Tokyo’s Shinjuku district has a king, and it’s not hard to spot him. Since 2015, the roaring head of Godzilla has loomed over the streets of Kabukicho.
He has become an iconic photo spot for locals and tourists alike. Perched 40 meters high atop the Shinjuku Toho Building, this life-sized replica of the 1954 original is a must-see for kaiju fans.
The King of the Monsters has drawn crowds ever since his film debut. Here’s your complete guide to seeing and photographing his Kabukicho version.
How to see the Shinjuku Godzilla head
You don’t see a full-size Godzilla. Only his head and claws are on the terrace of Hotel Gracery’s 8th-floor, which sits on top of the Toho Cinema complex.
Important Note: While the terrace was once open to the public, the Shinjuku Godzilla head is now restricted to hotel and café patrons. You can no longer walk right up to the statue.
How to take Godzilla’s photo
To take the monster’s photo, you need to find a good position. Start at the Don Quijote store on the corner of Yasukuni-Dori and the aptly named Godzilla Road.
Walk up and down the road until you find the angle that’s best for you. It shouldn’t take too long.
Photography tips
- You need to take the photo from street level.
- Take a zoom lens: Because you’ll be shooting from ground level, a wide-angle lens (like on a standard smartphone) will make him look small. A telephoto or zoom lens (like the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm I used) will let you capture a powerful, detailed shot.
- Shoot in the evening: The Shinjuku Godzilla head looks good anytime, but he’s spectacular as the sun goes down. The fading light and the glow of Kabukicho’s neon signs add a dramatic flair that you won’t get in daylight.
- Catch the hourly show: For an extra thrill, time your visit for the top of the hour. The monster’s eyes light up, he lets out his signature roar, and even breathes smoke! This happens at regular intervals between noon and 8 p.m., on the hour.
- At night the head can be dark, even with the lights on the roof illuminating it. You’ll need to do some work in post processing to make it visible.
Where is Godzilla?
- Location: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (atop the Shinjuku Toho Building)
- Address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: It’s a short walk from JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit) or Seibu-Shinjuku Station. You can’t miss him once you’re in the area!
- For more information, click here to see the official Toho Godzilla Information Map.
- Here is the Shinjuku Godzilla head on Google Maps:
Other photo spots in Shinjuku
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: One of Tokyo’s most popular parks
- Taisoji: A Buddhist temple home to one of Tokyo’s six giant Jizo statues
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Free observatories on both of its 45th-floor towers
- Tokyu Kabukicho Tower Observation Deck: A smaller observation deck with amazing views of the Nishi-Shinjuku skyscrapers
Should you visit Godzilla in Kabuicho?
While the terrace shot isn’t possible for some people, the Shinjuku Godzilla head is a cool Tokyo landmark. It’s a well-deserved tribute to the King of the Monsters and a photo opportunity you shouldn’t miss. For more “monsters”, check out Roppongi’s Maman Spider!
