Shinjuku, one of the most vibrant areas in Tokyo, is a place that can be enjoyed by both first-time visitors and those who have visited many times before.
This district, filled with diverse attractions from neon-lit streets lined with skyscrapers to serene gardens and historic temples, caters to all needs such as shopping, dining, entertainment, and relaxation. Shinjuku can be said to be a microcosm of Tokyo itself, offering experiences that exceed the expectations of all who visit. In this guide, we will introduce the hidden gems and must-see spots of Shinjuku in detail. Let’s explore the charm of Shinjuku together.
Shinjuku’s Location and Station
| Official Homepage | https://www.jreast.co.jp/estation/stations/866.html （JR Shinjuku Station） |
| Open Hours | JR EAST Travel Service Center – Shinjuku Station New South Gate 8:00-19:00 JR EAST Travel Service Center – Shinjuku Station East Exit 9:00-18:00 more information → JR East homepage |
Shinjuku is located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward and is adjacent to the wards of Shibuya, Nakano, Toshima, Chiyoda, Bunkyo, and Chuo.
Shinjuku Station, located in the heart of Tokyo, is the world’s busiest train station. The vast station complex houses numerous commercial facilities, offering plenty of shopping and dining options. It also has an integrated bus terminal, providing excellent access to nearby areas and regional cities. The area around Shinjuku Station features skyscrapers and attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Railway Lines Serving Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Station is served by the following ten lines.
With five railway companies and ten lines, it is one of the largest transportation hubs in Japan. Additionally, since the Shinjuku area is vast, if you include stations directly connected via underground passages, such as Shinjuku Sanchome Station and Nishi-Shinjuku Station, even more lines are accessible.
- JR Yamanote Line
- JR Saikyo Line
- JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line
- JR Chuo-Sobu Line
- Keio Line
- Odakyu Line
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
- Toei Shinjuku Line
- Toei Oedo Line
Shinjuku Meeting Point – Studio ALTA
Shinjuku Alta （Studio Alta）is a commercial facility located at the east exit of Shinjuku Station, renowned as a popular meeting spot, especially in front of its main plaza. It hosts numerous TV show recordings and is a favored shopping destination among the youth. With a variety of fashion, cosmetics, and cafes, it attracts both tourists
Amazing Shinjuku: The City That Never Sleeps 24/7！
The Godzilla Head in Shinjuku is a giant replica of Godzilla’s head located on the 8th floor of the Toho Cinemas Shinjuku building. Guests staying at the “Hotel Gracery Shinjuku” or customers of the 8th-floor “Cafe Terrace Bonjour” in the same building can view it up close.
As an iconic symbol of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, it amazes many tourists who visit Shinjuku. The Godzilla Head stands at a height of 12 meters, and at night, its eyes light up and it roars, creating a dramatic effect.
This area is the birthplace of Toho films, and Godzilla is beloved as its iconic character. The Godzilla Head embodies the modern and entertainment-rich aspect of Shinjuku.
Exploring Shopping Hotspots Near Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku, like Shibuya, is a shopping mecca located in the heart of Tokyo.
From the latest fashion to traditional crafts, Shinjuku offers a diverse array of shopping spots that captivate visitors. With department stores filled with luxury brands, unique select shops, and quirky specialty stores, shopping in Shinjuku is sure to be a blissful experience.
Shinjuku Isetan
| Official Homepage | https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/shinjuku.html |
| Open Hours | 10:00~20:00 7F Restaurants: 11:00~22:00 |
Wonderful mall
Wonderful mall if you are into luxury and mid level items. It is good they seperate the buildings into women’s and men’s. Staff all around are very helpful. The tax refund system for tourists is also very efficient, you can quickly get back your tax refund should you choose to. Fantastic location too right in the heart of Shinjuku.
The food court
A ton of luxury shops to explore and purchase goods but the highlight is the food court in the basement. Bakeries, hot foods, savory and sweet. All for very reasonable prices. It is honestly very difficult to choose what to buy and definitely worth a return visit.
Great shopping
Great shopping, lots of shops with great mix of items. Lots of English spoken with knowledgeable staff. Recommended!
From Google Review – Shinjuku Isetan
Shinjuku Isetan is a luxury department store in Shinjuku, offering a wide range of products including fashion, cosmetics, and gourmet foods. Its fashion floors are particularly well-stocked with both domestic and international brands.
It is known for its high-quality service and sophisticated atmosphere.
