, it wouldn't take that long to make you realize its fame of being the island of culinary pleasure is no exception for vegetarians. It was very pleasing to find Jesse's blog for the first time, and I started to admire his passion and altruism to help out fellow vegetarians. Though this short summary of his article only covers vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo, you could find tons more information on Jesse's blog.   

More Japan

1. KYOTO'S 17 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES / By Drunken Whale
2. JAPAN'S 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES BETTER THAN THE OTHER 8 / By Macrus

3. TOP 6 SUSHI BARS IN TOKYO : IF YOU DON'T GO, YOU ARE AN IDIOT / By Shibasaki Tabong

4. 7 VERY IMPORTANT TIPS YOU WILL FIND IT EXTREMELY USEFUL WHEN TRAVELING JAPAN / By Mira 

5. 10 JAPANESE FOODS YOU GOTTA HAVE WHILE IN JAPAN / By Shibasaki Tabong 

6. YUMMY OR SEXY TOP 12 JAPANESE SOUVENIRS / By Shibasaki Tabong

7. TOKYO'S 6 TRANSPORTATION PASS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A SMART TRAVELER/ By Karly 

8. JAPANESE GEOGRAPHY FOR DUMMIES / By Macrus

9. 11 MUST-VISIT NEIGHBORHOODS FOR YOUR PERFECT TOKYO EXPERIENCE / By Karly

10. COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOUR NAGASAKI TRIP / By Mira

11. BEST OF THE BEST RAMEN PLACES IN JAPAN, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY HIT WHILE IN JAPAN / By Ramen Adventures

7 KYOTO RESTAURANTS ON AN EPICURE'S LIST (INCLUDING CAFES AND BARS)

1. Yuki: Best Sushi and Sake in Kyoto

Karly

Sorry if you are a big fan of Tripadvisor, but it's utterly useless if you wanna find this Kyoto's best sake bar. You'll be embarrassed to find yourself here overwhelmed by a pure Japanese crowd because this place rarely gets on international travel websites. But, trust me. The long waiting queue before the bar proves its fame in Kyoto. What's more, it was on TV many times, so it's totally legit. When you step into the door, guard your wallet as best as you can, not because of pickpockets but because of insanely delicious sushi that will open your wallet.

2. efish: Great view with cheese cake

Karly

I don't know who named it, but it has nothing to do with computer nerds and fish. Instead, this modern style cafe boasts the great combination of coffee with the nice view looking out the Kamo River though the window. Many good-looking cafes are along the river, but none of them stand for challenge against this one and its unbeatable cheese cake.

3. Daiich-Asahi Noodle: Master of Ramen

flickr/tsaiid

This ramen noodle restaurant looks a little too small for the ceaseless inflow of noodle hunters. Here, you can witness its special way of making ramen noodle and eventually will respect the noodle master's skill. After this, you'd better not use "instant noodle" as a synonym for ramen noodle.

4. Manzo: Good value for money Japanese meal 

naver/wowhwany

This is the one you should definitely go for if you're looking for Sushi, fritters, and Udon of decent quality yet reasonably priced. From here, Kyoto National Museum and Gion are only at 10 minutes and 20 minutes walk. 

5. YOJIYA CAFE Ginkakujiten: Latte art

flickr/saidemian

Although originally a middle class cosmetic brand, Yojiya also owns a cafe on the Philosophers path near Ginkakuji temple (Silver Pavilion). If you're a female traveler, the latte art will be the ace of this place to open your purse. But, for the worse for your purse, there is a cosmetic shop too. It's fine even if you're not into any of these, you can take some rest in the nice-looking Japanese style garden.

6. % Arabica Kyoto: Unbearable coffee aroma after temple

flickr/lukechanchan

Anyone planning to visit Kiyomizu-dera temple? I'm sure that you will walk Nene-no-Michi and Ishibei-koji Lane around the temple. Please don't say you're going straight to your car right after the temple, because that's no different from a package tour. Anyways, if you walk down Ishibei-koji Lane, you will naturally led by the pleasant coffee smell, and that's going to be % Arabica Kyoto. 

