Grab a Coffe at Gravity Espresso

Gravity Espresso is one of those coffee shops that feels like a staple of the community. Their little artist gallery inside featuring new local talent is such a beautiful way to learn about the artisans who make their living in Inglewood. Sitting in this comfy shop you’ll get to watch locals meet up, chat with their favourite baristas and smile at strangers as their morning begins with a great cup of coffee. And the coffees are really that good!

Have Brunch at Red’s Diner

As fun as trendy and hip brunch places are, nothing really hits the spot better than a traditional greasy spoon-type diner. And Red’s Diner is the best of the best. Red’s Diner serves incredible all-day breakfasts inside a friendly and comfortable interior. They have all the classics and a specialty Prairie Breakfast Plate, which adds potato cheddar perogies and Rocky’s kielbasa to a traditional breakfast platter. Their Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast was INCREDIBLE! Portions are enormous, so don’t hesitate to share.

Grab a Novel at Fair’s Fair Books

Inglewood is home to some of the best shopping in all of Calgary. Make your first stop at the famed Fair’s Fair Books. This shop has been open since 1988, curating one of the best-used books stores in the province. While some used bookstores are a real shot in the dark for finding what you’re looking for, this enormous store really feels more like a high-end new bookstore as their selection is so deep! Plus, the cute and quirky decorations really make the place so inviting.

Be Entranced at The Apothecary in Inglewood

If you’re looking to relax, then you need to visit the Apothecary in Inglewood! You’re overwhelmed with the intoxicating smell of aromatic herbs, spices, and more just walking in the door. This store is known for its zero waste goods, pure essential oils, bulk herbs and refillable products. Forget Lush bath bombs and instead grab yourself a few of their handmade herbal bombs to pamper yourself in an indulgent bath. I love their selection of locally crafted candles as well. Nothing better than scents to bring back travel memories!

Become a Cowboy at Smithbilt Hats Inc

There’s perhaps no better accessory to shop for in Calgary than a cowboy hat. And no better place to do so than Smithbilt Hats Inc. The Smithbilt’s company was started by Morris Schumiatcher in 1910. The Schumiatcher family immigrated from Russia to Canada and changed their name to Smith when they arrived. The family made and sold dress hats with small brims, as was the style in Europe at the time. But as they spent more time in the prairies, the Stampede Board wanted to have Smithbilt’s create a special hat to promote western wear. This was where the white cattleman hat was invented. The white cattleman hat soon became the symbol of the Stampede and of Calgary itself.

You can still buy your very own white cattleman hat today in the shop. But there are so many more designs to choose from. Everything from classic styles to modern, brightly coloured hats withs feather and jewelled embellishments. Even if hats aren’t your thing, checking out the artistry required to handmake these hats is well worth your time. Drop-in and visit this truly historic Calgary establishment.

Find some Indigenous Made Treasures at Moonstone Creation

Moonstone Creation is an Indigenous-owned and family-run business proud to represent over 60 Indigenous makers and artisans from across Turtle Island. So many people buy Moccasins as a souvenir when visiting anywhere in Canada but rarely are these created by Indigenous makers. To purchase an authentic pair of Moccasins is expensive, but that is because they are intricately made by hand, with genuine leather and embellished with meaningful beading. But most importantly, you are supporting and honouring the Indigenous culture by buying them from Indigenous creators.

If you are looking for a beautiful gift or souvenir, they also have lovely beaded feather & orange shirt brooch kits. It’s a great way to learn about the history of beading and the methods which they have used to create these crafts for hundreds of years. The kits come with all the supplies you need. They also run beading workshops throughout the year, so check their website to see if one is running while you’re in town!

Fill up on Stationary at Recess

For anyone who loves stationery as much as me, visiting Recess is like being a kid in a candy store! There’s nothing better than a bright white interior filled with vividly bejewelled paper treasures. If you haven’t grabbed a new journal to document your travel memories, this is the perfect place to get one. If you’re interested in learning how to create beautiful hand lettering to take your journaling game to the next level, then you should grab one of their customs Learn to Letter Guides. They have so many unique items that will spice up any desk drawer.

Bring Home a Plant

Even if you can’t bring any of these little beauties home with you, a visit to Plant Shop is sure to brighten any grey day. The Plant Shop aims to help re-connect people with the natural world and inspire them to build and maintain more beautiful spaces! Just walking around the shop and looking at all the exotic plants is such a serene experience. They have great selections of handmade and ceramic planters as well in a myriad of exciting designs. So if you have some green beauties at home, you can bring these home as a memento of your trip. Plus their custom DIY Terrariums are a gorgeous gift for anyone who wants a low-maintenance plant to bring some greenery into their home office.

Get Your Spices at The Silk Road Spice Merchant

The Silk Road Spice Merchant is my favourite shop in town. This is the perfect place to come to upgrade your pantry! The colours, smells and flavours of the spices on offer here are captivating. The Silk Road Spice Merchant started up when the owners couldn’t find the kinds of international spices they wanted to try in their cooking. So they aimed to start up their own store where they would carry every type of spice imaginable! One of my favourite things in their shop is their Hot Cocoa blends. They offer Spicy Mexican Hot Cocoa, Winter Spice (with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and mace,) Cinnamon Cardamom Hot Cocoa and even Chai Masala Hot Cocoa. All of these warm, exotic flavours are the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold night.

