Kabukicho is located at Kabukicho, Shinuku-ku.

How do travellers rate Kabukicho?

Kabukicho has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 7 traveller reviews on WOW U.

Can I visit Kabukicho with a local guide?

Yes. WOW U lists activities around Kabukicho hosted by Locals, the local guides who live in the area.

WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.

Kabukicho

“Neon-soaked nights where a Godzilla head looms over the crowd.”

Culture ExperienceEntertainmentFood & Drink

4.1·7 reviews

1 / 4

Kabukicho is an entertainment district in Shinjuku, Tokyo with lots of bar and restaurants that open until late at night. It is mainly known as a red light district and does not have a very good reputation, but it does feature some interesting places that are not adult-themed, including a robot restaurant, a samurai museum Hanazono Shrine, a movie theater, VR experience facility and so on.

Photograph provided by Tokyo Convention＆Visitors Bureau

Spot Name	Kabukicho
Postal Code	〒160-0021
Address	Kabukicho, Shinuku-ku
Official URL	http://www.kabukicho.or.jp/index.php?lang=en
Keywords	Culture Experience, Entertainment, Food & Drink

Reviews

4.1/ 5

5★

29%

4★

57%

3★

14%

2★

1★

John L.TravelerJuly 2, 2026
If I were to make an accurate comparison, Kabukicho reminds me of the more unfiltered side of Manhattan and Times Square. As it is lot more chaotic and messy, it offers great food and an unforgettable night life.
Dylan T.TravelerJapanJune 26, 2026
Definitely the most exciting place to be in if you're into nightlife culture in Shinjuku, if you're a fan of Yakuza/Ryu Ga Gotoku, there are vending machines placed around the area that'll take you to a variety of places in Kabukicho like the batting machines or Don Quijote to acquire some merch.
Ryleigh Y.TravelerUnited StatesJune 10, 2026
The area was fun and exciting, but not as exciting as the Shibuya area. They have good food and drinking spots, I recommend seeing it at least once.
G
GuestTravelerFebruary 4, 2020
Being the red light district and having a bad reputation in Tokyo, Kabukicho does not begin to compare to bad parts of town in other countries. As red light districts go this is a fairly mild and safe one so worry not, as I guarantee you are at no risk of getting robbed or harmed. Definitely visit at night to witness the area come alive and see all the lights from the numerous pachinko parlours, arcades, eateries, bars and sex shops in the area. Also look up to notice Godzilla on the roof of Toho Cinema. Robot Restaurant is also a crazy once in a lifetime experience. Golden Gai with its countless bars is also nearby. Overall one of my favourite areas in Tokyo. Minus one star for the rats.
G
GuestTravelerJanuary 22, 2020
As quiet as a mouse during the day, yet bustling and bright during the night - that is Kabukicho. Lined with places from love hotels to restaurants to gaming arcades, everything and anything either catches your eye or leaves you wondering what is happening or most often, both. I did have my hesitations about visiting the famous red-light district in Shinjuku, but having gone with a friend from Spain, we weren't approached by any of the many workers on the streets. Nonetheless, it was truly a sight to behold and worth visiting at least once to see this different side of Japan.
G
GuestTravelerJanuary 20, 2020
Accidentally visited here because I got lost in Shinjuku. I didn’t even realize that I was at the so called “red light district.” Kabukicho sure is crowded and little crazy at night. There are many workers who stand in middle of the road and they try to take you to their shops or restaurants but they are not coercive. I actually recommend visiting this place at night along with a guide to experience the Tokyo’s crazy night culture. 4 stars because it still has somewhat bad reputation. But still, it’s a cool place.