Shinjuku Okubo Park: Must-see Spots,Event Schedule, and Access Guide 2024
Shinjuku is a vibrant and attractive district bustling with activity year-round, home to numerous shopping destinations including department stores. It's known as Japan's largest entertainment district, lined with countless izakayas and restaurants.
Shinjuku is also famous for its many tourist attractions, including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The district is particularly popular among international tourists as it contains Kabukicho, Japan's largest entertainment district.
In the heart of Kabukicho lies Shinjuku Okubo Park, which hosts various events throughout the year. In this article, we'll explore the park's features, event information, and its attractions from different perspectives.
Shinjuku Okubo Park: A 7-minute Walk from Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Okubo Park is a municipal park located just a 7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. Situated in the center of Kabukicho, the park is bustling with visitors both day and night.
The park is divided into two main areas: a sports zone equipped with basketball and futsal courts, and the "Theater Park" space designed to accommodate various events.
In recent years, the park has become a cultural hub, hosting numerous events throughout the year that utilize the entire park grounds.
Various Gourmet Events Held in Autumn
While Shinjuku Okubo Park hosts events throughout the year, it's particularly famous for its concentration of gourmet events during autumn. In 2024, four major food events were held in the park from September to December.
These events are free to enter and open to anyone when they're being held. The 2024 event season began with an ice cream festival, followed by popular events featuring sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkins, as well as a ramen and tsukemen (dipping noodles) tasting festival, all of which attracted large crowds.
Three Attractions of Okubo Park Explained in Detail by a Local Shinjuku Resident
A Unique and Attractive Atmosphere Where Japanese and Korean Cultures Blend
Okubo Park (Okubo Koen) has a distinctive atmosphere where Japanese and Korean cultures blend, due to its proximity to Shin-Okubo, an area lined with many Korean restaurants. It's only a 5-minute walk from Okubo Park to Shin-Okubo, and the street signs in Hangul make you feel as if you're in Korea.
The area around Okubo Park has long been known as a neighborhood with many foreign residents. Besides Korean establishments, there are restaurants and supermarkets offering Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Myanmar cuisine, giving the area an ethnic atmosphere. As you walk through the streets, you'll hear various languages being spoken, highlighting the area's international character. This mix of Asian cultures is rare in Tokyo, so it's worth exploring.
In addition to Korean restaurants, there are many cosmetic shops stocking the latest Korean beauty products.
Excellent Access to Both Shinjuku and Shin-Okubo
Okubo Park is conveniently located with excellent transportation access from nearby stations. It's about an 8-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, and a 6-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station (one stop from Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line's outer loop).
The park's location offers superb access from both Shinjuku and Shin-Okubo stations. From Shinjuku Station, you can reach it by walking straight down Kabukicho Ichiban-gai, the main street.
When coming from Shin-Okubo Station, walk towards Shinjuku Station and cross Shokuan-dori Avenue. However, accessing from Shin-Okubo Station involves walking through narrow alleys, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.
For those visiting Okubo Park for the first time, accessing from Shinjuku Station is recommended as the route is easier to navigate.
Various Recreational Facilities Installed During the 2010 Renovation
Source: Shinjuku City Official
Located in the heart of Kabukicho, Okubo Park underwent major renovations in 2010, transforming it into a bright and welcoming space. Half of the park's grounds feature two basketball courts, providing facilities that contribute to sports interactions.
The basketball courts are decorated with contemporary art in blue tones and are affectionately known as the "Art Court." Additionally, a multipurpose plaza called "Theater Park" was developed within the park, enabling various events to be held.
The renovation also made it possible to set up tents, allowing for music events and theatrical performances. The park hosts various events and makes a significant contribution to energizing the Kabukicho area.
Fall Gourmet Events to be Held at Okubo Park in 2025
Tsukemen Championship of Japan
Source: Loa-Tike
The Tsukemen Championship of Japan is a contest held at Shinjuku Okubo Park in late September to determine Japan's best tsukemen (dipping noodles). More than 100 shops from across Japan enter this competition, and 36 carefully selected stores compete for the title through visitor voting.
The event runs for one month, with participating shops rotating weekly, allowing visitors to taste various ramen styles. Meal tickets can be purchased at the venue for 850 yen, which can be used at any ramen shop.
These meal tickets can be pre-purchased at Lawson convenience stores for 800 yen, offering a discount compared to venue prices. I always buy mine at Lawson. Each ramen shop serves original tsukemen created specifically for the competition, making this the perfect event for those who want to indulge in tsukemen.
Don't forget to vote for your favorite ramen, as the winner is determined by visitor votes.
<Information>
Date: October 2025
Admission: Free
Website: https://dai-tsukemen-haku.com/
Sweet Potato, Chestnut, and Pumpkin Festival
The Sweet Potato, Chestnut, and Pumpkin Festival is held at Shinjuku Okubo Park in November, when these ingredients are in season. Visitors can enjoy creative dishes and sweets made from sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkins.
The festival is divided into two stages, allowing visitors to thoroughly enjoy autumn flavors. Each stage features more than 30 different dishes and sweets made from sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkins, perfect for food lovers looking for lunch or dinner options.
