Ready to take a walk around the rowdier side of Tokyo? I don’t mean to disappoint you though, as notorious as it is, Shinjuku’s infamous entertainment district is still one of the safest places in the world by Western standards, in line with Japan’s all-around incredible safety.
This is not to say that Kabukicho is all bark and no bite. You should definitely be on the lookout for certain things but overall, for the average tourist this district is probably a strange mix of everything you expect about Tokyo and some of what you may never understand about Japan.
I’m not being deliberately confusing, I promise.
Check also: 1 Day Itinerary in Tokyo: SHINJUKU & 20 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku
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What is Kabukicho?
Kabukicho (歌舞伎町) is often described as Tokyo’s red light district. While not factually correct in the sense that this is not an official denomination (unlike during pre war times, sanctioned red light districts do not exist anymore in Japan), Kabukicho is definitely a center for adult entertainment, with tons of +18 establishments like peep shows, adult content shops, love hotels, etc.
All of this in addition to countless restaurants, izakayas, bars and host/hostess bars, karaoke parlors, etc. And yes, if so inclined you will find what you expect from your average red light district, but being outside of the law, that will be treated like a private matter you should be careful with.
So what’s with the name ‘Kabukicho’?
For those slightly more familiar with Japanese culture, the apparent obvious answer is that the neighborhood probably had something to do with a Kabuki Theater, being an entertainment district and all, isn’t it?
Well, more or less. But not exactly.
Originally, the district name was Tsunohazucho. It was completely obliterated during the war, so post war reconstruction efforts included an initiative to dynamize the area turning it into a theater district, and thus the name was changed to Kabukicho. However, the plans were far too ambitious for their own good and a movie theater and cultural center ended up being built instead.
All in all, save for the ‘kabuki’ aspect, the revitalization efforts to transform the area into an entertainment district proved successful, and the ‘Kabukicho’ name stuck despite it all and so it was maintained until present times.
By the way, if you’re hoping to visit an actual Kabuki Theater, here you can find the real deal.
What to do at Kabukicho
Once you’re here you will realize how fitting the “entertainment district” concept is applied to Kabukicho. This is but a tiny fragment of Tokyo’s massive metropolis and yet, you’ll hardly run out of things to do.
Take a photo of the red gate
You cannot leave without one of the most iconic images of the area: the luminous red gate with the 歌舞伎町一番街 (Kabukicho Ichibangai) sign, with a myriad of neon signs lined ahead. The area is striking enough to be photo-worthy any time but it becomes especially remarkable during the night, evoking cyberpunk vibes and/or making minimalists cry. Make of that what you will.
Pay your respects to Godzilla
Running parallel to Kabukicho’s main road, lies none other than Godzilla Road! If you look closely, you will notice Godzilla’s ferocious head looking at you from atop a terrace within the Shinjuku Gracery Hotel, above Toho Cinemas. Unfortunately, the terrace where the head is located is off limits unless you’re a hotel guest, but you can still get a decent view from the street! For die-hard fans, you can always try to book a hotel room:
<<Book “Hotel Gracery Shinjuku” at the best rate!>>
Buy silly souvenirs at Don Quijote
You’ve probably noticed the large building with a fairly conspicuous crowned penguin at the top. And if you haven’t, you probably should. Don Quijote is probably one of the most popular variety shop chains in the country both among locals and tourists where you can find virtually anything from daily necessities to quirky souvenirs. This location in particular is open 24h so it’s perfect for last minute shopping.