Shin-Okubo stands out in Tokyo for its vibrant energy and exotic atmosphere. While it’s widely known as a Korean Town bustling with the latest K-trends, it’s actually an area where diverse attractions converge, including historical spots dating back to the Edo period and parks where you can enjoy an outdoor feel right in the heart of the city.
This article introduces recommended tourist spots that go beyond superficial sightseeing, offering deep insights and tips on how to make the most of your limited time, ensuring travelers have the best possible experience.
Shin-Okubo Korean Town
📍 Address: 1-4-15 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
The moment you step off the train, you’ll feel as if you’ve warped to Seoul in Shin-Okubo’s main area. Okubo-dori and Shokuan-dori, as well as the street commonly known as ‘Ikemen-dori’ (Handsome Guys’ Street), are packed with the latest Korean cosmetic shops and authentic Korean restaurants.
If you’re enjoying street food, the overwhelmingly popular ‘Potato Cheese Rice Hotdog’ is a must-try. The local, connoisseur’s way to eat it is to sprinkle plenty of granulated sugar, then add ketchup and mustard to your liking. The exquisite sweet and savory balance and the stretchy cheese are irresistible. There are also plenty of Instagrammable dessert shops like ‘Cafe On,’ perfect for a break when you’re tired of walking.
Weekend afternoons can be as crowded as Harajuku, so if you want to browse shops at a leisurely pace or enjoy taking photos, it’s best to visit on a weekday morning. In recent years, Shin-Okubo has evolved into Tokyo’s deepest culinary destination, where diverse cultures intermingle, offering not only Korean but also Asian and Middle Eastern ingredients in areas like ‘Islam Yokocho’ (Islam Alley).
Kaichu Inari Shrine
📍 Address: 1-11-16 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
Just a few dozens of seconds’ walk from Shin-Okubo Station, this is a refreshing shrine where the hustle and bustle gently fade away, and you’re enveloped in crisp air the moment you step onto its grounds from the lively street. During the Edo period, this land was home to the ‘Teppogumi Hyakunin-tai’ (100-man Rifle Squad) directly under the Tokugawa Shogunate, and it is also the origin of the place name ‘Hyakunincho’.
From an anecdote where a squad member, troubled by marksmanship studies, prayed here and subsequently achieved ‘hyappatsu hyakuchu’ (hitting the target 100 out of 100 times), the shrine has garnered immense faith as a ‘Kaichu’ (meaning ‘minna ataru’ or ‘everyone hits the mark’) shrine, associated with ‘atari’ (hitting, winning). Today, countless travelers come to pray for big lottery wins or the ‘live ticket success’ for their favorite idol activities, which they absolutely cannot miss.
The shrine also offers unique amulets, such as a good luck charm powerfully designed with the character ‘当’ (to hit/win), ‘Tekichu-mamori’ (target-hitting charm), and ‘Tosen-mamori’ (winning charm). Many people enjoy the routine of buying lottery tickets at a Shinjuku vendor after visiting the shrine, making it a power spot that gently encourages you before any competition.
Godzilla Head
📍 Address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Extend your walk slightly from the Shin-Okubo area towards Shinjuku, and the ‘Godzilla Head’, a symbol of Kabukicho, will appear. This colossal object, peering from the 8th-floor terrace of Shinjuku Toho Building, is modeled after the Godzilla from the 1992 film ‘Godzilla vs. Mothra’. Standing approximately 52m above ground, it’s almost the same height as the original Godzilla from the 1954 film (50m), offering an irresistible sense of scale for fans.
While simply looking up at its powerful head is enjoyable, there’s a ‘deep’ detail travelers shouldn’t miss: the ‘ground level’. Near the entrance of the Shinjuku Toho Building, two types of special manhole covers themed after ‘Godzilla vs. Mothra’ and ‘Shin Godzilla’ are installed.
Furthermore, if you visit the ‘Shinjuku Tourist Information Center’ under the elevated tracks of Shinjuku Station’s South Exit, you can receive a Godzilla ‘manhole card’ for free as a souvenir. Enjoy a unique city walk tracing the footsteps of Godzilla, who watches over Shinjuku as a special envoy.
Toyama Park (Okubo Area)
📍 Address: 3-5-1 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
If you want to refresh yourself with a touch of nature between shopping and street food adventures, Toyama Park is highly recommended. Divided into the ‘Okubo Area’ and ‘Hakoneyama Area’ by Meiji-dori, it boasts an incredibly vast expanse of land.
What you should definitely try here is ascending ‘Mount Hakone’, considered the highest peak within the Yamanote Line. While its elevation is a modest 44.6m and you can reach the summit in just a few minutes, it has a distinguished history as an artificial mound originally built as a garden for the Owari Tokugawa family’s secondary residence (Toyama Sanso). From the summit, you can overlook Shinjuku’s skyscraper cluster, allowing you to forget the urban hustle and bustle.
What’s more, if you visit the ‘Toyama Park Service Center’ in the Okubo area after descending and self-report your ascent, you can receive a splendid ‘Certificate of Ascent’ for free! The park is also equipped with vending machines, restrooms, and a sports center, making it an excellent resting spot when you’re tired from walking.
FennecHouse Shin-Okubo Store
📍 Address: Shintoyama Annex 2F, 2-11-2 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
As a grand finale to your exotic city stroll, why not stop by a rare animal cafe where you can experience ultimate healing? Here, you can directly interact with fennec foxes, characterized by their large ears, adorable eyes, and fluffy fur.
Even if you’re new to animal cafes, the staff will kindly teach you how to interact with the fennecs and about their ecology, so you can feel at ease. Many of them are friendly and will let you gently touch them, instantly melting away your travel fatigue.
Weekends and afternoon hours tend to be crowded, so if you want to enjoy a leisurely free time without worrying about the clock, it’s best to aim for 11 AM on a weekday (right after opening) or make a reservation in advance. This is a special hidden gem where you can discover an unexpected side of Shin-Okubo.
Conclusion: Shin-Okubo is a Melting Pot of Diverse Attractions
Shin-Okubo is an area where an astonishing variety of charms converge, not only as a Korean Town offering delicious gourmet food and shopping but also featuring historical shrines dating back to the Edo period, mini-mountain climbing in the heart of the city, and even the latest animal cafes.
There are not many places in Tokyo where you can simultaneously experience multicultural flair and the weight of deep history, all starting from one station. This upcoming holiday, why not step beyond the typical guidebook spots and embark on a city walk to discover your own ‘deep’ Shin-Okubo?
