Aside from being pretty novel on their own, these Japanese restaurants seem to be in a contest to out-weird one another. Most of the time, it’s the quirkiness of the restaurant design that draws people in, like the Ginza 111 in Tokyo, which functions as both an Internet café and a karaoke bar in one—perfect for singing while you surf the net?
If you’re more focused on the offerings of food rather than the experience, some crazy Japanese restaurants to check out include Café Est! Est!, which serves ice cream topped with ice cream, or the Nohachi restaurant, whose chef sometimes serves sushi made on a single grain of rice.
As zany as some of these ideas may be, cat cafes, toilet-themed restaurants and establishments with servers dressed as cute maids have slowly been coming overseas to North American within the last couple of years.
59 Crazy Japanese Restaurants
58
Shipping Container Sushi Joints
The SushiBOX Restaraunt is an Eatery That Knows How to Pack it In
57
Trippy Fairy-Tale Restaurants
Alice of Magic World in Tokyo is for Discerning Disney-Loving Diners
56
Opulent Eating
Luxury Fashion Brand Opens Gucci Cafe in Tokyo
55
Faux Candy Bar Shops
The 100 Percent Chocolate Cafe Will Make Your Mouth Water
54
Eroticized Coffee Shops
The Maid Cafe Caters to Otaku in New York City
53
Cartoon Cat Cuisine
The Hello Kitty Dreams Restaurant Opens in Beijing
52
Hello Kitty Restaurants
Makittii Hawaii Japanese Seafood Buffet is One Cutesy Eatery
51
Robotic Beer Dispensers
Asahi's Beerbot Ensures Speed & Zero-Wastage
50
Dripping Chocolate Ceilings
The Godiva Chocoiste is a Chocoholic's Paradise
49
Loopy Lumber Interiors
The Nautilus Project is Organically Sophisticated and Elegant
48
Sustainable Noodle Huts
The Japanese Noodle Restaurant is an Eco Architectural Stunner
47
Contemporary Fashion Cafes
The Maison Kitsune Tokyo Store is an Intergrated Model
46
Woven Wood Ceilings
The Ikibana Restaurant by El Equipo Creativo is Whimsical and Warm
45
Bamboo-Separated Dining
HAMA Restaurant Features Traditional Japanese House Aesthetic
44
Mystery Meal Cafes
Japan's Ogori Cafe is a Surprise Every Time
43
Grime-Filled Gourmet Meals
An Expensive Japanese Restaurant Serves Dirt Dishes
42
Arabesque Shadow Interiors
Vegas Beijing Noodle No. 9 Provides a Surreal Dining Environment
41
Artist-Imprinted Meals
The Andy Warhol Cafe Serves Delicious and Asthitically Pleasing Food
40
Plywood Furnished Eateries
Hjghers Kith Cafe Focuses on Simpler Things Such as Company
39
Undead Eateries
The Vampire Cafe is a Twihard's Dream Come True (UPDATE)
38
Double Decker Sundaes
Tokyo's Café Est! Est! Serves Ice Cream Topped with Ice Cream Cones
37
Latticed Lumber Bistros
The Niseko Look Out Cafe Provides a Compelling View Inside
36
In-Store Farm Factories
Subway Japan Goes Fresh by Growing Lettuce On the Spot
35
Canine-Friendly Christmas Cakes
A Japanese Bakery Makes Cakes Dogs Can Eat with Their Owners
34
Comfortably Relaxing Cat Cafes
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is Europe's First Cat Cafe
33
Latticed Restaurants
Tori-Tori Restaurant by Rojkind Arquitectos & Esrawe Studio in Mexico
32
Igloo Eateries
The Hoto Fudo Noodle Restaurant in Japan
31
Forest Canopy Eateries
Koichi Takada Architects' TREE Restaurant is Like the Hometree in 'Avatar'
30
Secret Rooftop Bars
Roku Nana is Tokyo Nightlife's Hidden Gem
29
Minimalist Curvilinear Cafes
Nana’s Green Tea by Kamitopen Design Embodies Tranquility
28
Undulating Eatery Facades
The Yufutoku Restaurant by ISSHO Architects Evokes the Machiya Style
27
Brightly Hued Sushi Bars
The Tori Tori Restaurant is Comfy and Classy
26
Secret Sushi Bars
Uo Japanese Restaurant Can't Be Seen From the Street
25
Bunny-Snuggling Cafes
