Unusual Tokyo Eatery: Ninja Akasaka

Looks like the ninja business isn’t doing so well—they’re part-timing as waiters. Ninja Akasaka is the only restaurant where the feudal mercenaries will serve guests food. This shogun-themed restaurant was designed to resemble a Japanese castle, and ninjas guide diners through small corridors, narrow passageways, waterfalls, bridges, and secret doorways to show them to their tables. The dimly-lit hallways create an eerie ambience, making patrons feel like they’re being pursued.

When seated, make sure to keep both eyes open. Ninjas will sneak up on guests when they least expect it, to take orders, check up, or to hand over the check. It’s definitely not the type of place to dine and dash, except for those who want to be pursued by highly-trained assassins.

Don’t be surprised if ninja magicians perform card and coin tricks during dinner. These performances are sure to leave dining companions entertained while enjoying their meal.

The menu, presented in the form of a scroll, contains many peculiar ninja-themed foods like the shuriken (throwing stars) grissini, the ninja-style cream puff, and the ninja-style roast lamb with Korean flavoring. The peculiar dishes are found in the many large courses on offer, including the Shinobi Course (¥6,800), the Yamato Spirit Course (¥7,000), and the Hanzo Course (¥10,000).

Ninja Akasaka is well-known by many, especially among foreigners living in Japan. In fact, 40 percent of their customers are foreign, and so they also serve different types of food from France, Italy, and China, alongside along their Japanese fare.

Although a bit pricey, with dinners costing anywhere from ¥10,000 to ¥15,000, it’s all worth it if for those who want a one-of-a-kind ninja experience.

Address: 1F Akasaka Tokyu Plaza, 2-14-3 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku.
Tel: 03-5157-3936.
Open Mon-Sat 5pm-1am, Sun and hols 5pm-11pm.
Nearest station: Akasaka-mitsuke.
www.ninjaakasaka.com

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