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Adventure Guide to Shinjuku Kabukicho Red District

 
Adventure Guide to Shinjuku Kabukicho Red District

In the Shinjuku Kabukicho Red District, you can experience a wide variety of entertainment options, ranging from Japan’s nightlife venues like cabaret clubs and host clubs to unique themed attractions such as samurai restaurants and Godzilla-themed spots.

This article introduces the charm and must-visit spots in the Shinjuku Kabukicho Red District for first-time foreign tourists. While it may have a reputation as a dangerous area, with the right knowledge, there’s no need to feel uneasy. Use this guide to confidently explore and enjoy what Kabukicho has to offer!

Contents

1.Visit Tokyo’s Entertainment District: Shinjuku Kabukicho

Shinjuku Kabukicho is one of Tokyo’s most famous entertainment districts. It is home to a wide variety of establishments such as restaurants, bars, clubs, and movie theaters, and at night, the neon lights glow brightly, filling the area with energy.

Kabukicho is especially known for its top-tier host clubs and cabaret clubs, where visitors can experience Japan’s unique nightlife.

The history of Shinjuku Kabukicho dates back to the post-World War II reconstruction period. After the 1945 Tokyo air raids left Shinjuku in ruins, plans were made to rebuild the area. One of the key figures was Kihei Suzuki, the head of the Kabukicho Ichome neighborhood association (formerly Kadohazu Ichome), who initially aimed to build a kabuki theater and create a new cultural hub in Tokyo centered around performing arts.

The new district was named “Kabukicho” after the theater, but due to various circumstances, the construction of the kabuki theater never materialized. Instead, the area developed into an entertainment district filled with cinemas and performance halls.

2.Is Shinjuku Kabukicho Dangerous?

Shinjuku Kabukicho, known as Japan’s largest entertainment district, might be imagined as dangerous by some.

However, labeling Kabukicho as dangerous is an over-simplification. While incidents such as disputes involving intoxicated patrons and cases of overcharging (bottakuri) do occur, the area has implemented measures to maintain public safety, including increased police patrols and community crime prevention initiatives.

Notably, Kabukicho Ichome, where large commercial facilities and restaurants are concentrated, is considered relatively safe.

3.Adventure Guide to Shinjuku Kabukicho

In Shinjuku Kabukicho, you can enjoy various activities during the day, such as shopping and dining, and in the evening relax with cocktails at a bar.

Here, we introduce nine popular spots and activities in Shinjuku Kabukicho.

3-1.Cabaret Clubs and Host Clubs

Shinjuku Kabukicho is one of Japan’s areas with the highest concentration of cabaret clubs and host clubs.

A cabaret club, or “kyabakura,” is a venue where female hostesses entertain male patrons. Customers can enjoy drinks while chatting or playing games in a glamorous setting with flashy decor, lighting, and the hostesses’ stunning outfits. Cabaret clubs generally operate on a time-based system, with set fees that include drinks and service charges.

A host club, on the other hand, features male hosts who entertain female guests, treating them like royalty. Most host clubs charge based on a “free time” system rather than a time-based one, with common fees including charges for drink orders and host selections. The hosts are often handsome and known for their attentive service.

3-2.Love Hotels

Shinjuku Kabukicho is well-known for its concentration of love hotels, which offer a variety of themes and amenities, making it a convenient destination for couples.

Unlike regular hotels, love hotels are designed for short stays or overnight accommodation, allowing couples to use the facilities based on their schedules or needs. Most love hotels do not require reservations. Instead, the entrance typically features a panel displaying available rooms, from which guests can choose their preferred option. Prices vary depending on the room’s design, amenities, and the duration of stay.

3-3.Samurai Restaurant

The Samurai Restaurant in Shinjuku Kabukicho is a popular venue where visitors can not only dine but also enjoy spectacular performances and experience traditional Japanese culture in an entertaining setting.

With a stage themed around Japanese folklore creatures, live band performances, and professional dancers delivering dynamic shows, guests are transported to another world. The entire audience becomes part of the immersive experience.

Between performances, you can enjoy thrilling samurai sword-fighting shows, where the powerful movements of the warriors will have you spellbound.

3-4.Kabukicho Tower

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is a new landmark in Shinjuku, combining hotels, entertainment facilities, and gourmet dining options all in one place.

On the second floor, you’ll find Shinjuku Kabuki Hall ~ Kabuki Yokocho, a food hall where you can enjoy local specialties from all over Japan. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, this spot offers a variety of regional dishes, making it a great choice for foreign tourists.

The tower also houses 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku, where you can watch the latest films on a large, high-quality screen. Premium seating is available, providing a luxurious movie-watching experience.

3-5.Golden Gai

引用：新宿三光商店街振興組合

Shinjuku Kabukicho’s Golden Gai is a unique bar district that retains the atmosphere of Japan’s Showa era. With over 200 tiny bars crammed into a small area, many of the establishments are intimate, often seating just a few customers at a time.

Golden Gai has a long history as a gathering spot for filmmakers, writers, and artists. It’s an ideal place for those interested in literature or cinema to soak in the creative energy.

3-6.Batting Center

Although Kabukicho is known for its nightlife, it also has a few full-featured batting centers. Some notable ones include Shinjuku Batting Center and Oslo Batting Center Shinjuku.

You don’t need to bring your own gear—bats and helmets are provided—so you can easily enjoy the experience of a Japanese batting center with no preparation.

3-7.Don Quijote

Don Quijote, a well-known discount store chain throughout Japan, offers a unique shopping experience with an eclectic mix of products.

From groceries and daily necessities to clothing and electronics, the shelves are packed with all kinds of items. You’ll also find unusual goods and bargain deals that you’re unlikely to see in other stores.

3-8. Godzilla

The Godzilla Head in Shinjuku Kabukicho is a giant replica of Godzilla’s head, modeled after its appearance in the movie Godzilla. As a famous landmark in Shinjuku, its imposing figure creates an atmosphere as if the real Godzilla has appeared in the city.

Guests staying at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku can view the Godzilla head up close from the 8th-floor terrace, where you can even take memorable photos right next to the iconic monster.

3-9. Pachinko Parlors

Shinjuku Kabukicho is also home to many pachinko parlors, offering a variety of gaming experiences.

Pachinko is a traditional Japanese form of entertainment, similar to pinball. Players shoot small metal balls into the pachinko machine, aiming to land them in specific pockets to win more balls. These balls can later be exchanged for prizes.

Since pachinko has a gambling aspect, it’s recommended to start with a small amount, such as 1,000 or 2,000 yen, to familiarize yourself with how the game works.

Conclusion

Shinjuku Kabukicho is known as the “city that never sleeps,” filled with vibrant nightlife options including bars, restaurants, karaoke, pachinko parlors, clubs, cabaret clubs, and host clubs. Attracting many foreign tourists, it has a distinctly international atmosphere.

Exploring the tiny bars in Golden Gai is a uniquely Japanese experience and highly recommended. While Japan is generally safe, if you’re feeling uneasy about venturing out in Kabukicho at night, it’s best to go with friends or family for a more comfortable experience.

*This article is based on information available as of October 2024.

Tokyo Travel
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