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Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo: Creating Remote Work for People with Disabilities
- Jenn & Leon
- Dec 22, 2022
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 6
This concept cafe uses robotics to offer work and transform the lives of those who may be bedridden, unable, or too uncomfortable to work outside of the home.
Redefining remote working with cutting-edge OriHime robots, customers are able to interact with staff with health conditions or impairments from their own spaces in a fun and non-intrusive way.
We were completely enamored by this fantastic idea, and we could not wait to get there and check it out.
We had the most heartwarming experience, and we are huge fans of everything the team at the Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe and its owners, Ory Laboratory, are doing.
Be sure to visit them and give your support when you are in Tokyo!
In this post, we take a look at how the cafe works, what Orihime robots are, how to make reservations, where to find Avatar Robot Cafe, and, as ever, our travel experience rating.
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What Is an OriHime Robot?
Orihime is a robot that has a built-in camera, microphone, and speakers.
It is controlled remotely through the internet, and the operator can freely move the field of view of OriHime.
They can talk and communicate in real time via the tablet you see in the front.
Operators are also able to move the robot along programmed floor lines, and can also control the eyes and arms.
Our Avatar Robot Cafe Highlights
On entry, we were immediately greeted by our first OriHime robot, operated by the lovely Masako Imai.
This first interaction was initially a little awkward, but both Jenn and I became comfortable and natural fairly quickly.
Masako was born with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and operates Orihime from her home in Osaka.
"I am a typically energetic Osaka born person with a special suit called SMA. Needing assistance by caregivers for almost 24 hours a day, I currently live alone."
In 2015, Masako helped start a group for people called Gururi, aiming to create a culture where diverse people could meet and co-exist in a local community.
"I want to have fun talking to people and discovering and appreciating new things through my alter ego avatar robot OriHime!"
We were really happy to meet Masako, and she gave us such a lovely welcome!
As we did not make reservations prior, we were unable to have a sit-down robot 'service'.
So we just ordered two salted caramel lattes and opted for a window seat where we could observe the OriHime and their operators in action.
The café is beautifully presented, and we liked the infusion of green plants and the central tree, complete with its surrounding cushioned seat.
There is a large screen, a well-stocked bar, and plenty of tables.
There is also free WiFi and charging ports available.
The café is split into two sections: seating for online bookings and walk-in customers.
For the robot table service, you must book prior to arrival, and you are required to order a meal.
There are some great workspaces available, too, although they are limited without reservations.
We were given a 30-minute time limit, although it was fairly quiet, so it did not seem like it would be enforced.
We enjoyed the atmosphere here, and it felt like such a happy place to be!
We do wish we had booked the table service, but we will certainly do it next time (there will be one!)
This was the first time either one of us had seen an Orihime robot, and it was fascinating to watch it cruise around serving the patrons of the café.
Even more so, having conversations with the people operating them!
We were completely enamored by the concept, and we can most certainly see how this benefits the staff, not just as a job but also on a social level.
The Orihime Pilot Barista
The tele barista pilot is only available on the reservation, and again is operated by a café pilot.
Despite not having a reservation, we were still fortunate enough to have enjoyed some time with Akane after we had finished our coffee.
We were invited over to say hello, and we both got to play rock, paper, scissors! Unfortunately, we both lost, but this was super fun!
OriHime operators are called pilots, and there are over 60 staff from inside and outside Japan!
With such a warm welcome, fun interactions, and great service, we do not doubt that the Avatar Robot café will continue to expand and grow.
Hopefully, it will look beyond Japan, too! There are so many who could benefit from this kind of opportunity.
Read on for more information on how to make reservations, the location of the café, and our Avatar Robot Café rating.
Making Reservations at the Avatar Robot Cafe
There is an admission fee for the cafe, which covers access to the diner, bar, and cafe.
There is a small section of seats that do not require this fee; however, they do not include OriHime service or the option for meals (coffee and small snacks only).
⪢ Orihime PASS
● Adult ticket (12 years +) ￥1,500
● Child ticket (4 - 11 years old) ￥1,000
● OriHime pass includes one drink
● Free for children under 3 years old
⪢ Orihime Diner
Robot service is called an 'OriHime Diner' and must be booked online.
You are also required to order a meal from an exclusive menu.
Booking this service removes the requirement to pay the admission fee.
Fee:
● Adult ticket (12 yrs +): ￥4,400
● Child ticket (4-11 yrs): ￥2,200
● Free for children under 3 years old
Prices are correct at the time of writing (June 2025).
Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
All prices are in Japanese Yen. Convert your currency here.
