Live Your Best Lives
Visit the vibrant nightlife, explore themed bars, enjoy karaoke spots, or try the many izakayas. If you're into anime and gaming, check out the entertainment complexes offering arcade games and themed cafés. Don't forget to check out the Robot Restaurant for a unique dining and performance experience.
Kabukicho, located at the east exit of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, is a vibrant city bustling with movie theaters, arcades, and bars from late night until dawn. It's a true sleeps-only destination and one of Japan's few major red-light districts. Kabukicho is divided into 1-chome and 2-chome, with the Shinjuku Ward Office located in Kabukicho 1-chome. Kabuki is a quintessential Japanese national performing art, with "ka" representing music, " bu " meaning dance, and " ji " referring to the performance technique. Once popular among the general public, it later evolved as audiences dwindled, demanding not only physical beauty but also inner beauty .
Suitable for all seasons;
The subtropical monsoon climate has four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall. Summer is influenced by the southeast monsoon, bringing heavy rainfall, while winter has less snowfall.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Nearby attractions: Shinjuku, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Meiji Jingu Shrine, etc.
free
Open all day
Shinjuku Kabukicho is Tokyo's most famous entertainment district, known for its neon-lit streets, nightlife, and host/hostess clubs. Once a red-light district, it has evolved into a bustling hub with a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping venues.
Kabukicho is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku Station or the JR Yamanote Line. It's a short walk from the station to the heart of Kabukicho.
Most businesses in Kabukicho operate late into the night, typically from 6:00 PM until early morning hours. The best time to visit is in the evening when the area comes alive with neon lights and the nightlife crowd.
There is no entrance fee to walk around Kabukicho. However, specific venues like clubs, restaurants, and attractions (e.g., Robot Restaurant) may charge an entry fee. Tickets for such attractions can be bought online or at the venue.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular attractions like the Robot Restaurant, especially during weekends or peak seasons. It's ideal to book a few days in advance to secure a spot.
You can explore the main attractions of Kabukicho in 2-3 hours, though the area offers enough variety to spend an entire evening or even a whole night if you're into nightlife and entertainment.
Must-see spots include the Robot Restaurant for its flashy performances, Omoide Yokocho for traditional izakayas, and the vibrant Golden Gai area with its tiny bars. Also, take time to walk through the neon-lit streets and enjoy the atmosphere.
Guided tours are available for specific parts of Kabukicho, such as bar-hopping tours in Golden Gai. These tours are often offered in English, and some operators provide private guides to explain the area's history and hidden spots.
The best photography spots are around the large neon signs and the alleyways of Golden Gai. Kabukicho's street-level view is fantastic for capturing the energy of the district at night.
Start with a stroll through Omoide Yokocho for a taste of old Tokyo. Then, head towards Golden Gai for a drink at one of its many quirky bars. If you're in the mood for more excitement, visit the Robot Restaurant for an unforgettable show.
Yes, Kabukicho is best explored at night when it truly comes alive. The Robot Restaurant offers a fantastic light and performance show. Additionally, you can enjoy late-night bars and nightclubs in the area.
Kabukicho is bustling and crowded, especially on weekends. The least crowded times are on weekday afternoons and early evenings before the nightlife picks up.
The area has plenty of restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. Toilets are available in most major venues, and there are water refill stations in some areas. Rest areas are limited, but many cafes and bars provide seating for a break.
While Kabukicho is generally accessible for most visitors, the narrow alleys and crowded areas may be challenging for elderly or disabled people. It’s best to plan ahead and choose less busy areas if you have mobility concerns.
Cash is widely accepted, but most places in Kabukicho also accept credit cards. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly common in bars, restaurants, and stores.
Nearby, you'll find a variety of dining options, from traditional Japanese izakayas and ramen shops in Omoide Yokocho to upscale restaurants serving sushi, yakitori, and international cuisine.
There are a few vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in the area, though they are not as common as other options. Halal food can also be found in nearby areas, with a few halal restaurants within a short walk.
Nearby hotels include the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (known for its Godzilla statue) and more budget-friendly options like the Capsule Hotel Shinjuku 510. There are also hostels and boutique hotels in the surrounding area.
Nearby attractions include Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful escape, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for stunning city views, and the Tokyo Robot Restaurant for unique entertainment. You can also visit Meiji Shrine, which is a short train ride away.
Souvenir shops in Kabukicho offer a range of items such as Japanese snacks, traditional crafts, and quirky souvenirs like robot-themed merchandise and unique anime goods.
After visiting Kabukicho, the best transportation options include the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku Station or the Tokyo Metro. Taxis and buses are also readily available for further exploration of Tokyo.