Lunch at Inglewood Drive-In

If it’s time to get something to eat for lunch, head on over to the Inglewood Drive-In. This retro Diner is one of those classic spots you just can’t miss. Don’t let the dated exterior fool you; this place is an iconic Calgary destination. Everything from their mouth-watering handmade burgers, thick milkshakes, crispy onion rings, and perfectly seasoned french fries will make you coming back for more. They even serve up a Dole Whip ice cream! One of the only places you can get this pineapple treat outside of Disneyland. But the old-school foods aren’t without a few modern twists. They have new additions like the curry veggie burger and the spicy kimchi burger.

Hop on a Scooter

If the weather allows during your visit, you need to spend the afternoon explore Inglewood on a Scooter. There are several different companies that serve the Calgary area, with the various brands of scooters littering the sidestreets of the city. Bird scooters, Lime and Neuron Mobility, are the most popular and readily available in the city. Download the related app, and you’ll be able to see which scooters are the closest to you. You can also see on the app which scooters have the most battery life since you don’t wanna get stuck with no battery.

These scooters are so much fun to ride. Although you can easily walk to the following destinations spread out around Inglewood, the scooters are a blast to use and make the journey a little more speedy and a lot more fun! Simply hop on the scooter and make your way into the parkland towards our next destination.

Relax at Harvie Passage

Head north along 13th Street and east along New St. along the Bow River. The residential neighbourhood quickly gives way to the beautiful natural environment of the Pearce Estate Park. This tree-filled pathway is such a calming part of the city and the fact its mere steps away from the main street is one of the amazing things about Calgary.

Making your way along the river, you’ll reach the Harvie Passage Lookout. The Harvie Passage Lookout is wonderfully designed to give visitors a stunning view of the rapids below. Harvie Passage is a fast-running channel off the Bow River. After a massive flood in 2013, the city went about an extensive redesign to not only make this part of the river safer (for the rafters who would constantly sneak onto the waters) but provide a more enjoyable experience for river-based recreationists.

Kids and adults can wear lifejackets and ride down the western passage, which was created as a natural river ride. Lots of locals bring floaties or small rafts to ride down the river rapids as well. Even if you don’t have any of these with you, the stone steps they have created make a great place to rest your feet on a hot day. It’s incredible to see the entire community come out on hot days to enjoy this amazing riverside feature. And best of all, it’s totally free!

Enjoy a 5-Course Dinner at Deane House

One of the best ways to end off your day is with dinner at Deane House. Deane House was initially built in 1906 for Captain Richard Deane, who worked at Fort Calgary. Eventually, the house was moved the where you find it today. It was moved in 1929 to an area with a better view of the Elbow River. Over the years, the house was used as a boarding home and then purchased by the city to be used as a gallery.

Today, it’s home to one of the best restaurants in the city. In the summertime, you can dine outside in their immersive garden, rain or shine. Although they have a complete a-la-carte menu, the best option is their delightful 5-course chef’s tasting menu. The chef curates this selection weekly to suit the flavours and fresh produce of the month. The 5-course menu is $90 per person, which is truly a great price for the quality of food you receive. It’s such a fantastic way to cap off your evening.

Sunset on Scotsman’s Hill

If you’re looking for a spot to watch the sunset over the city, take a walk through ENMAX Park to the top of Scotsman’s Hill. To get there you’ll walk through the Elbow Riverpath which is the most serene walking path surrounded by Calgary’s relaxing natural landscape. Scotsman’s Hill is one of the best places in the town to give a view of Calgary’s skyline set behind a steep escarpment facing the Elbow River.

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Late Night Drinks at Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co.

To end the night, take a walk over to the Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co. Ol’Beautiful Brewing Co. is located in this little hidden away corner of Inglewood, where you’ll want to while the night away. I’m not going to lie; the design of the beer cans drew me in right away but it was the amazing atmosphere that made me want to stay. The time-worn and well-loved interior designs of their taproom feels like it belongs in the hippest streets of Los Angeles or New York City. Inside this chic and vintage-adorned interior, you can sit and enjoy any of their amazing craft brews. Best of all surrounded by their friendly staff and incredible regulars. They are more than happy to help you find your perfect brew! If the weather is nice, their outdoor patio is a lively and fun place to enjoy your drinks.

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Play some Games at Revival Brewcade

If you’re a night owl and aren’t yet ready for your night to end, head back up to 9th avenue to Revival Brewcade. While the bar is stocked with incredible drinks, the best thing about this place is the retro pinball and arcade machines that line the walls. One of my biggest pet peeves about so-called “retro arcade bars” is how expensive the games can be. But here at Revival Brewcade, you can buy a $5 all you can play pinball card!! This will keep you there all night trying to get the top score!

After a day of cold brews, boutiques, beers and bars, it’s time to head back to your hotel or home for the night. Hopefully, you found more interesting shops along the way, which keep you coming back to Inglewood for more! Let me know in the comments if I missed your favourite place!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How To Spend the Perfect Day in Inglewood Calgary first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Admission
3. Access
4. Art Nouveau Architecture
   • Facade
   • Dome
   • Entrance
5. Interior Room & Halls
6. Francouzska Restaurant
7. The Plzenska Restaurant
8. American Bar
9. Kavárna Obecní dům Café
   • Tours of the Municipal House
   • Mayor's Room
10. Palacký Hall
11. Grégr Hall
12. Oriental Lounge
13. Riegr's Hall
14. Confectionary
15. The Smetana Concert Hall and Ballroom
    • iMucha's Exhibition
    • Happy Travels, Adventurers!