This Japanese Rabbit Cafe Lets You Curl Up with a Coffee and Cute Bunnies
24
Black Ninja-Inspired Burgers
The Burger King Black Ninja Burger is a Japan Exclusive
23
Glass Restaurants
Nomiya Opens on the Roof of Palais de Tokyo
22
Restroom-Obsessed Eateries
Modern Toilet Restaurant Features Lavatory-Themed Seats & Plates
21
Retro TV Show Restaurants
The Thunderbirds Cafe is a Nostalgia-Filled Dining Experience
20
Peculiar Pop-Up Cuisine
Bob Blumer Launches World's Weirdest Restaurants
19
Sloping Rooftop Cafes
Cafe la Miell is One Slippery Coffee Spot
18
Single Rice Grain Sushi
Chef Hironori Ikeno's Little Sushi is Extremely Miniature
17
Handheld Food Dispensers
The Smart Han Bento Lunchbox Lets You Eat Rice Dishes on the Go
16
Undulating Udon Buildings
A Wavy Tokyo Noodle Shop by ISSHO Architects
15
Cozy Owl-Gazing Cafes
These Owl Cafes in Japan Lets You Bird Watch as You Enjoy Your Coffee
14
Seafood-Flavored Ice Creams
This Strange Ice Cream Tastes Like Scallops
13
Waiterless Automated Restaurants
This Tokyo Restaurant Combines Technology with Food
12
Chef-Free Cooking
Ramen Noodle Shop Uses Cooperative Culinary Robots for Service
11
Internet Cafe Karaoke Bars
The Ginza Tokyo is a Luxury Venue That Pairs Strange Activities
10
Culture-Merging Restaurants
Sous les Cerisiers by Ralston & Bau Merges Opera and Geisha Themes
9
Candied Confection Laboratories
The Yusuke Seki Papabubble Candy Shop is Scientifically Sweet
8
Gamer-Themed Restaurants
The CAPCOM Bar Serves Video Game-Inspired Dishes
7
Medieval Horror Game Restaurants
The Dark Souls Cafe is Designed for Fans of the Video Game Series
6
Prison-Mimicking Meals
The 'Prison Cafeteria' Serves Up Food That Inmates Eat Every Day
5
Reptile Cafes
Yokohama Subtropical Tea is Staffed by Cold-Blooded Creatures
4
Mini Plane-Delivered Foods
The 'iTray' by YO! Sushi Restaurant Delivers Remarkable New Technology
3
Contemporary Treed Cafes
The Foresty Cafe Ki Welcomes You to an Enchanted Artificial Arboretum
2
Tablet-Powered Bars
Logbar's iPad Minis Let Guests Chat and Create Custom Drinks
1
Gourmet Meat Fast Foods
Domino's Japan Caters Refined Tastes with its Kobe Steak Pizza
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Meal-Accompanied Adorable Toys
McDonald's Japan Unveils New Functional Sanrio Happy Meal Toys
Time-Stamped Dietary Items
Cycle.me Unveils 7-Eleven Limited Edition Food Products
Beastly QSR Burger Menus
McDonald's Japan Godzilla Burgers Come in Three Varieties
Expansive QSR Toy Ranges
McDonald's Japan Hello Kitty Happy Meals Mark the Character's Birthday
Romantic Branded Cafe Products
Starbucks Japan Valentine’s Day Collection Has Over 12 New Items
Expansive Gamer Treat Menus
The Baskin-Robbins Super Mario Menu is Arriving in Japan
Charming Autumnal Cafe Products
The Starbucks Japan Halloween Drinkware Collection is Cute
Stationery-Themed Hotel Rooms
The Villa Fontaine Haneda Airport Garden Hotel Boasts Unique Stays
Vibrant Valentine's Cafe Drinks
The Starbucks Japan Rouge Opera Frappuccino Comes in Two Options
Gym-Themed Croissant Experiences
NUDAKE Haus Nowhere Shanghai is an Experimental Art Cafe
Action Movie Pop-Up Cafes
The Deadpool & Wolverine Pop-Up Cafe is Coming to Tokyo
Localized Comedian-Owned Eateries
The FUIYOH! It’s Uncle Roger Restaurant Boasts Umami Fried Rice
Nostalgia-Inspired Fast Food Concepts
McDonald’s CosMc’s Concept Officially Opens in Texas
Luxury Lifestyle Venues
Nobu Hospitality is Openning Nobu Toronto in August 2024
Anime-Inspired Restaurant Campaigns
McDonald’s Unveils an Anime & Manga Series Called 'WcDonald’s'
Textural Mochi Beverages
Warabimochi Kamakura Sells Traditional Japanese Warabimochi Drinks
Lunar Egg-Topped Pizzas
These Pizza Hut Japan Tsukimi Menu Items are Arriving for 2024
