Kabukichô, located in the vibrant Shinjuku district of Tokyo, is renowned for its lively atmosphere and diverse attractions. Yet, many visitors are surprised to find one of Japan's most iconic cultural symbols there: the giant head of Godzilla (ゴジラ).
This legendary monster, recognized worldwide, is a powerful emblem of Japanese cinema and a key figure in the Kaijû genre (怪獣, literally "mysterious beast"). Godzilla was first brought to life in 1954 by producer Tomoyuki Tanaka, director Ishirô Honda, and the Tôhô studio. The monster made its debut in a self-titled film, which has since become a classic in the science fiction genre.
But why does Godzilla's head loom over Shinjuku? It’s not a full statue but just the head, towering at about 12 meters tall. Installed in April 2015 to celebrate the anniversary of Godzilla's first appearance in 1954, the installation also coincided with the opening of the "Tôhô Building," owned by the company holding Godzilla's rights.
Where is the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku?
The Godzilla head is perched on the terrace of the 8th floor of the Tôhô Building, near the reception of the Gracery Shinjuku Hotel and the "Bonjour" café.
Visible from the street, the head is positioned to recreate one of the memorable scenes from the original film, where Godzilla towers over the city. However, this head is not an exact replica from the 1954 film but is inspired by the 1992 film "Godzilla vs Mothra." Weighing over 80 tons, it serves as both a tourist attraction and a tribute to Godzilla's cinematic legacy.
The Tôhô Building, easily recognizable by its colorful façade, is just a 10-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station. It houses a variety of entertainment options, including shops, restaurants, a Tôhô cinema, and, of course, the Gracery Shinjuku Hotel.
How to Access the Godzilla Head Terrace?
To get up close to the Godzilla head, you'll need to head to the terrace on the 8th floor, accessible via the building’s main elevator.
However, this terrace is typically reserved for guests of the Gracery Shinjuku Hotel or visitors to the nearby "Bonjour" café, which offers an incredible view of the monster’s head. The café is on the pricey side, with a coffee costing around 1,000 yen.
If you're not a guest but want to visit the terrace, one trick is to wait until just after the café closes and then quietly make your way to the terrace. The terrace remains open until 10 PM, and you might blend in with the hotel guests unnoticed. Unfortunately, since this trick became widely known, a hostess now monitors the hotel entrance with a sign indicating that the Godzilla head is off-limits.
The Awakening of Godzilla!
Though Godzilla's head might appear calm, it comes to life at regular intervals. Between noon and 8 PM, on the hour, the monster awakens.
Its eyes glow bright red, it roars, and white smoke and blue lightning effects recreate the terrifying atmosphere of the films. It's a must-see spectacle if you’re in the area during these times!
Sleep and Dine with Godzilla?
For die-hard Godzilla fans, the Gracery Shinjuku Hotel offers a unique experience: rooms specially themed around the monster. The "GODZILLA ROOM," the hotel's centerpiece, is adorned with Godzilla-themed details and is available for around 50,000 yen on weekdays and 61,000 yen on weekends. If that’s out of your budget, you can opt for a room with a view of the Godzilla head for about 20,000 yen or a standard room starting at 15,000 yen.
For a more affordable option, the "Bonjour" café is a great choice. You can enjoy a coffee while admiring the Godzilla head. Touching the monster’s skin even triggers a small growl, adding an interactive element to your visit. The café also offers a specialty: a Godzilla-shaped cake, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
If you plan to visit the café on the weekend, it’s recommended to book in advance to avoid long lines.
