Shinjuku Kabukicho District: Never Sleep, Red-light Area in Tokyo
Kabukicho is Tokyo's premier nightlife district, known as the largest entertainment district in Asia. I personally love the atmosphere around Kabukicho and enjoy bar hopping with friends in the area about twice a week. I wrote this article hoping to help you safely experience and appreciate the charm of Kabukicho, a place I truly love.
One reason I'm writing this is that guided bar hopping tours have become increasingly popular as the safest way to enjoy Kabukicho. These tours are led by experts who know every corner of the district and take you through Shinjuku's most fascinating spots.
Among these, Magical Trip offers the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku," which was ranked #1 on TripAdvisor's 2024 tour rankings. This premier bar hopping tour has guided over 23,000 international visitors through the area.
They also offer other experiences like the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku," where you can enjoy exceptional Japanese cuisine at local-favorite sushi and yakiniku restaurants, and the "Tokyo by Night Photography Tour," where professional photographers capture memorable photos of your experience. If you want to safely discover the authentic local spots in Kabukicho that residents truly love, I highly recommend trying one of Magical Trip's tours.
Let's start by checking out an overview of Kabukicho together.
Introduction
Shinjuku is the most crowded district in Japan. With its towering skyscrapers housing department stores, electronics retailers, and office buildings, countless people traverse the streets of Shinjuku daily.
Moreover, Shinjuku is known as "the city that never sleeps." The street is lined with nightlife spots open until late hours and restaurants operating well into the night, with neon lights gleaming until the early hours.
Within Shinjuku, the area with the most vibrant nightlife is Kabuki-cho, Japan's largest entertainment district. While Kabuki-cho is recommended for nightlife, it's also considered a dangerous zone in Japan with notably poor security. In this guide, we'll share tips on how to safely enjoy Kabuki-cho, so please be sure to check them out.
What is Kabuki-cho: The Entertainment District East of Shinjuku, Dubbed the Largest in the Orient
Kabuki-cho, where people roam late into the night, is Japan's largest entertainment district extending east of Shinjuku Station, celebrated as the "largest in the Orient."
Famous for its nightlife aspect, the street is lined with cabaret clubs, host clubs, and girls' bars. Not only Japanese but many international tourists are drawn into the neon-lit nights of Kabuki-cho.
Additionally, there are numerous gaming establishments like pachinko parlors and amusement casinos, making it perfect for all-night entertainment. With many people walking around even at dawn, it's truly earned its nickname as "the city that never sleeps."
Kabuki-cho Has Become an Essential Nighttime Tourist Destination in Tokyo
The nighttime Kabuki-cho isn't just a place for nightlife entertainment; it's an unmissable tourist spot.
Right next to the modern nightlife streets, you can find neighborhoods that preserve the post-war atmosphere. There are also numerous landmarks. Many might recognize the iconic red neon sign at the entrance to Kabuki-cho. The dangerous zone of Kabuki-cho, bright with neon lights until late at night, features many illuminated landmarks.
Furthermore, the crowded streets of Kabuki-cho host many famous establishments, including renowned bars and restaurants.
Why is Kabuki-cho Dangerous? Explaining the Reasons and Points to Be Careful About
Due to Having the Highest Crime Rate in Shinjuku at 38.8%
Kabuki-cho has a significantly high crime rate of 38.8%, the highest in Shinjuku. The crime rate is calculated by dividing the number of crimes in an area by its population, serving as an indicator of how likely crimes are to occur.
Compared to Shinjuku ward's overall crime rate of 1.9% and Japan's crime rate of 0.56%, it's clear how Kabuki-cho is a high-crime, dangerous zone with poor security.
Common crimes in Kabuki-cho include price gouging (charging unreasonably high prices), purse snatching, assault, injury, intimidation, and drug dealing. These are all crimes that could involve anyone just going about their business. Take precautions such as leaving immediately if you sense danger and staying in crowded areas whenever possible.
Why Kabuki-cho is Known as a "Yakuza District"
Kabuki-cho is famously known as a "yakuza district." There are numerous yakuza offices in the area, and there are rumors of their involvement in various criminal activities mentioned above. Additionally, yakuza are said to have connections to the underground operations of adult entertainment establishments and host clubs, which can sometimes serve as entry points into the criminal underworld.
What are Japanese Yakuza?
In Japan, yakuza refers to "individuals who make their living through illegal activities." While they may seem intimidating, yakuza typically don't randomly target uninvolved people. To avoid trouble in nightlife districts like Kabuki-cho, it's crucial to follow the "safety tips" detailed below for secure sightseeing.
Risk of Illegal Solicitation and Verbal Harassment
The most common crime tourists encounter in Kabuki-cho starts with illegal solicitors and street touts. These individuals skillfully lure people into establishments and then engage in "bottakuri" (price gouging) by charging excessive amounts at payment time. They may aggressively demand payment at 10-20 times the normal rate, saying "You've already eaten/drunk, so you must pay." Never follow street touts into any establishments.
These solicitors can be extremely persistent, sometimes following people for over 100 meters or using sexual advances as lures. Additionally, there have been incidents of drug dealing on the streets. Never accept anything from strangers on the street, even if offered for free.
3 Particularly Dangerous Zones in Kabuki-cho to Watch Out For
Sakura Street
Sakura Street is located near the heart of Kabuki-cho. While this neon-lit street might seem attractive to tourists, it's considered a dangerous zone due to the high concentration of aggressive touts trying to lure people into illegal establishments and vendors selling illegal DVDs. It's risky even just to walk through this area, and it's advisable to avoid this street especially late at night.
Azuma Street
Azuma Street runs parallel to Sakura Street, one block deeper from the station. This street is lined with foreign bars, izakayas, host clubs, and cabaret clubs. Many establishments on Azuma Street are known for price gouging, and you're likely to be approached by persistent touts. Exercise extreme caution if you must pass through this dangerous zone.
Hanamichi Street
Hanamichi Street runs through the middle of Kabukicho, intersecting with the previously mentioned Sakura Street and Azuma Street. This is considered a dangerous zone in Shinjuku, known for frequent illegal soliciting and price gouging scams.
Historically, this street hosted several yakuza offices and has been the site of gang conflicts. It's strongly advised to avoid this area late at night.
Three Relatively Safe Areas Near Kabukicho
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is located between the ward office and Hanazono Shrine, slightly away from the station. This street is popular for its nostalgic atmosphere dating back 50-60 years, featuring a dense concentration of izakaya bars. It was once a gathering place for literary giants and journalists who engaged in heated discussions, and this historical charm still remains today.
As it's primarily a tourist destination, visitors can enjoy this area with relative safety.
Kabukicho Ichibangai
Kabukicho Ichibangai is the main street of Kabukicho. This bustling area is perfect for nightlife, packed with izakayas, karaoke establishments, cinema complexes, and amusement facilities.
The street is typically filled with locals and tourists genuinely looking to enjoy the nightlife, and many establishments close relatively early compared to other parts of Kabukicho. While caution is still necessary, it's one of Shinjuku's premier tourist destinations where visitors can enjoy themselves safely.
Around Shinjuku Toho Building
The Shinjuku Toho Building is a complex housing a hotel, movie theater, restaurants, and retail shops. As a landmark of Kabukicho, it attracts many tourists.
This area is relatively safe from morning until afternoon. However, safety conditions deteriorate in the evening and at night, particularly on the building's east side, where groups of young people tend to gather. It's recommended to visit during earlier hours.
3 Essential Points for Safely Enjoying Kabuki-cho
1. Avoid Walking Alone
In the dangerous zone of Kabuki-cho, people walking alone become prime targets. Try to avoid solo sightseeing and walk in groups instead. Even if you're traveling alone, it's recommended to join a guided tour when visiting Kabuki-cho.
If you must pass through the Kabuki-cho area alone, avoid walking and call a taxi instead. While it might seem expensive, prioritizing safety is crucial when you're in an unfamiliar area.
2. Don't Follow Strangers Who Approach You
Never follow strangers who try to talk to you on the street. While this may seem obvious, it's extremely important. In Kabuki-cho, there are certain people who approach with malicious intent. It's very dangerous to assume someone is safe because they seem friendly or claim to represent a famous establishment. You never know where they might take you or what they might demand from you.
No matter how attractive the invitation might seem, absolutely avoid going anywhere other than your intended destination.
3. Carry Only Essential Cash and Belongings
Carrying only essential cash and belongings is another crucial point.
Snatch-and-run theft is prevalent in Kabuki-cho. While it's important to take precautions like holding your bags in front of you, it's also crucial to minimize potential losses in case you do become a victim.
Additionally, you need to protect yourself against extortion. Avoid carrying expensive-looking items to reduce the chances of becoming an extortion target.
A useful strategy is to split your money between two wallets, with one containing only a small amount of cash.
Want to Safely Experience Deep Shinjuku? Try a Local-Guided Tour!
The busy streets of Kabuki-cho are lined with numerous restaurants. While there are many beloved establishments, there are also tourist traps. Some places have adapted too much to foreign demand, losing their authentic Japanese flavor.
That's why I recommend the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku." This 3.5-hour tour takes you through three areas - Omoide Yokocho, Kabuki-cho, and Shinjuku Sanchome - visiting one izakaya in each area. The tour is led by local guides, allowing you to experience authentic Japanese cuisine at locally popular establishments that aren't found in guidebooks.
If you want to experience the real Shinjuku that locals know, rather than the touristy version, definitely participate in this tour.
I joined this tour myself and was completely satisfied after visiting all three establishments, so I recommend coming with an empty stomach.
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: Uniqlo Nishiguchi Shinjuku Shop
- Tour areas: Omoide Yokocho, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku Sanchome
- Start times: 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Click here for more details
3 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Kabukicho
Kabukicho Tower
Standing approximately 225 meters tall, the Kabukicho Tower is a landmark skyscraper complex located in the heart of Shinjuku's most famous entertainment district, along the vibrant streets of Kabukicho.
With "Entertainment" as its core concept, this tower offers the most exciting experiences in Kabukicho's dangerous zone. Visitors can enjoy their favorite activities at live halls, movie theaters, and entertainment theaters. The building also houses restaurant floors and hotel facilities, perfect for unwinding after an exciting day.
<Detailed Information>
- Access: 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
6-minute walk from Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station (Toei Oedo Line)
7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (JR Lines, Odakyu Line, Keio Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
8-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi/Fukutoshin Lines, Toei Shinjuku Line)
- Hours/Holidays/Phone: Varies by facility, please check official website
- Official Website: https://www.tokyu-kabukicho-tower.jp/
- Admission: Free (Some facilities may charge fees)
Godzilla Head (Shinjuku Toho Building)
The Godzilla Head is a life-sized model of the famous movie monster's head, situated on the 8th floor of the Shinjuku Toho Building. At the same height as the 50-meter-long Godzilla, it creates a dramatic effect as if the monster is emerging from the building onto the Kabukicho street.
Don't miss the hourly show where Godzilla roars, emitting white smoke and light beams, running from 12:00 to 20:00. The best viewing spot is directly beneath Godzilla, where you'll feel immersed in the movie experience.
<Detailed Information>
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit
3-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Hours: 24 hours (exterior viewing)
- Holidays: Open year-round (exterior viewing)
- Official Website: https://shinjuku-toho-bldg.toho.co.jp/index.html
- Admission: Free
Omoide Yokocho
Source: Tabelog
Located under the train tracks near Shinjuku Station's West Exit, Omoide Yokocho offers a retro atmosphere different from the neon-lit dangerous zones of Kabukicho. This nostalgic street captures the warmth of old Tokyo.
Small izakayas and yakitori shops line the narrow alleyways, creating an intimate atmosphere where visitors can enjoy their meals in a cozy setting. Rather than staying at one place, it's recommended to hop between several establishments for a complete food and drink experience.
<Detailed Information>
- Access: 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit
- Hours/Holidays/Phone: Varies by establishment, please check official website
- Official Website: https://shinjuku-omoide.com/
- Admission: Free (Food and drinks charged separately)