Japan is known around the world for its quirky shops and outrageous themed restaurants but one of the most popular trends in recent years really raises the bar to another level altogether. Prison restaurants such as “Alcatraz” and “The Lockup” have become quite a sensation within the big cities.
At the “Alcatraz” diners are greeted at the walk-up by pretty young ladies in stylized prison guard uniforms, handcuffed, and then led to their respective cells. The atmosphere is distinctly macabre and has the feel of a run-down maximum security detention block complete with barred doors, chains in the wall, and appropriately dressed servers.
But the experience doesn’t stop with the décor. Diners can choose from themed cocktails and entrees such as “the Lethal Injection” and the “Incest Salad.” But dinner isn’t just dinner; it comes with a show as well. Several times a night, a daring breakout is staged by a staff member clad in prison coveralls. The lights flash, sirens wail, and the prison guards come looking for the wannabe escapee.
“The Lockup” is similar in that the walk-up, staff, décor, and meals are all themed but is slightly different as the theme has a hospital overtone. Like something you’d see in a horror movie, diners are led down dank and dreary corridors to individual rooms. They receive their meals on stainless steel trays from servers clad in vinyl and PVC outfits that look like something straight out of a fetish themed anime. Whereas the main entertainment at the “Alcatraz” is a prison break, “The Lockup” features monsters and psychopaths that try their best to give you a fright with your night out on the town.
Hostess at The Lockup and one of the permanent residents
These themed restaurants are not only a hit with native Japanese, they have become an international draw with people from all over the world making them destinations during their stay in Japan, even booking tables months in advance. In response, these restaurants are franchising and new locations are rapidly popping up elsewhere.
If you’re looking for a little danger with your dinner or fear with your food, it may be worth your time to visit one of these quirky joints yourself.
I'm a freelance copywriter with three year's experience and a specialization in web copy, marketing materials, and ghostwriting. I'm also a regular contributor to The Maine Edge (www.themaineedge.com.)