Discover the Magic of TOHO Shinjuku: Godzilla’s Domain and Ultimate Cinema Experience
Shinjuku is a vibrant district boasting one of Japan's highest pedestrian traffic volumes. At its heart, Shinjuku Station holds a Guinness World Record as the "station with the highest number of passengers in the world."
The area features numerous tourist attractions, including the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden with its blend of Japanese and Western landscaping, and Kabukicho, Asia's largest entertainment district. These spots draw not only locals but countless tourists as well.
In the heart of Shinjuku's Kabukicho district stands an impressive "Godzilla Head" - a must-see attraction for any tourist. This Godzilla Head adorns the Toho Shinjuku Building, which is the focus of our article today. We'll introduce you to the Toho Shinjuku Building, including its famous Godzilla Head and the Shinjuku Toho Cinemas, along with other facilities within the complex.
What's the Story Behind the Giant Monster Suddenly Appearing in Shinjuku?
The Godzilla Head, installed on the 8th-floor terrace of the Toho Shinjuku Building, has become a symbol of Kabukicho. Built in 2015 to commemorate Godzilla's 60th anniversary, this statue matches the size of the original Godzilla from the first film. The 12-meter head is positioned at a height of 40 meters, creating the illusion that it's peering over the building at passersby.
The statue was installed with the aim of creating a new landmark in Kabukicho, and this vision has certainly been realized as it has become one of the area's most beloved tourist attractions.
What is Godzilla?
Source: Official website
Godzilla is a monster featured in the special effects monster films produced by Toho Company. Since the release of the first film in 1954, the series has grown to include 30 films, with the latest released in 2023, making it an incredibly popular franchise.
Godzilla is depicted as a bipedal giant monster that suddenly appears in major cities, causing widespread destruction. However, Godzilla's characteristics vary across different films, including its appearance, size, and origin story. While its height was 50 meters in the first film, many later productions featured a Godzilla exceeding 100 meters. The monster's role has also evolved throughout the series - sometimes portrayed as a destructive force terrorizing cities, other times as Earth's defender.
5 Key Points About the Appeal and Enjoyment of the Toho Shinjuku Building
The Impressive Godzilla Head: A Symbol of Kabukicho
Walking from Shinjuku Station toward Kabukicho, you'll suddenly encounter a massive Godzilla head peering over a building. When I visited, its silent downward gaze felt as if it were sizing up its prey, emanating both an eerie and powerful presence.
While locals walk by without a second glance, standing there alone gazing up at Godzilla made me feel like the first witness in a monster movie, which was truly exciting.
What's fascinating is that this Godzilla roars every hour from 12 PM to 8 PM. When the time comes, you'll hear Godzilla's footsteps and the sound of buildings crumbling, followed by its mighty roar echoing throughout Kabukicho. Standing directly beneath it, the experience is so immersive you might think Godzilla could come alive at any moment.
TOHO Cinemas: Experience Movies with Cutting-Edge Technology
Located on floors 3 to 6 of the Toho Shinjuku Building, beneath the famous Godzilla head, TOHO Cinemas offers more than just standard movie screenings. Here, you can enjoy films with the latest presentation technologies like "IMAX" and "MX4D."
"IMAX" provides higher quality visuals and audio than conventional theaters, allowing for deeper immersion into the film's world.
"MX4D" takes the experience further with moving seats and environmental effects like wind and scents. It's more like an attraction than traditional movie-watching, making you feel like you've stepped right into the film.
For those seeking an extraordinary cinema experience beyond the ordinary, Shinjuku Toho Cinemas is definitely worth visiting.
Purchase Movie Memorabilia and Limited Edition Items!
Source:Official website
At TOHO Cinemas, you can also purchase commemorative and limited-edition movie merchandise. Why not preserve your movie memories by buying exclusive items only available at the theater? Personally, I always buy the movie program booklet. When I look through it at home, it brings back the excitement of the film experience.
These items make excellent souvenirs, as many are exclusively available in Japanese theaters. Be sure to visit the gift shop after watching your movie!
Diverse Dining Floor with Restaurants and Cafes
Source: Tabelog
The first floor of the Toho Shinjuku Building features a dining floor with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Here, you'll find everything from chain restaurants to upscale dining establishments.
There are numerous Japanese restaurants serving takoyaki, kushikatsu, sushi, shabu-shabu, and ramen, making it a perfect opportunity to try Japanese cuisine you've been curious about.
My personal recommendation is "Itamae Sushi." While many people associate sushi with raw fish, in Tokyo, before modern refrigeration technology, fish was prepared in various ways - marinated in soy sauce, seared, or parboiled. At "Itamae Sushi," you can experience these traditional sushi preparation methods.
