Tokyo is full of great restaurants. So many in fact, that you might just run short on time trying to sample them all. Do you want to have a sit-down Japanese meal, or do you want to try one of those wacky theme restaurants you’ve heard so much about?
Well, why not both? Fishing Restaurant Zauo is a place where the young (or the young-at-heart) get to experience a fun and memorable meal while the more serious diner enjoys great Japanese-style cuisine.
The central dining area of Zauo in Shinjuku is a “fishing boat” sitting in a pool of water.
And in that pool swims your next meal—one of the dozens of live sea bream, waiting for the wiggle of shrimp bait or a swooping net. Because at Zauo, you can fish for your own dinner!
Finding the right fish
To fish, you will need to get a pole and bait (108 yen) from the staff. If you have no idea how to fish, they have an English guide and helpful staff members to assist you. From there, you pick out a likely anglin’ spot and get to catching dinner.
The sea bream are obviously the most numerous, but they aren’t your only option--you can catch flounder, spiny lobster, or other fresh seafood from isolated tanks at the edges of the main pool.
Once you hook a fish, the staff will be there to help you net him. The staff will then beat the taiko drums and announce your successful fishing expedition to the restaurant, with much cheering and clapping.
Of course, you must get a photo of yourself and your catch to post on your social media. Hold on tight, the fish know what’s coming. They will flap wildly and try to get away!
Now you must decide how you want your fish prepared. Grilled or boiled? Sashimi or deep fried? And what about side items? There is an English menu for the kinds of kid-pleasers you just can’t catch with a pole and bait, such as French fries and fried chicken. If you’re not feeling up to the whole fishing experience (or you’re just a bad fisherman), you can order the same fish you see in the tank from the menu. But in our opinion, it’s way more fun to catch them yourself.
We decided on the sea bream sashimi, and it did not disappoint. Fresh fish with soy sauce and just the right amount of wasabi is a fish done right.
There’s no need to worry about not being able to speak Japanese at Zauo. The restaurant serves many foreign tourists daily, and English menus and fishing instructions are always available. Even getting a reservation is easy—the English section of their website has a Reservation form, where you can choose the location, date, time, number of guests, etc. Reservations can be made and/or changed up to three days in advance. All you need to worry about is whether you have enough fishing skill to hook a big one!
Zauo is a great place to take the kids for dinner during your Tokyo experience, and will be a wonderful memory of your trip.
Writer: Derek Winston
-
Zauo Shinjuku釣船茶屋ざうお
- Address 3-2-9, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Hours of Operation
Weekdays:
- Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (last order 2 p.m.)
- Dinner 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (last order 10 p.m.)
Weekends and Holidays: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (last order 10 p.m.)
Fishing only available for full-course menu orders booked in advance
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Ueno
-
Tsukiji Outer Market
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Tsukiji
-
Ueno Zoo (Ueno Zoological Gardens)
Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
Ueno
-
Events
Tokyo Tower
Landmarks
Roppongi
-
The Imperial Palace
Other Architecture
Tokyo Station
-
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Temples
Narita
-
Celebrate 25 Years of Nikko's UNESCO Sites: 2 Limited-Time Plans to Explore Buddhism and the Samurai Spirit
-
Visiting Japan in November: The Best Things to Do and Reasons to Visit
by: James Davies
-
What's Changing for Japan Travel in 2025? Updates on Tax-Free Shopping, Pre-Clearance, and More
-
2024 Ranking of Top-Rated Onsen Ryokan with Exceptional Baths—Must-Visit Hot Springs in Japan!
by: Nemi Lin
-
On the Shores of Traditional Japan: 10 Essential Things to Do in Matsue (Shimane Prefecture)
-
Experience the Vibrant Autumn Blooms at Hitachi Seaside Park: Kochia and Cosmos Now in Full Color
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
6 Surprisingly Cheap Things in Japan
-
Essential Tokyo: The Complete Guide to Ikebukuro Station
-
Autumn in Japan 2024: Fall Foliage Forecast & Where to Enjoy the Colorful Leaves (+Tour Info)
-
Tokyo Train Map: The Complete Guide to Tokyo Subways & Railways
-
Genuinely Delicious: Tasting Rare and Strange Fish in Tokyo!
-
Fresh Fish for Seafood Lovers: 3 of Tokyo's Best Places for Seafood Bowls!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks