Kabukicho (also spelled Kabuki-cho) in Shinjuku is Tokyo’s most famous red-light district. Lined with hostess bars, pachinko parlours, and love hotels, Kabukicho’s bars and restaurants far outnumber its residents.
Kabukicho emerged after World War II and was named after a planned kabuki theatre, which never materialised. However, the project attracted bars and entertainment venues, drawing stationed army officers, followed by illegal sex workers. Although the theatre was never built, the name Kabukicho and its reputation as an entertainment district remained.
Kabukicho is well known as a hangout for the Yakuza (Japanese organised crime), leading some to consider it one of Tokyo’s more dangerous areas. However, despite their presence, the district is generally safe for tourists, with many reputable bars and restaurants alongside some seedy establishments. That said, it’s wise to stay alert—tourists have been known to visit bars only to be hit with outrageous bills (e.g., $50 per beer).
With numerous strip clubs, Kabukicho is also home to persistent touts, often foreigners targeting non-Japanese-looking tourists. They’ll follow you down the street with offers like, “Hey bro, first drink’s on me!” to lure you inside. It’s best to ignore them, as their clubs can overcharge unsuspecting customers. In recent years, police presence has increased to improve Kabukicho’s image, making the area more tourist-friendly.
Kabukicho is breathtaking at night, with towering neon signs and flashing billboards creating a cyberpunk atmosphere. The district has featured in films like Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. It’s also said that Kabukicho’s neon lights inspired the set design of Blade Runner—a visit at night will show you why!
Kabukicho is located northeast of Shinjuku Station:
- Take the East Exit from Shinjuku Station and walk north towards Seibu Shinjuku Station—this is where the Kabukicho experience begins!
