Page 64 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

62  T OK Y O AREA B Y AREA

1 Street-by-Street: East Shinjuku

East Shinjuku
East Shinjuku is where Tokyo plays. The area has been a
nightlife center from Edo times on, when it was the first
night stop on the old Tokaido road to Kyoto. Since Shinjuku
Station opened in the 19th century, entertainments have Seibu-
been targeted at commuters (mainly men) en route back Shinjuku
to the suburbs. Amusements are focused in the tiny bars Station
of Golden Gai and in the red-light district of Kabukicho.
Daytime attractions include several art galleries, a tranquil
shrine, and some department stores. A late-afternoon stroll
as the neon starts to light up on both sides of this fascinating,
bustling area would be rewarding.

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Toho Cinema Complex
This block of Kabukicho is dominated
by the large Toho Cinema complex. Y A S U K U N I – D O R I
There is also a hotel, a pachinko parlor, West Shinjuku
restaurants, and convenience stores. (see pp64–5)
Kabukicho
Pachinko parlors and love
hotels flourish in Japan’s
largest night entertainment
district, alongside pubs,
restaurants, karaoke boxes,
and coffee shops. In this area
of contrasts, prices range
from ¥500 for a bowl of noo­
dles to ¥10,000 for a drink. S H I N J U K U – D O R I

Shinjuku
Station
(see p65) Yoyogi
Studio Alta Kinokuniya
Instantly recognizable by its bookstore has one of
huge TV screen, Studio Alta Tokyo’s best selections
stands opposite the crossing Key of foreign books.
from Shinjuku Station and is
a favorite place for meeting Suggested walk route
up or just hanging out. Train line

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