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Toho Building

4.1
·1k reviews·Shinjuku City, Japan

Home to the roaring Godzilla head and Toho Cinemas, this Shinjuku landmark is a must-see for movie fans and pop culture enthusiasts.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Hourly on the hour

To witness Godzilla's roar & smoke

CrowdMedium
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Toho Building - Image 1

Toho Building

Best Time

Hourly on the hour

To witness Godzilla's roar & smoke

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to the roaring Godzilla head and Toho Cinemas, this Shinjuku landmark is a must-see for movie fans and pop culture enthusiasts.

4.1
(1k reviews)

"This building houses the Toho cinema, a number of great restaurants, the 7 11 and the lovely hotel gracery."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏰ Godzilla Showtimes

The Godzilla head roars and breathes smoke hourly. Don't miss the spectacle!

📸 Best Photo Spots

Street level offers good views, but the rooftop terrace (when open) provides an up-close experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Godzilla Head

Giant Godzilla Head

Rooftop of Toho Building

A massive Godzilla head that roars and breathes smoke hourly. A truly unique Tokyo landmark!

Toho Cinemas

Toho Cinemas

Toho Building

Catch a movie in its original language and enjoy potential discounts at nearby eateries.

Hotel Gracery

Hotel Gracery

Toho Building

Stay with Godzilla as your neighbor! Offers unique themed rooms and great city views.

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Planning Your Visit

Catching the Roaring Godzilla

The iconic Godzilla head atop the Toho Building is a must-see! While the head itself is visible from street level, the best views and experiences, including its roar and smoke effects, happen hourly. Check showtimes to avoid disappointment and plan your visit accordingly. TikTok

Navigating Shinjuku's Buzz

The Toho Building is located in the vibrant Kabukicho district, known for its entertainment and nightlife. Be aware that this area can be crowded, especially in the evenings. While the Godzilla head is a daytime attraction, the surrounding area offers plenty to explore. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Hourly on the hour
Why
To witness Godzilla's roar & smoke
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime
Why
Best for clear views of the head
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Kabukicho's vibrant nightlife
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A Chaos Area in Shinjuku😱 #japan #japantravel #japantrip #japantips
@master_japan22
5.5K likes • 206.9K views

⏰ Godzilla Showtimes

The Godzilla head roars and breathes smoke hourly. Don't miss the spectacle! TikTok

📸 Best Photo Spots

Street level offers good views, but the rooftop terrace (when open) provides an up-close experience. TikTok

The place you can see large size Gozila! #learnjapanese #nihongo #howtospeakjapanese #日本語 #fyp #fypシ #japaneseboy #traveljapanfyp #japan #japaneseslang #japanese #learningjapanese #japaneseslang #japaneseclass
@ray_wst
14 likes • 760 views
Godzilla Is Here Again. #godzilla #godzillahead #shinjuku #JR #hotelgracery #tohocinema #tohobuilding 23/12 #shinjukumorning #tuesday #godzillaheadhotel
@snoopyye6
0 likes • 7 views

🎟️ Cinema Discounts

Movie tickets can offer discounts at select local food places. Reddit

🚻 Facility Access

Dine at a restaurant in the building for coin access to restrooms. Reddit

One of my favorite spots I saw here was the TOHO Cinemas, you can see a guant godzilla head peaking over the top #japan #travel #godzilla #shinjuku #experience
@uncleflomar
141 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏰ Godzilla Showtimes

The Godzilla head roars and breathes smoke hourly. Don't miss the spectacle! TikTok

📸 Best Photo Spots

Street level offers good views, but the rooftop terrace (when open) provides an up-close experience. TikTok

🎟️ Cinema Discounts

Movie tickets can offer discounts at select local food places. Reddit

🚻 Facility Access

Dine at a restaurant in the building for coin access to restrooms. Reddit

🚇 Proximity to Station

Very close to Shinjuku Station, but mind your metro schedule after movies! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are primarily drawn to the Toho Building for its iconic Godzilla head, which delivers on its roaring and smoky spectacle. The building also offers a convenient cinema complex and dining options, with proximity to Shinjuku Station being a major plus. Some visitors found the Godzilla statue smaller than expected or not illuminated during their visit, and the surrounding Kabukicho area can be overwhelming due to crowds.

"I just wanted to see Godzilla and the building provided. Can't ask for more than that."

Brian Barnett

"Didn't go in the building but wasn't happy with the Godzilla statue, I had to go back in the day to see it as it wasn't lit up and smaller then I thought"

Lily Cunningham

"This building houses the Toho cinema, a number of great restaurants, the 7 11 and the lovely hotel gracery. When you eat at a restaurant they can give you a coin to use the facilities if you need them (these are just by the entrance to hotel gracery along with a smokingroom as tokyo has banned smoking outside)"

leanne ray

What People Like

Iconic Godzilla head
Hourly roar and smoke
Convenient cinema

What People Dislike

Crowded Kabukicho
Statue smaller than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Toho Building is conveniently located in Kabukicho, a short walk from Shinjuku Station. Take the East Exit and head towards the entertainment district; you can't miss the giant Godzilla head! TikTok

Yes, it's very close to Shinjuku Station, a major hub for JR lines and Tokyo Metro. Plan your journey to ensure you don't miss your train after visiting. Reddit

Look for the massive Godzilla head peeking over the buildings in Kabukicho. It's a prominent landmark that's hard to miss! TikTok

The closest station is Shinjuku Station. From there, it's a straightforward walk. Consider using Google Maps or a similar app for real-time navigation. TikTok

Taxis are readily available in Shinjuku, but traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Public transport is often more efficient. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Godzilla head is visible from the street and the surrounding area for free. You only need tickets if you plan to enter the Toho Cinemas or other establishments within the building. TikTok

