You haven’t seen Shinjuku without walking through Kabuchiko. Bright neon signs, pop culture, and street performers are what it’s all about!
In the heart of Shinjuku, is the famous nightlife street of Kabuchiko. A vibrant area attracting city-slickers from all over the world, there’s no better way to enjoy a late night in Tokyo than Kabuchiko (unintentional rhyme).
Endless Late-Night Restaurants
The best way to find Kabuchiko is by the bright red neon sign featuring two overlapping arches with oscillating lights.
Upon entering the street, you will be met by an endless alley of bright lights and multi-level buildings featuring restaurants, cafes, and various entertainment services.
It’s quite lively at Kabuchiko, with in-person street advertisers competing with each other to get you to enter their restaurant.
Kabuchiko is considered a place of adult entertainment, so while there are many questionable clubs here that I personally don’t subscribe to, there’s also plenty of clean fun you can partake in!
Fun Night Activities
Instead of partaking in senseless “adult” activities that leave you broke and miserable, I’d suggest hitting up a karaoke club or arcade where you can have some real fun.
You could also check out the giant Godzilla statue beaming behind the Toho Cinemas building where you could also catch an IMAX movie!
You may also be interested in trying out a maid cafe which, while requiring an acquired taste, can also be a unique experience exclusive to Japan (and family-friendly).
Delicious Feeds
Above all, nothing beats a good late-night dinner at Kabuchiko, particularly the all-you-can-eat kind in which there are plenty thereof.
My friend and I opted for a sukiyaki buffet (Japanese beef hot pot) and were absolutely impressed!
Given the worldwide popularity of the Kabuchiko district, you’ll find plenty of English-friendly establishments designed to appeal to foreigners, so stroll around with confidence!
All-in-all, crazy party nightlife vibes aren’t really my thing, but even I would advocate for Kabuchiko at least as a one-time visit, albeit just to see the cool night lights, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!