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Shin-Okubo Korean Town: A Slice of Seoul in Tokyo

Experience the vibrant flavors and sounds of Seoul in the heart of Tokyo's Shin-Okubo, a bustling hub of Korean culture and cuisine.

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Shin-Okubo is Tokyo's vibrant Koreatown, a bustling district packed with Korean restaurants, K-pop shops, cosmetic stores, and street food vendors. Just one stop from Shinjuku, it offers an immersive experience of Korean culture in the heart of Japan.

A brief summary to Shin-Okubo Korean Town

  • 1 Chome-4-15 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, 1 Chome Hyakunincho, Tokyo, 169-0073, JP

Local tips

  • Try the street food! Shin-Okubo offers a variety of delicious Korean street snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and Korean hot dogs.
  • Explore the side streets off Okubo-dori for hidden gems and unique shops.
  • Visit during the evening for a lively atmosphere with K-pop music and street performers.
  • Check out the local supermarkets for Korean ingredients to recreate your favorite dishes at home.
  • Don't miss the chance to indulge in Korean BBQ, a popular culinary experience in Shin-Okubo.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The easiest way to reach Shin-Okubo is via the JR Yamanote Line to Shin-Okubo Station. From Shinjuku Station, it's a quick 3-minute ride. The fare is around ¥150. Alternatively, you can take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Okubo Station, which is also close to Koreatown. A Tokyo Subway Ticket can offer cost-effective travel if you plan to use the subway extensively. A 72-hour pass costs approximately ¥1500.

  • Walking

    Shin-Okubo is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from Shinjuku Station. From Shinjuku Station's East Exit, walk north along the main road. You'll pass several large department stores and eventually see signs for Shin-Okubo. Walking allows you to experience the transition from the bustling Shinjuku to the vibrant Koreatown. There are no costs involved in walking.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Shinjuku Station to Shin-Okubo. The ride typically takes around 8 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is approximately ¥788-¥1795. Note that fares may increase at night.

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Discover more about Shin-Okubo Korean Town

Shin-Okubo, Tokyo's Koreatown, offers a unique and vibrant cultural experience. This lively district, located just north of Shinjuku, is a haven for Korean culture, boasting an array of Korean restaurants, cosmetic shops, K-pop stores, and street food stalls. Shin-Okubo's history dates back to the 1980s when Korean laborers and students, drawn by affordable rent, began settling in the area. The establishment of a Lotte factory nearby further contributed to the growth of the Korean community. Over time, influenced by the Korean Wave and K-pop boom, Shin-Okubo transformed into a prominent Koreatown, attracting locals and tourists alike. Today, Shin-Okubo is a popular destination for those seeking an authentic Korean experience. Visitors can explore Okubo-dori, the main street, and its surrounding alleys, filled with shops selling Korean merchandise and food items. The area is known for its trendy Korean cuisine, including Korean BBQ, cheese dak-galbi, and various street foods. K-pop enthusiasts can find a wide selection of merchandise, while those interested in Korean beauty can explore the numerous cosmetic stores. Beyond the shops and restaurants, Shin-Okubo offers a glimpse into the multicultural fabric of Tokyo. While primarily Korean, the area also has significant South-East Asian and Indian communities, adding to its diverse atmosphere. For a change of pace, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Kaichu Inari-jinja Shrine, a historic shrine dating back to the 1500s, or venture to other vibrant districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku.

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