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Kabukicho: 7 Things to Do in Tokyo's Finest Entertainment District

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Kabukicho, also known as the "city that never sleeps", is one of Tokyo's largest entertainment districts. We introduce some activities you can enjoy here, from ramen and sushi eateries to amusement at Kabukicho Tower!

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Kabukicho: The City That Never Sleeps

Kabukicho: 7 Things to Do in Tokyo's Finest Entertainment District

Photo by Pixta
Shinjuku is one of the most popular areas of Tokyo with travelers due to the many places and excellent access to other parts of Tokyo and eastern Japan. Moreover, Shinjuku is also home to Kabukicho, one of Toyo's finest entertainment districts.

There are places to eat, izakaya pubs to drink at, and people from all parts of the world hanging out. You'll have a good time here for sure. Read on to learn how to enjoy your time in Kabukicho.

Things to Do in Kabukicho

1. Don Quijote: Shopping at a Discount Paradise
2. Taketora Ramen: Delicious Ramen in Kabukicho
3. Dotombori Kamukura: Addictive Ramen from Osaka
4. Hey Rasshai: A Host Club Sushi Restaurant
5. The Robot Restaurant
6. The Toho Building and Godzilla
7. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Kabukicho History and Features

 

Kabukicho History and Features

Kabukicho: 7 Things to Do in Tokyo's Finest Entertainment District

Photo by Pixta
Kabukicho is located near JR Shinjuku Station's East Exit, just 5 minutes on foot. It's easy to find due to its bright red sign.

In post-World War II Japan, plans were underway to build a bustling shopping district in Shinjuku in 1948. Many theaters and dining establishments were opened in the area, and it soon came to be known as Kabukicho.

kabukicho

In Kabukicho, visitors can enjoy all kinds of nightlife and entertainment. Since it springs to life in the evening hours, it's also been nicknamed "The City That Never Sleeps."

There are karaoke shops and izakaya pubs, as well as host clubs and cabaret clubs where you can enjoy a few drinks with staff of the opposite sex. Of course, there are also more than a few gay bars if you enjoy the company of the same sex as well.

Since most of Kabukicho's establishments start up at night, it has a completely different atmosphere during the daytime.

With its bustling nightlife, some people who may be concerned about safety in Kabukicho. The local authorities are taking measures to avoid guests being forcefully invited into drinking establishments. If the staff of a bar or club tries to convince you to visit their facility, please simply walk away.

There are several establishments where you can have fun without safety concerns. One of them is the Shinjuku Toho Building, which houses a movie theater, a hotel, and restaurants. If you're out to sample Japanese cuisine, the first floor has 16 eateries including sushi, yakiniku (grilled meat cuisine), and crepes.

The Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, which opened in April 2023, is another facility with plenty of dining establishments, amusement, shopping, a wellness center, and a hotel.

Below we introduce places and things that can be enjoyed in Kabukicho during the day.

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1. Don Quijote: A Discount Paradise

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Shinjuku is the home of the discount retail shop Don Quijote's Main Store! The shop is located right at the entrance of Kabukicho.

Don Quijote is one of the best places to find Japanese goods and items that make excellent souvenirs. They offer a wide range of products, including groceries, snacks, electronics, and cosmetics. You can find just about any daily-life-related item here at affordable prices. It's the perfect place for purchasing souvenirs in bulk, making it ideal for customers looking to buy in larger quantities.

2. Taketora Ramen: Delicious Ramen in Kabukicho

kabukicho

Additionally, at the end of Kabukicho, there's a hidden gem of a ramen restaurant called Taketora, which has only three stores in all of Tokyo.

Its main feature is that you can enjoy your ramen in private booths, free from any disturbances. While they primarily serve ramen, the menu includes a rich variety of alcoholic beverages and small dishes, creating an ambiance akin to a cozy izakaya (Japanese pub).

Apart from the usual soy sauce and miso ramen, they have unique options like coriander ramen and collagen ramen. Be sure not to miss out on these delicious offerings!

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3. Addictive Ramen! Dotombori Kamukura

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Dotombori Kamukura is a famous ramen shop originating in Osaka, which is now available in Kabukicho!

Its owner, Mr. Masato Fuse, originally worked as a head chef in French cuisine. Around thirty years ago, he developed the secret broth recipe used at Kamukura. Since then, he has kept this recipe locked in a safe, and very few people in the world know how to cook this broth. This is one of the reasons why there are so few Dotombori Kamukura Ramen branches.

The generous portion of vegetables in their ramen is perfect for replenishing the fiber and nutrients often missing during travel. Their fried chicken and dumplings are also delicious and shouldn't be missed!

4. Hey Rasshai, a Host Club Sushi Restaurant

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In this area, you will find many host clubs and cabaret clubs, which are venues where male or female staff members provide entertainment and companionship to patrons of the opposite sex. Additionally, there are also gay bars where patrons are served by staff who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Shops with distinctive themes like these are part of what makes Kabukicho special, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

kabukicho

Hey Rasshai is a sushi restaurant that opened its doors in May 2019 in the lively Kabukicho area. It has gained attention for its unique concept of having active host club hosts prepare sushi for guests.

The main sushi chef, SHUN, is an active host club himself, but due to family influences and a love for sushi from a young age, he also received training as a sushi artisan. The seafood provided in the restaurant is of high quality.

For pricing details, it's recommended to refer to the official website to address any concerns you may have about the cost.

Official Website: Hey Rasshai (Japanese)

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5. The Robot Restaurant

The Robot Restaurant that won the hearts of so many foreign visitors has reopened after renovations in May 2023!

This restaurant, which cost nearly a billion yen to create, features a spectacular robot cabaret show in the heart of Kabukicho. It has even garnered the attention of Hollywood celebrities, who have specifically recommended it.

With its dazzling stage lights and effects, it's the perfect place to take photos with robots. If you're visiting Tokyo, this is a must-see attraction located right in the vibrant Kabukicho district.

6. The Toho Building and Godzilla

A newly opened establishment, the Shinjuku Toho Building offers a combination of a cinema, accommodation, and dining options. It includes 16 dining establishments on the first floor, including sushi restaurants, barbecue places, and crepe shops, among others. For those who want to indulge in Japanese cuisine, this is the place to be.

kabukicho

On the rooftop near the Toho Building, you'll notice the head of Godzilla, the King of Monsters! This is because "Godzilla" is one of the most popular and successful movies created by the TOHO Studios.

In hotel rooms closest to this iconic figure, you can even have a direct view of it from your window, which is truly awe-inspiring!

7. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is the newest establishements in the district. Filled with neon signs and bursting at the seams with facilities, this massive entertainment complex has it all - shopping, restaurants, bars, gaming arcades, spa facilities, a cinema, and more!

The upper floors are a hotel so if you wish to stay overnight in the bustling heart of Tokyo, this is a great choice!

The Kabukicho Tower is a fantastic stop for excitement, gourmet food, and great photos.


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How to Get Around Safely in Kabukicho

There are many places to eat and drink in Shinjuku. Among them are some that will try to scam you with high prices. One way to avoid creating unpleasant memories with that kind of experience is to not go to places being advertised by people near the station. Look up the place you're thinking of going to beforehand and check out their ratings. Many establishments have fair prices, but still, it's best to be careful.

Main image by Pixta

Written by

1992年生まれ。学生時代英語部でイングリッシュスピーチ活動に打ち込み、引退後は半年間カリフォルニア州立大学へ留学。ドイツ、メキシコ、ベトナム、アメリカ人のルームメイトとの共同生活を経験。 2014年9月~2015年3月 埼玉県親善大使

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