Shinjuku Guide

Can’t sleep or want to party the night away? Or maybe you're just curious about Shinjuku at night. Whether it’s any of these (or you accidentally missed the last train), we have you covered! Take a look at these nightlife spots in the Shinjuku Station area.

Shinjuku Copabowl

Shinjuku Copabowl is a bowling alley open nearly 24 hours a day every day of the year. In addition to their standard bowling lanes, they have fun “fantastic bowling” lanes lit with a black-light. Bowling prices start at 570 yen for adults, and the facilities also have ping pong and darts. This is a popular haunt for office workers, students and tourists staying nearby. The premises have a food and beverage area so you can whoop it up while munching on something tasty!

VR Zone Shinjuku

The meta-reality entertainment facility VR ZONE SHINJUKU opened in 2017 and offers a whopping 15 different virtual reality games. Offering a wide range of VR genres, VR ZONE SHINJUKU has worldwide favorites such as the Kamehameha attack from Dragon Ball and driving a Mario Kart, as well as fishing and riding a bicycle through the sky with breathtaking views. Packed every day with participants from around Japan and around the world, you might think their mantra is “tear it up” from all the screams and shouts heard all around the venue. For entry, the 1-day 4-ticket package is recommended, which includes admission and 4 VR activities. Come out to VR ZONE SHINJUKU and see what cutting-edge VR technology has to offer in the way of entertainment.

Robot Restaurant

Any description of Kabukicho in Shinjuku has to include mention of Robot Restaurant. The madcap dance performance of the 10-billion-yen robot giant and the human cast dressed in elaborate costumes is a magnificent time for all! An extravaganza such as this will never come again, and it is drawing in audiences from around the globe. Admission is 8,000 yen (food is separate), and you get a web discount if you reserve online, so reservations are definitely recommended. This over-the-top show of flamboyance should not be missed when you are in Shinjuku because you won’t see it anywhere else!

Golden Gai

Golden Gai is a drinking district with stretches of old row houses where musicians, movie directors, writers and other members of the culturati have been gathering since the Showa period. From distinctive to perhaps even peculiar, you will find these watering holes completely different from the Kabukicho area. There are even places where single women will feel comfortable pulling up a seat. Though the bars do not have much space, they are great for chewing the fat with a drink in hand. Golden Gai is a popular place for Japanese people and tourists from abroad as well. Whether you’re looking for a pub crawl or just want to gaze at the neon signs, Golden Gai is a fun place to be.