Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku.
On April 14, 2023, the super-tall, mixed-use complex Tokyu Kabukicho Tower opened in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho. A brand-new Starbucks launched inside the tower, and we dropped by on opening day to check the vibe and usability.
The New Landmark: Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is an entertainment-driven complex with a cinema, theater, and live hall.
It rises 48 floors above ground with 5 basement levels (approx. 225 m tall) and officially opened at 11:00 on April 14, 2023.
Right off the 2F escalator, you’ll find the next-gen entertainment food hall “Shinjuku Kabuki Hall ~ Kabuki-Yokocho”, a flashy, festival-themed space that blends food, music, and visuals.
On the opposite side sits “Building Burger,” an art piece by Chim↑Pom visualizing “scrap and build.”
The Starbucks Tokyu Kabukicho Tower store is located just beside this artwork.
Note: Although the tower’s opening day started at 11:00, from April 15 the Starbucks began opening at 7:00.
2F Seating: 64 Seats, No Outlets
At opening, entry was routed from 2F (the original main entrance is on 1F).
When we visited around 18:00, the store was packed and seats were scarce.
- Total seats: 64
- Power outlets: None observed
- Atmosphere: A bright space accented by a green, aurora-like ceiling tapestry—pleasant for conversations with friends or a date; less ideal for long PC work.
1F & B1F Flow
With 2F entry in effect, the flow was: secure a seat on 2F → go down to 1F to order → return to 2F. It felt inefficient, but this should improve once the 1F entrance is fully in use.
On 1F, there are two registers and a separate pickup counter. Instead of a pastry showcase, food items are displayed on digital panels (there are also paper menus at the register—handy when crowded).
From 1F, stairs lead to B1F, where there’s a small seating nook—quieter and something of a hidden spot.
B1F also connects toward HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU and Dining & Bar JAM 17 on the left, and the airport limousine bus stops (to Haneda and Narita) on the right. Grabbing coffee or a sweet to go at Starbucks before the bus is convenient.
Verdict
We visited on day one to bring you an early look at the Starbucks inside Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
The seating layout isn’t optimized for laptop work; it’s better suited to chatting. That said, the 7:00 opening suggests early mornings may be calmer for quick work sessions. With inbound travel rebounding and direct airport bus access below, you’ll also notice a high number of international visitors.
If you’re curious, it’s worth a visit.
Store Info
- Name: Starbucks Coffee Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
- Address: 1–29–1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku (1F–2F, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower)
- Nearest stations: Seibu-Shinjuku (1 min), Shinjuku-Nishiguchi (6 min), Shinjuku (7 min), Shinjuku-Sanchome (8 min)
- Hours: 7:00–22:00
- Closed: None
- Power: × Wi-Fi: ○ Smoking: ×
- Seats: 64 Cards: Accepted
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2023/04/15/atarbucks-kabukicho-tower/