Cafe New Year Ornaments
These Starbucks Japan Year of the Dragon Figurines are by Shimada Koen
Floral Cafe Dessert Ranges
The Starbucks Japan Cherry Blossom Collection Celebrates Springtime
Anime Restaurant Meals
McDonald's is Inviting Manga Fans into the Real World of WcDonald's
New Year-Celebrating Tea Lattes
The Starbucks Japanese Chai Tea Latte is Available in Japan
Artist-Designed Cafe Products
This Starbucks Japan Drinkware Features Shogo Sekine Artwork
Japanese-Inspired Seltzer Launches
Suntory’s Unusual Your Usual Campaign is Authentically Quirky
Ninja-Inspired Curated Snack Boxes
Tokyotreat Embraces the Taste of Japan with a Ninja Theme
Retro 70s-Style Cafe Designs
YSG Adds a Vintage Touch to the Superfreak Cafe in Sydney
Playful Sushi-Inspired Suitcases
These Sushi Suitcases by Yujeong Shin Includes Three Styles
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
Galactic Cafe Experiences
The Star Wars-Themed Cafe in Tokyo Takes Fans to an Outer Galaxy
Wooden Banquette Cafe Designs
François O'Neill and His Team Design Cafe François in London
Regional Asian Dessert Ranges
These McDonald's Japan Asian Sweets Desserts Come in Three Options
Japanese Inn-Inspired Apartments
Intheory Design Creates an Apartment Inspired by Ryokan
Pizzeria-Branded Shake Pop-Ups
Domino’s Shake Stand is Located in the Omotesando Area in Tokyo
Animated Fish Cafes
The Hangyodon Theme Cafe in Japan will Present Summer Offerings
Luscious Dining Bars
Ful Kyoto is an Artistically-Crafted Oasis in the Heart of a Bustling City
Layered Cake-Inspired Coffees
The Starbucks Japan Opera Frappuccino Comes in Two Options
Sweet Potato-Powered Cafes
Starbucks and Kirishima Shuzo Partnered for an Upcoming Location
Seasonal Transition Cafe Drinks
These New Starbucks Japan Go Beyond Drinks Come in Two Options
Opulent Sushi Takeaway Menus
Uchi Launches a Luxurious At-Home Sushi Tasting Experience
Extra-Creamy Festive Cafe Drinks
The Starbucks Japan 2023 Holiday Menu is Indulgent
Central Tokyo Penthouses
Bellustar Tokyo Offers Traditional Japanese Aesthetics and Modern Comfort
Tokyo-Inspired Late-Night Lounges
Gordon Ramsey Opens Lucky Cat in Miami
Italian Cafe Culture-Inspired Cocktails
These New NIO Cocktails Come in Four Varieties
Regionally Inspired Restaurant Designs
Pirajean Lees Designs the Kioku Restaurant in London
Espresso Martini Bars
NYC's Rose Room is Dedicated to a Beloved Coffee Cocktail
Miniature Cafe Collections
Starbucks Japan Has Just Release a Miniature Collection to Go
Enthralling Japanese Dining Experiences
Nobu Chicago Boasts Artistic Japanese Elegance
Refined Hand Roll Bars
Hello Nori Presents a Curated Approach to Japanese Cuisine in Toronto
Hot Pot-Flavored Burgers
These Lotteria Burgers Come in a Variety of Options
Deep-Fried Candy Bar Desserts
These Kushi Katsu Tanaka Desserts are Made with KitKat
NYC-Inspired Burger Menus
McDonald's Japan Come on Baby! N.Y. Burgers Come in Three Options
Refined Japanese Serene Homes
The Six Senses Kyoto Home Offers a Relaxed Space for Visitors
Snow-Inspired Blended Cafe Drinks
The Starbucks Japan Hatsuyuki Frappuccino Will Arrive for Winter
Experiential Fragrance Cafes
The Nina Illusion Café Boosts the Launch of Nina Ricci's New Scent
Seasonal Anime Cafe Menus
The Latest Pronto Pokémon Menu Items Have Beach and Mountain Themes
Regionally Inspired Retail Destinations
Japan & France Converge in the Kenzo Dubai Boutique Design
Cinematically Designed Restaurants
Studio Paolo Ferrari Designs the Daphne Restaurant
Playful Parental Cafe Gifts
These Starbucks Japan Mother's Day Products are Charming
Popping Candy Drink Toppers
Starbucks Japan is Offering a New Pachi-Pachi Trick Customization
