Shin-Okubo Guide: Exploring Tokyo's Exciting Korean Town w/map
As someone born and raised in Tokyo, I've witnessed Shin-Okubo transform remarkably over time. Once just another stop on the Yamanote Line, it has now evolved into Tokyo's premier multicultural spot.
In the 1980s, Koreans working in nearby Kabukicho began settling in Shin-Okubo due to its relatively affordable rent. This marked the beginning of today's Korean Town. The area rapidly developed from the late 1990s to the 2000s, alongside the Korean Wave and K-POP boom.
I first consciously visited Shin-Okubo as a high school student when I was hooked on Korean dramas. The deliciousness of the cheese dakgalbi I ate that day is still unforgettable.
With Korean gourmet food, the latest cosmetics, and K-POP goods, you might even feel like you're in a corner of Seoul. But hop on a train, and you're right back in Shinjuku. This peculiar space is a big part of Shin-Okubo's charm.
Moreover, the diversity, including traditional shopping streets and an increase in other Asian stores, is another attraction. The easy access to popular spots like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Nakano is also noteworthy.
In this article, I, as a local and a regular customer, will introduce you to the charms of Shin-Okubo. Why not experience Korean culture in the heart of Tokyo, feeling as if you've traveled to Seoul?
For those wanting tourist information about the entire Shinjuku area, please also check out the Shinjuku Guide.
Table of Contents
・What is Shin-Okubo Korean Town?
・What to Do in Shin-Okubo?
・Access to Shin-Okubo
・Enjoying Authentic Korean Cuisine in Shin-Okubo
・Shopping Spots in Shin-Okubo
・Spots to Visit Along with Shin-Okubo
What is Shin-Okubo Korean Town?
Shin-Okubo Korean Town is a little Korea in the heart of Tokyo.
This unique cultural spot has a history dating back to the 1980s. At that time, Asian clubs began to increase in nearby Kabukicho, and many Koreans who worked there started living in Shin-Okubo due to its relatively cheap rent. This became the prototype of the Korean Town we know today.
This area, spreading about 500 meters around JR Yamanote Line's Shin-Okubo Station, is known as a multicultural coexistence town where many Korean residents live.
With numerous Korean stores lined up, including Korean restaurants, cosmetic shops, and supermarkets, you can experience an atmosphere as if you're in a corner of Korea.
In recent years, it has become a popular tourist spot, especially among young people, due to the influence of K-POP and Korean dramas. I've been visiting frequently since high school, and there's always something new to discover, never getting bored.
It's a place worthy of being called "Little Seoul," where you can experience the latest Korean trends in Japan.
What to Do in Shin-Okubo?
When visiting Shin-Okubo, you can experience various aspects of Korean culture. The options are endless, from authentic Korean restaurants to shops selling the latest Korean cosmetics and specialized stores for K-POP goods. Here, I'll introduce experiences I confidently recommend as a local.
Enjoy Korean Gourmet Food
When visiting Shin-Okubo, authentic Korean cuisine is a must-try. I still vividly remember the taste of the cheese dakgalbi I ate on my first visit to Shin-Okubo. The perfect combination of rich cheese and chicken was shocking.
You can enjoy authentic Korean dishes like samgyeopsal and cheese dakgalbi. These dishes taste different from other Korean restaurants in Japan. They pursue authentic flavors, so you can enjoy the same taste as in Korea.
Also, Korean-style shaved ice is recommended on hot days. Unlike Japanese shaved ice, it has a smooth texture and various toppings.
For those who want to enjoy eating while walking, Korean-style street stalls are recommended. Snacks like cheese hotteok and gimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls) are perfect for eating while strolling. Especially cheese hotteok, with its crispy outside and melty inside, is sure to get you hooked after one bite.
And don't forget to shop at Korean supermarkets. Looking for unusual ingredients and Korean snacks is exciting, like a treasure hunt.
Enjoy Korean Cosmetics and Fashion
Shin-Okubo is a treasure trove of Korean cosmetics and fashion. Here, you can get your hands on the latest popular items in Korea.
Large Korean cosmetic shops have a wide range of skincare and makeup products. Korean cosmetics are characterized by high quality at reasonable prices. My favorite is sheet masks. It's nice that they're wallet-friendly even if used daily.
For K-POP fans, I recommend idol goods shops.
In Korean fashion stores, you can find trendy clothes and accessories. Korean fashion gives a slightly different, more stylish impression than Japanese fashion.
Take Photos at Photogenic Spots
Shin-Okubo is full of Instagram-worthy spots. Especially, Korean-style cafes with colorful signboards and decorations are perfect spots for selfies.
Also, the luxurious presentation of Korean dishes and sweets is sure to be a hit on SNS. Moments like stretching melted cheese from cheese dakgalbi or colorfully topped Korean-style shaved ice are visually appealing dishes that make you want to take a photo.
