Written by Lily Crossley-Baxter
Kabukichō is the biggest red-light district in Tokyo, where you can find everything from adult entertainment to prehistoric reptiles, neon samurai shows, acclaimed bars and restaurants, love hotels, and more.
Whether you’re keen to try out the dodgier side of Tokyo’s nightlife or just want to explore the streets, there are plenty of things to do in Kabukichō to you busy all day and all night long. Any place that has Godzilla as an ambassador has to be worth checking out.
1. Experience the Samurai Restaurant
In the old days, visitors would flock to the legendary Robot Restaurant in Kabukichō. That is closed, but the Samurai Restaurant, which opened in 2023, is proving just as popular — and just as crazy.
¥8,900 gets you access to a mind-bending display of dance moves, LED lights, live singers, sword play — and just generally bizarre characters from Japanese pop history. It’s a two-hour show that you won’t forget in a hurry. A light meal and drinks are included. Book tickets to the Samurai Restaurant in Kabukichō.
And if that isn’t enough for you, you can always check out the Shinjuku Ninja Live Show too, while you’re in the area.
2. Go for a drink (or many) in Golden Gai
Golden Gai is one of the most popular drinking spots in Kabukichō, though it has a markedly different vibe from the red-light district. It’s a heaping cluster of tiny bars, spilling out of narrow alleys. You won’t usually see touts, and the only fees you have to worry about here are the cover charges (which typically range from ¥0 to ¥1,000), so you can rest easy.
Two of the best Golden Gai bars include Kenzo’s Bar (super friendly), and Hair of the Dogs, which is a rock bar that plays constant concert DVDs, by request.
The bars in Golden Gai each have their own style and atmosphere, making a pub crawl a fun way to spend an evening. See our full guide to where to drink in Golden Gai.
Charges are clearly marked on doors (along with some that have signs saying Japanese only — which is more about keeping spots for regulars than rudeness), and you can peek in to see if it tickles your fancy!
Also, Golden Gai is not the only yokochō (drinking alley) in Tokyo; take a look at our recommendations for other atmospheric Tokyo alleyways in which to knock back some beers.
3. Get running from Godzilla
The official local ambassador, the giant Godzilla is now a permanent feature and on occasion will light up and roar, which never ceases to be entertaining. He can be spotted from afar and makes a great meeting place (way cooler than Hachikō), as he sits right in the middle of Kabukichō.
He is actually part of Hotel Gracery, and you can book rooms with a view of his face, or take a tour up to the roof to see him close up. The Toho Cinema (same building as the hotel) is also a recommended place to see movies, either dubbed or subtitled, as they have a great selection — perfect for a rainy day.
Pro tip: Looking for more iconic Shinjuku film locations? Join the Kabukicho Macabre Tour and explore some of the key Tokyo VICE spots.
4. Check out Kabukichō Tower
Kabukichō Tower is another new-ish kid on the block. The multi-story entertainment complex opened in 2023, and has a game center, escape room, food hall, and live music venue.
The game center is flashier than most arcades, with lots of neon lights and even a giant crane game. Plus, there is a bar in the center where you can buy drinks (even alcoholic ones), and canned food (canned mackerel in chocolate, anyone?).
The escape room — called “The Tokyo Matrix” — is inspired by the anime Sword Art Online, and is more like an obstable course or dungeon than a traditional escape room. And be warned, it’s actually really difficult — gameover means you have to leave, or pay more to continue. Tickets to The Tokyo Matrix escape room cost ¥2,000–¥2,450, depending on the day of the week, and how far in advance you book. Note: The Tokyo Matrix is temporarily closed for renovations.
If you enjoy escape rooms, you should also check out Tokyo Mystery Circus, which is close to Kabukichō Tower.
5. Hit a homerun at a Japanese batting center
Kabukichō has not one but two batting centers — Shinjuku Batting Center and Oslo Batting Center — proving that innocent fun is among the neighborhood’s many (many) offerings.
Shinjuku Batting Center definitely looks its age — it’s been around since the 1970s. It’s also one of the cheapest spots in Kabukichō, costing just ¥300 for 26 pitches. You’ll see serious hitters here, taking advantage of the 80mph (130kph) fast balls, as well as young couples goofing off. Oslo Batting Center is a little more modern, and prices start at ¥1,300 for three games.
6. Soak your worries away at Thermae-Yu
If you’ve missed your last train and don’t want to fork out for a hotel, Thermae-Yu is a great option. This hot-spring facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has several baths and saunas so you won’t get bored. There’s even a massage service and restaurant, although these aren’t open 24 hours.
Entry starts at ¥2,700 depending on the day, and there is a late night/early morning surcharge of ¥2,000 to ¥2,300.
7. Try your luck at a pachinko parlor
As close as Japan gets to legal gambling, pachinko is a popular pastime with more parlors than you can shake a stick at in this dodgy district. Now, if you hope to understand this game, good luck. The screaming racket that emanates from these glowing halls every time a door opens is genuinely quite horrifying — but you can give it a go.
Insert your money into the machine and wait for the happy crashing of tiny silver balls, then begin — you might win more, you might not. Who knows. It’s fun to try though, and obviously pretty addictive.
Each tiny ball costs between ¥1 to ¥4 yen, so you can keep it cheap if you just want to try, but be careful — it can quickly add up. Your aim is to make the balls land between the pegs, and the strength with which you turn the handle determines how strong they shoot out.
Due to people spending insane amounts of money over long hours, security are quick to chuck people out over privacy fears, so head in with confidence and sit down straight away to show you aren’t just gawking. Avoid very empty parlors, as they probably have a reputation for low payouts. And if you’re serious, check the stats on the top of each machine to work out which has the best chance of paying out.
