Ōkubo
Ōkubo is a SUB AREA in Tokyo, Tokyo.
Ōkubo, a vibrant enclave in Tokyo's Shinjuku ward, pulses with the energy of Korea Town. This compact neighborhood is a sensory feast: the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling Korean barbecue and spicy kimchi, while colorful shop signs in Hangul and Japanese line the streets. Beyond the culinary delights, Ōkubo offers a fascinating blend of cultures, with tiny grocery stores selling imported snacks, K-pop merchandise shops, and bustling beauty stores. It's a place where you can explore a lively street market, sample authentic Korean street food like tteokbokki, and then duck into a cozy café for a sweet bingsu. The area is also a hub for budget-friendly shopping and late-night eats, making it a dynamic, around-the-clock destination that feels both exotic and intimately local.
Best time to visit Ōkubo
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers colorful foliage. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. Winter (December to February) is cold but less crowded.
October
NowTypical for October
- Weather
- Mild 15-25°C
Travel notes
- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Medium
Pleasant weather, autumn colors start.
Know before you go
Getting there
Narita International Airport
International
75 km away
Tokyo Haneda Airport
International
20 km away
Getting around
Stay connected
WiFi speed
30 Mbps
Mobile data
Excellent
WiFi
Widely available in cafes and stations
Local SIM
Local SIM available at airport from $5
Stay safe
Overall
8/10Generally safe, but be cautious of late-night crowds and touts.
Night safety
7/10Generally safe, but be cautious of late-night crowds and touts.
Transport
9/10Scam risk
6/10Entry and health
Health information
Culture
Local customs
Costs and practicals
Cost level
Meals
Hotels
Local transport
Cost notes
Timezone
Local time 02:53
More facts
Population
16,302
Type
Suburb
Nearby areas in Tokyo
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Akatsuka
Akihabara
Aobadai
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Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as: Higashi-okubo, Higashi-ōkubo, Nishi-okubo, Nishi-ōkubo, Okubo, da jiu bao, ookubo, Ōkubo, おおくぼ, オオクボ, 大久保


