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At Zauo Shinjuku, you can catch your own seafood right inside the restaurant and have it prepared on the spot for an unforgettable dining adventure in Tokyo.
A One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience in Tokyo
Zauo is not your typical Japanese restaurant. When we walked in, the first thing we noticed was the giant wooden boat sitting inside the dining room. It was surrounded by a huge tank full of live fish and shellfish. Some guests sat right on the boat, fishing directly from their seats, while others dined at nearby tables or in private rooms.
Fishing isn’t required, but it’s what makes Zauo special. The staff handed us fishing rods, bait, and gave us simple instructions. Even if you’ve never fished before, it’s easy to try, and the staff is quick to help if needed.
How Zauo Works
Once you catch a fish, the staff asks how you’d like it prepared. The standard cooking styles—sashimi, grilled with salt (shioyaki), or simmered in soy sauce—are included in the price. For extra options like sushi nigiri or tempura, there’s an additional charge.
The total cost depends on the size and type of the seafood you catch. If you’re struggling to reel one in, you can ask the staff to catch it for you, though it costs a little more.
What We Caught and Ate
We managed to catch a sea bream (tai), a few shrimp, and a sweetfish (ayu). The sashimi was fresh and flavorful, the shrimp tempura was light and crisp, and the soy-braised sea bream head stood out as a highlight. While not every dish was our favorite, the freshness of the seafood made the whole experience memorable.
More Than Just Fishing
If you don’t feel like fishing or are too hungry to wait, Zauo also offers a full menu. We ordered yakitori skewers, soba noodles, and edamame while waiting for our catch. The menu includes ramen, grilled seafood, miso soup, and other Japanese favorites, along with drinks ranging from teas and soft drinks to sake.
When to Visit
Zauo Shinjuku is open for both lunch and dinner. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends, so reservations are recommended. Weekday lunches tend to be quieter. Check the official website for updated hours and booking details before your visit.
How to Get to Zauo Shinjuku
Zauo Shinjuku is on the first floor of the Shinjuku Washington Hotel.
By Train
- JR Shinjuku Station – About a 12 minute walk
- Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line – About a 5 minute walk
Finding the Entrance
Follow the restaurant signs inside the hotel lobby or ask the front desk for directions.
Pro Tip: Weekday lunch is usually quieter than dinner and weekends, and it is easier to get a table if you reserve in advance.
Is Zauo Shinjuku Worth Visiting?
Do not visit Zauo expecting the best food in Shinjuku since there are many other restaurants choices. What makes this place special is the fun and interaction. Our family had a wonderful time and it is a meal we will always remember.
If you are looking for a family-friendly or group-friendly dining adventure that feels uniquely Japanese, Zauo is a good choice. Our kids loved catching their own seafood and the interactive fishing made the evening far more memorable than a typical dinner out.
More to Explore Nearby
After catching and eating your own dinner at Zauo Shinjuku, explore more of Shinjuku’s blend of retro charm, scenic views, and buzzing nightlife nearby.
- Shibuya Center Gai – Hop a few stops on the Yamanote Line to discover another lively street scene, with fashion, snacks, and youth culture.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks – Walk off your meal with sweeping, free views of the Tokyo skyline from this observatory near west Shinjuku.
- Shinjuku Golden Gai – Sip drinks in one of 200 tiny themed bars tucked into narrow alleys that come alive after dark.
- Shinjuku Kabukicho Ichibangai – Step under the iconic red gate and into Tokyo’s most neon-lit nightlife district full of energy and entertainment.
