All About the Colorful Nightlife of Kabukicho!

Last updated: 16 June 2020

Numerous restaurants, bars, karaoke parlors, and host or hostess bars are packed in the streets of Kabukicho, Tokyo's famous nightlife district. But what exactly is it that makes Kabukicho so popular among Tokyoites and tourists alike? Let's explore the nooks and crannies and glittering neon lights of "the town that never sleeps"!

One of the Largest Amusement Districts in Tokyo

Kabukicho consists of several streets and is one of the largest amusement districts in all of Asia. The reason why the town is called Kabukicho derives from a project to build a Kabuki theater in this area after World War II. Today it's a popular place with cinemas, restaurants, and bars - a colorful, glittering hot spot for nightlife!

Must-see spots in and around Kabukicho

The colorful, neon-lit arch at the entrance of Kabukicho's main street, Ichibangai-dori, is easily spotted and one of the area's famous landmarks. The street leading to the Seibu Shinjuku Station offers many restaurants and bars and is a very popular spot among international tourists, too. Another place that definitely shouldn't be missed is Golden Gai: a black market in the past, now an atmospheric back alley with hundreds of tiny, charming bars lining the narrow streets.

Kabukicho

歌舞伎町
- Address Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021
  View Map
- Nearest Station Shinjuku Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Shinjuku Line / Toei Oedo Line / Keio Line / Keio New Line / Odakyu Odawara Line）
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Watch a Movie While Godzilla Watches You

In 2015 the Shinjuku Toho building opened in the center of Kabukicho, at the site where a theater called Shinjuku Koma Gekijo used to exist. Toho Cinemas Shinjuku is located inside the building but the real attraction is something entirely different. A full-scale Godzilla head glares over the roof terrace down on the streets of Kabukicho, becoming a new and beloved landmark of the area. The cinema itself is equipped with the latest technology, making the most of your movie experience.

Godzilla Head

ゴジラヘッド
- Address 1-19-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021
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- Nearest Station Shinjuku Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Shinjuku Line / Toei Oedo Line / Keio Line / Keio New Line / Odakyu Odawara Line）
  5 minutes on foot
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Savor High Quality Barbecue Meat by the Slice!

Jiromaru is a trendy yakiniku (barbecue) standing bar where you can order high-quality meat by the slice. Taste a wide variety of delicious of meat from A5 ranked Wagyu beef known as superior meat, to rare parts such as beef tongue and misuji (beef shoulder). The slices start at 30 yen per piece - an extremely reasonable price considering the high quality! This restaurant is incredibly popular, so be ready to queue.

Yakiniku Standing Bar Jiromaru

立喰い焼肉治郎丸
- Address 1-26-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021

Also Recommended:

SHINJUKU COPABOWL

新宿コパボウル
- Address 3rd & 4th floors of Humax Pavilion Kabukicho, 1-20-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021
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- Nearest Station Shinjuku Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Shinjuku Line / Toei Oedo Line / Keio Line / Keio New Line / Odakyu Odawara Line）
  5 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 03-3200-6947
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YAROU-SUSHI Shinjukuhonten

野郎寿司新宿本店

Has Health & Safety Measures
- Address 101,2-10-4, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021
- Nearest Station Seibu-Shinjuku Station （Seibu Shinjuku Line）
- Phone Number 03-3208-9496

Area
Shinjuku
Category
Other Nightlife Multicultural Towns
In-depth

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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