Future of Food: 5 Robot Cafes in Japan

In many ways, Japan isn’t quite as far in the future as many people think. For example, did you know that some people still use fax machines over here, and that it takes up to two months for a bill to be set up for automatic payment via bank transfer? 

However, one space where Japan really does live up to this hype is the growing trend of robot cafes. From barista-worthy robots and the beloved Pepper to the accessible opportunities of DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe, these are some intriguing spots that truly show off the weird and wonderful side of the country.

For a few memories that will have everyone back home thinking that Japan really is living in the Year 3000, explore our list of five must-visit robot cafes in Japan.

A robot cafe is a themed cafe where robots are front and center, either taking your order and brewing coffee or keeping you company while you enjoy your meal. 

Japan is often seen as the frontrunner when it comes to these unique, futuristic cafes.

1. Henn na Cafe
2. Pepper Parlor
3. DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe ver.β
4. Lovot Cafe
5. Family restaurants (with robot waiters!)

We’re diving straight into a self-titled “Strange Cafe” at Henn na Cafe, located on B1F of the MODI Building in Shibuya. Despite the novelty of this cafe, their coffee blends are made by an award-winning barista by the name of Suzuki Yasuo, so you’re in for a show and a good cup of coffee.

You’ll make your order at a touch-screen vending machine by the entrance which will print out your order ticket. Scan the QR code on your ticket over at the counter and watch as the magic happens before your eyes — a robot will start to make your drink!

Watch in awe as the robot arm — designed by an engineer at NASA, FYI — picks up a cup, grinds and filters coffee beans, and pours water in a variety of barista-approved motions to craft an expert drip coffee.

Trying to drink less coffee? They also sell matcha lattes and hot chocolate.

For a casual yet futuristic lunch experience, take a seat at Pepper Parlor. In fact, allow Pepper to guide you to your seat and relax, surrounded by minimalist decor, plenty of green, earthy accents and plants, and more Pepper robots than you’ve ever seen in your life.

Opt for the Lunch Set and you can enjoy a main, bread or rice, and a soft drink. Mains lean more towards the cozy, Japanese home cooking side of things, dishing up dishes like omurice, homemade spice curry, hamburger steak and assorted deep-fried foods.

Warning: Pepper is a chatty little robot, so expect to hear her chatting away while you browse the menu. She can also dance if you’d like lunch and a show!

Follow Pepper to your seat.

Even among the robot cafes on this list, DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe ver.β is especially unique. This experimental cafe is run by Ory Lab, Inc. and its goal is “providing everyone with the choice to stay connected to society.” It does this by giving those who have difficulty leaving the house the chance to remotely control the avatar robots "OriHime" and "OriHime-D" to serve guests, even going so far as to introduce themselves, their location, and their hobbies, creating an environment that’s both novel and endearing.

Choose between panini sandwiches served with a side of salad and soup, a variety of curries, pizzas, Japanese hamburg steaks, and something sweet to end on; a strawberry parfait, cheesecake dessert plate and the DAWN afternoon tea platter.

Perfect for families: For their first glimpse into the future of hospitality, bring along the whole family.

Experience the future of food service in Nihonbashi.

Let’s start with the first question you may have: What is LOVOT?

Well, LOVOT is a robot designed in Japan that’s designed to keep people company. It has big eyes, small arms and is soft to the touch — it looks somewhat like a mix between an owl and a bear.

At the LOVOT Cafe in Kawasaki, you’ll split your time between eating adorable LOVOT-themed dishes and interacting with the LOVOT robots themselves, a perfect hands-on tester for if you were tempted to buy one for yourself.

You’ll have a 70-minute time limit, with a main dish, one drink and LOVOT interaction built into this time. Once you’ve ordered, a staff member will bring a LOVOT to your table and you’ll play with it for the 15-20 minutes that your meal is prepared.

While you’re eating — estimated to take around 30 minutes — your LOVOT will be charging, but when you’re done… enjoy another 10 minutes of interaction with your LOVOT!

Find your way to the LOVOT Cafe.

Though they’re not actually “robot cafes,” Japanese family restaurants (often abbreviated as famiresu) like Gusto and Jonathan’s will regularly use robot waiters to deliver ordered dishes to your table.

If you’re lucky, it may even have little cat ears — something you’ll appreciate as you take your order from its tray and tap the buttons to send it back to the kitchen. 

Since most of these robot cafes are in Tokyo, you might also want to read our 3-day Tokyo itinerary, giving you so many things to do in the city!

Robot cafes are predominantly located in Tokyo, Japan, where the bustling cityscape meets the technology of the future.

From humanoid robots to cute and quirky automatons, be prepared to meet a diverse cast of robots ready to serve you with a touch of charm.

Prices vary depending on the dishes or set menus you choose, and they may also be priced slightly higher than a normal cafe due to their novelty, but think of it as an investment in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

You should be fine to take pictures or videos at a robot cafe. In fact, it’s likely expected, but remember to respect the rules and privacy of other guests.

Absolutely! Visiting a robot cafe in Japan is like stepping into a cute sci-fi movie where you’ll be served and entertained by robots. They’re great for pictures and even better for unique, Japan-only memories.