Top Karaoke Spots in Shinjuku: Where to Sing, Drink, and Unwind in Tokyo’s Nightlife Hub
Shinjuku stands as one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts, overflowing with shopping, entertainment, and culinary delights. Even after years of exploration, one couldn't possibly experience everything it has to offer.
Shinjuku is also a hub for young people, where visitors can immerse themselves in Japan's latest pop culture trends.
While always bustling, Shinjuku truly comes alive at night. Countless izakayas and nightclubs line the streets, with crowds of after-work visitors filling the area.
When enjoying Shinjuku's nightlife, one cannot forget "karaoke," a cornerstone of Japanese popular culture.
In this article, we'll introduce a list of spots where you can fully enjoy Shinjuku karaoke to its fullest.
What is Karaoke?
Karaoke is an accessible form of Japanese popular entertainment where anyone can enjoy music. Using a machine that plays instrumental versions of songs, participants sing into a microphone. Most karaoke venues are equipped with TVs or monitors displaying lyrics and pitch guides, making it easy for everyone to participate.
One popular way to enjoy karaoke is through the "scoring" system. After singing, you receive a score based on factors like pitch, expression, rhythm, and technique. While many enjoy this game-like aspect, in Japan, this scoring system has also become a popular feature in TV shows and YouTube videos.
There are Three Main Types of Karaoke Venues
In Japan, karaoke venues can be broadly categorized into three types: karaoke boxes, karaoke bars, and snack bars.
The most common and numerous are karaoke boxes. Here, you're shown to a private room where you can enjoy karaoke alone or with your group. You can order food and drinks while singing.
At karaoke bars, you can enjoy singing while drinking and dining alongside other customers in a bar setting.
Additionally, most Japanese snack bars have karaoke equipment installed.
While karaoke bars and snack bars may seem similar, the main difference is that karaoke is the primary focus at karaoke bars, whereas at snack bars, it's just one aspect of the customer service experience.
5 Must-Visit Karaoke Spots to Fully Enjoy in Shinjuku
Karaoke Pasela Shinjuku Main Store
Source: Official website
<Atmosphere>
The concept of Karaoke Pasela Shinjuku Main Store is "Bali Resort Hotel." You can enjoy karaoke in rooms with a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.
<Food & Drinks>
You can choose from 100 different food items and 120 different drinks. The quality is exceptional, rivaling that of restaurants. They also offer perfect course meals for group parties.
<Special Features>
The highlight of Karaoke Pasela is its original karaoke system. The system used here has the world's largest selection of songs. It features a wide range of songs from Japan and around the world. You'll surely find the song you want to sing here.
<Detailed Information>
• Address: 1F Pasela Resorts Shinjuku Main Store, 1-3-16 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Access:
- 5-min walk from JR/Odakyu/Keio Line "Shinjuku Station" East Exit
- 1-min walk from Exit 15b via "Shinjuku Subnade" directly connected to Shinjuku Station (convenient during rain)
- 4-min walk from Tokyo Metro "Shinjuku-sanchome Station" Exit B9
- 7-min walk from Toei Oedo Line "Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station" Exit D5
- 5-min walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Line "Seibu-Shinjuku Station" Main Exit
- 8-min walk from Fukutoshin Line/Toei Oedo Line "Higashi-Shinjuku Station" Exit A1
• Hours: 24 hours
• Holidays: Open year-round
• Phone: 0120-706-733
• Official Website: https://www.pasela.co.jp/shop/shinjuku/
Karaoke-kan Shinjuku Store
Source: Official website
<Atmosphere>
With its casual atmosphere, it's popular among students after school and office workers after work. If you want to experience Japanese pop culture, Karaoke-kan is recommended.
<Food & Drinks>
They offer a wide range of menu items from party foods like pizza and fried dishes to hearty meals like curry and yakisoba. The all-you-can-drink option for both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages is another appealing point.
<Special Features>
They have "Dual Monitor Rooms" where two large monitors are installed, allowing you to sing while enjoying powerful live footage.
<Detailed Information>
• Address: 1-5-12 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-min walk from JR Shinjuku Station West Exit
• Hours: 12:00 - 5:00 next morning
• Holidays: Open year-round
• Phone: 03-3346-3488
• Official Website: https://karaokekan.jp/shop/detail/12
Premium Karaoke MODIS Shinjuku Main Store
Source: Official website
<Atmosphere>
The defining feature is its luxurious VIP ambiance. From room interiors to furniture, you can spend an elegant and special time in spacious rooms filled with premium quality.
<Food & Drinks>
You can enjoy authentic cuisine supervised by chefs from affiliated restaurants. Every room is equipped with a private bar counter where you can create original cocktails or enjoy draft highballs.
<Appeal>
The main attraction of Premium Karaoke MODIS is its "exclusive feel." You can spend a special VIP time here, including access to a shared lounge with darts.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: Pasela Resorts Shinjuku Main Store B1F, 1-3-16 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access: 5 min walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
5 min walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station Front Exit
4 min walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station B9 Exit (Along Ward Office Street, next to Shinjuku Ward Office)
- Business Hours: Mon-Fri & Days before holidays 18:00-7:00 next day
Sat, Sun & Holidays 11:00-7:00 next day
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 0120-706-734
- Official Website: https://www.modis-premium.jp/shinjuku/
Karaoke Manekineko Shinjuku Southeast Exit
Source: Yahoo! Maps
<Atmosphere>
A budget-friendly karaoke venue with a casual atmosphere. The private rooms feature colorful decorations that create excitement from the moment you enter.
