logoTravel Japan Now

Best Things to Do in Shinjuku at Night (Nightlife)

Updated: September 1, 2024

Shinjuku offers a wide variety of night spots in Shinjuku, including night views of skyscrapers and a drinking district with unique bars and restaurants. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a night out in Shinjuku.

Table of Contents

Read more

What kind of city is Shinjuku?

Shinjuku is a vibrant city located in the heart of Tokyo and is extremely popular with travelers. Shinjuku Station is the world’s largest terminal station, offering convenient transportation, shopping, and entertainment.

Tourist Spots

SEASONAL

1. TOKYO LIGHTS

TOKYO LIGHTS Unique light show combining the latest technology and tradition

town Icon

Shinjuku

/

Show

TOKYO LIGHTS
TOKYO LIGHTS
TOKYO LIGHTS
TOKYO LIGHTS

TOKYO LIGHTS is a light event held in Tokyo, featuring spectacular projection mapping at Meiji Jingu Gaien. The event showcases an exclusive light show that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional culture on the backdrop of an important cultural property. Attendees can experience immersive live entertainment blending light art, visuals, music, performers, and AI, creating a unique and extraordinary atmosphere. This event offers a chance to experience a new “light” of TOKYO, providing a breathtaking escape from the ordinary.

Map IconAddress

1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0013

Open Google Map
Event Period September 14 (Sat) - September 16 (Mon), 2024

6:00 PM Main Venue: Registration and Doors Open
4:00 PM Early Access to the Food and Beverage Area Only
Official Site TOKYO LIGHTS

2. 歌舞伎町

Kabukicho Japan's largest entertainment district

town Icon

Kabukicho

/

Hostess club Restaurant district Youth

Kabukicho
Kabukicho
Kabukicho
Kabukicho

Kabukicho is the largest entertainment district in Asia and is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It is an area with a wide variety of bars, clubs, restaurants, karaoke parlors, and love hotels, and is crowded with people night after night. The city also strives to ensure that foreign tourists can enjoy themselves safely by providing a safety net. For Japanese people, it is often used as a place to enjoy a special night out or a place to meet friends and colleagues for drinks.

Map IconAddress

Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

Open Google Map

3. 龍乃都飲食街~新宿東口横丁

Ryunoto Restaurant Street - Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho Entertainment food and beverage district

town Icon

Shinjuku City

/

Restaurant district Youth

Ryunoto Restaurant Street - Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho
Ryunoto Restaurant Street - Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho
Ryunoto Restaurant Street - Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho
Ryunoto Restaurant Street - Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho
Ryunoto Restaurant Street - Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho
Ryunoto Restaurant Street - Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho

Ryunoto Restaurant Street is an area near Shinjuku East Exit with a high concentration of restaurants. Lined with restaurants and bars of various genres, the area is crowded with many people, including both domestic and foreign tourists. Also called Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho, it is a popular gourmet spot for Japanese people to easily enjoy a variety of tastes.

Map IconAddress

〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−36−12 杉忠ビル B1&1F

Open Google Map

4. 新宿カブキhall~歌舞伎横丁

Shinjuku Kabuki Hall - Kabukiyokocho Entertainment Food Hall

town Icon

Kabukicho

/

Restaurant district Youth

Shinjuku Kabuki Hall - Kabukiyokocho
Shinjuku Kabuki Hall - Kabukiyokocho
Shinjuku Kabuki Hall - Kabukiyokocho
Shinjuku Kabuki Hall - Kabukiyokocho
Shinjuku Kabuki Hall - Kabukiyokocho
Shinjuku Kabuki Hall - Kabukiyokocho

Shinjuku Kabuki Hall is a facility in Kabukicho that hosts events related to Kabuki and Japanese culture. Here, traditional Kabuki performances as well as shows and exhibitions with a modern twist are sometimes held. Kabuki Yokocho refers to the area around this facility where restaurants and eateries are located, where visitors can enjoy the unique atmosphere of a fusion of traditional and modern Japanese culture. It is attracting attention as a place for Japanese people to experience traditional culture and a new form of entertainment.

Map IconAddress

〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−29−1 東急歌舞伎町タワ 2F

Open Google Map

5. 新宿西口 思い出横丁

Shinjuku West Exit: Omoide Yokocho Historic Japanese drinking district

town Icon

Nishi-Shinjuku

/

Restaurant district

Shinjuku West Exit: Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku West Exit: Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku West Exit: Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku West Exit: Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku West Exit: Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho is a narrow alleyway of izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) located near the west exit of Shinjuku Station. This area, which has existed since the postwar period, is also known as “Yakitori Yokocho” and offers inexpensive and delicious yakitori and other izakaya menus. The retro atmosphere is attractive and loved by both domestic and foreign tourists. For Japanese people, it is a popular place to feel the nostalgic atmosphere of the old days or as an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) to stop by after work.

Map IconAddress

1-2, Nishi-Shinjuku 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Open Google Map

6. 都庁展望台

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck Observatory overlooking the city of Shinjuku

town Icon

Nishishinjuku

/

Vantage point

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck is located on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo. From the observatory, which is free of charge, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo’s cityscape and landmarks, including Mt. The night view is also particularly beautiful and attracts many tourists. For Japanese people, it is one of Tokyo’s most iconic architectural landmarks and a worthy location from which to view the hustle and bustle of the city.

