Your First Visit to Kinokuniya Hall
Kinokuniya Hall is a proscenium-style multi-purpose venue located on the 4th floor of the Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store, one of Tokyo’s most iconic bookshops. Since its opening in 1964, the hall has hosted theatre performances, concerts, and lectures for over six decades, making it one of Japan’s most storied commercial performance spaces. With a capacity of 427 seats, it offers an intimate setting ideal for mid-scale productions.
Access is straightforward: from Shinjuku-sanchome Station’s Exit B7, an underground walkway (Metro Promenade) connects directly to the basement of the Kinokuniya building, putting the hall just about 1 minute away on foot. From JR Shinjuku Station’s East Exit, the walk takes about 5 minutes.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Kinokuniya Hall, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Getting to Kinokuniya Hall
Shinjuku is Tokyo’s largest transport hub, served by JR, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway lines, making it accessible from both Narita and Haneda airports with ease.
Nearest Stations and Exits for Kinokuniya Hall
The venue connects directly underground via the Metro Promenade from Exit B7 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station, approximately a 1-minute walk. It is also accessible on foot from JR Shinjuku Station’s East Exit, about 5 minutes away.
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Fukutoshin Line / Toei Shinjuku Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit B7)
From Exit B7, the Metro Promenade underground walkway leads directly to the basement of the Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store. Take the escalator up to the 4th floor to reach the venue. This route keeps you dry even in wet weather.
Walking time: Approx. 1 minute (official website)
JR Yamanote Line / Chuo Line / Saikyo Line / Shonan-Shinjuku Line, etc. Shinjuku Station (East Exit)
Exit via the East Exit and head along Shinjuku-dori.
Walking time: Approx. 5 minutes (official website)
From Narita Airport
- Narita Express (N’EX) Narita Airport → Shinjuku Station (direct) → East Exit, approx. 5 min walk. Approx. 80 min / approx. ¥2,820. No transfers required — convenient with heavy luggage.
- Airport Limousine Bus Narita Airport → Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Station South Exit) → approx. 10 min walk. Approx. 100 min / approx. ¥3,600. Note that Busta Shinjuku is on the south side; allow extra time to reach the East Exit area.
From Haneda Airport
- Tokyo Monorail + JR Yamanote Line Haneda Airport Terminal 1 & 2 Station → Hamamatsucho → Shinjuku Station → East Exit, approx. 5 min walk. Approx. 50 min / approx. ¥700. Budget-friendly option.
- Keikyu Line + JR Yamanote Line Haneda Airport Terminal 1 & 2 Station → Shinagawa → Shinjuku Station → East Exit, approx. 5 min walk. Approx. 55 min / approx. ¥490. The most affordable route.
Venue Information
- Venue Name: Kinokuniya Hall
- Address: 3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (4F, Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store)
- Nearest Station: Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Exit B7 (1 min walk) / JR Shinjuku Station East Exit (5 min walk)
- Official Website: https://store.kinokuniya.co.jp/store/kinokuniya-hall
- Enquiries: Please check the official website for the latest information.
Facilities at Kinokuniya Hall
- Hours & Extensions: Time slots are morning (9:00-12:00), afternoon (13:00-16:30), evening (17:30-21:30), and full day (9:00-21:30), each including setup and cleanup. Extensions are granted only when the theater agrees due to unavoidable circumstances, at a surcharge of 30% of the venue fee per 30 minutes over. Rates are shown before tax (e.g., ¥431,000 for a full weekday) (Hall single-use rate PDF).
- Accessibility: Seats 1, 2, 19, and 20 in rows I and J are removable and can also be used as wheelchair spaces (please inquire in advance) (Seating chart PDF).
Recommended Hotels Near Kinokuniya Hall
The Shinjuku area offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury properties in the entertainment district to business hotels near the station. Below are five recommended options close to the venue.