7. Zen Cafe & Bar @ K's house: For lonely travelers

mcha-jp

Tired of eating and drinking alone? Come to Zen cafe on the first floor of a Japanese guesthouse chain K's house. Thank to the huge guesthouse, you can meet lots of lonely travelers just like you. FYI, the guesthouse is also pretty decent to have a fun night with new friends. Don't get me wrong! I didn't get a penny from them. 

More Japan

1. THE BEST 5 SPOTS IN OSAKA TO OBSERVE NIGHT VIEW
2. 5 BEST NIGHT CLUBS IN TOKYO : THE BEST IN THE ASIAN CAPITAL OF NIGHT LIFE / Joonmo

3. KYOTO'S 17 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES / By Drunken Whale

4. JAPAN'S 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES BETTER THAN THE OTHER 8 / By Macrus

5. TOP 6 SUSHI BARS IN TOKYO : IF YOU DON'T GO, YOU ARE AN IDIOT / By Shibasaki Tabong

6. 7 VERY IMPORTANT TIPS YOU WILL FIND IT EXTREMELY USEFUL WHEN TRAVELING JAPAN / By Mira 

7. 10 JAPANESE FOODS YOU GOTTA HAVE WHILE IN JAPAN / By Shibasaki Tabong 

8. YUMMY OR SEXY TOP 12 JAPANESE SOUVENIRS / By Shibasaki Tabong

9. TOKYO'S 6 TRANSPORTATION PASS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A SMART TRAVELER/ By Karly 

10. JAPANESE GEOGRAPHY FOR DUMMIES / By Macrus

11. 11 MUST-VISIT NEIGHBORHOODS FOR YOUR PERFECT TOKYO EXPERIENCE / By Karly

12. COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOUR NAGASAKI TRIP / By Mira

13. BEST OF THE BEST RAMEN PLACES IN JAPAN, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY HIT WHILE IN JAPAN / By Ramen Adventures

14. 7 BEST FAST FOOD CHAINS IN JAPAN YOU WOULD ACTUALLY GO WOW! / By Koichi

Written by Karly

She graduated in a university in Korea double majoring in social studies and political science. After graduation, she worked for a while at the Nation of Assembly of Republic of Korea, but now she is working as a reporter. Having a life goal of being a Asia-specialized travel reporter, she travels around the world in her spare time.

7 BEST FAST FOOD CHAINS IN JAPAN YOU WOULD ACTUALLY GO WOW!

We all love Japanese food don't we? Wherever you go in Japan, the land of culinary pleasure, you will never be disappointed with the food, and even fast food is no exception. For budget travelers not sure what to eat, Koichi from Tofugu.com beautifully rounded up  7 cheap food chains in Japan. I am sure it could be a good introduction to the world of Japanese food. You could find more information on Japanese fast food here.

Let's take a brief look!

1. MOS Burger: The symbol of Japanese burger

wikipedia / Terence Ong

2. Sukiya: Gyudon chain opens for 24 hours

wikipedia

3. First Kitchen: Another burger place in and around Tokyo

4. Yoshinoya: Another Gyudon chain as good as Sukiya

wikipedia

5. Coco Ichiban Curry: Japanese style curry place

flickr / Guilhem Vellut

6. Pizza-La: Pride of Japanese pizza

7. Ichiran Ramen: Ramen chain best in Japan

flickr / Guilhem Vellut

Written by Koichi

Tries too hard to be a hoopy frood who knows where his towel's at. Wants to change the way people think about learning. Makes: Tofugu, TextFugu, and WaniKani. 

More Japan

1. THE BEST 5 SPOTS IN OSAKA TO OBSERVE NIGHT VIEW
2. 5 BEST NIGHT CLUBS IN TOKYO : THE BEST IN THE ASIAN CAPITAL OF NIGHT LIFE / Joonmo

