Shinjuku Subnade Shopping Guide 2024: Visit Tokyo Underground Shopping Street!

Shinjuku is a globally renowned entertainment district representing Tokyo. Located near Kabukicho, Japan's largest entertainment district, it has gained widespread international recognition. The area is also famous for shopping, with numerous department stores.

As Tokyo's premier entertainment district, Shinjuku is home to not only department stores but also various commercial complexes, including major electronics retailers. Did you know that shopping areas extend beyond ground level? There's a network of shopping streets in the underground passageways around Shinjuku Station.

Today, we'll introduce you to Shinjuku's hidden underground shopping street, the "Shinjuku Subnade," a fascinating underground mall that locals and tourists alike enjoy.

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What is Shinjuku Subnade, the Underground Shopping Arcade?

Shinjuku Subnade is an underground mall located beneath Yasukuni Street and More 4th Street, which connects to Kabukicho from Shinjuku Station's East Exit. Since its opening in 1973, this underground mall has been beloved by visitors for 50 years.

The underground mall houses nearly 100 shops catering to a wide age range, from entertainment-focused stores to souvenir shops. The restaurant and café selection is excellent, with many establishments open until 10 PM for convenient dining.

You can access JR Shinjuku Station and Seibu-Shinjuku Station directly from underground, allowing weather-protected travel between stations.

3 Reasons Why Shinjuku Subnade is Popular Among Foreign Visitors

Wide Range of Experiences: From Entertainment Shops to Souvenir Stores

Shinjuku Subnade offers a diverse shopping experience, featuring everything from entertainment-focused shops to souvenir stores. Targeting a broad demographic, the underground mall welcomes shoppers of all ages, genders, and nationalities.

The underground level includes convenient facilities like ATMs and currency exchange offices. Its location right in front of the bustling Kabukicho district attracts many international tourists. This historic underground mall, which celebrated its 50th anniversary, underwent major renovations in 2023.

The renovation introduced new features like the Sundeck Plaza with natural sunlight-like illumination and green ceiling designs. The wooden-style flooring creates a comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel like you're walking through nature despite being in the heart of the city.

Various Restaurants Offering Traditional Japanese Cuisine

The Shinjuku Subnade underground mall hosts numerous restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine. A distinctive feature is its variety of restaurants perfect for group dining, including noodle dishes like ramen and soba, as well as tonkatsu (pork cutlets) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

Beyond Japanese cuisine, the underground mall offers diverse dining options including Italian, Chinese, and even Haitian restaurants. There are also plenty of cafes perfect for taking a break when you're tired from walking.

The cafe selection includes the familiar Starbucks alongside Japanese coffee chain stores like Doutor Coffee and Caffè Veloce, where you can enjoy light meals such as hot dogs.

Shopping Regardless of Weather in the Underground Mall

Since Shinjuku Subnade is an underground mall, you can enjoy shopping regardless of weather conditions. With its numerous cafes and restaurants, it's also a perfect shelter during rainy weather.

The mall is directly connected to nearby stations including JR Shinjuku Station and Seibu-Shinjuku Station, allowing access without going above ground. In the middle of the underground passage, there's a Sun Deck Plaza with free lounges nearby.

There's even a women-only powder lounge equipped with large chairs and mirrors, perfect for touching up makeup or changing clothes. Shinjuku Subnade offers not just shops but also facilities for comfortable shopping.

5 Popular Stores Among Foreign Visitors in Shinjuku Subnade!

Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza Shinjuku Subnade Store

Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza is an antenna shop selling a wide variety of Hokkaido souvenirs. An antenna shop is a store operated by local governments to showcase regional products, allowing you to purchase local souvenirs without visiting the actual location.

The store offers popular Hokkaido souvenirs like ramen and snacks, as well as seafood and mountain products from Hokkaido. They also sell ice cream made with Hokkaido milk that you can enjoy on the spot.

If you're in Japan but don't have time to visit Hokkaido due to a packed schedule, Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza offers a taste of Hokkaido right in Tokyo.

Address: Shinjuku Subnade Underground Mall, Yasukuni-dori, 1-chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30-21:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5944-0921
Official Website: https://www.maruiimai.mistore.jp/common/dosanko.html

Gachagacha no Mori (Capsule Toy Forest)

Gachagacha no Mori is a capsule toy shop located in the Shinjuku Subnade underground mall. The floor features over 1,000 capsule toy machines called "gachagacha," where you insert coins and turn the handle to receive a capsule containing a small toy.

The store houses various genres of capsule toy machines, and you won't know what you'll get until you open it. Some toys are uniquely amusing, making it easy to lose track of time while enjoying the experience.

There are money changers available in the store, so even if you don't have 100-yen coins, you can easily exchange your money. After removing your toy, please dispose of the empty capsules in the recycling boxes provided in the store rather than discarding them elsewhere.

Address: Zone 401, Shinjuku Subnade Underground Mall, Below Yasukuni Street, 1-chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30-21:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 080-3398-8708
Official Website: https://www.gachagachanomori.com/

APii COSMETICS

APii COSMETICS is a cosmetics specialty store operated by Ryuseido Pharmacy, offering a wonderful selection of cosmetics for women. The staff are cosmetics experts who can easily support customers with their beauty and health needs.

They offer skin analysis and can recommend suitable cosmetics for each individual customer. The store has a rich variety of skincare products available for testing.

There's a QR code at the storefront to access APii COSMETICS' Instagram. If you follow their account, like their page, and show your screen, you can receive free cosmetic samples.