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
Located inside the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower at the heart of Shinjuku’s entertainment district, this luxury hotel is operated by the internationally recognized PARKROYAL brand. It offers upscale accommodation in one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
A Kabukicho landmark best known for its rooftop Godzilla head, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku sits in the center of Shinjuku’s entertainment district and offers convenient access to the venue.
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku
Located in the Shinjuku Station south exit area, this hotel is consistently praised for its cleanliness and breakfast quality. The proximity to JR Shinjuku Station makes it convenient for travelers arriving from other regions.
TOKYU STAY Shinjuku Eastside
A long-stay hotel featuring rooms with kitchenettes, situated in the Kabukicho area. A practical choice for attendees staying across multiple event days.
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
A landmark luxury hotel in West Shinjuku with extensive banquet facilities and a long history as a base for business events and international conferences.
▶ See more hotels near Kinokuniya Hall (10 with photos)
Recommended Restaurants Near Kinokuniya Hall
The Shinjuku-sanchome area is dense with dining options spanning Japanese cuisine to international fare.
Upscale Japanese
Chisou Fufu
A kaiseki-style restaurant in the Shinjuku-sanchome area, specializing in seasonal ingredients and refined Japanese cooking. Well suited for business dinners and special occasions. Please check for the latest menu and reservation details.
Casual Japanese & Izakaya
Washoku Kakurebo Shinjuku
A Japanese izakaya on the 7th floor of Adhoc Shinjuku Building, steps from Shinjuku-sanchome Station. Operated by DD Holdings, it offers private dining rooms — convenient for post-event group dinners.
Western & French Bistro
Canard
A French bistro in the basement of Studio Leon in Shinjuku 5-chome. The relaxed setting and extensive wine selection make it a good choice for a leisurely dinner.
Asian Cuisine
Thai Food Stall 999 Shinjuku
An authentic Thai restaurant close to the venue, offering affordable pricing for both lunch and dinner. A convenient casual option before or after events.
Café
Cafe Aaliya
A cozy basement café in Shinjuku-sanchome, open for morning and daytime visits. A quiet spot to settle in before or after a performance.
Bar
BAR Sanchome no Yoru
A cocktail bar located just steps from Shinjuku-sanchome Station. A popular evening destination in the Sanchome neighborhood.
Tips Before You Visit
Use the Underground Walkway on Rainy Days
Exit B7 at Shinjuku-sanchome Station connects via the Metro Promenade underground walkway directly to the basement of the Kinokuniya building. From there, take the escalator up to the 4th floor — no need to go outside, even in the rain.
Arrive Early on Friday and Saturday Evenings
The Shinjuku East Exit and Kabukicho area becomes heavily crowded from around 20:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. Foot traffic can cause unexpected delays, so aim to arrive at least one hour before the performance starts.
Account for Walking Time from Busta Shinjuku
If you arrive by airport limousine bus, you will alight at Busta Shinjuku near the South Exit. Kinokuniya Hall is on the east side of Shinjuku, so expect a walk of about 10 minutes, including the detour via the East Exit area.
No Dedicated Parking Available
Kinokuniya Hall does not have its own parking facility. Nearby coin parking lots tend to fill up before and after performances. Public transportation is strongly recommended.
Confirm the Correct Station Exit
Shinjuku-sanchome Station has multiple exits. The underground route to Kinokuniya runs from Exit B7. Using a different exit and emerging at street level will result in a longer walk, so check the exit number before boarding.
Allow Extra Time to Reach the 4th Floor
Access to Kinokuniya Hall on the 4th floor is via escalator or elevator inside the bookstore. The escalator area can get crowded immediately before showtime, so plan to enter the building with a few minutes to spare.
Event Spaces at Kinokuniya Hall
Kinokuniya Hall
A proscenium-style hall that has been at the heart of Japan’s commercial theatre scene since 1964.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 427 seats |
| Stage Format | Proscenium |
| Suitable for | Theatre, concerts, lectures |
The fixed proscenium layout offers excellent sightlines and acoustics suited to theatrical and musical performances. For detailed layout and technical specifications, please refer to the official website.