The building’s architecture is also a key point to check out
Isetan Shinjuku Main Store boasts the highest sales among department stores nationwide. With direct access from Shinjuku Sanchome Station, its Art Deco architecture is both beautiful and popular as a historic building.
Renowned for its selection of fashion items, Isetan caters to a diverse clientele ranging from people in their 20s to middle-aged and older adults, as well as families, offering high-quality items for all generations. While maintaining a sense of elegance and luxury, it has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it accessible and easy to visit.
Shinjuku Takashimaya
| Official Homepage | https://www.takashimaya-global.com/en/stores/shinjuku/ |
| Open Hours | 10:30 – 19:30 |
Amazing
Huge department store with lots of shopping. There is also a Hands department store inside with 7 floors of amazing items. 12F restaurant floor is amazing.
Tokyu Hands
Usually visit at least once every trip to Japan. You can find pretty much anything you need here. I especially like Tokyu Hands.
Nice shopping experience
Clerks are friendly, telling us that we can get 5% discount with customer discount card! Also, with tax refund service, it’s a nice shopping experience there :3
From Google Review – Sybuya Center Gai Street
Takashimaya Shinjuku is a large department store located at the south exit of Shinjuku Station.
It offers a wide range of products including fashion, cosmetics, and gourmet foods, featuring both luxury brands and everyday items. Conveniently accessible, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Shopping and many attractions at Takashimaya
Takashimaya Shinjuku, located just steps away from JR Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku Sanchome Station, is a multi-purpose commercial facility operated by the long-established department store, Takashimaya.
Takashimaya Shinjuku is known for its extensive selection, ranging from high-quality items in the main building to affordable items in specialty shops. In addition to shopping, it offers many other attractions, making it a popular destination.
Keio Department Store Shinjuku
| Official Homepage | https://www.keionet.com/info/shinjuku/foreign/en/ |
| Open Hours | Shopping 10:00 – 20:00 Restaurants 11:00 – 22:00 |
Highly recommended
Great variety (even has a model train shop and layout), great service…highly recommended!
Japanese Authentic foods
There are large variations of food stalls over here. Cakes 🎂 Gyosai and many Japanese authentic foods are here.
Bargain sale
Went to the Pawnshop Bargain sale in the 7th floor. Sale happens every April and October each year. Was able to buy a few bags – guaranteed legit!
From Google Review – Keio Department Store
Keio Department Store Shinjuku, located at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, is an established department store.
It offers a wide range of products including fashion, food, and household goods, and is beloved by both locals and tourists. Its gourmet food basement is particularly popular.
Keio Department Store: A Historic Department Store
Keio Department Store is located just steps away from the west exit of Shinjuku Station.
It offers a wide range of products including women’s and men’s clothing, food items in the basement, women’s accessories, and children’s clothing. The store is known for hosting unique events, such as the “Original Famous Ekiben（bento） and Nationwide Delicious Food Festival” held every January.
The Other Department Stores
Lumine Shinjuku
Shinjuku Lumine is a popular shopping complex located directly above Shinjuku Station, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
| Official Homepage | https://www.lumine.ne.jp/english/shinjuku/ |
| Open Hours | Business hours vary depending on the store |
The complex is divided into two main buildings, Lumine 1 and Lumine 2, each offering a wide range of fashion boutiques, lifestyle stores, and gourmet dining options.
Lumine is renowned for its trendy and stylish selection, featuring both Japanese and international brands. The mall also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, providing a dynamic shopping experience. For visitors looking to explore modern Japanese fashion and culture, Shinjuku Lumine is a must-visit destination.
NEWoMAN
NEWoMan offers not only fashion but also high-quality experiences from around the world in various genres such as lifestyle, beauty, cafes and restaurants, food, and culture.
| Official Homepage | https://www.lumine.ne.jp/english/newoman-shinjuku/ |
| Open Hours | Business hours vary depending on the store |
The facility spans six floors within the “JR Shinjuku Miraina Tower,” one floor inside the JR Shinjuku Station New South Gate, and three floors above the tracks (including the rooftop). It hosts around 100 stores offering fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and more.
Marui Shinjuku
Shinjuku Marui is a popular shopping mall located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station, making it easily accessible. Shinjuku Marui is divided into three buildings: the Main Building, Annex, and Men, offering diverse items such as fashion, goods, and men’s products.
| Official Homepage | https://www.0101.co.jp.e.ex.hp.transer.com/003/ |
| Open Hours | Main Opening hours 11:00～20:00 |
The mall boasts a wide range of stores offering fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and miscellaneous goods, making it a favorite among foreign visitors. Additionally, the mall provides tax-free shopping and multilingual services, ensuring a comfortable shopping experience. It’s also a convenient stop during sightseeing, allowing visitors to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Shinjuku.
