This is one of Tokyo’s hidden gems that we discovered on our trip to Japan. We had a great time exploring this part of the city, and I want to share my experience with you.
Korean Town is located in the vibrant Shin-Okubo area. This neighborhood offers cultural experiences, culinary delights, and exciting things to see. In this post, I will try to share some tips and ideas for your trip to Tokyo’s Korean Town.
Here is the map of Shin-Okubo:
Delightful Korean Cuisine:
Korean cuisine is diverse and in Tokyo’s Korean Town, you can try a wide variety of food. Korean cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are beloved by many. Tokyo’s Korean Town is a culinary lover’s paradise, whether you prefer traditional Korean food or are keen to try something new.
Korean Barbecue:
If you want to sample Korean barbecue and have a good culinary experience, visit one of Shin-Okubo’s barbecue restaurants.
Enjoy delicious grilled meats such as galbi (marinated ribs), samgyeopsal (pig belly), and bulgogi (marinated beef).
Here are a few BBQ restaurants for you:
Macchan
The well-known Korean restaurant Macchan presently runs two locations in the Shin Okubo neighborhood. The most popular dish in the restaurant is Samgyeopsal (Korean pork belly BBQ). The thickness of the pork belly offered at Macchan will surprise you. It looks like steak!
In addition, the chef grills and slices the meat in front of you.
Tonchang
Another good place to get samgyeopsal (Korean pork belly BBQ) in the Shin Okubo area is Tonchang . This is the first restaurant in Japan specializing in samgyeopsal, and now has more than 19 locations in Tokyo. Along with the pork belly, Tonchang offers eight little side dishes that are free to refill.
Domestic pork is used to make samgyeopsal, and food is prepared in front of you by store employees. Fried Rice” is another popular dish on the menu; it’s prepared on the same iron skillet as the meat. Add other toppings like cheese and eggs! This dish is ideal for capping off a BBQ dinner.
Street Food Delights
Take a walk through the lively sidewalks of Shin-Okubo and sample a wide range of flavorful Korean street cuisine. Try popular dishes such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and kimbap (rice rolls wrapped in seaweed). Don’t miss the chance to eat crispy fried chicken, a beloved Korean classic.
Or try:
Gamja-Hotdog: Korean-style French Fries Corn Dog
A hot dog on a stick covered with French fries is a delightful Korean street food. The hot dog may be stuffed with sausage or cheese, coated in sauces or even topped with sugar.
Many foreign tourists to Korea recommend gamja hotdogs as a must-try Korean street food.
Kkwabaegi: Twisted Korean Doughnuts
Kkwabaegi is a sweet, soft, twisted snack that you can buy anywhere. It is made from rice flour and butter and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon powder.
What to See and Do:
K-pop and K-drama Shopping:
Korean pop culture fans will be thrilled by the wide range of K-pop products from various artists and groups, CDs, posters, and clothing. Browse through specialized shops and enjoy your favorite Korean idols.
I am sure you will find something to add to your collection.
Beauty and Skincare Shops
Explore many different skin care and beauty stores known for their wide selection of Korean cosmetics and skin care products. You’ll find everything you need for a K-beauty routine, including face masks and serums from famous brands like Innisfree and Etude House.
It’s SKIN
It is both the brand’s primary shop in Japan and the first branch to open. It’s SKIN is a popular Korean cosmetics company that sells dermatologist-developed skin care products.
SKIN GARDEN
SKIN GARDEN is located on the second level of Chongane. The company offers an array of Korean cosmetics products, including popular brands such as 16brand and Etude House. Along with skincare products, this store sells Korean accessories and an assortment of other items. If you are fond of Korean fashion, I’m sure you will be happy to shop here.
Visit a Korean Temple
Visit the Kaichu Inari Shrine for a quiet moment.
The Shrine is a historical shrine that was founded in the 1500s.
The Kaichu Inari Shrine is devoted to the god of foxes, rice, and wealth, and translates as “every wish comes true.”
The legend states: When the Tokugawa Shogunate formed a group of 100 soldiers at the shrine’s current site, the captain spent time practicing his aim, but he never appeared to strike the bullseye. One day, Inari appeared to him in a dream and gave him a talisman. The next day, the captain’s aim was perfect.
The Kaichu Inari shrine is a popular destination for both visitors and residents, who come to appreciate the architecture, enjoy the festivals, and receive blessings.
Visitors may also buy unique Omamori with arrow designs that will help them reach their goals with pinpoint accuracy.
Karaoke Experience
Challenge your singing skills with friends or family by renting a private karaoke room. Unleash your inner K-pop star and enjoy a night filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
How to Get There With a JR Pass
Shin Okubo is located north of Tokyo’s popular entertainment and shopping district, Shinjuku. In only five minutes by rail or just 30 minutes to walk you may reach Korean Town.
Shin Okubo is easy to access. Shin-Okubo and Okubo are two local train stations that serve JR lines.
Take the Yamanote Line with your JR Pass from popular tourist areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ueno to get to Shin-Okubo Station quickly. Okubo Station is located on JR East’s Chuo-Sobu Line, which links to Shinjuku and Akihabara, among other stations.
You can find more information about the railway network in Tokyo here.
One more attraction for you in Shinjuku near Okubo is:
Samurai Museum
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Kabukicho 2-25-6
The Samurai Museum, which explores the history and traditions of these medieval warriors, provides a whole different perspective in Japan. Visiting the museum can allow you to learn about the history and weaponry of the samurai.
- Adults: 1,900ye
- Children under 12: 800yen
- Children 3 or Under: Free
Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s Korean Town, offers an immersive cultural experience with its vibrant atmosphere, great cuisine, and numerous entertainment opportunities. Explore the beauty of this unique neighborhood and enjoy real Korean food, K-pop, and K-drama.
Let Shin-Okubo introduce you to Korea without ever leaving Tokyo!
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I was just thinking exactly what you wrote about seeing Korea without having to leave Japan! Those food options look so good and so fresh. I always liked the idea of having food prepared in front of me. Your photos make it all seem very colourful and attractive. I would be interested in the Samurai Museum. As always, lots of great information.
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It was interesting to visit Korean Town. Street food is really special; I wanted to try everything, but I couldn’t eat as much as I had planned.
Unfortunately we didn’t visit Samurai museum. I learned about it while writing this post, but if I would know about it I would go fur sure. It is interesting. That might be a nice excuse to visit Japan once more. 🙂There is a lot to see.
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Thank you Carolyn!
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Look amazing, I love how many mini cities there are within the mega metropolis that is Tokyo!
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It was different and very enjoyable.
Yes, there is a lot to discover in Tokyo. We stayed there one week and even though we saw a lot, we felt that it wasn’t long enough.
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