Map IconAddress

2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001

Open Google Map

7. 新宿ゴールデン街

Shinjuku Golden Gai Historic Japanese drinking district

town Icon

Kabukicho

/

Restaurant district

Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai is an area with a high concentration of small bars and taverns that retain a strong postwar atmosphere. Approximately 200 stores line the narrow alleys, creating a unique sense of community. Beloved by artists and cultural figures, many of the stores have unique interiors and unique owners welcome visitors. For Japanese people, it is a valuable place that preserves the old-fashioned drinking culture and human relationships of the past.

Map IconAddress

1 Chome-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

Open Google Map

8. バグース・新宿

BAGUS Shinjuku Store A variety of entertainment and hospitality offerings

town Icon

Shinjuku city

/

Billiards Darts Bar

BAGUS Shinjuku Store
BAGUS Shinjuku Store
BAGUS Shinjuku Store
BAGUS Shinjuku Store
BAGUS Shinjuku Store

BAGUS offers a variety of entertainment and hospitality services. They provide activities such as billiards, darts, table tennis, luxury karaoke, and party spaces. Their aim is to create a sophisticated environment where customers can enjoy unique experiences.

Map IconAddress

Kabukicho Building 5F Humax Pavilion Shinjuku, 1 Chome-20-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan

Open Google Map

9. 新宿シーシャ倶楽部

Shinjuku Shisha Club The largest shisha bar in Kabukicho

town Icon

Kabukicho

/

Bar

Shinjuku Shisha Club
Shinjuku Shisha Club
Shinjuku Shisha Club
Shinjuku Shisha Club

Shinjuku Shisha Club is a shisha bar located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Shisha is a type of water cigarette that allows you to enjoy smoking flavored smoke. This shisha bar offers a wide variety of flavors and options, along with a relaxing atmosphere, making it a great place to meet friends and relax.

Map IconAddress

Kabukicho Building 6F, 1 Chome-16-5, Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan don Quijote Shinjuku

Open Google Map

10. 神楽坂

Kagurazaka A district where you can feel the old Japanese townscape.

town Icon

Kagurazaka

/

Japanese style Restaurant district

Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka is a historic district in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. It once flourished as a hanamachi (a district where geisha culture flourished), and even today it still retains strong traces of its former glory. Cobblestone alleys, traditional Japanese houses, small shrines and temples, Japanese restaurants, cafes, and antiquarian bookstores line the streets. For Japanese people, it is a special place where history and modernity merge, and a popular spot for spending a relaxing time away from everyday life.

Map IconAddress

Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Open Google Map

11. バスタ新宿 ペンギン広場

Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza

town Icon

Shinjuku-ku

/

Photo spot

Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza
Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza
Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza
Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza

Basta Shinjuku’s Penguin Plaza is a plaza located in the corner of the bus terminal at the south exit of Shinjuku. Here, occasional art installations and limited-time events are held to provide locals and tourists alike with a relaxing time. The plaza is particularly popular among children and adults of all ages, so named because of the penguin statues that have been installed there.

Map IconAddress

3 Chome-38-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan JR Shinjuku Station

Open Google Map

Tokyo's Local Cuisine

1. 江戸前寿司

Edomae Sushi Sushi made with fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay

Edomae Sushi is made with fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay and is a symbol of Tokyo’s sushi culture. The artisanal skills of the sushi chefs are evident in the nigirizushi and makizushi, and the high-end sushi restaurants in Tsukiji Market and Ginza are particularly famous.

2. ラーメン

Ramen Various ramen from all over Japan

Tokyo is teeming with a wide variety of ramen restaurants. You can enjoy a variety of soups, such as soy sauce, salt, miso, and tonkotsu (pork bone). Tokyo’s ramen is especially popular among tourists because of its unique style and abundance of toppings.

3. うな重

Unaju Grilled broiled eel on a bed of rice

Unaju is extremely popular. Unaju is a dish consisting of grilled broiled eel on a bed of rice. In particular, unajyu served at long-established restaurants that have been in business since the Edo period offers a traditional taste.

4. もんじゃ焼き

Monjayaki Famous Teppanyaki Cuisine

Monjayaki is a teppan-yaki dish famous in downtown Tokyo, especially in the Tsukishima area. Ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, and meat are mixed into a thin batter and grilled on a teppan grill. It is a homey and familiar dish for locals, as they enjoy grilling it by themselves.

5. ちゃんこ鍋

Chanko-Nabe One-pot meals eaten by sumo wrestlers in their rooms on a daily basis

Chanko-nabe is a nabe dish served at the famous sumo stables in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo. It is nutritious and hearty, with plenty of meat, fish, and vegetables. Chanko-nabe is known as a dish used by sumo wrestlers to improve their physical strength.

6. 油そば

Aburasoba A kind of ramen without soup

Aburasoba is a type of ramen with no broth, a dish in which noodles are tossed with sauce. In Tokyo, there are many restaurants specializing in this dish, and with a wide variety of toppings, it is a fun way to customize the dish to your own taste.

7. 天ぷら

Tempura Fried dishes with fresh seafood and vegetables

Tempura in Tokyo is a deep-fried dish made with fresh seafood and vegetables and characterized by the Edo-mae technique. Its crispy texture and simple seasoning that makes the most of the flavors of the ingredients are appealing.

8. 深川めし

Fukagawa-meshi Rice cooked with clams

Fukagawa-meshi is a dish that originated in the Fukagawa district of downtown Tokyo. Typical dishes include rice cooked with clams and rice topped with miso soup with clams. This dish began as a fisherman’s dish and is still loved by the locals today, a simple yet delicious dish that shows the bounty of the sea.