【Tokyo Shinjuku】Nightlife for beginners! enjoy both deep and royal

Shinjuku is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo, with a diverse nightlife scene. For tourists, it may be difficult to decide where to start enjoying the nightlife. Here we introduce night spots around Shinjuku, from the deep atmosphere of Golden Street to the good old Memories Alley, the neon-lit Kabukicho, Nishi-Shinjuku, popular among businessmen, and Korea Town in Okubo.

1.Shinjuku Golden Gai

Golden Gai is a small drinking district in Shinjuku, with dozens of bars crammed into narrow alleys. Many of the bars are only a few square meters in size, and first-time visitors are surprised at how small they are.

Each bar has a different personality in terms of owners and clientele, with some bars featuring Japanese subcultures and art. The atmosphere of the good old Showa period remains strong, with a quiet, relaxed yet somehow deep charm.

Shinjuku Golden Gai

住所	1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
公式サイト	http://golden-gai.tokyo/

Click here for a summary of spots that are easily accessible from Golden Street and can be enjoyed until morning!

No worries if you miss the last train♪ 4 spots in Shinjuku where you can play until morning

2.Shinjuku Nishiguchi, Omoide Yokocho

Located in a small alleyway at Shinjuku's West Exit, Memories Yokocho is a nostalgic spot lined with yatai-style taverns serving yakitori, motsuyaki, and other dishes. Low stall-style counter seating allows you to enjoy beer and drinks at reasonable prices.

The retro Showa-era signage, the lively calls of the waitstaff, and the lively atmosphere that encourages conversation with regular customers are appealing. The atmosphere is popular and unpretentious, making it easy for tourists from overseas to enter.

Shinjuku Nishiguchi, Omoide Yokocho

住所	1-2, Nishi-Shinjuku 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
営業時間	Varies by store
公式サイト	https://shinjuku-omoide.com/

3.Kabukicho

Kabukicho is one of the largest entertainment districts in Japan, and at night the neon lights and billboards on the buildings shine brightly. It is a popular entertainment spot for foreigners as well, with a mix of bars, clubs, karaoke bars, restaurants, show pubs, and many other types of establishments.

Just walking around the city, you will meet people of many nationalities and experience the urban and exciting night atmosphere. However, there are many crowds late at night, so be careful with your valuables when playing late at night.

Kabukicho

住所	Kabukicho 1-chome and 2-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
営業時間	Varies by store
公式サイト	http://www.kabukicho.or.jp/?lang=jp

4.Nishi-Shinjuku Area

Nishi-Shinjuku, stretching from the west exit of Shinjuku Station toward the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, is a business district lined with high-rise buildings. There are many izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and teishoku-ya (set meal restaurants) catering to businessmen and office workers in the area, where you can eat and drink at relatively low prices.

The atmosphere is relaxed, typical of an office district, and suitable for enjoying classic Japanese izakaya menus at reasonably priced restaurants. It is the perfect area for a casual dinner while mingling with the locals.

Nishi-Shinjuku Area

住所	Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
営業時間	Varies by store

5.Shin-Okubo Station (Korea Town)

Shin-Okubo, a station next to Shinjuku, is known as one of the most famous Korea Towns in Tokyo. Lined with numerous Korean restaurants and stores related to Korean dramas and K-POP, the area is bright and lively even at night.

There is an abundance of restaurants where you can enjoy authentic flavors such as barbeque, chicken, pancakes, and Korean-style sweets, giving the area an exotic atmosphere. The area is crowded with young people and families, and is recommended for tourists who want to enjoy multinational food culture.

Shin-Okubo Korean Town

住所	1 Street, Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
営業時間	Varies by store

新大久保でおすすめのお店はこちら！

Night in Shin-Okubo! Cafes that can be enjoyed even after 10:00 p.m.

まとめ

新宿のナイトライフは、エリアによってまったく異なる表情を見せるのが魅力です。ゴールデン街や思い出横丁では懐かしい昭和の雰囲気を味わい、歌舞伎町では東京の最新の夜遊び文化を体感できます。西新宿で地元風の大衆的な夜ごはんを楽しんだり、新大久保で韓国の味覚や文化に触れたりと、旅の計画に合わせていくつかのスポットを組み合わせると、東京の夜を存分に満喫できます。