Kabukicho is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Shinjuku and is also one of Tokyo’s famous entertainment districts. It’s packed with all kinds of restaurants, izakaya, bars, and entertainment venues, while the colorful neon lights and signs lining the streets showcase Tokyo’s bustling, lively side. At night in particular, the entire district is brightly lit and constantly crowded, creating an even livelier atmosphere. It’s a great place to experience Shinjuku’s unique nightlife and cityscape. However, since there are large crowds at night and the establishments can be a mixed bag, it’s best to stay alert while visiting. In addition to watching your belongings, be mindful of strangers approaching you or trying to sell you something, and pay attention to your personal safety.
Kabukicho | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Seamall Shimonoseki
Seamall Shimonoseki in Shimonoseki City is a large-scale complex shopping center, the largest in Yamaguchi Prefecture, composed of a department store, a specialty store street, and various facilities.
After wrapping up a full day of outdoor activities, we took a ride to Sea Mall in the evening to look around, and unexpectedly found some great deals! The mall isn’t very large, but it has quite a few familiar, easy-to-browse stores, such as UNIQLO and DAISO, making it a relaxed and comfortable place to shop. The biggest surprise was Nishimatsuya, where the prices on baby and children’s clothing were unbelievably affordable! Especially when there are discounts, it’s hard not to keep picking out more. This time, I bought several moisture-wicking shirts for the kids. The quality was good and the prices were great, making them an excellent value and a nice little shopping find.
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Koeido “Kibidango”
A signature confection from Koeido, one of Okayama’s leading traditional Japanese confectionery makers, founded in Ansei 3 (1856). Made from domestically grown glutinous rice with sugar, starch syrup, and millet using a traditional method, it is known for its soft texture and delicate sweetness. It has long been a popular Okayama souvenir associated with the legend of Momotaro.
While browsing the souvenir shops at Okayama Station, I was drawn to the cute look of the “Kibidango” and couldn’t help but stop! Okayama is the birthplace of the Momotaro legend, and this confection incorporates elements of the folktale that are sure to make you smile. The small dumplings are soft and chewy, with a delicately sweet filling that isn’t overly rich. In addition to the classic flavor, limited-time flavors are also available. Even the wrapping paper is incredibly cute, making this a souvenir full of Okayama character.
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Namba Marui
Located in the heart of Osaka's Minami area, Namba, it is directly connected to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Namba Station via an underground pathway, allowing customers to enter without getting wet even on rainy days. It also has good access from other JR and private railway stations.
Namba Marui is located right next to Osaka-Namba Station, making it very convenient for shopping or planning a day around Osaka. It features clothing, lifestyle goods, accessories, and a variety of distinctive brands. The overall style is fairly youthful, making it a good place to take your time discovering interesting items. The department store also offers tax-free shopping, but Japan's tax-free system will switch to a refund system starting November 1, 2026, so it may take some time to get used to it after that~
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