The 10 Best Restaurants Open till late at night in Tokyo Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a popular tourist destination featuring commercial facilities, famous tourist spots, and high-rise buildings with restaurants offering stunning night views. Not only is it served by multiple train lines, but it also houses a major bus terminal called "Busta," making it one of Japan's busiest areas in terms of foot traffic.
Shinjuku is also home to Kabukicho and numerous yokocho (narrow alleyways packed with eateries), which become even more vibrant at night, earning it the reputation as "the city that never sleeps." In 2024, many establishments operate late into the night, and it's common to see people bar-hopping until dawn. Today, we'll introduce carefully selected spots where you can enjoy midnight dining in Shinjuku.
Why Many Restaurants in Shinjuku Operate Late at Night
Shinjuku's famous entertainment district, "Kabukicho," is home to a concentration of entertainment facilities including movie theaters, restaurants, and game centers. Many establishments primarily operate at night, and the area is always bustling with both domestic and international visitors enjoying the nightlife. Consequently, the number of late-night establishments around Kabukicho has increased.
As dusk falls in Shinjuku, neon lights gradually illuminate the area, creating an atmosphere that's surprisingly bright even at midnight, quite different from its daytime appearance. Let's check out some must-visit izakayas that operate late into the night in this dazzling nighttime Shinjuku scene.
5 24-Hour Izakayas to Enjoy Anytime in Shinjuku
First, let's introduce 5 izakayas that are open 24 hours in Shinjuku.
Isomaru Suisan
Source: Official website
Isomaru Suisan's attractive point is that you can grill seafood sourced from across Japan on wire nets installed at your table. Popular among people of all ages, it offers a unique hamayaki (grilling fresh seafood) experience right in the heart of the city.
A must-try menu item is the Kani Miso Koura-yaki (grilled crab shell with crab miso). It features crab miso topped with green onions in a crab shell. When the crab miso starts to bubble, it's ready to eat. With no fishy smell and rich in umami, this deeply flavored dish has created many repeat customers. It's delicious on its own, but trying it with a baguette offers a Western-style appetizer experience.
The grilled menu features an overwhelming variety of options, including shellfish, squid, shrimp, and abalone. Why not casually enjoy a hands-free BBQ experience?
<Store Information>
・Address: 3-17-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
・Hours: 24 hours
・Closed: Never
・Phone: 03-5312-6501
・Official Website: https://isomaru.jp/1401/
Chinese Tea House 8 Shinjuku Branch (Chinese Restaurant & Izakaya)
Source: Tabelog
Chinese Tea House 8 Shinjuku Branch is an izakaya where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, including Peking duck, dim sum, and Chinese noodles at reasonable prices.
Their signature dish is the high-end Peking duck. The meat, roasted in a traditional Beijing-style oven, has concentrated umami flavors, and the crispy skin adds an exceptional texture. My recommended way to eat it is on "kaoya bing" flatbread with minimal vegetables and plenty of meat.
There are three sauce options: "Tianmianjiang," "Spicy Tianmianjiang," and "Lemon Sauce," allowing you to enjoy variety in flavors. The chef's live performance of carving the meat right in front of you adds excitement to the dining experience, perfect for enjoying with friends.
Leftover meat can be stir-fried, and the bones are used to make soup. The collagen-rich soup is particularly popular among women for its beauty benefits.
Store Information:
- Address: 6F, 3-5-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: Open 24 hours (perfect for midnight dining in Shinjuku 2024)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3351-8869
- Official Website: http://www.sinjuku8.com/
Izakaya Shiichan's House West Shinjuku (Izakaya)
Source: Tabelog
Izakaya Shiichan's House in West Shinjuku is popular for its wide menu featuring homemade dishes, authentic Chinese cuisine, and bar snacks. The retro Showa-era atmosphere provides a peaceful escape from Shinjuku's bustle.
My favorite is their kushiyaki (meat skewers grilled one by one with care). They offer chicken, pork, and beef skewers, allowing you to enjoy various flavors. The homemade sauce pairs so well with beer that I often order extra drinks.
Run by a friendly female owner, it's known for being welcoming to solo diners. The homey atmosphere makes it perfect for first-time izakaya visitors.
Store Information:
- Address: B1F, 7-5-12 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-6908-7729
- Official Website: https://izakayashichan.foodre.jp/
Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza (Izakaya)
Source: Tabelog
Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza is an izakaya specializing in various types of dumplings, including pan-fried, boiled, and deep-fried gyoza.
Their signature Kakekomi pan-fried gyoza is my repeat order. Like xiaolongbao, these juicy dumplings are best enjoyed on a soup spoon. The meat juice that collects in the spoon is packed with umami – an unforgettable taste! While the gyoza are flavorful on their own, adding chili oil can provide a spicy variation. A notable feature is the absence of garlic and chives, so you won't have to worry about bad breath afterward.
Besides the plain version, Kakekomi gyoza comes in black pepper, spinach, chili, and ginger flavors. It's fun to order different varieties and compare tastes.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-12-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-6233-7099
- Official Website: https://www.kakekomi-gyoza.com/
Yamato (Izakaya)
Source: Tabelog
Yamato is a long-established izakaya located in an alley lined with small restaurants just off the main street. The interior evokes nostalgic Showa-era vibes, offering a casual atmosphere where you can dine without any pretense.