Enjoying Nature and Scenery in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is filled with towering skyscrapers, but it also boasts observation spots popular among foreign visitors.
Even in this bustling urban area, you can enjoy nature. Visiting these spots is worthwhile for a break from shopping and sightseeing. In this section, we will introduce such places.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
| Official Homepage | https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/ |
| Open Hours | 10/1〜3/14 9:00AM〜4:00PM 3/15〜6/30 9:00AM〜5:30PM 8/21〜9/30 9:00AM〜5:30PM 7/1〜8/20 9:00AM〜6:30PM |
Beautiful
What a beautiful public garden. The Japanese garden is especially lovely as we saw so few of these while travelling. The tulip tree was blooming and just delightful. The greenhouse is amazing and not too hot or too busy, even on a public holiday. Well worth a visit
Love it!
This garden is so amazing. Especially on its spring season wherein you can see 900 sakura trees with over 70 varieties of it. Many tourists are coming over to take pictures and this place is really good for families, pals and travelers. Love it!!!
Absolutely stunning
Very large and incredibly beautiful park. It gets crowded but it’s large enough that the crowds are able to disperse. If you’re here in cherry blossom season, they are absolutely stunning here and there are lots of them.
From Google Review – Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast garden located in the heart of Tokyo, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year.
Originally built as a feudal lord’s residence in the Edo period, it was later developed into an imperial garden. Now open to the public, it is popular among foreign visitors. The garden features various styles, including a Japanese traditional garden, a French formal garden, and an English landscape garden. Known for its cherry blossoms, it attracts many visitors during the spring.
Shinjuku Gyoen is a perfect spot to relax and escape the bustling city while enjoying serene nature.
Shinjuku Gyoen features various historical buildings and numerous attractions. Seasonal events are held throughout the year, and you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and sweets.
There are also corners where you can purchase souvenirs, making it a well-rounded garden experience. It is a perfect place to take a break from exploring the city and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
| Official Homepage | http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/ |
| Open Hours | 24 hours |
Best little stroll
The best little stroll I have ever done. Park was amazing in the winter with the snow. Nicely set out and highly recommend to visit if you have the time!!
Beautiful park
Beautiful shrine inside a huge garden in the heart of Tokyo, a walking distance from Harajuku Station. They closed at sunset and you can’t after that, so make sure you arrive earlier than that. You can spend your time on their beautiful park around the shrine.
Beautiful view
Beautiful view during the beginning of December. I was lucky to catch the scenery, when all the trees turned yellow and also went there on a day with many food trucks as well as some handcrafted items being sold. All in all a very nice experience. Close by is the Japan National Stadium, where Rugby games take place, too.
From Google Review – Meiji Jingu Gaien
As a spot to take a relaxing break in Shinjuku, Meiji Jingu Gaien is highly recommended.
You can refresh yourself in a lush green environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This location offers beautiful seasonal landscapes, including a stunning row of ginkgo trees and expansive lawns, perfect for strolling and picnicking. Additionally, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, making it an ideal place to stop by between sightseeing. Enjoy the soothing nature to rejuvenate your tired body and mind.
Meiji Jingu Gaien was established in 1926 to commemorate the wedding of Emperor Showa. Despite being in the heart of Tokyo, the vast greenery and tranquility of the area offer visitors a sense of peace.
Particularly in autumn, the ginkgo trees turn a golden hue, attracting many tourists to this popular spot. Furthermore, the area is home to sports facilities and museums, creating a harmonious blend of culture and nature. Be sure to visit and experience it for yourself.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
| Official Homepage | https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html |
| Open Hours | South Observation Deck Entry Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM Closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (if a holiday, the next weekday) North Observation Deck Entry Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (if a holiday, the next weekday) |
Pretty view
pretty view of tokyo for free! if you are lucky and it’s not too cloudy outside, you can see the mount fuji!! there’s also a little gift shop and cafe at the top! there’s always a line but within 30-45 mins you should get in! Visited on
Mt Fuji
So awesome. Highly recommend as there is no fee to go to observatory. Might have to wait in line, but it went extremely fast. Thankfully it was a sunny clear day; can see Mt Fuji
Fantastic
Fantastic views on whole Tokyo from this indoor observation deck – entrance is for free and there was no queue to enter. Even during sunset there was plenty of space inside
From Google Review – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
The observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are popular spots where you can enjoy stunning views of Tokyo for free.