If you upload these photos to SNS, your friends will surely ask, "Where's that?" Conveying the charm of Shin-Okubo through photos is also one of the ways to enjoy this town.
Access to Shin-Okubo
Access to Shin-Okubo is very convenient. The easiest and surest way is to get off at "Shin-Okubo Station" on the JR Yamanote Line.
The Yamanote Line is a loop line connecting Tokyo's major stations, so it's easily accessible from anywhere. Even as a student, I frequently visited from Shibuya and Ikebukuro.
It's also about a 15-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
My recommendation is to walk from Shinjuku Station to Shin-Okubo and take the train from Shin-Okubo Station on the way back. On the way there, you can enjoy the changes in the town while walking slowly, and on the way back, you can rest your tired body on the train. This is the key to maximizing your enjoyment of Shin-Okubo.
Enjoying Authentic Korean Cuisine in Shin-Okubo
One of the biggest attractions of Shin-Okubo is that you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine. Here, I'll introduce popular restaurants that I can confidently recommend from my experience of visiting many times.
Popular Korean Restaurants
Samgyeopsal Specialist: Yopu no Oubutashioyaki
"Yopu no Oubutashioyaki" is a must-visit samgyeopsal restaurant in Shin-Okubo. I still remember the shock of its deliciousness when I first visited as a college student, taken there by a friend.
The specialty of this restaurant is undoubtedly the thick-cut three-layer meat samgyeopsal. The juicy and tender meat quality, and the perfect salt balance are exquisite. Wrapping the grilled meat in lettuce and eating it together is a blissful taste.
While a budget of 5,000-7,000 yen per person is needed at night, you can enjoy samgyeopsal at a bargain price of 2,000-3,000 yen during lunchtime. As a student, I often visited with friends for lunch.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-16-21 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3202-3852
Hours: 11:00 AM–11:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130404/13179091/
Cheese Dakgalbi Specialist: Pocha
Source: Pocha Official Website
"Pocha" is a popular restaurant where you can taste the best cheese dakgalbi in Shin-Okubo. I still can't forget the shock I felt when I first ate cheese dakgalbi here. The combination of melting cheese and spicy dakgalbi is outstanding.
Cheese dakgalbi is a dish where chicken and vegetables are stir-fried with spicy yangnyeom sauce and topped with melting cheese. Pocha's cheese dakgalbi has more cheese than other restaurants, allowing you to enjoy a richer taste.
What's noteworthy is that cheese dakgalbi costs about 3,000 yen and can be shared by two people. Thanks to this wallet-friendly price, I often used it since my student days. It was fun to visit with friends, chatting while stretching the cheese as we ate.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F Central Okubo Building, 2-19-1 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-5304-2680
Hours: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Website: https://shinjukupocha-shinokubo.foodre.jp/
Korean Sweets and Cafes
Shaved Ice Specialist: Sul Bing Cafe
Source: Tabelog by h.u12
"Sul Bing Cafe" is a cafe where Instagram-worthy Korean shaved ice is very popular.
Korean shaved ice (sulbing) is completely different from Japanese shaved ice. The ice is shaved very finely, giving it a smooth texture that's almost like ice cream.
It's nice that it's open until 10:00 PM, which is unusual for a sweets shop. You can use it after work or for night dates. With a budget of about 1,000-2,000 yen per person, you can enjoy Korean sweets at a reasonable price.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F/2F Bishon Shinjuku-Okubo Ekimae, 2-3-20 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6205-5440
Hours: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Website: https://www.instagram.com/sulbingjapan/
Macaron Specialist: MACAPRESSO TOKYO
Source: Tabelog by chocosara
"MACAPRESSO TOKYO" is a popular store where you can enjoy cute and voluminous Korean macarons.
The characteristic of Korean macarons is, above all, their size. They're larger than typical Japanese macarons, making a striking visual impact.
Also, don't miss the limited-time menu items like parfaits arranged with macarons. The photogenic parfaits, which perfectly balance the sweetness of macarons with the acidity of fruits, are a must-see.
The budget is about 1,000-2,000 yen per person. It's perfect when you want to indulge a little. Also, it's convenient that it's open from early morning to late night, so you can drop by for anything from morning tea time to late-night dessert.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F THE CITY Shinjuku-Okubo, 2-3-21 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6380-3875
Hours: 9:30 AM–11:30 PM
Website: https://www.instagram.com/macapresso/
Korean-style Street Food
Cheese Hotteok: Jongno Hotok
Source: Tabelog by chack225
"Jongno Hotok" is a popular store where you can taste the best cheese hotteok in Shin-Okubo.
