Okubo, a Little Koreatown in Tokyo

Okubo, a Little Koreatown in Tokyo

Are you looking to experience how strong is the Korean wave in Japan? Okubo is the right place to visit if you want to know more about how popular is the Korean culture in Japan. At Okubo, you’ll find tons of these K-pop goodies.

Okubo, the Place for Korean Culture in Japan

Okubo, the Place for Korean Culture in Japan

After the second world war, many Koreans settled in Okubo. The Korean population grew due to the growing demand for migrant workers. This in turn resulted to the growth of Korean restaurants, supermarkets, K-Pop merchandize shops, Korean cosmetic shops, Korean themed cafes and more.

Recently, a growth of Arabic restaurants in the neighborhood, has been observed. Their growth has even led to the labelling of the road on which several halal restaurants stand as Islam Yokocho. The area between JR Okubo Station and JR Shin Okubo Station has been designated for the Chinese and other Asian communities.

Okubo has also become very popular with parents who maybe visiting their children who are enrolled in Waseda University, a college that is located in Shinjuku and that is just a walking distance away.

Rich Mix of Korean and Japanese culture in Okubo

Okubo is a neighborhood with a rich mix of Korean and Japanese culture. To fully immerse in this deep culture, you should visit the local shopping malls, places of worship and museums at Okubo.

Korean Merchandize Shops

Rich Mix of Korean and Japanese culture in Okubo

In addition to purchasing Korean food, you can also find Korean merchandise that caters to your needs and preferences from the various shops for Korean merchandize. Although quite in close proximity to each other, the IDOLPark, Star Shop and *Star Plus all sell Korean band merchandise. You can just do your price and product comparisons and from one shop and into the next shop until you are satisfied with the products and prices offered.

There are also venues near the merchandise shops where you can watch Korean artists giving live on the stage. You must remember to confirm which artist is performing at what time so as to confirm the pricing and the timing of the performance.

Spot information

  • Spot Name: IDOLPark, Star Shop, K*Star Plus
  • Spot Address: Okubo-dori, Tokyo
  • Access: 2 minutes walk from Shin-Okubo Station. Walk along Okubo-dori, they are located close to the station.

Tsumami Kanzashi Museum

Tsumami Kanzashi Museum

Kanzashi is a delicate handmade hair ornament placed on girl’s hair when they’re dressed in their kimono during important ceremonies. Various makes of the Kanzashi made from silk have been displayed at the museum. These handmade hair ornaments are precious gifts or souvenirs for tourists. There is no fee charged to go into the museum

Spot information

  • Spot Name: Tsumami Kanzashi Museum
  • Spot Address: 4-23-28, Takadanobaba, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-0075
  • Access: It is a 2-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station

Yodobashi Church

This is a Christian church with at least 100 years of history. Its ceiling is an impressive work of art and the brilliant sun rays streaming down from above makes it a really peaceful and inspirational place to pray, make reflections and observe yourself and consider life in general. Some people just visit to enjoy the amazing cross design on the church ceiling.

Spot information

  • Spot Name: Yodobashi Church
  • Spot Address: 1-17-8 , Hyakuninchō, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073
  • Access: 3 minutes walk from Okubo Station

Kaichu Inari Shrine

Established in 1533 the Kaichu Inari Shrine is a quiet shrine which has omamori for protection against food poisoning. Those who haven’t been to Shinto Shrine, are highly encouraged to visit the Kaichu Inari Shrine and for those who are frequent travelers, it may be advisable to carry the omamori.

Spot information

  • Spot Name: Kaichu Inari Shrine
  • Spot Address: 1-11-16, Hyakuninchō, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-0073
  • Access: 2 minutes walk from Shin-Okubo Station

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