AI-Created Japanese Cocktails
Kirin Jojo Shochu Soda Was Made to Pair with Traditional Food
Luxury Fashion Label Cafes
Dior Opened a Dedicated Cafe at its Shanghai Boutique
Japanese Bento-Inspired Stationery
NOOE's Bento Jot Offers an Efficient Storage Solution
Celestial Burger Lineups
KFC Japan Just Added New Tsukimi Moon Viewing Burgers
New Year-Inspired Snack Boxes
TokyoTreat New Year's Box Offers Special Snacks for the Season
Animation Studio Cookbooks
Insight Editions Presents the Studio Ghibli Bento Cookbook
Integrative Garden Cafes
Cheongsudang Bakery Brings a Garden Experience in the Heart of Seoul
Hydrangea-Celebrating Cafe Desserts
Itokyuehmon is Offering Florally Inspired Sweets This Spring
Celebratory Matcha Cafe Menus
Starbucks Japan New Year's Matcha Menu Has Three Options
Bookstore Wine Shops
New York's Bibliotheque Offers Rare Books and Great Wine
Melty Meaty Pizzeria Burgers
These Pizza Hut Japan Burgers are Limited-Edition
Luxurious Bathhouse Resorts
The Radium Kagaya Features Traditional Japanese Elements
Enclosed Japanese Park Toilets
Tono Mirai Architects Designs the Curved Toiletowa Structure
Fruit-Forward Creamy QSR Drinks
These McDonald's Japan McCafe Menu Items are Summery
Branded Bathroom Guides
The Cashmere UltraLuxe Bathroom Guide Ranks Toronto Restaurant Restrooms
Mochi Rice Cake Burgers
Wendy's & First Kitchen Released the Tsukimi Mocchi Teriyaki Ginger Burger
Minimally Designed Revamped Restaurants
Akran Fahmi Redesigns the Etch Restaurant in Hove
Hyperrealistic Food Art Exhibitions
Japan House London Presents Looks Delicious! Installation
Anime-Collaborative QSR Menus
McDonald's Japan Joins Kiki's Delivery Service on New Burgers
Internationally-Inspired Cheese Donuts
Krispy Kreme Japan is Adding a Cheerful Cheese! Lineup
Magical Anime-Inspired Pizzas
The Pizza Hut Taiwan Cardcaptor Sakura Pizza is Eye-Catching
Cartoon-Themed Pop-Up Eateries
This Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe is a San Diego Exclusive Event
Cross-Cuisine QSR Bento Boxes
The McDonald’s Makunouchi Bento Was Debuted for April Fool's Day
Italian Afternoon Tea Sets
Starbucks Japan is Serving Up a New Roastery Pasticcini Flight
Modern Tennis-Inspired Cafes
Common Grounds Coffee Roaster Boasts an Open Concept and Tennis Court
Moon Viewing Cafe Drinkware
The Starbucks Japan Tsukimi Collection Has Several Styles
Japanese Culture-Honoring Vases
Ryosuke Fukusada and Ceramic Japan Design the WATOJI Series
Creamy Moon-Viewing Pizzas
Dominos Japan Introduced its New Tsukimi Pizza in Two Options
Wheat Noodle-Topped Pizzas
The Pizza Hut Japan Udon Pizza is Sweet and Spicy
Uniquely Stylish Bar Concepts
LANO is a New Café and Wine Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
Multi-Vendor Food Marketplaces
Chef's Hall Offers Multiple High Quality Restaurants Under One Roof
Japanese Heritage Canned Cocktails
-196 Canned Cocktails Come in Two Flavors with a 6% ABV
80s Animated Film Cafes
Koriko Cafe Presents a Unique Kiki's Delivery Service Experience
Autumnal Japanese Tea Lattes
The Japanese Black Tea Mousse Tea Latte is Coming to Starbucks Japan
Regional Holiday Cafe Beverages
The Starbucks Japan Hojicha Mochitto Milk is Daifuku-Inspired
Extra-Cheesy QSR Menu Items
These KFC Menu Items Come in Two Options That are Arriving in Japan
Cherry Blossoms-Inspired Restaurant Menus
Black+Blue is Launching a Curated Cherry Blossom Menu
Luxurious Japanese-Inspired Lounges
The Aladdin Sane in Detroit Offers an Opulent Experience
Baseball-Inspired Cocktails
Tokyo Confidential’s Second Base Comes with Collectibles & Jerseys
Seasonal Pet-Friendly Menus
Okini Attracts Pet Parents to Its Patio with Dog-Friendly Refreshments
Dual-Floor Cocktail Bars
