This article introduces recommended spots to fully enjoy the charm of Shin-Okubo. We have carefully selected places for Korean gourmet, shopping, trendy spots, and photogenic locations. Please use this as a reference.
*Please note that the dates of the events introduced may change. For the latest schedule, please check the official website of each facility.
Overview and Access of Shin-Okubo
Shin-Okubo is an international area located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and is especially known as “Koreatown” where Korean cul-ture is strongly represented. This area is popular among the younger generation and women, as it offers the latest Korean trends in K-POP, gourmet, and cosmetics. The access is also very convenient, as it is within walking distance from JR Yamanote Line’s “Shin-Okubo Station” and Sobu Line’s “Okubo Station”. Additionally, it is close to Shinjuku, making it easy for tourists from afar to visit.
Gourmet Spots
Shin-Okubo is a treasure trove of Korean cuisine, with plenty of gourmet spots to enjoy authentic flavors. Here are five highly recommended spots.
“Shin-Okubo Korean Alley”
“Shin-Okubo Korean Alley” is a place where more than ten Korean restaurants gather, recreating the atmosphere of a Korean street market. It is attractive because you can enjoy various Korean dishes at reasonable prices and also take out food from other shops.
“Retro Pocha”
At “Retro Pocha,” you can enjoy the atmosphere of a retro Korean street stall and taste Korean oden called “Palgan Oden” and soju. The interior, decorated with old posters and neon lights, makes you feel like you are eating at a Korean street stall.
“Snowy Village”
“Snowy Village,” which is popular on social media, offers desserts where you dip freshly fried chocolate churros into soft ice cream. The “Choco Churros Oreo Vanilla” is especially unforgettable once you try it.
“Shinsadong Horangi”
At the 1980s-style Korean BBQ restaurant “Shinsadong Horangi,” the popular dish “Jukop LA Galbi Yaki Assortment (Super Spicy)” is a must-try. Surrounded by colorful decorations and neon lights, you can enjoy your meal while feeling the exotic atmosphere.
“Haeseon Pocha Yeosu Bangbada”
“Haeseon Pocha Yeosu Bangbada” offers a variety of seafood dishes, with “Ganjang Gejang” being particularly popular. You can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine with fresh blue crabs marinated in soy sauce and other seasonings.
Recommended Shopping Spots
Shin-Okubo offers a variety of shopping spots where you can find the latest Korean trends in cosmetics, fashion, and food items. Here are five highly recommended spots.
“Hanryukan Seoul Market”
“Seoul Market” is a supermarket that offers a wide range of Korean ingredients and side dishes, giving you the feel of shopping at a local Korean market. There is also a take-out shop near the entrance.
“Skin Garden”
At “Skin Garden,” Japan’s largest Korean cosmetics shop, you can find everything from classic to the latest Korean cosmetics. There are many original products for the Japanese market, making it fun to search for items that catch your eye.
“Ikemen Street”
“Ikemen Street” is an area where you can fully enjoy Korean culture, featuring the latest Korean cosmetics and fashion. This street also has drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote, where you can easily purchase Korean cosmetics.
“Myeongdong Cosmetics”
“Myeongdong Cosmetics” offers not only Korean cosmetics but also a wide range of K-POP idol goods and accessories. The accessories, in particular, are reasonably priced starting from 500 yen each, so you might end up buying more than you planned.
“Chongane”
“Chongane” is Shin-Okubo’s largest shopping mart, offering a wide range of products including cosmetics, miscellaneous goods, and food items. The variety of Korean cosmetics is particularly impressive and worth checking out.
Photogenic & Trendy Spots
Shin-Okubo has many photogenic spots that are perfect for social media and places where you can experience the latest trends. Here are five highly recommended spots.
“2D Cafe”
At “2D Cafe,” you can enjoy a monochrome comic-like world where everything in the interior appears flat. You can take photogenic pictures while enjoying sweets like the specialty “2D Cake.”
“DOMO CAFÉ”
“DOMO CAFÉ” is a warm and cozy cafe where you can also enjoy Taiwanese sweets. It features a white counter, bright wood tones, and pastel-colored walls, perfect for taking simple and trendy photos.
“Jinsei 4 Cut”
This spot allows you to experience the popular Korean photo booth “Jinsei 4 Cut.” Using props like headbands and stuffed animals, you can take retro-style photos with frames featuring cute characters and popular Korean idols.
Uniform Rental Shop “Sepurish”
At “Sepurish,” you can rent Korean-style uniforms and enjoy photo shoots in colorful classrooms, locker rooms, and staircases. It is recommended for those who want to feel like they are traveling in Korea.
“First Okubo Underpass (Shokuan Dori)”
This is a hidden spot where you can enjoy wall art under the overpass. With graffiti and wall art resembling Japanese paintings, it is recommended for those who want to take special photos.