<Food & Drinks>
Outside food and drinks are permitted, allowing you to enjoy karaoke while consuming your preferred refreshments. You can also order from their varied selection of food and drinks available in-store.
<Appeal>
You can enjoy karaoke from early morning. The "Morning Karaoke" plan offers lower rates compared to daytime and evening hours.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: Shinjuku Southeast Exit Building 4F/6F, 3-35-18 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4 min walk from Shinjuku Station Southeast Exit
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-6273-0148
- Official Website: https://www.karaokemanekineko.jp/locations/?id=464
Big Echo Shinjuku West Exit
Source: Rakuten Gnavi
<Atmosphere>
A place to enjoy karaoke in a relaxed environment. All seats are equipped with sofas for a comfortable experience.
<Food & Drinks>
They offer course meals perfect for parties and gatherings. With a wide selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, everyone can enjoy eating and drinking together. Parties with karaoke are sure to create lasting memories.
<Appeal>
The venue features large screens. Enjoy karaoke on their impressive displays. Some rooms are equipped with two large screens for an even more immersive karaoke experience.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: Prince Building 1-2F, 1-4-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station West Exit
3 min walk from Keio Line Shinjuku Station
1 min walk from Subway Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station
3 min walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Line Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Business Hours: 10:00-5:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5322-7030
- Official Website: https://shinjukunishiguchi.owst.jp/
2 Recommended Karaoke Bars to Enjoy Drinks in Shinjuku
Karaoke Bar GIFT
Source: Tripadvisor
<Atmosphere>
This Shinjuku karaoke spot is a lively place where everyone can have fun together. With its homey atmosphere, even solo visitors can enjoy drinking and singing with other guests.
<Food & Drinks>
You can enjoy Japanese sake, including rare varieties with limited production. They also serve unique Japanese delicacies as appetizers. Why not try some exclusive Japanese foods and drinks while enjoying karaoke?
<Highlights>
Karaoke Bar GIFT's main appeal is its excellent service. Karaoke is all-you-can-sing, and they offer amenities like Wi-Fi, English menus, and complimentary snacks, ensuring a comfortable experience.
<Details>
- Address: Skylark Building 5F, 2-38-11 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Hours: 22:00-5:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone: 03-6273-9024
- Official Website: https://gj7g400.gorp.jp/
Bar Amici
Source: Tripadvisor
<Atmosphere>
A stylish and relaxing environment with a welcoming atmosphere where you can socialize with other guests.
<Food & Drinks>
Wide selection of food and drinks available. The food menu ranges from à la carte to course meals, featuring everything from light dishes like udon to Asian ethnic dishes like Gapao rice.
<Highlights>
Bar Amici offers not just karaoke but various party goods as well. Time flies as you sing and play games with other customers.
<Details>
- Address: Lions Plaza Shinjuku 1F, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access:
- 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit
- 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on Marunouchi Line
- 4-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- 371m from Higashi-Shinjuku Station
- Hours: 20:00-5:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-6228-0909
- Official Website: https://amici-shinnjuku.com/
Want to Experience More of Shinjuku's Nightlife? Try a Local-Guided Tour
While you can find many recommended spots in magazines and online, these often cater primarily to tourists. It can be challenging to discover authentic Japanese venues that locals frequent.
For those wanting to experience more of Shinjuku's nightlife, we recommend joining a local-guided tour. Check out the tour information below to discover hidden gems beloved by locals and truly experience Shinjuku's nightlife.
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
The first recommended tour is the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku." This 3.5-hour tour takes you to three hidden izakayas and food stalls in Shinjuku, an area famous for its nightlife and countless shinjuku karaoke establishments.
The tour's main attraction is experiencing Japanese drinking culture firsthand. You'll enjoy classic Japanese drinking food like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), gyoza (dumplings), and fried tofu while sampling traditional alcoholic beverages such as sake and beer.
Your guide will provide detailed insights into Japanese drinking culture. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience authentic Japanese nightlife rather than tourist-oriented attractions. After the tour, you might even want to try one of the many karaoke venues Shinjuku is famous for!
This is an all-inclusive package tour covering all drinks and meals, allowing you to enjoy bar hopping without any hassle.
<Tour Details>
- Meeting point: In front of Black pillar (Next to Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi shop)
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Click here for more details: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
The second recommended tour is the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku." This 3.5-hour tour also takes you to three gourmet spots in Shinjuku.
First, you'll savor seasonal nigiri sushi prepared by skilled sushi masters. Then, you'll experience Japanese-style barbecue at a wagyu restaurant. The tour concludes with a stroll through Kabukicho, where you'll enjoy desserts and drinks. The area is also known for its entertainment options, including numerous shinjuku karaoke venues that you might want to visit after the tour.
This is a luxurious tour where you can enjoy both Japanese seafood and meat dishes, topped off with dessert. It's perfect for those who want to pack their trip with memorable experiences.
While the tour offers perfectly paired alcoholic beverages with each dish, the meal portions are satisfying enough on their own. This tour is particularly recommended for groups that include non-drinkers.
<Tour Details>
- Meeting point: Uniqlo Nishiguchi Shinjuku Shop
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 17:00, 18:00, 19:00
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku