Tôkyô is full of surprises, but few are as delightfully unexpected as this one: in the heart of Shinjuku, a giant Godzilla head appears to erupt from the top of a building, ready to roar down at pedestrians below. A playful nod to Japanese pop culture, this urban curiosity draws plenty of attention and cameras. Here’s everything you need to know to find it, understand its origin, and make the most of your visit.
Why is there a giant Godzilla head in Tôkyô?
Godzilla: a legend of Japanese cinema
Born in 1954 under the legendary Tôhô Studios, this Kaijû (怪獣, “mysterious beast”) has become a true cultural icon, both in Japan and worldwide. Initially a metaphor for post-Hiroshima anxiety, Godzilla evolved into a more ambiguous hero, sometimes a destroyer, sometimes a protector.
Over the decades, he’s battled Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Mechagodzilla, survived tsunamis, leveled cities, and even made it to Hollywood. He represents a unique kind of Japanese cinema: spectacular, thought-provoking, often a little absurd, but always captivating.
A symbolic spot in the heart of Kabukichô
Why place a giant Godzilla head right in Kabukichô? First, because this neighborhood never sleeps—it's packed with neon signs, arcades, movie theaters, karaoke bars, and late-night restaurants. The chaotic energy of Kabukichô fits Godzilla’s vibe perfectly.
Second, the building hosting the sculpture—the Tôhô Building—is owned by Tôhô, the original producer of the Godzilla films. In 2015, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first movie, they installed the giant head atop their new skyscraper, as if Godzilla had chosen to settle down in Shinjuku.
Where exactly is the Godzilla head?
A monster just steps from Shinjuku station
The Godzilla head towers over the 8th-floor terrace of the Tôhô Building, just a short walk from the JR Shinjuku Station’s east exit. The building is easy to spot thanks to its modern facade, bright signage, and of course, the monster peeking over the roof.
Inside you’ll find a cinema, several restaurants and shops, and most notably the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, whose terrace offers a close-up view of the beast.
Street view? Yes. Up close? Not so easy
For years, visitors could access the terrace without booking a room, sometimes via the adjacent "Bonjour" café, or by sneaking up later in the day. Those days are gone.
Since late 2023, the terrace is strictly reserved for hotel guests and may even be closed off entirely depending on the time or security protocols. For most visitors, that means admiring Godzilla from the street.
Fortunately, the head is huge, well-positioned, and visible from several angles. The best vantage point? Godzilla Road (ゴジラロード), which offers a direct, unobstructed view. At night, the building's lights add an extra cinematic touch to the scene.
Can you still get close to the Godzilla head?
A dream terrace, now harder to reach
The 8th-floor terrace still exists and wraps around the entrance of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, allowing guests to get impressively close to the monster’s 12-meter-high head. The sculpture stuns with its details, razor-sharp teeth, scaly skin, piercing eyes. You can almost hear it breathing.
There used to be an interactive plaque that triggered a roar. Today, that up-close experience is reserved for guests who’ve booked a room.
Strict access and supervision
Even hotel guests must follow certain rules: limited hours, staff supervision, and no guaranteed access at all times. An attendant checks reservations at the ground floor, and a sign reminds curious passersby that the terrace is no longer open to the public.
What happens during the Godzilla show?
The monster comes to life every hour
Godzilla isn’t just a statue. Every day, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, on the hour, the head lights up, roars, releases white smoke, and flashes with blue "lightning". Within seconds, the atmosphere changes, people stop in their tracks, phones go up, and the monster comes to life, captivating everyone around.
The show is short but effective. The sound is powerful, the lighting dynamic, and even non-fans will find it thrilling.
Best time to catch it?
Right after sunset. As night falls, the lighting effects become even more dramatic, and the streets of Shinjuku glow with Tôkyô’s signature energy. It’s also when the contrast between the urban backdrop and the monster is at its most striking.
During the day, the head is still visible, and you can better appreciate the sculpture’s details, inspired by Godzilla’s design in the 1992 film Godzilla vs Mothra, a more modern and expressive version than the original 1954 creature.
Is it worth staying at Hotel Gracery just for Godzilla?
The Godzilla themed rooms (An original experience)
For fans, or the simply curious, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku offers Godzilla-themed rooms. The standout "GODZILLA ROOM" features oversized decorations like the monster’s hand, vintage posters, collectible items, and even a window looking straight into Godzilla’s eye. It’s like spending the night inside a movie.
Note: Rooms start at 71 000 yen per night (~400 €), so it’s a splurge meant for true fans.
View room or full Immersion?
If the Godzilla Room is booked, there are also standard rooms with direct views of the head—perfect for families or photography lovers who want to enjoy the spectacle without leaving the room.
Even for travelers who aren't hardcore fans, the hotel is a solid choice: great location, comfortable rooms, and that extra touch of Tôkyô quirkiness. Just know that rates are on the higher side due to the prime location.
