Mao Goto is a Japanese freelancer who was born in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture, and raised in Tokyo. Since 2016 she lives in the Taito Ward, home to a lot of Japanese culture hotspots such as Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. She has been interested in the field of English education in Japan and got her Master’s degree in March 2020. A lover of photography, travel, sweets, and cross-stitch. Contact her via Facebook.
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Shinjuku is easily accessible and known for having one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations, and once you leave the station via its east exit, you will find yourself in one of Japan’s largest and most infamous entertainment districts: Kabukicho. Kabukicho is a great place to eat, drink and have fun, with the neighborhood’s iconic neon lights always flashing from dusk to dawn.
Kabukicho used to have a strong image of purely being a nightlife district, and although countless clubs and bars are still scattered throughout the area, many new facilities catering to tourists have opened recently, creating a different image of Kabukicho. This article will introduce you to 10 fun and interesting things to do in this ever-popular part of Japan’s capital.
▼Book the best bar-hopping tour in Shinjuku!
1. Shinjuku Golden Gai
One spot in Kabukicho that should not be missed, is Shinjuku Golden Gai. This street, lined with many izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), is filled with a nostalgic Showa period atmosphere. Many businessmen come here at night to relax over a drink after a long day’s work. If you like going out to drink, you may want to try the various eateries here and taste their specialty snacks and drinks!
2. Kabukicho Red Noren Gai
Kabukicho Red Noren Gai is a drinking alley that has opened up inside seven old houses after their renovation. The street is decorated with red lanterns, which glow spectacularly at night and create a night scene true to Kabukicho’s original image. Many restaurants are located here, ranging from standard izakaya with items such as yakitori and kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets) on the menu, to restaurants specializing in only one thing, such as chicken. In Kabukicho Red Noren Gai you can experience a different kind of atmosphere than that of Shinjuku Golden Gai, and it’s equally fun for an evening out.
Official website: Kabukicho Red Noren-gai
3. Hanazono Shrine
Kabukicho has long been known as a nightlife district, but Hanazono Shrine is a peaceful shrine with a beautiful vermillion exterior. In spring, many cherry trees bloom here, making it a popular spot to enjoy the flowers. Hanazono Shrine has a long history and has witnessed the development of Shinjuku over many centuries. Every November, the Tori-no-Ichi festival is held here attracting many visitors seeking good luck and a prosperous business.
Official website: Hanazono Shrine
4. TOHO Cinema’s Godzilla Head
You walk down the street in Kabukicho and cast a glance toward the sky… but what’s that? A giant monster is peaking out from a high-rise rooftop, glaring angrily at the blissfully ignorant masses walking below. Upon closer inspection, you recognize the beast: it’s Godzilla! The Godzilla head on the roof of Kabukicho’s TOHO Cinema has become a tourist attraction in Kabukicho, with many people ready to snap a photo every day at a set time when Godzilla blows an impressive beam of light. You can even stay at the “Godzilla Hotel” of which the giant head is a part of!
5. Kinokuniya Bookstore
Kinokuniya is a nationwide chain of bookstores, and the main branch is located in Shinjuku. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is one of the largest bookstores in Japan, with the entire 10th-floor building serving as a haven for book lovers. With a selection of books and magazines that is said to exceed 1,000,000 items, you are sure to find something you’d want to read here. If you have trouble finding the book you are looking for, we recommend using the “Kino Navi” machine located on each floor. It’s a reliable ally that can quickly search the store’s inventory and tell you where to find your book.
6. Yakuza Series Game Location
Kabukicho serves as the setting for a very famous video game series called “Ryu ga Gotoku” (龍が如く, Yakuza series), which revolves around the world of yakuza and is very popular not only in Japan but also abroad. The fictional “Kamurocho” area in the series is modeled after Kabukicho, and many Kabukicho buildings appear in the game, including the Kabukicho Tenkaichi Dori arcade and the batting center. If you are a fan of the Yakuza video game series, you will love exploring this area to discover the similarities.
7. Sakura-Dori
Sakura-Dori is another drinking street in Kabukicho, and many bars and taverns line the narrow street. It used to be called “one of the most dangerous places in Kabukicho”, but the security situation has improved drastically since a very popular robot restaurant opened on this street in 2012. Unfortunately, this robot restaurant is now closed with no indication of its return, but the street is still very lively and attracts many people. It’s also a great place to snap some pictures of Kabukicho’s iconic neon signs!
8. Ninja Trick House
Are you curious about ninjas, the mysterious warriors of ancient Japan? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Ninja Trick House. There are many activities here that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the world of ninjas, such as a shuriken dojo and a ninja karakuri house where you can try to work out the house’s many mysteries. If you want to experience what it’s like to be a ninja, this is the place to go!
Official website: Ninja Trick House
9. Thermal-Yu
Located in the central area of Kabukicho, Thermal-yu is an onsen complex that heals not only tourists but also tired businessmen on their way home from work. The inside of this onsen building has a gorgeous and luxurious atmosphere like the one of a high-end hotel. The outdoor hot spring is highly recommended, and hot spring water is transported from the famous Jindai-no-yu (神代の湯) in Shizuoka Prefecture and poured into this bath every day! After taking a rest in the bath, you can relax at the in-house café and bar.
Official website: Thermal-yu
10. Don Quijote
A very walk from Shinjuku Station is a big Don Quijote that is open 24 hours a day. If you are not already familiar with Don Quijote, it’s a chain of discount shops with more than 220 locations throughout the country. They have all different kinds of products from daily necessities and brand-name goods to electric appliances as well as a wide range of food and drinks. There are also lots of great souvenirs, and they even have a tax-free counter, making it a great one-stop shop that won’t break the bank.
Which of these intriguing activities and places will you be visiting during your time in Kabukicho? There’s something here for everyone, from eating and drinking to your heart’s content to experiencing life as a ninja or relaxing in an onsen. Kabukicho’s lively atmosphere and bright lights will always be there to welcome you!
Book The Best Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour!
Explore the best Izakaya in Kabukicho while enjoying delicious food and drink on our bar-hopping tour in Shinjuku! Our knowledgeable bilingual guide will lead you through the bustling city surrounded by neon signs, making it easy to discover great Izakaya and try some of their favorite dishes. With so many places in the area, it’s easy to get lost, but our guide ensures you can explore the town more efficiently. Learn about the history and culture of the area while enjoying Tokyo’s nightlife with this guided tour in Shinjuku.
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