New York's Sip & Guzzle Offers a Unique Environment on Each Floor
Famed Paintings-Covered Restaurants
Claesson Koivisto Rune Converts a Listed Room to Frescohallen
Cross Cultural-Inspired Restaurants
n/naka is a Two Michelin Star Restaurant in Los Angeles
Brutalist-Inspired Serene Restaurants
Future Simple Studio Reimagines the Sushibox Establishment
Porcelain-Evoked Cafe Aesthetics
Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman is an Avant-Garde Experience
Italian Rooftop Restaurants
Public Gardens in Toronto Offers a NYC-Inspired Oasis
Luxury NYC-Inspired Cafes
Fashion Label Coach Opened a Restaurant and Coffee Shop in Jakarta
City-Celebrating Cafe Drinks
Starbucks Osaka 25th Meccha Yokubari Creamy Matcha Frappuccino
Japanese Ski Hotels
Nozo Hotel is a Short Walk From the Best Powder in Japan
Hawaiian-Inspired QSR Menus
McDonald's Japan Debuts Limited-Edition Hawaiian Items
Sunset-Inspired Cafe Drinks
The Starbucks Japan Sunset Frappuccino is Only Available for Nine Days
Modern Gray-Brick Restaurants
Nin Hao Incorporates Chinese Elements into its Interior Design
Inclusive Cafe Drinkware
Starbucks Japan Cold Cup Tumbler No Filter Supports the LGBTQ+ Community
Imaginative Cocktail Menus
Dean & Nancy on 22's World of Dreams Menu Evokes Wonder & Exploration
Modern Traditional Japanese Hotels
The Shinmonzen Hotel has a Juxtaposing Design Language
Seeded Japanese Milk Breads
Tom Cat Bakery Introduces a Line of Japanese Milk Bread Products
Seasonal Rum Raisin Coffees
Starbucks Japan Has a New Winter Rum Raisin Irish Coffee
Anime-Themed Meal Kits
The Oisix x Pokémon Meal Kits Come in Three Varieties
Hybrid Regional Cuisine Burgers
The Burger King Japan Kyoto Whopper Has Hachidaime Gihey Rice
Japanese Croffle Restaurants
'Fuwa Fuwa' is Bringing Japanese Pastry Flavors to Canada and the U.S
Localized QSR Burgers
McDonald's Taiwan Debuts Korean and Japanese-Style Burgers
Seasonal Thanksgiving Dining Experiences
Sunday Dreamin’ in NYC's East Village is Holiday-Ready
Culture-Fusion Restaurant Designs
Dorothée Meilichzon Designs the Henri Restaurant in a Hotel
Juxtaposing Finnish Design-Themed Cafes
Yatofu Taps Local Craftspeople to Design the El Fant Café
Pink Sushi Boxes
Dept. Sushi Serves Up Sushi in Chic, Vibrant Boxes
Furniture Retailer Matcha Menus
The 2024 IKEA Japan Matcha Fair Has Five Exclusive Sweets
Shrimp-Stuffed Steamed Buns
JINYA Ramen Baris Serving Up the New Ebi-Katsu Bun This June
Simplistic Traditional Hotel Interiors
The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka has a Modern Ryokan
Ultra-Green Deadstock Stores
The Kisarazu Concept Store is Deeply Rooted in Sustainable Practices
Hot Honey Sushi Rolls
Rock N Roll Sushi Has a New Hot Hot Honey Roll This Fall
Elevated Sushi Offerings
Kura Sushi Revolving Sushi Bar Introduces New Menu Items
Unconventional Foodie Magazines
Food& Magazine Explores the Weird and Wonderful World of Food
Retro-Tinged Montreal Restaurants
Ivy Studio Blends Vintage Details to Buvette Daphnée Restaurant
Theatrical Chef's Choice Restaurants
This Japanese Omakase Provides a Live, Interactive Experience
Flavorful Asian Chicken Items
Yoshinoya Debuts the New Tokyo Fried Chicken Menu Item
Minimal Interior Sushi Restaurants
Future Simple Studio Designs the Sushibox Restaurant in Canada
Soft-Boiled Egg Burgers
Lotteria Adds a New Wafu Hanjuku Tsukimi Zeppin Cheesenburger
Grocery Store-Converted Breweries
A Collaborative Effort Joins to Create the Dassai Brewery
Japanese-Style Hotdogs
Japadog Hotdogs are a Fusion of Umami Flavors
Parkside Riverport Sweets Cafes
Schemata Architects Designs the Funamachi Base Cafe
Lantern-Dangling Steakhouse Restaurants
Rosendale Design Decorates Aragawa with Paper Pendants