Kabukicho, as Tokyo’s vibrant entertainment district, offers a wide range of attractions that draw both locals and tourists. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Samurai Restaurant: (f.k.a Robot Restaurant) Known for its extravagant robot-themed shows featuring flashy lights, loud music, and futuristic performances.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit. Walk north through Kabukicho towards Seibu-Shinjuku Station. The Samurai Restaurant is located on the second floor.
- Typical Wait Time: Reservations are recommended. Without a reservation, wait times can be 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Godzilla Head: A prominent landmark on top of the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, where visitors can get up close with a life-sized Godzilla head and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit and walk towards the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku on the 8th floor.
- Typical Wait Time: No wait time to view the Godzilla Head from the street. For the observation deck, there might be a short wait, typically around 15-30 minutes.
- Golden Gai**: A famous area with narrow alleys and tiny bars, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere, perfect for bar hopping.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit and head northeast. Golden Gai is a short walk away, located near Hanazono Shrine.
- Typical Wait Time: Wait times vary by bar. Smaller bars can fill up quickly, so there might be a wait of 10-30 minutes during peak hours.
- Samurai Museum: A museum dedicated to Japan’s samurai history, showcasing samurai armor, weapons, and offering interactive experiences like samurai sword lessons.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit and walk north through Kabukicho. The museum is a 5-minute walk from the station.
- Typical Wait Time: Generally short, around 10-20 minutes, but it can be longer on weekends.
- Kabukicho Ichiban-gai: The main street of Kabukicho, lined with neon lights, restaurants, bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, making it a bustling area both day and night.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit and walk directly into Kabukicho. Ichiban-gai is the main street.
- Typical Wait Time: No wait time to enter the street, but individual venues may have their own wait times.
- Omoide Yokocho: Also known as “Memory Lane” or “Piss Alley,” it’s a charming network of narrow alleys filled with tiny yakitori (grilled chicken) stalls and traditional Japanese eateries.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the West Exit and walk northwest for about 2 minutes. It is right next to the railway tracks.
- Typical Wait Time: Wait times for eateries can be around 10-30 minutes, especially during dinner hours.
- Toho Cinemas Shinjuku: A popular cinema complex featuring the latest movies and a giant Godzilla head that roars and lights up at specific times of the day.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit and walk towards the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. The cinema is located inside.
- Typical Wait Time: Varies by movie showtimes, but it is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before your movie time.
- Love Hotels: While not a traditional attraction, the themed love hotels in Kabukicho are famous for their unique designs and can be an interesting aspect of Tokyo’s culture to explore.
- Directions: Found throughout Kabukicho. Look for neon signs advertising hourly rates.
- Typical Wait Time: Usually minimal, but popular hotels can have waits of 10-20 minutes during peak times.
- VR Zone Shinjuku: A virtual reality entertainment center where visitors can experience a variety of VR games and attractions, although it may be relocated or rebranded.
- Directions: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit and walk towards Kabukicho. Check current listings for exact location.
- Typical Wait Time: Varies by attraction, generally around 20-40 minutes.
- Host and Hostess Clubs: Unique to Japan, these clubs where patrons pay for the company of hosts or hostesses, are a significant part of Kabukicho’s nightlife, offering a glimpse into a distinctive aspect of Japanese culture.
- Directions: Scattered throughout Kabukicho. Specific clubs can be located via online maps or local guides.
- Typical Wait Time: Varies greatly by club and time of night. Some clubs may require reservations.
For the most accurate wait times and directions, it’s advisable to check the specific attraction’s website or contact them directly before visiting.
Is Kabukicho the least safe neighborhood in Shinjuku?
Kabukicho, often referred to as Tokyo’s “red-light district,” is indeed one of the more notorious neighborhoods in Shinjuku, known for its nightlife, host and hostess clubs, love hotels, and adult entertainment venues. It has a reputation for being less safe compared to other areas in Shinjuku due to its association with organized crime, scams targeting tourists, and occasional incidents of violence.
However, it’s important to note that “least safe” in the context of Tokyo or Shinjuku is relative. Japan, including Tokyo, is known for having a very low crime rate compared to many other major cities around the world. While Kabukicho might have a higher incidence of certain types of crime compared to other neighborhoods in Shinjuku, it is still relatively safe by international standards. Most visitors to Kabukicho do not encounter problems, especially if they exercise common sense and avoid certain risky behaviors.
For those concerned about safety, it’s advisable to:
- Avoid going alone late at night.
- Be cautious of touts and offers that seem too good to be true.
- Keep an eye on personal belongings.
- Avoid engaging with individuals who seem suspicious or overly persistent.
In summary, while Kabukicho is considered one of the less safe neighborhoods in Shinjuku, it is still relatively safe compared to similar districts in other major cities worldwide.