History

The medieval Royal Court of Prague once stood on this site. From 1383 until 1485, the Kings and Queens of Bohemia lived on the square nearby in their magnificent palace. The imperial residences were connected to the Royal Court by the nearby Powder Tower. But after Prague Castle was built, Vladislav II moved the Royal Court out to the newly fortified castle complex. After years of being unused, the old Royal Court building was eventually demolished. 

But in 1905, the city started construction on a Municipal House in the same spot as the previous court. They had it built here as this new building would serve as a modern interpretation of a medieval royal court. The building’s architects Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek, set out to design the most magnificent establishment for high society. It was going to be THE PLACE to hold social events, concerts, parties and even public exhibitions. The architects hired some of the best Czech artists to decorate the interior of the new Municipal Hall. These artists’ work elevated the illustrious building’s status even further, creating a kind of artistic time capsule.

Admission

Inside there are a series of bars and restaurants open to the public. But to explore the entirety of the Municipal House, you must book a guided tour. These tours run in both Czech and English several times throughout the day. There are also handouts in other languages to allow more people to experience the building. The tour route goes from the famous Smetana Hall, through to the Confectionery hall. It then stops inside the Moravian Slovak, Božena Němcová, and Oriental Parlours. Followed by the Grégr, Palacký, Riegr, Sladkovský and most importantly, the Mayor’s Hall! The tour ends inside the American Bar in the basement of the Municipal House. Tickets for the tour cost 200 CZK per adult and reservations are recommended but not necessary.

Access

The Municipal House is located inside the old town and is easily walkable if you’re in the area. The closest metro station is Náměstí Republiky, which is only a four minutes walk from the Municipal House. You can also take trams No. 3, 9, 14, 24 to the Jindřišská stop, a 5-minute walk to the Municipal House.

Art Nouveau Architecture

The Municipal House became an icon for Prague’s fantastic Art Nouveau architecture from the minute it opened. Classical Art Nouveau features included in the building were; asymmetrical shapes, arches and curved forms, a large glass dome, plant-like embellishments, mosaics, stained glass and Japanese motifs. 

Facade

The exterior stonework is intricately carved, with vegetal details blooming from reliefs in every corner. The roof is replete with green and red tiles creating a snakeskin-like effect covering the top of the building. Along the facade are curving, ornate bronze balconies with golden leaves growing throughout.

Dome

The piece-de-resistance of the building is the bright green-domed roof, complete with gold trimmings. It feels like a regal crown on top of the rest of the structure. The dome also contains one of the most pleasing stained glass ceilings, which floods natural light into the concert hall. The dome was made to emphasize the Municipal House as a temple of the arts. 

Entrance

Above the building’s entrance, look up to see a brightly coloured mosaic designed by artists Karel Špillar. This piece is called “Prague Apotheosis.” It represents the oppression and eventual rebirth of the Czech people called. An apotheosis is the “highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax,” represented here in the architecture of Prague’s Municipal House.

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On either side of the mosaic are two bronze sculptures. The one on the left is called the “Humiliation of the Nation.” The woman in the center is surrounded in flowing robes, like angel wings. She holds her head to the side, almost as if ashamed to show her face. The sculpture on the right, contrastingly, is called the “Ressurection of the Nation.” This woman stands tall, with a bronze eagle perched on her forearm. The eagle, the symbol of Moravia and the rebirth of the Czech Republic. The Municipal House was built at the very end of the Czech National Revival movement. This cultural event occured during the 18th and 19th century. It’s purpose was to revive the Czech language, culture and national identity.

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Before you walk inside, you pass under a splendid wrought-iron canopy, covered in brightly coloured stained glass. The frontispiece a great example of how art nouveau uses every architectural details as an opportunity for ornamentation. The two columns supporting the entrance are topped with two brozen figures. In their are they carry an electric lantern made by Karel Novak. The models appear to mirror the shape of Atlas as he carries the world on his back. Almost as if to say that this building is itself on top of the world.

Interior Room & Halls

Inside the Municipal House, there are so many different places to eat, drink and be entertained. Each one of the rooms and halls inside was named after notable individuals from the Czech culture. You can eat lunch in an elegant French restaurant. Or drink pivo at a traditional Czech beer hall. Perhaps you want to enjoy a slice of cake (or two) at the stylish Czech café, or sip cocktails at the “American Bar“. If you really want to splash out you can attend a first-class concert at the fabulous Grand Concert Hall, all under one roof. All these places are accessible to the public.

If you cannot take a guided tour of the rest of the interiors read the rest of this post. I’ve made sure to talk about the most important rooms inside the Municipal House. This way, if you’re sitting inside the cafe, you can still peruse images of what the rest of the building looks like.

Francouzska Restaurant

If you don’t have time for a concert but are longing to enjoy the elegant art nouveau environment, choose from one of the many dining options inside the Prague’s Municipal House. Francouzska Restaurant is one of the finest culinary experiences you can have in Prague. Golden art nouveau inspired chandeliers pour off the high ceiling. The large windows allow the entire room to fill with light and all the gilt and glass details simply glimmer with excitement.

Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find original furnishings from the beginning of the 1920s. Even the silverware is period-perfect. Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find reproductions of decorative paintings such as “Prague Welcoming its Guest” by J. Wenig and “Hradcany and the New World” by A. Zahel in the salon. Stucco designs of the art nouveau period patterns adorn entertaining diners. Dining here is like entering a living museum. This is the most expensive of all the restaurants in the Municipal House but worth it for the experience. The restaurant is unfortunately temporarily closed until the end of 2020 for renovations.

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The Plzenska Restaurant

The Plzenska restaurant, which is on the lower level, is a slightly more affordable option. It is famous for its traditional Czech cuisine and friendly beer hall atmosphere. I think this is truly the best beer hall in the entirety of Prague. It is stunning to look at while also comfortably casual. There is something about the brightly coloured blue tiles set against the rich oak panels and the simple, yet elegant, stained glass that make you feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s prized dining room. The food here is also impeccable. If you have yet to sample any classic Czech meal, this is the perfect place to do so.

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American Bar

Also, in the basement is the “American Bar.” Here you can get a well-made cocktail or spirit and enjoy the swish atmosphere of a 1940’s salon. The vaulted room features a vestibule decorated with the picture “Heron” by Mikolas Ales. Several copies of the artist’s famous drawings are also located inside the recesses of the bar. The American Bar was one of the first public establishments which ladies could visit without a male accompaniment and that atmosphere of bohemian freedom is still present today.

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Kavárna Obecní dům Café

To finish off your dining options inside the Municipal House, wander into the Kavárna Obecní dům café, on the ground floor. This cafe is considered to be one of the best in the world. Although they are most famous for their desserts, this is also a great place to grab a bite to eat if you’re looking for a good meal at a reasonable price.

All the furnishings from the chandeliers, mirrors and fabulous electric lighting in here was designed by Osvald Polivka, one of the most aesthetically pleasing art nouveau designers of the time.

It’s open late, so it’s a great option to grab that last coffee before heading out for a night on the town, or a nightcap before going to bed (which is more my speed). During the summertime, the patio out front is a charming place to people watch. You can sip your coffee early in the morning watching the locals heading off to work.

Although main courses are delicious, their sweet treats are where they really shine. Homemade cakes make the rounds in glass trolleys so you can see the goods before you buy them. Their cream cake with fresh berries is a incredible creation that will satisfy any palette.

While waiting on your food take some time to wander around the restaurant. Check out the fountain at the back of the cafe with a sculpture of a beautiful Nymph in the center by artist Josef Pekarek.

Tours of the Municipal House

To explore the private rooms throughout the rest of the building, you’ll need to book a guided tour. The tour will take you throughout the Smetana Hall, Confectionery, Moravian Slovak Parlour, Božena Němcová Parlour, Oriental Parlour, Grégr Hall, Palacký Hall, Mayor’s Hall, Riegr Hall, and Sladkovsky Hall. The tours run about twice a day in English and cost 290 Kč for adults.

Mayor’s Room

If you’d rather just read about what’s inside, while you enjoy your meal, I’ve written out the details of the other fantastical spaces inside Prague’s Municipal House. Hidden away behind locked doors, up on the third floor, accessible only by guided tour or private rental, is the great Mayor’s Room. Seeing as this was the room where guests initially would be greeted upon entry, the architects wanted it to feel so awe-inspiring right from the get-go. The architects hired the best art nouveau artists to decorate their interiors, and none were more infamous than Alphonse Mucha himself. Mucha had been charged with painting the interior of this superior room. Mucha not only painted all the murals you see here but also created everything from the decorations to the furniture, curtains and even down to the very last lamp.

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Vaults & Lunettes

Each of the vaults holding up the great dome is painted with figures from Czech history framed alongside symbolic images of the civic virtues. The most notable of them is Jan Hus, dressed in his scholarly dark robes, with the beautiful woman of Justice, standing behind him. You can also spot general Jan Žižka painted alongside Fortitude and the Chodové (a Medieval guard) with the image of beady-eyed Vigilance. Jan Amos Komensky is painted with Loyalty, and St. Ludmila and St. Wenceslas are swathed in the arms of Maternal Wisdom.

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On the lunettes that encircle the room are various paintings by Mucha detailing different morality themes upon which the Czech culture was built. A darkened image displays the “Holy Mother of a Nation, Accept love and fervour of your son.” A fiery portrait of three people depicts “With Power comes Freedom – with love, Unanimity.” On the right, a haunting painting shows tortured souls lost in the darkness, an image representing the theme “Humiliated and tortured – resurrected, you will be in our homeland.”

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On the walls in between each of these murals are silver capitals with women’s faces carved upon them. These faces represent loyalty, fortitude, maternal wisdom, justice, independence, non-submissiveness, vigilance and strength. The embroidery on the curtains here was designed by Mucha himself and features a motif of peacocks abstracted plumed feathers. 

On the walls of the mayor’s hall are a series of armchairs. Inlaid into the backrests are paintings entitled, “The Czech Crown” and the “Weeping over the Destruction of the Homeland” by Alphonse Mucha.