Address: Subnade No. 1, 1-chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Hours: 10:30-20:30
Closed: January 1st
Phone: 03-3356-6026
Official Website: https://www.ryuseido.co.jp/index.html

JINS

JINS is a highly popular eyewear brand known for its high-performance designs and reasonable prices. As one of Japan's top eyewear brands, they offer numerous original and distinctive eyewear designs.

Their innovative designs are extremely popular, attracting many international tourists. All glasses are priced under 10,000 yen, making them an excellent souvenir choice.

There's no additional charge for lenses, making eyewear purchase very accessible. The maximum waiting time for receiving your glasses is just 30 minutes, ensuring quick service. The knowledgeable staff are always ready to provide advice about eyewear, so feel free to consult with them.

Address: Shinjuku Subnade B1F, Subnade No. 1, 1-chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30-21:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3353-8760
Official Website: https://www.jins.com/jp/

DAISO

DAISO is a major 100-yen shop chain in Japan. A 100-yen shop sells items for 100 yen each, offering a wide range of products from daily necessities to food items within the Shinjuku Subnade underground mall.

Despite the low prices, they offer many high-quality and practical items, making it perfect not only for souvenirs but also for picking up necessary items during your trip. They also sell unique products, making window shopping an enjoyable experience.

The DAISO Shinjuku Subnade branch will undergo renovation in November 2024, expanding its floor space. With an even wider selection of products coming soon, please feel free to visit for a casual shopping experience.

Address: Shinjuku Subnade Underground, 1 Kabukicho, Yasukuni-dori, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-21:00
Closed: Never
Official Website: https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/

4 Recommended Restaurants in Shinjuku Subnade for Enjoying Japanese Cuisine and Sake

Botejyu Shinjuku Subnade Branch

Botejyu, originating from Osaka, is a renowned okonomiyaki restaurant with 80 locations domestically and internationally. Known as Japan's first okonomiyaki restaurant, their signature dishes using bonito-based dashi have captivated many customers over the years.

Their recommended dish is Buta-tama (pork okonomiyaki), a luxurious dish using three large slices of pork belly. The combination of sweet sauce and dashi creates an exquisite taste that instantly brings happiness - I experienced this myself.

You can also enjoy other Osaka specialties like takoyaki and kushikatsu while in Tokyo. With their extensive menu, it's perfect for groups wanting to try various dishes.

Address: B1F Shinjuku Subnade, 1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Hours: 11:00-22:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3352-2506
Official Website: https://botejyu.co.jp/

AFURI Karakurenai

AFURI Karakurenai is famous for its original super-spicy ramen, featuring a vibrant red soup made with various chilies and Japanese pepper from around the world. The soup base is tori chintan (clear chicken broth), which is made spicy with chili peppers and spicy miso.

Popular among international tourists, they also offer limited-quantity vegan ramen focusing on vegetables, making it suitable for vegan customers.

The spiciness can be adjusted in 9 levels, so even those who don't prefer spicy food can customize their ramen without heat. For first-timers, medium spicy is recommended. However, their spiciest option "Gekikara" is extremely hot and not recommended for those feeling unwell.

When adjusting spiciness, please don't push yourself too hard.

Address: 1-2-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Subnade 1-5, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-6384-2467
Official Website: https://afuri.com/karakurenai/

Tonkatsu Wako

Tonkatsu Wako is a tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurant chain with numerous locations both in Japan and overseas. Their Shinjuku Subnade location, which reopened after renovation in 2024, has received high praise for its comfortable atmosphere featuring warm lighting and abundant Japanese design elements.

Wako's main dishes are Hire-katsu (tenderloin cutlet) and Rosu-katsu (pork loin cutlet). The Hire-katsu is characterized by its lean, high-quality taste, while the Rosu-katsu brings out the natural umami of the pork - once you start eating, you won't be able to put your chopsticks down!

Wako is also known as the first restaurant in Japan to offer free refills of rice, miso soup, and shredded cabbage. It's the perfect place for those who want to enjoy tonkatsu to their heart's content.

Address: Shop 201, Shinjuku Subnade underground mall, Yasukuni-dori, 1-chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:30
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-5269-0433
Official website: https://wako-group.co.jp/

Osake no Bijutsukan (The Liquor Museum)

Osake no Bijutsukan is a bar counter where you can enjoy rare whiskeys and brandys. Located in the Shinjuku Subnade underground mall, it's perfect for a casual drink while shopping, with no cover charge. Drinks start from just 500 yen, making it an affordable option for enjoying quality spirits.

The counter is equipped with power outlets for charging smartphones, and free Wi-Fi is available, making it suitable for extended stays.

For those who don't drink alcohol, they recommend their cold-brew iced coffee for 500 yen. You can order just coffee, making it suitable as a café as well. If you'd like to leisurely sample various spirits, this is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Shop 214, Shinjuku Subnade underground mall, Yasukuni-dori, 1-chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-6380-0948
Official website: https://osakeno-museum.com/

Beyond Shinjuku Subnade: More Shopping Destinations!

Shinjuku, Tokyo's premier entertainment district, offers numerous shopping facilities beyond the Shinjuku Subnade underground mall. Here are some recommended department stores and shops around Shinjuku Station:

- Don Quijote Shinjuku
- Lumine Shinjuku
- Takashimaya Times Square
- Isetan Department Store
- Keio Department Store
- Marui Shinjuku
- Uniqlo Shinjuku
- NEWoMan Shinjuku

Besides these department stores, Shinjuku is packed with specialty stores including electronics retailers and apparel shops. It's the perfect area for a full day of shopping, so be sure to visit Shinjuku when you're in Tokyo!