Godzilla Gets a Head in Kabukicho
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 Godzilla head
Godzilla’s head and claws jut out from the 8th-floor terrace of the Hotel Gracery, which sits on top of the Toho Cinema complex.
Important Note: While the terrace was once open to the public, it is now restricted to hotel and café patrons. You can no longer walk right up to the statue.
Start at the Don Quijote store on the aptly named Godzilla Road. Use that as your starting point to get your most dramatic shot.
Tips for the perfect photo
Any camera will work, but to get the best shot, keep a few things in mind:
- Bring a Zoom Lens: Because you’ll be shooting from ground level, a wide-angle lens (like on a standard smartphone) will make Godzilla 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: Godzilla 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. Godzilla’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.
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!
Godzilla is on this Google map:
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Conclusion
While it’s a pity the terrace is no longer accessible, the Godzilla head remains one of Tokyo’s coolest and most unique landmarks. It’s a fantastic tribute to the King of the Monsters and a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss. Happy shooting!
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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