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Palacký Hall

To the west of the Mayor’s Room is Palacký Hall. This room is covered in figurative paintings by Jan Preisler. The interior fur shined with art nouveau chandeliers, brass mirrors all in Assyrian style. The Assyrian artistic style is from the ancient world, first appearing in 1500 BCE but breathed new life by the art nouveau period. The style features relief sculptures made in stone.

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A bust of Palacký by Josef Václav Myslbek stands in the rooms honouring the Czech historian and politician. Palacký was one of the most influential people in developing the Czech National Revival and called “Father of the Nation.” On the ceiling is a great fresco featuring the scene of a young boy and girl surrounded by a flock of flying birds.

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Grégr Hall

Further to the west, we find Grégr Hall. This long room features a large balcony on its left-wing, providing the most stunning views across the city. The room is tiled in artificial marble, giving it a regal, luxurious appearance. On the western wall, we can find a triptych entitled “Songs of love, war and death” by František Ženíšek. There is another triptych called “Life, poetry, death” by the same painter on the ceiling. It’s interesting to see so many death paintings in such a vibrant space, but perhaps this image of impending death allows us to remind us to live life to the fullest.

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Oriental Lounge

At the end of Grégr Hall, there is a small staircase leading to the Oriental Lounge. This room features decoration inspired by Islamic-Anatolian art. It was originally known as the Serbian lounge. Anatolia had a strong Byzantine and Armenian Christian heritage, which is visible in its artforms.

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Riegr’s Hall

The room, opposite Palacký Hall, called Riegr’s Hall, is embellished with images of notable Czech personalities painted by Max Švabinský. He titled the paintings “Czech Spring” as it features all these different influential men together in imagined scenes of an idyllic springtime. Busts of politicians František Ladislav Rieger by Josef Václav Myslbek are also featured inside this room. The lower half of the room is painted a rich Azul blue and covered in lush blue stuffed benches.

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Confectionary

At one point in the building’s history, the Municipal House had its own confectionery and patisserie! It was the largest of the relaxing salons, often called the “ladies’ parlours.” Although no sweet treats are being made fresh inside this room today, it is still one of the most fabulously decorated rooms in the building. Filled to the brim with gilt stucco decorations and oak framed mirrors, the place absolutely sparkles.

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The Smetana Concert Hall and Ballroom

The Smetana Concert Hall and Ballroom are located right under the magnificent glass dome. To visit this place outside of being on tour, you’ll need to have booked a ticket to see a performance. The concert hall plays hosts to many musicians and is the home to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

Inside this room, you’ll find artwork pieces by Alfonse Mucha, Jan Preisler and Max Švabinský decorating the ceilings and walls. The interior of the concert hall is covered in white stone and gold filigree. The entire theatre is illuminated by hundreds of tiny lights, casting a gentle golden glow upon the people below. The stage is framed by arcing sculptures depicting Vyšehrad legends and Slavic dances. It is truly an honorific place of Czech arts and culture.

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iMucha’s Exhibition

Currently on display inside the Municipal House is the iMucha Exhibition. This gallery uses technologies of the 21st century to display numerous of Mucha’s art posters which have been digitally remastered to be displayed with motion. Transforming the static material into a lifelike work of art. The exhibition also presents over 200 artifacts from the artist’s life. Tickets to the exhibition costs 290 Kč for adults but there is a discounted price if you book with a guided tour. Running until March 2024.

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If you have the chance to tour Prague’s Municipal House, run, don’t walk, to visit! Don’t let the rather dull name of the building fool you; this place is one of the most outstanding artistic achievements of the Czech National Revival and deserves all your attention. Plus, there is nothing better than dining inside an incredible environment to fill your eyes and mind with wonder and excitement.

Let me know what treasures you discovered in Prague or if you’re planning on visiting the Municipal House for yourself on your next trip!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Visitors Guide to the Art Nouveau Interiors of Prague’s Municipal House first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a bunch of psychedelic drugs in the year 2200? Well, wonder no more because the Robot Restaurant here in Tokyo is here to show you! The “restaurant” isn’t really a restaurant at all. What it is, is a futuristic, energetic, vibrant, exciting, surprising and overall insane display modern, Japanese cabaret.

Tickets and Prices

The show has become immensely popular over the years, and although you can sometimes get discounted tickets last minute outside the theatre, we opted to buy our tickets online in advance. This is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out! There are usually four shows a day. The first performance is at 4:00pm (doors open 3:00pm), the second performance is at 5:55pm (doors open 5:00pm), the third performance is at 7:50pm (doors open 7:00pm) and the fourth performance is at 9:45pm (doors open 9:00pm). The early performance is the cheapest option, the rest are all the same price. Although the early show might not be a raucous as the later ones, I would argue that it’s still the same show and if you’re looking to save a bit of money and free up your evening this is the one to pick!

There are several ways to buy your tickets from the show. One is through the official website, the other is through a myriad of discounted ticket sights. The most reliable I’ve found is govoyagin.com! They off 20%-30% off the listed ticket price on the official website depending when you book. And Voyagin customers receive a free souvenir bottle-opener! Prices are 5,248 yen ($48 USD) for the early show and 6,300 yen ($58 USD) for the other showtimes. Children under the age of 3 can enter free of charge. Children over the age of 3 must purchase a general admission ticket (same price as adults). Along with your general admission, you have the option of purchasing a seat upgrade for 1000 yen. This guarantees you a seat in the 2nd and 3rd row right in the centre. There are only three rows in the theatre and honestly, everything moves around throughout the show so I wouldn’t be concerned at all about where you’re seated. There is also a discount off popcorn and the bento box dinner. The food in the Robot Restaurant is far from anything I’d want to spend my money on so I would pass on this and save your yen for a drink at the bar before the show begins (more on that later!)

