When visiting Tokyo, Japan, most travelers look forward to see before their very eyes the most vibrant district -- Shinjuku. Apart from being home to the busiest railway station in the world, this economic hub has officially earned the titular nickname, 'the city that never sleeps.' There's a lot to see, do, and explore whether day or night.
If you'd like to witness how Shinjuku lives up to its moniker, you have to experience the nightlife of this special ward. Shinjuku is at its liveliest when the bright neon lights lit up the district and crowds head over to a wide variety of bars and pubs. There's live band karaoke, jazz shows, arcades, midnight screenings, and plenty of shops to go to.
With so many things going on within the area, how can one get the most out of Shinjuku's Nightlife? You might want to include these 6 must-visit attractions in your itinerary!
1. Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Station is considered as the world's busiest train station as it handles over 3.6 million of passengers every day. One will definitely feel overwhelmed upon seeing the crowded station which has four major access points: the West Gate, East Gate, South Gate, and West South Gate. The West Gate faces the government district whereas the East Gate is one's pathway to the city's entertainment and drinking areas. Both the South Gate and West South Gate leads one to the best shopping destinations in Japan.
2. Omoide Yokocho
Literally means 'Memory Lane,' Omoide Yokocho dates back to the post-war Tokyo where black market traders and street vendors are found. It's also commonly referred to as the Piss Alley where one would have the chance to experience a different drinking and dining experience. There are about small sixty restaurants that are cramped together and only about the size of two people are able to pass through its alleys.
3. Shinjuku Wald 9 Cinema
Apart from the cherry blossoms, delicious food, and technological advancements, Japan is also known for their hand-style drawn and computer animation called 'anime.' If you're an anime fan, you'll be surprised to know that they're already showing the big anime films that are not yet released in your home country. For film buffs, you're sure to enjoy the Shinjuku Wald 9 cinema where Hollywood blockbusters or Japanese films with English subtitles are being shown beyond midnight.
4. Robot Restaurant
Kabuki-cho is the biggest nightlife area in Tokyo and is also one of the city's famous Red-Light Districts. It's filled with neon bright lights, bars, love hotels, and restaurants such as the well-known hot spot only found in Japan -- the Robot Restaurant which lets one get to watch a fun and crazy live show.
5. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observation Deck
Within Tokyo, they have a place where you'll get a panoramic view of the city's nightscapes without spending a yen. Tokyo's Metropolitan Government Office has two observation viewing decks at the top -- the North (which is open until 11PM) and South. There's also an in-house cafe should you want to grad a drink while enjoying the view.
6. Golden Gai
End the night memorably by spending it at Golden Gai. Away from the modern busy streets and flashy bright lights, this small district packed with 200 bars reminds one of the postwar nightlife -- marked by a down-to-earth ambience. As one of Kabuki-cho's famous drinking spots, each bar has its own style and atmosphere so you can choose what suits your taste.
If you want the best way to experience nightlife in the busy streets of Shinjuku, take a free walking tour and get your curious questions answered. Discover what's beyond the neon lights, why Shinjuku is always busy, and find out stories behind the Japanese drinking culture.
Tokyo Localized provides visitors and travellers to Tokyo with a unique perspective of this great city, what makes us unique is that our tour guides live and work in Tokyo, have a passion for this city and love meeting and welcoming new faces. Find out more about our Unique Day and Night Tours of Tokyo - we can't wait to meet you!