Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Shin-Okubo, one stop from Shinjuku, is home to Japan’s largest Koreatown: Korean barbecue, street food, K-pop goods and karaoke along Okubo-dori. Around the corner, Islam Yokocho has halal markets, a small mosque and Indonesian, Malaysian and South Indian food. It is one of the best places to see Tokyo’s international side.
Quick answer
Getting there: Shin-Okubo Station (JR Yamanote Line); Okubo Station (JR Chuo and Sobu lines)
Time needed: 2–4 hours
Best time: Afternoon and evening
Good for: Korean food, K-pop, halal food, street food
Plan Your Visit to Shin-Okubo
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Overview
| Getting there | Shin-Okubo Station (JR Yamanote Line); Okubo Station (JR Chuo and Sobu lines) |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours |
| Best time | Afternoon and evening |
| Good for | Korean food, K-pop, halal food, street food |
Best Things to Do
Koreatown on Okubo-dori
Japan’s largest Korean town, packed with spicy street food, K-pop goods, karaoke and Korean barbecue restaurants.
Islam Yokocho
A street of markets, restaurants and a small mosque serving Tokyo’s Muslim community, with many halal ingredients and spices that are hard to find elsewhere. See our halal and vegetarian guide.
K-pop nights
Karaoke and K-pop clubs where you can dance to hits from Seoul.
Food & Drink
- Korean: Korean barbecue, hot pot, chimaek (fried chicken and beer), dak-galbi and hotteok sweet pancakes.
- Islam Yokocho: Indonesian and Malaysian food and South Indian dishes such as biryani, many halal.
Find places to eat with our restaurant finder, and see our izakaya guide.
Shopping
- K-pop goods and trinkets.
- Korean markets for spices and ingredients.
- Halal foodstuffs and spices in Islam Yokocho.
Where to Stay
Shinjuku, 5 minutes away, has Tokyo’s widest choice of hotels. See Best hotels in Shinjuku.
Getting There
- Shin-Okubo Station (JR Yamanote Line) is closest; Okubo Station (JR Chuo and Sobu lines) is about 5 minutes on foot.
- From Shinjuku: about 5 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line. From Tokyo Station: about 30 minutes.
- From the airports: about 55 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 1 hour 40 minutes from Narita.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- AfternoonStreet food and K-pop shops on Okubo-dori
- Walk
- Islam Yokocho markets
- EveningKorean barbecue or dak-galbi
- LateKaraoke
Travel Tips
- Come hungry: street food is part of the fun.
- Islam Yokocho is good for halal ingredients to take home.
- Combine with Shinjuku, one stop away.
FAQ
What is Shin-Okubo known for?
Japan’s largest Koreatown, with Korean food, K-pop goods and karaoke, plus halal shops in Islam Yokocho.
How far is Shin-Okubo from Shinjuku?
About 5 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line.
Can I find halal food in Shin-Okubo?
Yes. Islam Yokocho has halal shops and Indonesian, Malaysian and South Indian restaurants.
Travel Essentials
Airport Transfers
Trains, the monorail, the Airport Limousine Bus and taxis compared.
Train Tickets
How to buy Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets for Kyoto, Osaka and beyond.
JR Pass & Transport Passes
Whether a rail pass or a Tokyo subway ticket will save you money.
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
