Where Have They Gone? The New Reality of Street Solicitation Near Ōkubo Park, Shinjuku

What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Area

Ōkubo Park, located next to Kabukicho in Shinjuku, has long been known as an area where street solicitation occurs at night.
However, recent police crackdowns have significantly reduced the number of women standing in front of the park.

Although the visible solicitation has decreased, the risks have not disappeared.
This article provides the latest situation and essential safety advice for international visitors.

Current Situation: Fewer Women in the Park — but New Risks

Due to strict police enforcement, the women who used to line up in front of Ōkubo Park are almost gone.
Today, you may only see a few suspicious foreign women, and there are still cases of:

❗ Overcharging and scam fees
❗ Theft of smartphones or passports
❗ Being pulled into illegal or dangerous situations

Even though the area may look calmer, the danger persists.

Where Did They Go?

The east side of Ōkubo Park is surrounded by a dense love hotel district.
With increased police patrols, solicitation has simply moved into less visible locations such as:

Narrow alleys in front of the hotels
Dark corners or shadows along exterior walls
Low-traffic side streets

Visitors often walk into these areas by accident, especially at night.

Why You Should Avoid Engaging

If you happen to walk near these spots, do NOT take any of the following actions:

1. Don’t take photos or videos

Filming may anger individuals connected to the solicitation groups.
This can lead to confrontations, threats, or violence.

2. Don’t talk to them or follow them

Many reported cases involve high-pressure tactics and extremely high fees.

3. Don’t try to negotiate

Foreign visitors are often viewed as easy targets.

Legal Risks

Even unknowingly interacting with illegal solicitation can put you in a difficult position.
Police may stop you for questioning, and involvement with unauthorized services can result in serious consequences.

The safest choice is to avoid any contact altogether.

Safety Tips for Travelers

To stay safe while exploring Shinjuku:

Walk on well-lit main streets
Avoid entering small alleys, especially alone or late at night
Ignore any suspicious individuals approaching you
If something feels wrong, move toward a busy area immediately
In an emergency, call 110 (Police)

Shinjuku is an exciting area full of nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment, but the streets around Kabukicho and the east side of Ōkubo Park require extra caution.

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