Although the event is held during the cold autumn season, the venue features a large heated tent for comfortable dining. Dishes are reasonably priced between 400 and 1,000 yen, making it easy to enjoy various foods.
<Information>
Date: November 2025
Admission: Free
Website: https://ikkfes.com/
TRY Ramen Awards Festival 2024
The TRY Ramen Awards Festival is held at Shinjuku Okubo Park from late November to early December.
The event features award-winning shops from the TRY Ramen Awards, Japan's most prestigious ramen industry award, along with top ramen shops selected by the gourmet magazine "Otona no Shumatsu." This is an unmissable event for ramen enthusiasts, as it brings together Japan's most representative ramen shops.
While admission is free, visitors need to purchase 1,000 yen meal tickets that can be used at any participating shop. The venue offers not only traditional shoyu (soy sauce) and shio (salt) ramen but also tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (mixed noodles) where sauce and oil are mixed before eating.
The venue features a covered, heated dining space for comfortable dining.
<Information>
Date: Late November to Early December 2025
Admission: Free
Website: https://bluesmobile.co.jp/shikou/
Access to Okubo Park
Address: 2-43 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 6-minute walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station / 8-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5273-3914
Official Website: https://www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/seikatsu/midori02_000105.html
3 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kabukicho to Visit Along with Shinjuku Okubo Park
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a dining district in Kabukicho filled with rows of barrack-style buildings. In a small area of about 6,600 square feet, numerous small wooden bars and izakayas are packed together, totaling nearly 300 establishments. With many unique establishments gathered in one place, it was once a favorite hideaway for writers and other cultural figures.
Currently, its distinctive atmosphere has gained popularity, making it a favorite Tokyo hotspot that attracts many international tourists. Each establishment is small and cramped, with most bars becoming full with just 5-6 customers.
Due to this intimacy, the distance between customers and the bartender is close, creating a welcoming atmosphere even for first-time visitors. Note that Golden Gai is entirely private property, so photographing establishments without permission is prohibited. If you wish to take pictures, please make sure to obtain permission from the establishment first.
Address: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Varies by establishment
Closed Days: Varies by establishment
Phone: 03-3209-6418
Official Website: http://golden-gai.tokyo/
Kabukicho Tower
Source: Official website
Kabukicho Tower is a new landmark in Kabukicho that opened in 2023. Standing 225 meters tall with 48 floors above ground, it's one of Japan's largest mixed-use facilities, housing hotels, movie theaters, restaurants, and theaters. Uniquely for Japan, it contains no office floors, with all tenants being entertainment-related facilities.
The 18th and 39th-47th floors house a luxury hotel, while the 45th-47th floors feature restaurants offering panoramic views of Tokyo, open to non-hotel guests. The restaurant windows span three floors, allowing diners to enjoy meals while taking in breathtaking, open views.
On the second floor, you'll find Kabuki Yokocho, a food court themed around festivals. It's a lively food hall where you can enjoy delicious ingredients from across Japan along with drinks in a vibrant space that combines food, music, and visual elements.
If you're looking to indulge in premium entertainment, be sure to visit Kabukicho Tower.
Address: 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Varies by establishment
Closed Days: Varies by establishment
Phone: 03-5272-2110
Official Website: https://www.tokyu-kabukicho-tower.jp/
Shinjuku Toho Building
Completed in 2015, the Shinjuku Toho Building stands 130 meters tall in the heart of Kabukicho, serving as a landmark of the district. This site was formerly home to the Shinjuku Koma Theater, a music venue, but was transformed into its current form due to aging infrastructure and redevelopment projects.
The Shinjuku Toho Building has become a beloved entertainment hub, featuring a cinema complex with 12 screens, a restaurant district, and a hotel. Located just a short walk from shinjuku okubo park, the building's restaurants offer an extensive selection, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner experiences.
On the 8th floor, where the hotel entrance is located, visitors can find the head of Godzilla, Japan's iconic monster character, which has become a popular photo spot. It's a safe and enjoyable way to experience Kabukicho, so we highly recommend a visit.
Address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Varies by establishment
Closing Days: Open 24 hours
Phone: 03-3344-4816
Official Website: https://shinjuku-toho-bldg.toho.co.jp/
For Bar Hopping in Shinjuku, Try a Tour with a Local Expert Guide!
This tour takes you to unique izakayas and bars in Shinjuku that tourists rarely discover. The tour visits three establishments in Shinjuku, and with a multilingual guide, you won't need to worry about language barriers.
The tour begins at Omoide Yokocho near Shinjuku Station's West Exit, where you'll enjoy fresh yakitori, seafood, and vegetables at a small izakaya. Then, you'll head to a hidden gem bar in Kabukicho, where you can enjoy drinks while socializing with other tour participants.
The tour fee includes all food and drinks, so you can join empty-handed. By participating in the tour, you'll have the opportunity to make friends with people from various nationalities while enjoying drinks. If you're looking to spend a wonderful night in Tokyo, check the details through the link below.
Meeting Point: Black pillar next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
Tour Area: Around Shinjuku Station, Kabukicho
tart Times: 17:00/18:00/18:30/19:00
Click here for more details