Access

The Robot Restaurant is a five minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit. To get to the JR Station East take the Chuo Line direct to Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku station is one of the busiest stations in the city, if not the world, so take your time to study the exit signs and find te East Exit. Taking the wrong exit might mean 30-minute detour to find your way to where you wanted to go. From the exit, head north along Kabukichō and you can’t miss the restaurant as it’s glowing neon lights and outdoor display robots attract a crowd 24 hours a day.

Arrival

If you didn’t purchase your ticket at the ticket counter in Shinjuku you need to bring your ticket confirmation, either from the official website or voyagin to the ticket counter across from the Roboto Restaurant entrance. Here you’ll exchange your voucher for an actual printed ticket with your seat number assignment. Once you have your ticket, you can head across the street and enter the theatre. The lounge opens an hour before showtime where you can sit, have a drink and relax while you wait for your show to begin. GET HERE EARLY! The bar area is one of the best parts of the experience! You are lead into the lounge through a giant set of golden doors and walk thru a light-encrusted hallway. It’s like entering a psychedelic dreamland and truly begins the adventure of being transported into another world.

The Lounge

As soon as you walk in the door, your brain may feel like it can’t even consume all the information being fed to it. There are patterns, colours, sparkles, jewels, gold and more covering the space from floor to ceilings. The building itself is reported to have cost over $10-million, and you can see why in this spectacle of a room. Gold shell swivel chairs surrounding the bar and stage area, crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the wall-to-wall mirrors, make it feel like the chamber is infinite.

Even the bathroom is adorned with the most intricate paintings set behind glass, backlight with rainbow LED lights. The carpet is a floral oriental rug design but is made from plexiglass and light from below to give it a brighter effect. There is a small bar towards the back of the room where you can order fancy alcoholic drinks and even non-alcoholic beers. Their sparkling sake is one of my favourite choices.

The Lounge Act

About a half and hour before you have to head into the theatre, you are treated to a musical lounge act by a man dressed in a silver robot costume. He alone comes out on stage to play one of a few instruments waiting for him. You’d expect him to play some loud, thumping dance music based on his look, but instead, he serenades you with 80’s pop ballads and Japan’s favourite – Michael Jackson. I loved this part and could have listened to this emotionless robot play us memorable songs all evenings.

Tips Before the Show

When it’s finally time to descend into the basement to watch the show you are allowed to gather up any drinks you’d purchased and bring them down with you. This is also the best time to use the bathroom since the one in the lounge is much better than the one in the basement. Which yes, is where you’re going.

You descend floor and after floor, feeling like you’re never going to get to the bottom. Luckily, each staircase is decorated with the same fanciful (and sometimes scary) decor as the rest of the place and makes even this walk a gallery tour in itself.

Being Seating

Once you get to the bottom, you find search to find your assigned spots and take a seat in the tiny, desk-like seats. You also have a few minutes to purchase some more refreshments or light snacks from the giant robotic snack cart. They had a variety of exotic popcorn flavours to try and were the best treats on offer.

The Show Experience

Once everyone is seated the show begins….with a literal bang! Taiko drummers are wheeled out on stage, atop a moving robotic platform to perform a traditional Japanese drum song in unison with some modern music which played the background. The power these drummers made with their movements was so intense, and the room felt like it was shaking with their energy.

As they moved around the stage, their drum bases would periodically light up with neon lights. The robotic platform was covered in bright Japanese shapes and figures, which all also lit up from within and moved to the time of the music.

In addition to the drummers, a few lone guitarists on separate robotic platforms running around the stage. Each of them is playing along on their guitars, all the while wearing Japanese Oni masks, which are meant to be representations of demons or ogres. It’s quite the site to see, a terrifying monster, playing (very well at that) some killer guitar riffs.

After their performance, a set of ribbon dancers came onstage. Swirling their brightly coloured sheets of satin in mesmerizing motions, all the while light up by the bright stage lights.  After the dancers finish (they are just there to entertain you while the next set of robots gets ready to come onstage) large bars with chains were set up in front of the audience…this is when the battle was about to being.

This second act was something out of a sci-fi movie. The concept was a Jungle-like world was invaded by robotic monsters, and the animals had to fight back to survive. Honestly, the plot doesn’t matter very much, but it’s entertaining to see them trying to make sense of what really is a nonsensical show.

Two sets of monsters vs. animals would face off, being controlled by their bikini clad female commanders. They shot fire, where hit with explosions and it was all finished when the giant shark came onstage and each one of the robots leaders.

It sounds insane, and that’s most likely because it is. There really is no use explaining these scenes, but take a look at the video to see for yourself.

Because it was Halloween the last act was appropriately called Happy Halloween. This act started out with scary, monster-costumed dancers coming on stage to scare the audience. But, soon enough, the monsters transformed into Kawaii clad attractive women dressed as cupcakes, mermaids and other “happy” Halloween costumes. It was a very cute take on the subject matter which felt entirely appropriate in this atmosphere.