Note: You have to be 18 or older to enter a pachinko parlor. Also, taking photos or videos will probably not be permitted. Finally, play responsibly.
8. Go shopping at Don Quijote
Don Quijote — better known as “Donki” — is Japan’s original all-night shopping emporium. Fitting, for a neighborhood where most of the working population necessarily keeps odd hours.
Donki stocks assorted sundries, like food, alcohol, toiletries, home goods, sex toys, and role-play costumes — wait, what? Yes, Donki sells all kinds of stuff in its narrow, crammed aisles. Excellent for souvenir hunting, or when you have time to kill before the trains start running again in the morning.
9. Spend the night in a love hotel
For a night you won’t forget, try visiting a love hotel. Whether you opt for the full night stay or a short “rest,” you can experience all kinds of weirdness and maybe get some shuteye (or not).
Depending on your budget, you can enjoy your own private hot tub, costumes, in-room light shows, and much more. While some are definitely pretty grim, the more upmarket ones are respectable, for example Bali Hotel An Resort, and Hotel Moana.
Alternatively, you could visit the movie-famous Hotel Atlas (from the film Kabukichō Love Hotel), which reportedly offers discounts for girl groups.
See more tips about booking love hotels in Japan.
10. Take a breather at Hanazono Shrine
Shintō shrine Hanazono-jinja has been standing guard over Shinjuku since the beginning of the Edo period (1603–1868), and likely earlier. It’s an “inari” shrine, which means its good for business and trade — which is rather fitting for the neighborhood. There’s also a small sub-shrine, Geino Asama-jinja, that is popular with entertainers who come to pay their respects before big gigs.
The shrine hosts festivals throughout the year. Most noteworthy is the Tori-no-ichi (“Rooster Market”) in November, which is also all about prosperity. There is also has a regular Sunday flea market.
Hanazono Shrine itself isn’t much to look at — the buildings, though traditional-looking, are all modern constructions. What’s most impressive is that this oasis of calm exists in the middle of Kabukichō. There are two entrances to Hanazono-jinja: via the big stone torii gate on Meiji-dōri, or via the lantern-lit path from Golden Gai.
11. Take down some pins and bowl
While game centers are easy enough to find around the city, Kabukichō is the place to go to bowl. Almost every game center around the Toho Building has a bowling alley attached, with different themes and vibes. Bowl in a 70s disco, or neon-lit spaceships, the choice is yours. Most lanes will offer two options — bowling by game, or “free time”, where you bowl as much as you like and are charged for a block of time.
And don’t worry if you get peckish or thirsty while rolling. Most alleys offer drinks and light bites that are brought right to your lane. If you’re with us in cheapo spirit though, stop by one of the many local convenience stores and bring your own snacks in with you. As long as you’re tidy about it, most bowling alleys don’t mind.
12. Sing the night away at a karaoke parlor
While we’ve already discussed how you can karaoke like a local, Kabukichō is an excellent spot to test your skills. There are over 10 karaoke parlors in the area, with most open 24 hours.
Most places come with options for a “drink bar” — unlimited drinks throughout your stay. You can usually choose between soft drinks or alcohol, but rest assured the party doesn’t stop when you grab the mic.
If it’s a special night, or you’re in the mood to splurge, ask about each parlor’s themed rooms. Instead of crowding onto a single sofa, you could recline on couches, swing on hammocks, or even roleplay as a band with a full instrumental kit.
13. Try some fine dining
While some people might associate Kabukichō with late-night izakaya snacks and kebab, there’s plenty of haute cuisine at your fingertips. Foodies should make a reservation at Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima, right on the edge of Kabukichō.
Despite being tucked away underground, this Michelin-starred spot offers top-tier sardine meals served with a warm and cozy vibe. Set meals start at around ¥12,000.
14. Try your hand at making ramen
Is any trip to Japan complete without at least one bowl of steaming hot ramen? Salty, savory, miso infused — every store has its own secret technique. In Kabukichō, you can jump into the mysterious world of ramen and try your hand at cracking its code. English-language ramen cooking lessons are held on a daily basis.
You’ll learn everything from how to mix and shape the ramen noodles, to the key components of a great ramen broth. The course lasts several hours, but it’s the perfect experience for anyone with a love of Japan’s most famous food. You can book your spot online through Klook.
15. Be a ninja for the day
For a family-friendly activity in Kabukichō, nothing beats the Ninja Trick House. This small museum and theme park welcomes all visitors. Your own ninja guide will take you through courses in shuriken throwing, stealth, and swordplay, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Another highlight is the energetic ninja performance put on by the staff. With swords and shuriken, you’ll witness the athleticism and grace of the ninja of yesteryear — but with less deadly consequences.
Bonus: Wagyu and sake pairing
Just a short walk from Kabukichō in Nishi-Shinjuku, this restaurant offers an impressive 8+ course meal that pairs high-quality wagyu beef with a variety of Japanese craft sake.
You can enjoy wagyu prepared in several styles, enhancing its natural taste, alongside sake served in unique ways, including original cocktails designed specifically for the wagyu pairing. The experience offers fascinating insights into both the history and regional differences of wagyu and sake in Japan.
Bonus 2: Shinjuku Nichōme — Loud and proud
If you’re up for nightlife with rainbow flair, head to Shinjuku Nichōme, a few minutes away from Kabukichō. This area is jam-packed with LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Settle in and enjoy a calm afternoon in the supportive vibes, or dance the night away at the clubs — the choice is all yours. If it sounds like your sort of place, check out our guide to Nichōme before you go.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2017. Last updated in December 2024, by Shyam Bhardwa.