The Toho Building itself houses various businesses, including a cinema and restaurants, which have their own operating hours. The Godzilla head's 'showtimes' are hourly. TikTok

There is no entrance fee to view the Godzilla head from the street. However, access to certain viewing terraces or areas might be restricted or closed. Reddit

Yes, Toho Cinemas offers automatic ticket machines and likely online booking options for advance purchases. Reddit

There are no age restrictions for viewing the Godzilla head. However, the Kabukicho area is known for its nightlife, so younger visitors might prefer daytime visits. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Daytime offers clear visibility, while evenings allow for capturing the illuminated head against the city lights. The hourly shows are also great photo opportunities. TikTok

Experiment with different street-level angles. Some visitors mention a rooftop terrace for closer shots, though its availability can vary. TikTok

Photography policies inside cinemas usually prohibit recording the movie itself. However, taking photos of the lobby or the Godzilla head from inside might be permitted. Reddit

While Kabukicho is generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep your valuables secure. TikTok

A smartphone camera is sufficient for great shots. For more professional results, a camera with good low-light capabilities would be beneficial for evening photos. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Toho Building houses several restaurants, offering various cuisines. Dining here can also grant you access to their facilities. Reddit

Kabukicho offers a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to themed restaurants. You can find everything from ramen to izakayas. TikTok

Some movie tickets offer a 10% discount at select food establishments in the area. Reddit

Given Kabukicho's nature as an entertainment district, you can likely find some late-night or 24-hour dining options, including convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Reddit

Restrooms are available near the entrance of Hotel Gracery within the Toho Building, often accessible with a coin after dining at a restaurant. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Godzilla head is a guaranteed hit with children, offering a fun and exciting visual spectacle. The hourly roars and smoke effects are particularly thrilling. TikTok While the surrounding Kabukicho district is known for its nightlife, daytime visits to the Toho Building are perfectly family-friendly. Consider catching a movie at Toho Cinemas for some indoor entertainment, and look for family-friendly dining options within or near the building. Reddit The proximity to Shinjuku Station also makes it an easy destination to access with little ones.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Toho Building offers a unique subject. The Godzilla head provides opportunities for both wide-angle shots capturing its scale against the city and close-ups of its details. TikTok The hourly shows are prime moments for capturing dynamic action shots with smoke and light. TikTok Evenings offer a chance to photograph the illuminated head against the vibrant neon backdrop of Kabukicho. TikTok While specific rooftop access might be limited, exploring different street-level vantage points can yield impressive results. Remember to check the weather and lighting conditions for the best photographic outcomes.

🎬 Movie Buffs

A visit to the Toho Cinemas within the Toho Building is a must for film lovers. Experiencing a movie in its original Japanese language can be a unique cultural immersion. Reddit Keep an eye out for potential discounts offered with movie tickets at local eateries, making your cinematic experience more budget-friendly. Reddit And of course, being in the building that houses the iconic Godzilla head adds an extra layer of cinematic pilgrimage to your visit.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Roaring Icon: Godzilla's Presence

The most striking feature of the Toho Building is undoubtedly the colossal Godzilla head that crowns its rooftop. This iconic monster, a symbol of Japanese cinema, comes alive hourly with a deafening roar and plumes of smoke, creating a truly immersive experience. TikTok Many visitors are drawn specifically to this unique attraction, making it a prime photo opportunity and a memorable part of any Tokyo itinerary. While the head is visible from street level, the hourly shows are what truly bring it to life, offering a dramatic spectacle that captivates onlookers. TikTok

It's important to note that access to certain viewing areas, like rooftop terraces that offered closer proximity, has been subject to closure due to safety concerns. Reddit Therefore, relying on street-level views and the hourly shows is the most consistent way to experience the Godzilla head. Despite any access limitations, the sheer scale and the hourly performances ensure that the Godzilla head remains a must-see landmark in Shinjuku, embodying the city's vibrant pop culture and cinematic heritage.

Beyond Godzilla: Exploring the Toho Building Complex

While the Godzilla head garners much of the attention, the Toho Building itself is a multi-faceted complex offering more than just a photo opportunity. It houses Toho Cinemas, a popular movie theater where you can catch the latest releases, often in their original language. Reddit This provides a fantastic option for entertainment, and movie tickets can sometimes come with discounts at nearby food establishments, adding value to your visit. Reddit

Additionally, the building is home to Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, which famously offers Godzilla-themed rooms and provides a unique accommodation experience for fans. TikTok For those not staying at the hotel, the building also features various restaurants and shops, including a 7-Eleven convenience store. Reddit Dining at one of these establishments can grant you access to the building's facilities, which is a practical tip for visitors exploring the bustling Kabukicho area. Reddit The Toho Building truly serves as a hub for entertainment, dining, and even accommodation, making it a destination in its own right.

Kabukicho: The Vibrant District Surrounding the Toho Building

The Toho Building is situated in the heart of Kabukicho, Tokyo's renowned entertainment and red-light district. This area is a sensory explosion, brimming with neon lights, bustling crowds, and a lively atmosphere, especially after dark. TikTok+1 While it's famous for its nightlife, Kabukicho also offers a wide range of dining options, from casual ramen shops to themed izakayas, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Reddit

Visitors should be aware that Kabukicho can be quite chaotic and crowded, particularly on weekends and evenings. TikTok Some social media content has highlighted concerns about groups of young people gathering in the area, which can contribute to the perceived chaos. TikTok Despite this, it remains a popular tourist destination for its unique energy and entertainment offerings. Exploring the side streets can reveal hidden gems, but it's always advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. TikTok