Dancers ran about the stage in the most fanciful and psychedelic costumes.

This part of the show didn’t really contain too many “robots”, but it was so much fun no one seemed to mind very much.

Although, the Halloween dance looked like the finale we were in for one last surprise. Glowsticks! We were each handed a glowing stick which changed colour by staff members which we would way and move to the music and as for as cheer on your favourite robot during their last hurrah!

During the last scenes, more and more robots come on stage mixed with dancers, drummers and musicians. There was no rhyme or reason to these machines, they each seemed stranger than the last. Like a line up of discarded creations made by a mad scientist. There was drum playing robo-cats, live women sitting inside giant robotic fembots which tramped around the stage, a robot with a massive armature which flung around a girl playing the guitar and robots who looked like old prototypes for an episode of Doctor Who! They shot smoke from their eyes, hands and feet as lasers danced all over the floor. My favourite robot had to be the toy horses covered in light ropes. They would rise up on their back legs and almost hurl their riders off in their quick, jerky moments. 

We had been in Japan for a few days, but it wasn’t until the end of this show, when we looked at each other, that we said: “now, I feel like I’m in Japan!” There is no question in my mind if you should come and see this show. You NEED to see this show. And if you do, please tell me about it. The whole thing was so crazy sometimes I think I dreamed it all up….

The post Guide to the Robot Restaurant Experience, the Most Exciting and Exhilarating Show in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Shinjuku is the Japan that many people envision when first thinking about visiting. It’s modern, bright, and absolutely bustling! It was the primary location used in film Lost in Translation (which, for some people, is their only vision of Japan). Coming here right off the plane is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the epicentre of Tokyo culture and cuisine!

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Access
3. Where to Stay
4. What to Eat
5. What to Do
6. Guided Tour of Shinjuku

History

Shinjuku was originally several different towns that, throughout the years, eventually joined to make up the area we now refer to as “Shinjuku.” Each of these districts does, however, still retain some part of their original distinctions despite now being lumped into one title.

Access

It is easy to access Shinjuku since so many metro lines stop here. Finding your way out is another matter. Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits, and if you come out of a random exit, finding your way around to where you were headed might take 20 minutes if you end up on the wrong side! Even locals get turned around here. But don’t let this scare you. Try to find some signage for your destination, and follow those instructions. The signs in the station are in both English and Japanese, so as long as you follow the directions, you’ll get out with no problem.

Where to Stay

There are hundreds of hotels in Shinjuku, and from high-end to low-budget, there is truly something for everyone. Location is everything in Tokyo, and being in Shinjuku means you have the best access to various rail lines, which will take you anywhere in Tokyo and beyond! But be warned that Shinjuku isn’t quaint, quiet, or laid-back. It’s always crammed full of people and seems to never sleep. Shinjuku is divided into east and west neighbourhoods; if you’re looking to avoid the much talked about ‘red light district,’ stick to the west end. 

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku is one of the best budget options. It’s a business hotel, but don’t let that deter you. Business hotels are always super clean, close to transport and much quieter than other “party” hotels. Spring for the Two Twin beds option since Japanese beds are pretty small, and the “double” will barely fit one person, let alone two. 

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is a great moderate option that many of my friends have loved. The rooms all have a little couch which is great for putting your suitcases on since space is always minimal in Japanese hotels.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand

If you’re looking for something more upscale, try the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand. This hotel is a wonderful blend of modern interior design and traditional Japanese touches, making it a superbly beautiful hotel.

What to Eat

Along the streets are also some of the best eateries that Tokyo offers. The sushi conveyor belt restaurant, Shionzushi, is one of the most popular, and if you can wait in line, you’re sure to have a great experience once you get inside. Ichiran Ramen is one of the most popular Ramen shops in Tokyo, and they have a great location here in Shinjuku where you can sample some incredible noodles. If you feel like something fried, you must check out Katsukura. Katsukura is located on the 14th floor of the Takashimaya Times Square shopping complex and serves up deep-fried pork cutlets served alongside rice and shredded cabbage – to help cut the fat.

What to Do

Nishi-Shinjuku

As you exit the train station, through an almost constant stream of people, you enter Nishi-Shinjuku. You’re immediately struck with the height of the skyscrapers surrounding you and the almost blindly bright lights of the neon signs which adorn the facades. If you’re looking for a great view of Tokyo, some of the tallest buildings have observation decks open to the public, offering incredible views free of charge. Take that Tokyo Tower! Surrounding the station, you’ll also find huge department stores, suburban malls and electronic shops. If you’re looking for pretty much anything, this is the place to come to shop!

LUMINE 1 & 2

Shinjuku is one of the best places to do some shopping. Unlike some areas like Shibuya, which is mostly geared towards women, Shinjuku has something for everyone. Fashion and electronics galore! Lumine 1 and 2 are my favourite shopping towers for the younger generation. The top floors of each of these complexes have incredible food courts with dozens of different restaurants.

Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck

This stunning piece of Japanese architecture features an impressive two-tower structure. The top of the north and south towers offer free-to-access observation decks . From here you can get an obscured view of Tokyo! Tokyo Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower both charge admission to get up to the top. But from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck, you get not only the view for free but also a great view of these iconic landmarks.