What you get:
● Entrance ticket to the Orihime area
● OriHime Customer Service Experience (table service)
● One dish and one beverage from the menu
● Same-day reservations are not accepted
● Reservations can only be made online with credit card payment in advance. Cash payments or phone reservations are not accepted
● OriHime Diner is available for a minimum of 2 persons
● Service by Orihime starts 30 minutes after the reservation time
⪢ Bar Counter
The Bar Counter is open from noon and offers original non-alcoholic cold drinks in addition to alcoholic beverages.
● No reservations are required
● Admission fee required, can be paid on the day of your visit
● The alcohol age limit is 20 years old
● A 30-minute service will be available when seats are overcrowded
⪢ Cafe Seat
OriHime pilots who have undergone barista training will operate the OriHime 'NEXTAGE' robot to serve you your coffee of choice.
Service Times:
● No reservation required
● Admission fee is applicable
● There may be a 30-minute time limit during busy periods
Avatar Robot Cafe Opening Times
The Avatar Robot Cafe is open every day except Thursday, from 11 am to 7 pm.
The cafe is only open on Thursday if a national holiday falls on this day.
How to Get to Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo
The Avatar Robot Cafe is located in the vibrant Shinjuku district, a bustling area known for its shopping, entertainment, and futuristic experiences.
By Train
Take the JR Yamanote Line or Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo’s busiest transport hubs.
From the station’s East Exit, the cafe is approximately a 5–7 minute walk.
Alternatively, use the Toei Shinjuku Subway Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku-sanchome Station, which is also close by.
On Foot
From Shinjuku Station East Exit, head towards Shinjuku Kabukicho district.
Follow signs or GPS to the cafe’s exact address: 1-1-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo.
By Taxi
Taxis are widely available in Tokyo and can be a convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group.
Show the driver the cafe’s address in Japanese: 「東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1丁目1−10」.
⪢ Contact Information for Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe
● Address: Nihonbashi Life Science Building 3 1F, 3-8-3 Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Japan
● Phone: (+81) 03-3527-2136
● Email: dawn@orylab.com
● Opening times: 11 am - 7 pm, 6 days a week. Closed on Thursdays.
● Payments: Non-cash payments only (credit/debit card, QR pay, e-cash)
● Website: dawn2021.orylab.com
● Instagram: @dawncafe2021
● Facebook: @dawncafe2021
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Tokyo hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
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Our Experience Rating:
Avatar Robot Cafe
We are rating Avatar Robot Cafe 5 stars because of its purpose, cause, and mission behind the café.
It is a great place to spend time with friends and family, and the coffee was excellent.
It is perhaps a little on the higher end of the price scale, but for what you get and contribute, it is well worth it!
FAQ: Avatar Robot Café, Tokyo – What You Need to Know
What is the Avatar Robot Café in Tokyo?
The Avatar Robot Café (DAWN ver.β) is a one-of-a-kind café where robots serve customers, but those robots are remotely operated by people with disabilities from home or care facilities. It’s a powerful blend of technology and social impact.
Where is it located?
The café is located in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan. The exact address is:
Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe, 1 Chome-1-9 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022.
💡 It’s close to Mitsukoshimae Station and Tokyo Station, making it easy to reach.
Who operates the robots?
The café’s robots, called OriHime and OriHime-D, are operated remotely by individuals with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or social anxieties who might not otherwise be able to work in traditional settings.
Can I interact with the robots?
Yes, one of the highlights is that you can speak to the robot operators in real time.
The robots are equipped with microphones and speakers, allowing for two-way conversations between the customer and the operator.
Is it a functioning café or just an exhibition?
It’s a fully functioning café! You can order food and drinks while being served by the robot waitstaff, making it a novel and meaningful dining experience.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends or holidays.
You can usually book online via their official website, and sometimes walk-ins are possible on quieter days.
What kind of food and drinks do they serve?
The menu includes coffee, tea, juices, light snacks, and desserts, often themed around the futuristic and inclusive vibe of the café.
Is it child-friendly?
Absolutely. Kids love the robots and the interactive experience, and it’s a great way to introduce them to technology, empathy, and accessibility awareness.
What’s the goal of the café?
Beyond being a cool tech attraction, the café exists to:
● Promote inclusive employment
● Demonstrate the potential of remote work through robotics
● Raise awareness about barrier-free innovation in society
Is the café part of a larger project?
Yes, it was developed by OryLab Inc. and is part of ongoing research and activism to help people with disabilities find fulfilling, dignified employment through robotics and telepresence.
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This concept cafe literally helps to change lives as patrons drink coffee. How is this not everywhere in the world? An amazing way to use technology to improve lives, and still fit seamlessly within a workplace (without costing jobs). Brilliant.