Cheese hotteok is a popular street food in Korea. It's a food where cheese is put into hotdog dough, fried, and then sprinkled with sugar on the surface. Jongno Hotok's cheese hotteok has more cheese than other stores, allowing you to enjoy a richer taste.
What's particularly noteworthy is that you can choose from various toppings. It's attractive that you can customize according to your preferences, such as potato cheese or sausage.
The price is also attractive. At about 1,000 yen per piece, you can casually drop by. When I was a student, it was even cheaper, and I often visited with friends. Walking around Shin-Okubo with a cheese hotteok in hand is still one of my pleasures.
The store is small, but being takeout-only, the turnover is quick.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-16-29 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3232-6680
Hours: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Website: https://www.hotok.jp/
Gimbap (Korean-style Sushi Roll): Myeong-dong Chibi Norimaki
Source: Tabelog by Rionsolu
"Myeong-dong Chibi Norimaki" is a popular store where you can taste the best gimbap (Korean-style sushi roll) in Shin-Okubo.
Gimbap looks similar to Japanese sushi rolls at first glance, but the seasoning and ingredients are completely different. The characteristic of Myeong-dong Chibi Norimaki's gimbap is that it's packed with ingredients. With less rice and more vegetables and meat, it's healthy yet filling.
This store is takeout-only, so I recommend eating while walking around Shin-Okubo. Walking around Korean Wave shops with gimbap in hand is a standard course for enjoying Shin-Okubo.
The price is also attractive, with a budget under 1,000 yen allowing you to fill your stomach. When I was a student, I often shared with friends.
It's also convenient that it's open for long hours, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, so you can drop by whenever you're hungry.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-7-14 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6380-3696
Hours: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130404/13262089/
Shopping Spots in Shin-Okubo
Shin-Okubo is a town where you can enjoy not only Korean gourmet food but also shopping. Especially, products related to Korea, such as Korean cosmetics, K-POP goods, and Korean food ingredients, are abundantly available. Here, I'll introduce shopping spots that I confidently recommend as a local.
Korean Cosmetics and Fashion
Large Korean Cosmetic Shop: SKINGARDEN
Source: Google Map by yuuchi
"SKINGARDEN" is a large shop where you can have the best Korean cosmetic experience in Shin-Okubo.
The biggest attraction of SKINGARDEN is its overwhelming product lineup. It covers almost all categories of Korean cosmetics, from the latest popular skincare products in Korea to makeup items and even hair care products.
Especially, it's characterized by the early arrival of new brands that are not yet known in Japan and popular products in Korea.
However, the products are so plentiful that you might end up buying too much. But that just shows how many attractive products there are.
<Store Information>
Address: K-PLAZA II, 2-1-2 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5291-1808
Hours: 10:00 AM–10:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130404/13262089/
K-POP Idol Goods: Korean Wave Plaza
Source: Google Map by Shuan
"Korean Wave Plaza" is a wonderful shop that can be called a sacred place for K-POP fans. The moment you step into the store, you feel as if you've warped to a K-POP shop in Korea.
The biggest attraction of Korean Wave Plaza is undoubtedly the abundance of the latest K-POP idol goods. What's particularly attractive is that you can sometimes find Korea-exclusive goods that are not yet available in Japan.
Also, Korean Wave Plaza sells not only K-POP goods but also Korean cosmetics and miscellaneous goods. You can find products that K-POP idols appear in commercials for, making it a paradise for Korean Wave fans.
<Store Information>
Address: K-PLAZA II, 2-1-2 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5292-5959
Hours: 10:00 AM–8:50 PM
Website: Unavailable
Korean Food Ingredients and Snacks
Korean Food Supermarket: Seoul Market
Source: Google Map by Poko Chan
"Seoul Market" is a large supermarket where you can have the best Korean food ingredient experience in Shin-Okubo. I first visited here when I started challenging Korean cooking as a college student. I still vividly remember being overwhelmed by the abundance of products and the atmosphere as if I were in Korea.
The biggest attraction of Seoul Market is its overwhelming product lineup. It has almost all Korean food ingredients, from Korean seasonings, dried foods, frozen foods to snacks, drinks, and even Korean instant foods.
Especially, it's characterized by the early arrival of authentic ingredients that are hard to find in Japan and the latest popular products in Korea.
Also, Seoul Market has a rich selection of Korean snacks and drinks. Especially, finding Korean snacks not yet released in Japan is one of my pleasures. There's a new taste encounter every time, which is exciting.