There are two decks, the South Observation Deck and the North Observation Deck, each offering a unique perspective of the city. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree, making it a highly recommended destination for tourists. The observation decks also have cafes where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Note that the closure days for the observation decks vary each month, so it is advisable to check before visiting.
Shinjuku Night Life
Shinjuku’s nightlife is energetic and vibrant. The neon-lit streets offer endless entertainment for visitors.
Bars, clubs, and restaurants stay bustling late into the night, providing a variety of experiences. Shinjuku’s night is an unforgettable experience once you visit.
Kabukicho
Shinjuku’s Kabukicho is one of Tokyo’s most famous entertainment districts, bustling 24/7.
The area was originally named after a plan to build a Kabuki theater, which never materialized. Today, Kabukicho is a vibrant hub of diverse entertainment spots illuminated by neon lights.
It is home to numerous bars, clubs, restaurants, karaoke venues, and cinemas, attracting crowds day and night. Unique experiences such as the Robot Restaurant and host clubs add to its allure.
However, it’s important to be cautious about safety, as the area can have its risks. Kabukicho epitomizes Shinjuku’s diverse and energetic nightlife.
Shinjuku Golden Gai Street
Interesting
As charming and interesting as advertised. So many different bars with their own character in such a small area. The alleyways are small, but we didn’t have a hard time moving through it. Most bars are tiny and can seat only 4 or so people, but that’s what makes it different and interesting.
Very unique
A series of small alleyways chock full of really charming tiny bars. Be sure to go after the sun goes down as everything is closed during the day. All of the cars are very small, usually less than ten seats each. But they are very unique and quirky.
Vintage vibe
Really nice area with a vintage vibe ! The streets are narrow but really pretty. It starts to be a bit overcrowded. Please let the authentic place as it is and try not to ruin it.
From Google Review – Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a small area located within Kabukicho, retaining the atmosphere of post-war Japan.
It is about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku East Exit. This quaint district is home to approximately 200 unique bars packed into narrow alleyways, offering a nostalgic Showa-era ambiance. Each bar is small and has its own distinct theme and atmosphere, providing new discoveries with every visit.
Popular with both locals and tourists, Golden Gai is bustling late into the night. It is a perfect spot to experience the retro and unique nightlife of Shinjuku.
Omoide Yokocho
Teeny tiny restaurants
Magical two alleyways where you can get lost in translation. Packed with teeny tiny restaurants and lots of people. A great experience for travelers.
Must do
Definitely a must do in Shinjuku. Doesn’t matter if you go during day or night. There’s plenty of restaurants to sit you down and serve you amazing food.
The best in Tokyo
Now this old funky street we loved probably the best in Tokyo. Great variety, lots of small places offering Japanese style streetfood, seafood, meat, whatever you can imagine. Don’t miss it
From Google Review – Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, located about a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, is a dining alley that evokes the atmosphere of post-war Japan.
Narrow alleyways are lined with small eateries, including yakitori shops and izakayas, exuding a nostalgic Showa-era charm. It is popular with both locals and tourists, offering delicious food at reasonable prices.
In the evening, the lanterns light up, creating an even more lively atmosphere. Like Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho is known as a place where you can experience Shinjuku’s retro nightlife.
Shin-okubo Korean Town
Shin-Okubo, located in Shinjuku Ward, is known as Tokyo’s Koreatown.
The area around Shin-Okubo Station is lined with numerous Korean restaurants, shops, and K-POP stores, offering a strong sense of Korean culture. Due to the Korean Wave (Hallyu), it is especially popular with young people and tourists, bustling with crowds on weekends and holidays.
The area is lively at night as well, with many restaurants and entertainment venues open late. In addition to enjoying Korean cuisine, sweets, and K-POP idol goods, you can also find Korean language classes and cultural events frequently held here.
Shin-Okubo offers a unique Koreatown experience in Japan.
Here are Some Frequently Asked Questions about Shinjuku
Is it worth staying in Shinjuku?
Yes, Shinjuku is worth staying in. It offers a vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping, numerous restaurants, and convenient transportation.
How safe is Shinjuku at night?
Shinjuku is generally safe at night, but it’s wise to stay alert, especially in busier areas like Kabukicho.
What is Shinjuku famous for?
Shinjuku is famous for its bustling nightlife, shopping districts, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
What is the name of the red light district in Shinjuku?
The red light district in Shinjuku is called Kabukicho.
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