Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

How a fountain becomes glass

From Cinecity Square, the tower’s top breaks into something like spray. Yuko Nagayama, responsible for the façade and selected interiors, began with the former marshland and the fountain that once stood in the square. Angled panes alter reflections; fine wave patterns are ceramic-printed on the outer glass, with larger white gradient waves layered across them. Small surface marks and the distant silhouette work at different scales. At ground level, a permeable cast-aluminium screen combines traditional seigaiha wave patterns. The building architects were the Kume Sekkei–Tokyu Architects & Engineers joint venture.

For food, start with one region

The 2F Kabuki hall groups food from Japanese regions and Korea. For a first choice, distinguish a complete bowl, such as Hokkaido’s Sapporo curry-miso ramen, from dishes to share, such as Sendai beef tongue or Fukushima’s circular arrangement of gyoza. Muroran yakitori uses pork despite the familiar yakitori name, so it is a poor choice to make on the assumption that it is chicken. Think of the hall as an indoor street of regional kitchens, useful for a meal before a show. Its listed span is 06:00–05:00 the next day, with preparation closures in some areas. For a concrete price reference, a June 2026 lunch diner at Korean Shokusai reported a total of ¥1,868 for seafood spicy ramen and olive chicken: a bowl with fried chicken alongside. Check the selected stall’s food, drink and seat charges before sitting down.

What the cinema ticket buys

At 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku on 9–10F, standard CLASS A costs ¥4,500 and central-row CLASS S ¥6,500. Both have reclining seats and side tables; S adds electric adjustment, charging and access to the OVERTURE lounge. Service including the welcome concession is already in the ticket price. SCREENX adds ¥700, making A ¥5,200 or S ¥7,200. Screen 6 extends the image onto both side walls, while Screen 8 has a 35 mm projector that continues the former Milano-za’s film tradition. Ryuichi Sakamoto supervised sound throughout the cinema. For a particular experience, select the auditorium and format as well as the film.

Book the activity you want

The cinema is entirely cashless. Ordinary online sales open at 00:00 two days before the screening, with exceptions for special programmes. Anyone under 18 is barred from screenings ending after 23:00, even with a parent. An editorial allowance of 20–35 minutes suits a brief look at the exterior and food area. For a meal, film or performance at the roughly 900-seat THEATER MILANO-Za, organise the day around that booking and its duration. Hotels and performance venues have their own admission conditions.

Read it with

Shinjuku Golden GaiContrast with the tiny rooms just south.

Shinjuku Suehirotei“AFTER DARK / SMALL ROOMS” · Day / evening shows

Omoide Yokocho“AFTER DARK / SMALL ROOMS” · Varies by shop

Before you go

Hours and fees

1-29-1 Kabukicho. Each floor has a different use; pick the facility first.

Good to know

The hotel, theatre and cinema each need their own booking or ticket. The 2F food hall lists 06:00–05:00 next day, with preparation closures in part of the hall; this is not continuous service at every stall.