Is the old Koma Theater still there when visiting this scene spot?

No. The original theater has been redeveloped, so you are matching the anime mainly by plaza position, street layout, and the surrounding Kabukicho streetscape rather than the historic building itself.

What is the best time to recreate the Forest mood at koma-theater-plaza?

Go in the evening or late at night, when the surrounding signs and street lighting feel closest to the anime frame. Expect heavier crowds on weekends and holidays.

Can I take comparison photos here safely and legally?

Yes, casual photography is generally fine from public space, but avoid blocking pedestrian flow and do not use tripods in busy areas. Be especially careful not to photograph nightlife venues or people too closely without permission.

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35.6956, 139.7013

Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line) or Shinjuku Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei, Odakyu, Keio)
Walk: 3–8 minutes on foot
Best time to visit: Evening or after sunset for a neon-lit atmosphere closest to the anime mood
Crowd level: Can be crowded

A quiet nighttime view of an open urban plaza in Shinjuku is used to convey isolation and introspection.
No clearly identifiable characters appear in this moment; instead, the series uses a nighttime view of central Shinjuku and the open plaza space to carry the emotional weight of the story. The city lights and slightly empty urban composition suggest that the characters have just gone through a painful conversation, a period of confusion, or an emotional low point, and the setting expresses their sense of distance and emotional suspension. After this moment, the story likely moves into either quiet reflection or a new turning point. The real-life location is Koma-Theater Plaza in the Kabukicho area of Shinjuku, a district known for dense neon signage and constant foot traffic. The anime captures the broad plaza layout and the feeling of being surrounded by tall commercial buildings with impressive accuracy, making the spot recognizable even today. However, the real streetscape has changed over time, especially since the original Koma Theater was demolished and redeveloped, so the building facades, shop signs, and exact lighting conditions no longer perfectly match the older animated image. Even so, comparing the frame with Google Street View or current on-site photos still reveals strong correspondence in the street alignment, plaza position, and surrounding block structure. That contrast is what makes this location so appealing for anime pilgrimage: it preserves the urban memory of the work while also showing how the real Shinjuku cityscape has evolved.

Is the old Koma Theater still there when visiting this scene spot?: No. The original theater has been redeveloped, so you are matching the anime mainly by plaza position, street layout, and the surrounding Kabukicho streetscape rather than the historic building itself.
What is the best time to recreate the Forest mood at koma-theater-plaza?: Go in the evening or late at night, when the surrounding signs and street lighting feel closest to the anime frame. Expect heavier crowds on weekends and holidays.
Can I take comparison photos here safely and legally?: Yes, casual photography is generally fine from public space, but avoid blocking pedestrian flow and do not use tripods in busy areas. Be especially careful not to photograph nightlife venues or people too closely without permission.