Alice in Wonderland restaurants and stores in Tokyo

The Alice in Wonderland theme restaurant concept

Tokyo's Alice in Wonderland restaurants offer a unique immersive experience, with every element inspired by Lewis Carroll's work. Managed by the "Alice-restaurant" franchise, these establishments turn dining into a true adventure into the heart of the tale. From the moment they enter, customers are transported into a dreamlike world, with elaborate decorations that faithfully recreate the atmosphere of Wonderland.

The decor is meticulously crafted, blending literary references with fantastical elements. There are giant playing cards, oversized clocks, colorful mushrooms and teacups hanging from the ceiling. The menus, presented as pop-up books, feature dishes with evocative names like "Eat me" and "Drink me", directly inspired by the novel. The staff, dressed in period costumes, embody the story's emblematic characters, enhancing diners' immersion in this marvelous universe.

The five Alice restaurants in Tokyo: atmosphere and special features

Tokyo is home to five Alice restaurants, each offering a unique interpretation of Lewis Carroll's world:

1. Alice in Dancing Land (Shibuya): Centered on the story of the White Rabbit, this restaurant features an eccentric decor with a central carousel and ubiquitous clocks. The atmosphere is cheerful and dynamic, perfect for groups.

Alice in a Labyrinth: the iconic Ginza restaurant

Alice in a Labyrinth, located in the chic Ginza district, is the flagship of the Alice-restaurant franchise. Opened first, this establishment offers the most complete and immersive experience of the Alice in Wonderland universe.

From the moment they enter, customers are plunged into a fantastic labyrinth. The walls are lined with pages from the original novel, creating a unique literary atmosphere. The restaurant is divided into several themed areas, each representing a different aspect of the Alice story. These include:

• The Mad Hatter's Room, with its tables in the shape of giant teacups
• The Queen of Hearts garden, decorated with red roses and playing cards
• The Cheshire Cat room, where enigmatic smiles float in the air

The menu at Alice in a Labyrinth is particularly creative, offering dishes inspired by key moments in the novel. For example, the "Cheese and Meat Omurice" is presented as a magical dish that changes flavor throughout the meal, recalling Alice's transformations. Cocktails, served in vials labelled "Drink Me", add a touch of magic to the culinary experience.

The Alice culinary experience

The culinary experience at Alice restaurants goes far beyond simple tasting. Each dish is conceived as an edible work of art, combining flavors and aesthetics inspired by the world of Alice. Menus offer a blend of traditional British cuisine and Japanese fusion, reflecting the meeting of British storytelling and Japanese culture.

Signature specialties include:

• The "Rabbit and Cheshire Cat Lovely Parfait", a spectacular dessert combining cakes, sorbets and chocolates
• Cheshire Cat pizza in the shape of a tail
• Caterpillar sushi, a Japanese reinterpretation of the character
• Chocolate cake in the shape of a heart, a tribute to the Queen of Hearts

Drinks are not to be outdone, with a wide selection of teas and original cocktails. Service is just as theatrical, with costumed waiters playing their roles to perfection, adding an interactive dimension to the culinary experience.

Alice on Wednesday: the goodie store in Harajuku

Located in the trendy Harajuku district, Alice on Wednesday is a paradise for collectors and fans of the Alice universe. This unique three-storey boutique offers an immersive experience from the moment you enter, with its façade featuring four different-sized doors, reminiscent of Alice's transformations.

Inside, each floor has its own theme:

• The first floor, called "The White Queen's Kitchen", offers treats and drinks inspired by the novel
• The second floor, dedicated to the Queen of Hearts, is brimming with fashion accessories and delicate jewelry
• The top floor, themed on the Mad Hatter, offers a variety of homewares and accessories

The boutique offers a wide range of exclusive products, from clothing and accessories to stationery and decorative items. What makes Alice on Wednesday unique is its more mature and sophisticated approach to the Alice universe, moving away from more childlike interpretations to offer items that will appeal even to adult fans of the work.

Practical tips for visiting Alice's restaurants and boutique

To make the most of the Alice experience in Tokyo, here are a few practical tips:

• Reservations: We strongly recommend that you make reservations in advance for the restaurants, especially for dinner. You can do so via the official website or by telephone.
• Opening hours: Most restaurants open from 5 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends. Alice on Wednesday is generally open all day.
• Budget: Expect an average budget of 3500 to 4000 yen per person for a full meal in the restaurants. Note that there is often a cover charge of around 600 yen per person.
• Language: Staff generally speak little English, but menus are often translated and very visual, making ordering easier.
• Photos: Photography is generally permitted and even encouraged, so don't hesitate to immortalize your experience!

For a complete experience, consider combining a visit to a restaurant with one to the Alice on Wednesday boutique. For example, you could start your day shopping in Harajuku, then finish with dinner at one of Alice's restaurants.

The Japanese Alice in Wonderland craze

Japan's infatuation with Alice in Wonderland goes far beyond its themed restaurants and stores. There are several reasons for this fascination:

1. A long history of adaptation: The first Japanese translation of Alice dates back to 1910, marking the beginning of an enduring relationship between Japan and Lewis Carroll's work. Since then, there have been over 1,300 Japanese editions of the book, testifying to its continuing popularity.

2. Cultural resonance: Alice's fantastical world, with its strange creatures and absurd logic, resonates with Japanese folklore and its taste for surrealism. The yôkai (supernatural creatures) of Japanese tradition are not unlike some of Alice's characters.

3. Fashion influence: Alice's style of dress has strongly influenced Japanese fashion, particularly the "Sweet Lolita" movement, which is directly inspired by the Victorian dresses worn by the character.

4. Feminist symbol: In Japan, Alice is seen as a symbol of independence and inner strength, embodying a subtle form of feminism that resonates particularly strongly in Japanese society.

5. Inspiration for pop culture: Many Japanese manga, anime and video games refer to Alice, either directly or by drawing on her themes and aesthetic.

This fascination with Alice in Wonderland illustrates Japan's ability to appropriate and reinvent foreign cultural elements, uniquely integrating them into its own culture. Alice's restaurants and store in Tokyo are thus the most visible expression of a much broader cultural phenomenon deeply rooted in contemporary Japanese society.

If you'd like to discover more about Tokyo and its wonders, don't hesitate to take a look at "Tokyo, the Ideal Guide", which will give you many more ideas for unique experiences in the Japanese capital.