Shinjuku and the Nightlife

Shinjuku is one of the famous districts in Tokyo. A town where the night life never really ends. It is possible to stay drinking 24/7 here, but my aim for this guide is not to tell you to do that, but rather what you can do here.

Shinjuku also host the area Kabukichou, which has long been referred to as the red light district of Tokyo. Due to this I have a few tips, but nothing to alert yourself with.

Kabukichou Tips

#1 Be aware that all places that sells alcohol or entertainment in this area is closely involved with Yakuza. Most of these places are in fact involved with them throughout the country, but in Kabukichou they will be close to the leaders. There are tours going in here with families and it always worried me, but as long as you do not take pictures or approach a large group of guys that seems to have a leader you will be fine.

#2 If you do go to a host or hostess club be aware of this: If they ask you to move table, they will charge you more. They have most likely tried to trick you to upgrade your payment which in case of hostesses will be far more expensive than the price of hosts. Often these establisment will require you to speak Japanese, but in case you got in without Japanese and they try to move you. Do enquire why before you follow them.

#3 This one is for my ladies. There are a lot of foreign hostess clubs as well, most of these are run by Nigerian men. Usually they are no harm, but I have been dragged into a club there once with a friend. Leave at your first opportunity! Even if they promise you money for the night, they will probably keep that, however it is illegal. If the police comes by you will be the one in trouble.

Where to go

That said, there are some great bars in Kabukichou. Specially ´boys bars´and ´girls bars´, these are the relaxed equivalent to the host and hostess clubs. Not all places require you to speak Japanese, but it is definitly an advantage.

In the middle of Kabukichou you will also find a cinema with Godzilla and top of it. This is a new building to the area and has a great atmosphere.

Here are my favorite places in Shinjuku:

Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai

@SuzanneNils

This is one of the most authentic places you can go for drinking and one of my all time favorites in Tokyo. It is this small street with just as small bars in Shinjuku. Some of the bars can room up to max five people, while some are even smaller. A few of these bars has some unique shots as well. Unique you might ask? Well you can get it with cockroaches, seacucumber, seahorses and snake. It is definitly worth the visit.

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Kabukichou Tower

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

@SuzanneNils

Like the cinema, this is an even newer building that is filled with nightlife activities, but also for the day. It has a whole floor for arcade games and another one dedicated to restaurants.

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Like the cinema, this is an even newer building that is filled with nightlife activities, but also for the day. It has a whole floor for arcade games and another one dedicated to restaurants.

Don Quixote

Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho

@SuzanneNils

This store is all over Japan, but there is one by the edge of Kabukichou and if you have never been, please do go. This store has everything you can imagine! From fun souvenirs, clothes, backpacks, kitchenware and alcohol.

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Alice in Fantacy Book

Alice in Fantasy Book

@SuzanneNils

This is a restaurant and a great place to start your evening in Shinjuku. The theme is as it sounds. The food, decor and waitresses are all decked out to match the theme.

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Science Bar Incubator

Science Bar INCUBATOR

@SuzanneNils

Another theme bar in shinjuku, though it is located a bit closer to the Yotsuya Station. The theme is science and the drinks are amazing.

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Cinnamonroll Cafe

Cinnamoroll Cafe

@SuzanneNils

This cafe is as cute as it gets. It is all based of the Sanrio characters. Even though you are unsure if you know of them there is one character among them you definitly have heard of. That is Hello Kitty.

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Omoide Yokocho