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Kabukicho

To the northeast is Kabukicho, the wild, red-light district. Down these alleyways, you’ll see large light-up signs advertising women and men of all varieties, casinos and rowdy bars. The name comes from the word “Kabuki,” a classical Japanese dance-drama that was once performed in theatres across Japan.
Once the most popular form of entertainment, Kabuki has been replaced with nightclubs, love hotels and red-light establishments. Some of these places are notorious for charging huge entry fees, spiking drink prices and targeting tourists, so proceed with care.

Shinjuku Gyoen

If you feel like taking a break from the hustle and bustle, big lights and neon signs, head down to the Shinjuku Gyoen. This enormous oasis is located only 10 minutes away from the station. Since it was initially built as the Imperial Garden for the Shogun, the landscaping is stunning. During Cherry Blossom season, this is one of the most popular spots to sit and enjoy thousands of those pretty pink petals.

Omoide Yokocho

For a slightly more PG type of fun, explore Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane). The network of side streets to the northwest of Shinjuku station is dotted with tiny restaurants serving ramen, yakitori and kushiyaki. Cheap, quick eats that pair perfectly with a cold glass of beer.

The later it gets in the evening, the more exciting this place gets. It can get a little intense for some people (me included), although I never felt unsafe. But if you’re a bit shy and don’t like hanging out in HUGE crowds of intense people, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re up for some fun, wander these streets, and you’re bound to walk right into one of the craziest nights of your life.

Godzilla

You might notice as you walk that above the skyscrapers is a life-size replica of Godzilla hanging out. His head peers down over the buildings, red eyes piercing and teeth ready to chomp. This monster is a giant advertisement for Toho’s newest cinema. **Toho** is a film production company famous for the movie Godzilla. 

Constructed around Godzilla is the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, where you can rent a room with a view of the monster’s head. There’s nothing quite like it.

Isetan Department Store

Isetan Department Store is one of the largest and most popular department stores in Shinjuk. With a wide range of products and luxury brands, this is a great place to come to buy some of the best Japanese products. To draw in more customers, the department store often features art installations and exhibitions to help draw in more customers. Creating an almost art gallery like experience inside.

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Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono Shrine is a beautiful traditional Japanese shrine located in the heart of Shinjuku. It’s nice to see this little touch of traditional Japanese architecture and culture hidden amongst the huge skyscrapers and glowing neon signs.

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Guided Tour of Shinjuku

One of the most fun ways to explore the nightlife in Shinjuku is by bar hopping. But if you feel like with all those options in such a busy part of the city, you might get overwhelmed; then I recommend taking a guided tour with Magical Trip. Join them to find out more about Shinjuku.

You’ll also join them on a pub crawl with a local guide to find hidden local bars and enjoy the authentic Japanese Izakaya bars food and drinks like Yakitori (skewered chicken), Japanese seafood, Sake etc. What you will enjoy on this tour is the food/drinks and the conversation with your guide and the other companies. Your guide will be friendly as well as knowledgeable, so you will feel welcome and be able to learn something about Japan and its culture. Also, this tour is a small-sized group tour, which makes it much easier to get to know the other companies and make friends with them. Enjoy the best night out in Tokyo!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Shinjuku, Tokyo’s Jaw-Dropping Neon City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Amid Tokyo’s neon district, these six tiny alleys house architectural snapshots of Japan’s postwar nightlife.
These ramshackle bars haven’t changed in years despite modern developments popping up all around them. It is almost shocking to see them still standing. What buildings that weren’t destroyed in the great earthquake of 1923 fell victim to the torrent of air raids during WWII. Pretty much anything else leftover was revamped during the 1960s when Japan went through their economic boom, and the entire city was modernized in concrete.

The dimly lit alleys can be a bit intimidating to foreigners, but Tokyo has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, so you don’t need to be scared. The only thing to be wary of is being ripped off, but more on that later.

Each bar only holds about ten people who sit huddled around a well-worn, narrow bar. Each of these establishments has its own theme, its own unique decor and its own way of operating. Some pride themselves in serving cheap drinks at low prices to anyone who will come in. Others charge outlandish entry fees to keep their patrons of the highest quality (or rip off inebriated tourists). Some play all-night karaoke to very giddy would-be songstresses. Others are relatively wary of foreigners and try to keep their crowds to locals only – and won’t be shy to say so.

Most of the bars will charge a cover charge, almost like an entry fee, to experience this little piece of history. If you don’t know which bars might be friendly to travellers, always look for ones with English menus or signs – that’s usually a good sign.

Shōchū is the drink of choice with the locals and will endear you to even the most prickly crowd – if you’re looking to make friends. Be sure to “cheer” your fellow bar dwellers with a cheerful “Kanpai!” before downing your beverage. This is an excellent way to show appreciation for their language and their country.

Spend some time inside “Champion” for some lively karaoke. Give “Albatross” a try and enjoy their chic rooftop terrace. “Totobar Shinjuku” is for any sake enthusiasts, and “Bar Araku” is a great place to meet and greet other foreigners since the bar is owned by an ex-pat Aussie!

So if you’re interested in a fun night of drinking or just want a little nightcap to finish off your evening, Golden Gai is a great place to make memories and meet new people.

The post Bottled History in Golden Gai first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.