The Top 3 Samurai Restaurants in Tokyo: Experience the Samurai Era

The Sengoku period (1454–1638) was a time of chaos and conflict in Japan when legendary samurai and ninjas left their mark on history. Today, themed restaurants bring this dramatic era to life, offering a chance to experience the samurai spirit in a modern setting.

This article covers the top three samurai-themed restaurants in Tokyo, detailing their cuisine, immersive experiences, kid-friendly options, and pricing to guide you on an unforgettable journey into Japan's feudal past.

1. Samurai Restaurant Time: a Dazzling Theatrical Experience

• Address: 1-7-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Toky
• Open: 10:30am to 12:30am (closed on Thursdays and Sundays)
• Ticket: US$69 (JP¥10,000) per person on the day of the event

Samurai Restaurant Time is located in Shinjuku. The restaurant blends the rich history of samurai, ninjas, swordsmanship, and kabuki with vibrant stage effects, lively performances, and stunning costumes.

The show is a spectacular fusion of traditional Japanese culture and modern fantasy, featuring futuristic takes on traditional music and elaborate depictions of Japan's past and present. With English narration and subtitles, you could fully immerse yourself in the sensory experience.

While enjoying the performances, you could also savor a samurai-themed meal, which includes options like samurai sushi bento, sukiyaki-style beef rice bowls, and Japanese snacks. For those who prefer something other than rice, ramen and udon are also available.

How to get there:

The venue is about a 4 to 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's east exit or exits B11 and B12 of the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. From Shinjuku Station, instead of taking the distinctive red archway entrance to Kabukicho, the simplest route is straight up Kabukicho Sakura-dori Street.

2. Sengoku Buyuden in Shinjuku: Immerse Yourself in the World of Warlords and History

• Address: 4th floor, T-wing Building, 1-6-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Open:
  Mondays to Thursdays: 5pm to midnight
  Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before holidays: 5pm to 3am
  Sundays and holidays: 5pm to 11:30pm
• Price: US$24 to US$41 (¥3,500 to ¥6,000) per person

Sengoku Buyuden is a restaurant that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Japan's Sengoku period (Warring States period). The interior design and menu are both inspired by this era, with dishes named after famous battles and samurai.

Each dish is carefully crafted, making it a must-visit spot for Japanese history enthusiasts. For example, you could enjoy grilled rice balls, a favorite among samurai for their portability, the "Three Kingdoms Platter" (a selection of three types of sashimi), or "Rikyu's Deluxe Matcha Dessert," each with a historical story behind it.

As you enter, you would be greeted by replicas of armor worn by three famous samurai from the Sengoku era. The restaurant has 17 rooms, each themed around a specific Sengoku-period warlord, with decorations that reflect the unique characteristics of each one.

Swords, banners, and other period items add to the immersive experience, making you feel as though you've stepped back in time. Family crests are displayed on banners, arranged to resemble a war council room from the period. You could even try on samurai armor and take photos as a memento.

Reservations are required at least a week in advance through third-party platforms, such as Rakuten GURUNAVI.

How to get there:

The closest station to Sengoku Buyuden is Shinjuku-sanchome Station. It's served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G05) and Marunouchi Line (M13).

From Shinjuku-sanchome Station, take Exit B9 and walk on 3-17 Street for about 3 minutes. Sengoku Buyuden is located in Shinjuku's famous nightlife district, adjacent to Kabukicho.

3. NINJIA TOKYO: a Fun, Kid-Friendly Dining Adventure

• Address: B1F, 2-2-1 Shin-Otemachi Building, Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• Open: 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10pm (families with children are welcome from 5pm)
• Price: US$41 to US$83 (¥6,000 to ¥12,000) per person

From the moment you arrive at the entrance, you're immersed in the mysterious world of ninjas. You would be guided through hidden passages and secret doors before reaching your dining area, which resembles a ninja training chamber. Waiters dressed as ninjas would escort you to your seat in a special way.

During your meal, the ninja waitstaff would perform close-up magic and ninja techniques, giving you a taste of real ninja skills.

The dishes are all creatively themed around ninja elements. Some dishes are shaped like secret scrolls or ninja tools, and you may even need to solve puzzles to "unlock" certain dishes. Each dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with special kid-friendly meals available as well.

How to get there:It is directly connected to Otemachi Station Exit B3 near the Tozai Line.

Need Help Planning Your Trip to Japan?

Which samurai restaurant is your favorite? If you are interested in one of the above or you have other preferences or travel ideas, feel free to contact us. Your travel advisor will help you find the perfect spot and design your Japan tour.