Fishing Restaurant Zauo Shinjuku

It takes a lot to stand out among Tokyo’s ever-growing crop of themed restaurants, especially as they continually unveil even crazier concepts. Yet, none might top the experience at Fishing Restaurant Zauo in Shinjuku, where guests fish for their own dinner — literally. One look at the space reveals everything you need to know about the restaurant’s eat-what-you-catch concept. A large portion of Zauo is dedicated to an artificial moat teeming with live fish and compartmentalized shrimp. At the center sits a giant wooden faux boat, which becomes the most coveted table as guests can fish directly from their seats. Joining in the excitement doesn’t take long. The atmosphere is electric, filled with cheers from guests celebrating their catches, followed by rhythmic drumbeats from the staff to amplify the thrill. To get started, you have the option to rent the fishing rod, which comes with free bait, and wait for a bite. It’s all guided by the store’s friendly staff, who can assist first-time anglers. Once a fish is hooked, you’ll need to use a net to scoop it up. The price of your catch is determined by the type and size of the fish, and it includes the preparation. You can choose to have your catch served fresh as sashimi, grilled, boiled, or deep-fried. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even request to have your fish prepared two different ways or topped off with sushi-style servings. For those who prefer not to fish, there’s an a la carte menu featuring selected fish — though the only catch (no pun intended) is that the prices are slightly higher than if you caught it yourself. Zaou is an excellent kid-friendly destination to shake off the last bit of energy before the trip ends. Just a friendly tip: wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet in, as those splashes can be generous.