One of the attractive points of Seoul Market is that it's open from early morning to late night. It's open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F Hoseido Building, 1-16-15 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3208-0979
Hours: 9:00 AM–11:00 PM
Website: http://seoul-ichiba.com/
Spots to Visit Along with Shin-Okubo
After fully enjoying the charms of Shin-Okubo, why not visit popular spots nearby? Here, I'll introduce places I confidently recommend as a local to visit along with Shin-Okubo.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku, within walking distance from Shin-Okubo, is a downtown area representative of Tokyo. Since my high school days, it was a standard course for me to enjoy Korean gourmet food in Shin-Okubo with friends and then head to Shinjuku. While Shinjuku has various attractive spots, I especially recommend the following places.
First, don't miss the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Room. It's a hidden spot where you can enjoy Tokyo's spectacular view for free. Especially if you visit at dusk, you can enjoy both the sunset-dyed Tokyo cityscape and the gradually lit-up night view at once. I often used it as a date course.
To enjoy the night, I recommend Kabukicho. It's Japan's largest entertainment district where you can fully enjoy nightlife. However, first-time visitors need to be a bit careful. Even though I'm a local, I often go with friends even now.
For those who want to relax during the day, Shinjuku Gyoen is perfect. It's an urban oasis where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons in a vast Japanese garden. The cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage are particularly beautiful, and I look forward to them every year.
For those who want to enjoy food and drinks, I recommend Omoide Yokocho and Shinjuku Golden Gai.
Omoide Yokocho is a retro-atmosphere drinking area where you can experience the atmosphere of the Showa era. Shinjuku Golden Gai is an alley where small unique bars gather, loved by literary and artistic people. I often drop by after work, and it's fun because there's always something new to discover.
Shibuya
Shibuya, about 10 minutes by train from Shin-Okubo, is also an unmissable tourist spot. Shibuya has various attractions, but I especially recommend the following places.
First, the world-famous Scramble Crossing is a must-see. Just walking in the crowd allows you to feel the vitality of Tokyo. The second-floor seats of the Starbucks overlooking the crossing are the perfect spot to observe the crowds.
Don't miss Shibuya 109, the holy land of youth fashion. It's a place where you can grasp the latest fashion trends at a glance. I often visited when I was in high school, but even now I sometimes peek in to check the trends among young people.
The bronze statue of Hachiko, a famous meeting spot, is also famous. I often use it for meeting friends, and it's still crowded with many people. If you know Hachiko's story, you can view it with more profound emotion.
Center Street is a shopping street bustling as the center of youth culture. It's a fun place to walk with the latest fashion shops, cafes, and restaurants lined up. Especially on weekends, it's crowded with many young people, and you can feel the vitality of Shibuya in person.
Harajuku
Harajuku, about 15 minutes by train from Shin-Okubo, is also a place I'd like you to visit. I especially recommend the following places.
First, don't miss Takeshita Street. Known as the origin of pop culture, it's a youth town where you can enjoy a unique atmosphere. It's a fun place just to look at, with colorful stores, unique products, and people in individualistic fashion.
On the other hand, Meiji Shrine shows another face of Harajuku. It's a shrine that provides a quiet space in the heart of the city, and just walking along the tree-lined approach surrounded by rich greenery calms your heart. I often visit when I'm tired from work, and I feel like I get power every time.
Harajuku is a mysterious town where pop culture and traditional culture coexist. The contrast between the bustle of Takeshita Street and the quietness of Meiji Shrine is the charm of Harajuku that you can experience at once.
After experiencing Korean culture in Shin-Okubo, visiting here allows you to feel Japan's diverse culture at once.
Nakano
Nakano, about 10 minutes by train from Shin-Okubo, is also a place I'd like you to visit.
First, don't miss Nakano Broadway. Known as a sacred place for subculture, it's a commercial facility where shops selling anime, manga, and figures gather.
I've been frequenting it since my student days, but even now there are new discoveries and it's fun. Especially, the joy of finding rare figures or old anime goods is exceptional.
Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Street is also attractive. It's an arcade street where you can enjoy local gourmet food and shopping.
After experiencing Korean culture in Shin-Okubo, visiting here allows you to enjoy Japanese pop culture and traditional shopping street culture at once.
Shin-Okubo is a special town where you can fully experience the atmosphere of Korea while being located in the center of Tokyo. Enjoy authentic Korean cuisine, get the latest Korean cosmetics and K-POP goods, and explore Korean snacks and food ingredients. You can feel like you're on a trip to Korea.
And the charm of Shin-Okubo isn't just that. Nearby are towns with their own unique characteristics, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Nakano.
The urban bustle of Shinjuku, the youth culture of Shibuya, the coexistence of pop culture and tradition in Harajuku, and the subculture sanctuary of Nakano. By visiting these towns, you can experience the diversity of Tokyo at once.
For foreign travelers, Shin-Okubo will be a valuable spot where you can experience two cultures, Japan and Korea, at once.
Please use this article as a reference to visit Shin-Okubo and find your own way to enjoy it!