When the Covid-19 pandemic first started, many of us were told to stay home to reduce the risk of getting infected.
For many, this meant that they could not dine at their favourite restaurants and had to start cooking at home more frequently.
However, some countries like Japan have started to make the right and necessary preparations to start welcoming international tourists again by introducing Covid-19 travel protocols and standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of its residents and tourists.
Mixing the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples, Tokyo is rapidly improving itself to be ready to receive visitors once the travel restrictions are lifted.
Here are some establishments in Tokyo for a safe and contactless dining experience.
Located in Tokyu Plaza Shibuya, this café uses “Pepper” – a humanoid robot to interact and take customers’ orders and even entertain patrons with a range of games and activities to choose from, including fortune telling.
Pepper which is located at the reception is able to understand English, Chinese and Japanese based on the language selection. Taking photos with it is more than welcome, as it also works alongside its’ human colleagues.
Offering a wide range of hot and cold drinks – coffee, lattes and teas – gourmet waffles are also on the menu. You can choose from traditional dessert-style waffles to waffles with carefully selected ingredients like the Wagyu roast beef or crispy onion waffle.
Besides Pepper, another humanoid robot named Nao is also designed to amuse patrons by performing precisely choreographed dances. Among Nao’s repertoire are jazz, tai-chi, disco and polka.
Another must-visit robot café is Henn na Cafe, which translates as Strange Cafe, situated in the basement of the Shibuya’s Modi building.
Brought to you by the very people who started Henn na Hotel – the first robot hotel in the world - this is where you can enjoy a cuppa while appreciating the silence.
With only one staff, the robot barista with A.I technology will brew your coffee.
To place an order, buy a ticket from the vending machine by the counter and scan your ticket at the counter for the robot barista to come alive and start making your order.
You can enjoy your coffee in this Henn na Cafe while discussing your travel plans as it is conveniently located next to a travel agency.
With a grand opening on July 6 last year, this casual dining establishment was inspired by the luxurious west coast beach houses in the United States.
Featuring automatic conveyance robots, this restaurant offers a dynamic selection of grilled dishes such as lobster, steaks and a custom-made order style contactless salad bar.
Customers can start by placing their order using a tablet and the restaurant staff would then make the salad based on the order.
Once the dish is ready, it is placed on the robot and will be delivered to the customer’s table.
After removing the food from the robot’s tray, all you need to do is hold out your hand over the sensor and the robot will automatically return to the salad bar.
Thinking about travelling again when the time is right? Visit these three establishments in Tokyo for a new, unique and contactless dining experience.
For more information, visit https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/coronavirus-information/index.html.