The floor also features non-Japanese options, including "Kim Cafe" for Korean cuisine and "Acorn" beer bar.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku on Upper Floors
Source: Official website
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku occupies floors 8 through 30 of the Toho Shinjuku Building. A must-stay experience is their exclusive Godzilla-themed concept room. You'll be greeted by a giant Godzilla suit at the entrance, and a massive Godzilla hand appears to break through the wall near your pillow, creating an immersive Godzilla experience.
Other rooms offer views of the Godzilla Head, and the lobby features a Godzilla diorama. You can even view the back of the Godzilla Head from the hotel lounge. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is particularly recommended for those captivated by Godzilla's impressive presence.
Prime Location in the Heart of Kabukicho
One of the major attractions of the Toho Shinjuku Building is its location in the center of Kabukicho. It's conveniently close to tourist spots like the Kabukicho Tower and Shinjuku Golden Gai. Its proximity to Shinjuku Station, a major transportation hub, makes it easily accessible from other areas.
However, please note that Kabukicho is known for its safety concerns. Exercise caution regarding potential theft and aggressive touts while sightseeing.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: 1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit
3-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Operating hours and phone numbers: Vary by establishment, please check the official website
- Closed: Open year-round
- Official website: https://shinjuku-toho-bldg.toho.co.jp/index.html
After Enjoying the Toho Shinjuku Building, Let's Go Bar Hopping in Shinjuku's Nightlife!
Shinjuku is known as "the city that never sleeps," with crowds of people out late into the night every day. As a result, Shinjuku has many 24-hour establishments and restaurants open until late at night, making it an ideal spot for bar hopping.
Here are three recommended places for bar hopping after you've fully enjoyed your time at the Toho Shinjuku Building.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is popular for its retro atmosphere. The unique landscape of hundreds of bars arranged like a maze makes you feel as if you've wandered into another world. It's also a historic place where renowned cultural figures and artists gathered to engage in both casual conversations and heated discussions.
Recently, Shinjuku Golden Gai has seen an increase in foreign tourists due to its unique atmosphere. However, this has led to some establishments trying to overcharge tourists who may not know the standard prices. When entering an establishment, be sure to carefully check the pricing system on the signboard and choose safe venues.
<Details>
- Address: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 8-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
- Business hours, phone numbers, and closed days vary by establishment. Please check the official website for details
- Official website: http://goldengai.jp/
Shinjuku KABUKI hall
Source: Official website
Shinjuku KABUKI hall is a place where food, music, and visual entertainment combine. It features 10 restaurants serving "soul food" from various regions of Japan and overseas.
The entertainment theme is "festival." With performances and events held every night, you can enjoy a festival atmosphere whenever you visit.
Shinjuku KABUKI hall operates from 6 AM until 5 AM the following day and offers 1,300 seats across approximately 1,000 square meters. One of its attractive points is that you can visit anytime without worrying about timing or crowding.
<Details>
- Address: 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
- Business hours and phone numbers vary by establishment. Please check the official website for details
- Closed: Open year-round
- Official website: https://kabukihall.com/
Ryunomiyako Dining Street
Source: Official website
Ryunomiyako Dining Street features more than 15 specialty restaurants offering cuisine from across Japan and various Asian countries. Just steps away from the Toho Shinjuku Building, visitors can enjoy not only Japanese dishes like sushi and teppanyaki but also Korean and Hong Kong cuisine among many other diverse menu options.
The venue employs state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and video technology to create an immersive atmosphere. Stepping inside feels like entering another world. The space is filled with lively customers, creating an experience similar to a nightclub. Conveniently located near Shinjuku Toho Cinemas, it's perfect for dinner before or after a movie.
The ground floor operates 24 hours, while the basement floor remains open until late at night, making it accessible at any time.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: Sugitada Building B1&1F, 3-36-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (JR/Tokyo Metro/Toei/Private Railways)
- Business hours, holidays, and phone numbers vary by store. Please check the official website for details
- Official Website: https://ryunomiyako.com/
For Those Who Want to Experience a Deeper Side of Shinjuku - "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" is Recommended!
For those wanting to explore Shinjuku's nightlife more deeply, the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" is highly recommended. This is an all-inclusive 3.5-hour night tour package that includes drinks and meals while visiting hidden izakayas and food stalls in Shinjuku.
On this tour, I enjoyed authentic Japanese izakaya dishes such as yakitori, gyoza, and fried tofu while visiting three different bars. The local guide provided detailed information about Japanese drinking culture.
While Shinjuku at night can be challenging to navigate alone in some areas, this tour allows you to safely explore nighttime Shinjuku with an experienced guide who knows the area thoroughly.
<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