3. KYOTO'S 17 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES / By Drunken Whale

4. JAPAN'S 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES BETTER THAN THE OTHER 8 / By Macrus

5. TOP 6 SUSHI BARS IN TOKYO : IF YOU DON'T GO, YOU ARE AN IDIOT / By Shibasaki Tabong

6. 7 VERY IMPORTANT TIPS YOU WILL FIND IT EXTREMELY USEFUL WHEN TRAVELING JAPAN / By Mira 

7. 10 JAPANESE FOODS YOU GOTTA HAVE WHILE IN JAPAN / By Shibasaki Tabong 

8. YUMMY OR SEXY TOP 12 JAPANESE SOUVENIRS / By Shibasaki Tabong

9. TOKYO'S 6 TRANSPORTATION PASS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A SMART TRAVELER/ By Karly 

10. JAPANESE GEOGRAPHY FOR DUMMIES / By Macrus

11. 11 MUST-VISIT NEIGHBORHOODS FOR YOUR PERFECT TOKYO EXPERIENCE / By Karly

12. COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOUR NAGASAKI TRIP / By Mira

13. BEST OF THE BEST RAMEN PLACES IN JAPAN, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY HIT WHILE IN JAPAN / By Ramen Adventures

THE BEST 5 SPOTS IN OSAKA TO OBSERVE NIGHT VIEW

1. Umeda Sky Building

Caseyyee / flickr

This futuristic building is the pride of Osaka. Especially, Floating Garden Observatory on the top of the building has exceptionally fantastic night view of Osaka. The massive escalator to the top gives you feeling as if you are floating around the sky. It’s a place of fun and inspiration.

2. Hep Five Ferris Wheel

Sakura Chihaya / Flickr

On the top of this already tall Hep Five, the landmark of Umeda, is red Ferris wheel. Thanks to its sound system lets you play your music in a wheel, it’s always crowded with loving couples. After enjoying good food and shopping, take your loved one for the 15 minutes ride. The beautiful night view of Osaka with the music of your selection will be totally unforgettable.

3. Tsutenkaku

wikimedia

This oldest observatory in Osaka is the symbol of Shinsekai district, the place for beer and Kushikatsu. Though, today, it’s a bit out of fashion, it’s not too bad to enjoy the view of Minami Osaka. After Shinsekai’s famous Kushikatsu and beer, the night view from the old observatory will be a zillion dollar worth.

4. Harukas 300

Othree / Flickr

The tallest in Japan. The building is so tall you could even see Kyoto and Rokkosan from the observatory on the top. Especially, the top floor, mostly built with transparent glass from the ceiling to the bottom, gives you a feeling of walking in the air. If you are afraid of heights, just skip this gorgeous place.

5. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Jeff / Flickr

The biggest Ferris wheel in the world with the height of 112.5m. Located right next to the sea, it has got breathtaking view incomparable to any other mini Ferris wheels in the city. Not to mention the night view, day view in harmony with cities and the sea is just unbelievable. 



Written by Shibasaki Tabong

Oversized Shibasaki Tabong is an epicure who loves to eat all sorts of Asian foods. He used to own a restaurant in Osaka, but his great passion for Asian food made him leave his homeland and travel around Asia.  

More Japan

1.5 BEST NIGHT CLUBS IN TOKYO : THE BEST IN THE ASIAN CAPITAL OF NIGHT LIFE / Joonmo

2. KYOTO'S 17 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES / By Drunken Whale

3. JAPAN'S 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES BETTER THAN THE OTHER 8 / By Macrus

4. TOP 6 SUSHI BARS IN TOKYO : IF YOU DON'T GO, YOU ARE AN IDIOT / By Shibasaki Tabong

5. 7 VERY IMPORTANT TIPS YOU WILL FIND IT EXTREMELY USEFUL WHEN TRAVELING JAPAN / By Mira 

6. 10 JAPANESE FOODS YOU GOTTA HAVE WHILE IN JAPAN / By Shibasaki Tabong 

7. YUMMY OR SEXY TOP 12 JAPANESE SOUVENIRS / By Shibasaki Tabong

8. TOKYO'S 6 TRANSPORTATION PASS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A SMART TRAVELER/ By Karly 

9. JAPANESE GEOGRAPHY FOR DUMMIES / By Macrus

10. 11 MUST-VISIT NEIGHBORHOODS FOR YOUR PERFECT TOKYO EXPERIENCE / By Karly

11. COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOUR NAGASAKI TRIP / By Mira

12. BEST OF THE BEST RAMEN PLACES IN JAPAN, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY HIT WHILE IN JAPAN / By Ramen Adventures