When night sets in Shinjuku and the streets brighten up, you’re in for an exciting time. Shinjuku is a trove of thrilling activities and dazzling sights. Neon-lit streets, eccentric shows, and electrifying games await!
We’re here to help you narrow down some of the cool things to do in Shinjuku at night. From exploring underground bars to becoming an action star for a night, we’ve got you covered.
Are you ready to dive into the heart of Shinjuku’s nightlife? Well then, let’s get started.
What To Do In Shinjuku At Night – 15 Cool Activities
- Knock down pins at Shinjuku Copa Bowl
- Watch a samurai showdown at Samurai Restaurant
- See a fabulous drag show at Black Swan Lake
- Have a dazzling night out at Kabukicho
- Satisfy your cravings at a Yokocho Food Hall
- Set your sights on the Tokyo skyline
- Make memories at Omoide Yokocho
- Go on a midnight shopping run at Donki
- Sing your heart out at a Karaoke complex
- Catch a late night movie at Toho Cinema
- Test your swing at a Batting Center
- Try your luck by playing Pachinko
- Game at Namco Tokyo
- Grab a drink at Golden Gai
- Relax at a Sento
1. Knock down pins at Shinjuku Copa Bowl
Shinjuku Copa Bowl boasts striking effects for the best bowling experience. This bowling alley adds a twist to your standard ten-pin bowling game. It has different modes and features to choose from, all with their own lights and sounds!
Aside from bowling, you can also enjoy the centre’s ping pong-area and darts for maximum fun. The place also offers refreshments and savory treats to energize your games. You can hit the lanes at this alley from 11:30 am to 6:00 am until the next day.
Exact Location: Shinjuku Copa Bowl
2. Watch a samurai showdown at Samurai Restaurant
Remember the famous Robot Restaurant that closed down during the pandemic? Before you get sad, we have another attraction you can check out instead.
From the same makers of the Robot Restaurant comes Samurai Restaurant! It’s a less futuristic but equally entertaining attraction in the district. The show delivers a tale with flashy samurai, evil lords, shrine maidens, and sword battles. Each performance mixes ancient history, modern technology, and magical fantasy all in one!
You can order different Japanese meals and refreshments to enjoy while watching. The restaurant hosts many shows each night and is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 AM until the next day.
Exact Location: Samurai Restaurant
3. See a fabulous drag show at Black Swan Lake
Let Shinjuku drag queens charm you with their dazzling and over-the-top performances. At Black Swan Lake, you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and a drag show right in Kabukicho. This show pub has been in the scene for more than 40 years.
The neo-tavern styled pub has 2 shows each night. You can enjoy the night fun from 6:00 PM to 12:00 midnight.
Exact Location: Black Swan Lake
4. Have a dazzling night out at Kabukicho
Kabukicho is the biggest nightlife neighborhood in Tokyo. You can find savory food, refreshing drinks, and lively clubs, among others, in the area. Massive neon lights and signages invite you for exciting experiences. Walking through the streets of the district is an adventure in itself!
Most of the activities and good food can be found in the area so there’s always something to do. The district is open all day, but the establishments may have different opening times.
There are a lot of photo-worthy spots around Kabukicho. It’s one of the best places to take cool pictures of Shinjuku’s neon lights and if you’re interested in having a futuristic night photoshoot in Shinjuku, you can book this photoshoot: Urban & Neon Night Photoshoot In Tokyo.
Exact Location: Kabukicho District
5. Satisfy your cravings at a Yokocho Food Hall
Ryu no Miyako Inshokugai Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho is a newly opened food hall in Shinjuku. The name is a mouthful but you’ll find yourself stuffing your face here in no time.
It has 17 eateries serving Japanese comfort food and international cuisine divided by floors. On each floor, you can enjoy different types of food like tonkatsu, pad thai, and even pasta. It’s a food haven filled with all your favorite culinary treats.
There’s also a karaoke bar you can check out inside the building. If you’re looking for good food and a good vibe, make sure to pay this food hall a visit.
Exact Location: Ryu no Miyako Inshokugai Shinjuku Higashiguchi Yokocho
6. Set your sights on the Tokyo skyline
Right in the heart of Shinjuku, you can see the picturesque sight of the city at night. You’ll see the building lights sparkle 662ft above the ground. On clear nights you can even see Mt. Fuji!
Enjoy the view on top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Use of their observation rooms are free of charge. The floor is open from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
Bonus: There’s also a nightly projection show flashed on the building’s facade. The images are so large and vivid that the show is certified by the Guinness World Records!
Exact Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
7. Make memories at Omoide Yokocho
Known as “Memory Lane” (or crudely, “Piss Alley”), a trip to Omoide Yokocho will fill you with nostalgia and good food. Yakiniku stalls and bars reminiscent of mid-20th century Tokyo line this humble alleyway.
Historically, it was a place for street vendors and black market dealers to sell their goods. Now, it is a haven for Japanese street food and the best sake. The rustic atmosphere makes the street one of the most photographed places in Tokyo.
Exact Location: Omoide Yokocho
8. Go on a midnight shopping run at Donki
If you’re looking to get good items at a really great price, then you should pay Don Quijote (Donki) a visit. Donki is famous in Japan for selling gifts, gimmicks, and everyday items at a bargain price. You can find everything here, from groceries, electronics, souvenirs, and various novelties!
There are 5 branches in Shinjuku, and their offerings are as extensive as the next. The only challenge lies in finding your way through the clutter of items and maze-like aisles. All branches are open 24 hours so you can shop anytime.
Exact Location: Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho
9. Sing your heart out at a Karaoke complex
Karaoke is one of the most popular pastimes in Japan. Shinjuku houses multi-level Karaoke complexes with their own unique amenities. Most karaoke places have both Japanese and English songs to choose from.
We recommend going to Karaoke Kan, one of the most popular karaoke chains in Japan. You get your own private room where you can belt it out alone or with friends. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks while you catch those notes.
Exact Location: Karaoke Kan
10. Catch a late night movie at Toho Cinema
This massive cinema complex in Shinjuku lets you catch the last full show of up and coming flicks. The cinema has 12 screens and a full-scale Dolby Atmos audio system for immersive viewing. There are also shops and food stalls to buy from before you enjoy your film.
Beyond the biggest blockbusters, you can also see a giant Godzilla head from the roof! This realistic head is a memorable attraction on its own.
Exact Location: Toho Cinema
11. Test your swing at a Batting Center
Are you a baseball fan? Or do you just want to try your hand at the sport? Head to the nearest batting center to test your skills!
The biggest center to visit in the area is the Shinjuku Batting Center. They’ll provide you with the gear you need to hit a home run like a pro. The center is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM the next day.
Exact Location: Shinjuku Batting Center
12. Try your luck by playing Pachinko
Pachinko is a popular machine game that functions like a mix of a pinball and a slot machine. To play, you use a steel ball which goes through different pins and lands in specific locations. You must fill these slots out (like how a slot machine works) to get more balls.
The point of the game is to get as many balls as possible and exchange them for fun prizes. In Shinjuku, you can try pachinko at Maruhan. This parlor is open from 10:00 AM until 11:00 PM.
Exact Location: Maruhan
13. Game at Namco Tokyo
Namco Tokyo is not just your ordinary arcade. It has extensive machines to choose from, where you can play timeless classics to modern hits. There’s crane games and gachapon machines offering prizes from popular anime.
The highlight of the arcade has to be the Music and Playlounge Asobinotes Area. Here, you can watch AI DJ performances with characters like Pacman!
Beyond the games, you can also enjoy some delectable food and drinks. You can order refreshing drinks to keep you energized on your gaming spree. If you’re feeling peckish, you can enjoy parfaits and regional specialties inside.
Exact Location: Namco Tokyo
14. Grab a drink at Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a typical neighborhood by day and a bustling hangout spot by night. It houses over 200 quaint bars for every drinker. The area’s winding alleyways are a must-visit for drinkers who prefer hole-in-the wall bars.
Each bar has something different to offer. You can rock out to metal in Deathmatch in Hell or do some tipsy reading at Open Book. Most bars are open from 6:00 PM onwards until dawn the next day.
Exact Location: Golden Gai
15. Relax at a Sento
After an exciting night out, all you want to do is relax and unwind, right? Thermae Yu, a public bathhouse (sento) in Shinjuku, offers a 24/7 spa experience. This super sento has different types of indoor and outdoor baths for you to choose from.
Try out their special electrolyzed bath for a refreshing and energizing soak. Beyond the relaxing hot spring water, bathing at a sento is an experience in itself!
Exact Location: Thermae Yu
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There you have it! These are some of the coolest things you can do in Shinjuku at night. As a district that never sleeps, Shinjuku offers unique adventures for every interest.
Shinjuku’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity gives way for endless possibilities. Whether it’s high-energy entertainment, shopping, or a relaxing spa, Shinjuku has it all!
Do you know more activities to try in Shinjuku? What’s your favorite thing about Shinjuku nightlife? Let us know in the comments below.
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