My go-to dish here is the Napoli Yakisoba. It's a hearty combination of noodles with carrots, onions, green peppers, and bacon, seasoned generously with ketchup – perfect for pairing with alcohol. Its classic flavor provides a comforting experience, making you feel at ease with every bite.
The drink prices are particularly attractive, with draft beer, highballs, and sours available for just ¥280 (¥330 on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays). Why not gather with your drinking buddies and indulge in these perfectly paired drinks and appetizers?
Store Information:
- Address: 1-4-18 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3345-4600
5 Restaurants Open at Midnight: Perfect for Post-Drinking Meals in Shinjuku 2024
Ever felt hungry after a night of drinking? In Japan, there's a culture called "shime" (締め) where people enjoy a final meal to wrap up their drinking session.
While ramen is a popular choice for shime, Shinjuku's diverse dining scene in 2024 offers various options including udon and sushi to satisfy your late-night cravings!
Here are 5 24-hour restaurants perfect for your post-drinking meals:
Ichiran (Ramen)
Source: Official website
Ichiran specializes in natural tonkotsu ramen. Their signature tonkotsu soup, extracted 100% from pork bones using a unique method to remove impurities, offers concentrated umami without being overwhelming – making it perfect for a post-drinking meal.
A unique feature of Ichiran is their customizable order system. You can adjust the flavor intensity, richness, and toppings according to your preference. After drinking, I personally prefer a lighter taste with standard richness.
The ramen is served at Ichiran's original "Taste Concentration Counter" with dividers between seats, allowing you to enjoy your ramen in a relaxed environment.
Store Information:
- Address: B1F, 3-34-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 9:00-6:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 050-1808-2529
- Official Website: https://ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/shinjuku/
Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi (Ramen)
Source: Official Online Store
Established in 2004, Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi is proud of their ramen that pursues Japan's ultimate niboshi (dried sardines) flavor. Their dedication to niboshi is evident in their sourcing - staff members travel across Japan to carefully select more than 20 different types, purchasing over 5 tons monthly. These dried sardines are blended in their original recipe to create a rich soup that perfectly balances sweetness, umami, saltiness, bitterness, and acidity.
Their most popular menu item is the "Sugoi! Niboshi Ramen." The soup doesn't have the typical fishy smell often associated with niboshi; instead, it offers a concentrated, rich flavor. Their original chewy medium-thick noodles complement the assertive soup perfectly, making it absolutely addictive. I personally became captivated by this unique taste and have become a regular customer.
The rich yet clean aftertaste makes it a perfect choice for a post-midnight meal in Shinjuku, especially after a night of drinking in 2024.
Store Information:
- Address: 2F, 1-1-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3205-1925
- Official Website: https://n-nagi.com/
Tsurutontan (Udon)
Source: Tabelog
Established in 1989, Tsurutontan is an udon specialty restaurant that prides itself on its "agetachi" concept - serving freshly made, cut, and boiled udon noodles. The interior features dim lighting and a traditional Japanese atmosphere, where guests can enjoy luxurious dining accompanied by daily live music sessions.
The menu offers a wide variety of options, from classics to seasonal specials using fresh ingredients. My recommendation is the Kishu Nanko Ume (premium plum variety from Wakayama Prefecture) Umeboshi (salt-pickled and dried plum) Udon. The fruity and mildly sour taste of the Kishu Nanko plums blends perfectly with their special broth, creating an easy-to-eat, light flavor. The plum is thick and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that becomes addictive. Since plums aid digestion, this dish is perfect for after drinking.
For those preferring richer flavors, there are plenty of hearty options featuring curry and cream-based dishes. Choose according to your mood!
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-26-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-8:00, Sun & Holidays 11:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5287-2626
- Official Website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/shinjuku/
Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh (Cafe)
Source: Official website
Established in 1975, Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh is a cafe that serves carefully brewed siphon coffee (a method using air pressure to move hot water for brewing). They're particular about their coffee beans, offering cups with rich aromas.
Their Premium Blend is highly recommended. With its rich aroma, you can taste sweetness and depth within its bitterness - a cup you'll want to savor slowly while appreciating its fragrance and flavor. I tried their Pizza Toast, which features thick-cut toast with melted cheese - it was delicious!
The brown-themed, relaxing interior includes the "Edinburgh Library" bookshelf, power outlets, and copying facilities, making it understandable why many customers stay for extended periods. It's a perfect place to wind down after a night of drinking in Shinjuku.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2F, 3-2-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5379-2822
- Official Website: https://edinburgh.jp/
Sushizanmai
Source: Tabelog
Sushizanmai Higashi-Shinjuku offers reasonably priced sushi using carefully selected seafood delivered daily from Toyosu Market and throughout Japan.
My favorite is the "Premium Tuna 5-piece Nigiri" set. It includes otoro (fatty tuna), chutoro (medium-fatty tuna), akami (lean tuna), aburi-toro (seared fatty tuna), and negitoro (minced fatty tuna), allowing you to enjoy different tuna flavors in one plate. For those wanting to try various sashimi, the Seafood Chirashi Bowl is recommended. It's generously topped with tuna, salmon, shrimp, salmon roe, egg, and more over sushi rice - both satisfying and filling.
You can order sushi by the piece, making it perfect for a midnight snack after drinking. Why not try some popular sushi at reasonable prices?
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-1-15 Okubo, Shinjuku
- Hours: 11:00-5:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5155-6655
