Everyone has heard of the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo before. If you’re looking to watch a bizarre show with robots of ninjas, dragons, dancers, drummers, neon lights and loud music, then look no further. No doubt you’ll be exploring Japan’s traditional temples and shrines and seeing the wonderful nature and culture of Japan. However, this is the “crazy and weird” side of Japan. Entrance into the restaurant is reservations only as shows start at certain times of the day.

Photo Credit: Swedish Nomad

Address: 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−7−7 新宿ロボットビル B2F

Hours: 4pm -11pm

Website: http://www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/

How to get there: An 8 minute walk from Shinjuku Station, East Exit on the JR Line.

 

A small area near Kabukicho, Shinjuku Golden Gai is known for its spirited night life and unique architecture. While the surrounding areas of modern Tokyo are filled with skyscrapers and neon lights, Golden Gai cuts out a small corner of Tokyo to retain it’s post war charm. It’s a bit similar to Omoide Yokocho, except less yakitori and more bars and drinking.

Golden Gai consists of six alley ways made up with small individual bars. Each building can have a couple bars within them itself. Wandering around the area is an experience in itself and choosing a bar shouldn’t be too hard..there’s over 200 bars! Most of the bars in the area open up at 8 or 9 pm so make sure you don’t head over too early or there’ll be nothing opened. Some bars only welcome regulars as some tourists only have one drink, loiter and leave, taking spaces from regular customers. So, choose welcoming bars (some will have signs).

Photo Credit: Timeout Tokyo

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

Hours: Typically open from 8pm until early morning.

Website: N/A

How to get there: It’s about an 8 minute walk from Shinjuku Station and right next to the Kabukicho district.

 

Kabukicho is a famous Red Light district of Tokyo. Especially at night, it’s a scene for the adult night life. This entertainment district is a hub for bright lights, bars, clubs, karaoke, pachinko and well..you guessed it, adult touting and hustling if you know what I mean. You do need to be extra aware in these areas. Never take an offer of anyone inviting you to a store (unless you know what you are looking for) and make sure you know what stores you are entering! Aside from the adult night scene, it’s a fun place to enjoy a night out for drinks, karaoke and good food!

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Location: Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

Hours: N/A

Website: N/A

How to get there: An 11 minute walk from Shinjuku Station Exit B15 on the JR Line.

 

Omoide Yokocho literally means Memory Lane. This unique area is famous for it’s old fashioned back alleys packed with very tiny noodle joints, yakitori restaurants known as izakayas where you can enjoy yakitori and Japanese alcohol and other diners. Within this tiny area you’ll find tourists, businessmen and women crowding the bars, restaurants and izakayas before they head home for the night.

Omoide Yokocho has been around since the reconstruction period in post war Japan and has maintained it’s position since. So, quite fittingly, Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane is a good way to remember the old nostalgic past. Now, you might be wondering where Piss Alley came from. This place was notorious for having no restrooms because of how small the restaurants. Lots drinking going on with no restroom? A perfect recipe for “Piss Alley”. No worries now as they have bathrooms installed in the place to make sure no one is peeing next to the eateries…although it loses its authenticity!

Photo Credit: Shinjuku Guide

Address: 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

Hours: Most places are open for lunch and dinner

Website: N/A

How to get there: From the East Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR Lines, it’s about a 2 minute walk. Take a left out the exit and continue to the passage that goes under the railroad to your left.

 

If you’re in Shinjuku and looking for things to do in Tokyo, Japan, stop by the Godzilla Head for a chance to encounter the head of a giant beast. Godzilla first came out in 1959 under Toho Co., Ltd. depicting a giant, destructive sea monster that was awakened by nuclear radiation from nuclear testing. It went on to make 32 more films under the same franchise and even holds the world record for the longest continuously running franchise film.

A giant 80 ton Godzilla head is placed on top of the Toho Cinemas in Shinjuku as a tribute to the movie. Get up close and personal with it by accessing it through the lobby level of Hotel Gracery.

Tokyo Guide: Witness Japans most destructive creature up close.

Address: 1 Chome-18-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

Hours: Open 24 hours (lobby of hotel)

How to get there: An 8 minute walk from Exit b12 of the JR Shinjuku Station.

 

Tokyo Guide: Godzilla Head on top of the Toho CInemas in Kabukicho.

One of the best views of Tokyo can be seen atop the Tokyo’s government building. This 243 meter tall building houses an observation deck at 202 meters. With favorable weather conditions, you can see Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Dome. The north observation deck is open later at night making it a very popular spot to get a scenic view of cities night time lights.

The second story holds a tourist information center and at times, there are volunteer tour guides who can show you around restricted areas in the government building.

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 2−8−1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Hours: 9:30am - 10:30pm

Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html#h2-01

How to get there: Direct access from Tocho-mae Station on the Tokyo Metro Oedo Line or a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Line.

 

Originally on the site of feudal Lord Naito’s private mansion, this garden is one of Japan’s largest, most popular and considered to be one of the most important gardens. The garden was completed in 1772, but the current form dates back to 1906 when it was converted to an Imperial Garden for the Imperial family to use to entertain guests. After World War II it was re-designated as a national garden and opened up to the public. Spanning over 144 acres, this garden has three distinctive styles to it - a formal garden, landscape garden and a Japanese traditional garden. This massive area features spacious lawns, peaceful walking paths and photogenic scenery. During the spring time, it’s one of the best places to cherry blossoms.

Entrance fee: 500 yen for Adults, 250 Yen for 65&over/students, Free for 15&under

Photo credit: Japan Forward

Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan 

Hours:

October - March 14th: 9am - 4pm

March 15 - September: 9am - 5:30pm (6:30pm from July 1st - August 20)

Website: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html

How to get there: A 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station South Exit. A 5 minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station Exit 1 on the Marunouchi Subway Line.