Shinjuku could be considered a concentrated version of Tokyo itself—a lively, vibrant district that’s often regarded as the heart of the city.
While Shinjuku may not prominently showcase Japan’s traditional, ancient culture, it is a true representation of the country’s top-tier technological, social, and culinary scenes.
Here’s a guide on how to visit Shinjuku and the must-see highlights in this district.
Shinjuku is Tokyo’s liveliest district
Shinjuku stands out as Tokyo’s most popular district, offering a wide range of sights and activities, so it’s worth dedicating a good amount of time to explore this area.
In Shinjuku, you can find a bit of everything, always at the highest quality.
To the west, you’ll find the Tokyo administrative district.
This area is home to the tallest buildings in Tokyo, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which features a free observation deck over 200 meters high.
You’ll also find high-end restaurants, bars, and luxury hotels like the Park Hyatt Tokyo, famously featured in the movie “Lost in Translation.”
In this same area, you’ll come across the LOVE sculpture, part of a global series displayed in major cities worldwide.
Moreover, if you’ve seen the animation “Your Name,” you’ll recognize many scenes from these surroundings.
To the south, you’ll find the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most important shrine, where you can stroll for hours.
We also recommend exploring the east side of the district in areas like Kabukicho, Golden Gai, and to the north, Shin-Okubo.
Embrace the modernity of Shinjuku and ensure convenient transportation with a 24, 48, or 72-hour metro ticket, which will make it easy to explore this vibrant district and other parts of the city.
What to see in Shinjuku?
Shinjuku offers visitors a rich experience. Whether you’re looking for food, entertainment, or fashion, this district has it all.
We recommend starting with this food tour of the district. We tried it during our stay, and it was fantastic; you’ll visit the top restaurants in the area and sample various traditional Japanese dishes (all accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide).
Do you already know what you want to see on your next trip to Tokyo? Consider planning a day in Shinjuku to explore these attractions:
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is breathtaking and one of the largest in the city. Inside, you’ll find parks and gardens perfect for visiting at any time of day.
Located between the districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku, the garden offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city—a reason why it’s popular with Japanese locals.
Tourists flock here to capture photos, as the area offers a continuous source of captivating landscapes.
Shinjuku also comes alive in the evenings, with neon-lit streets, lively izakayas, and themed entertainment spots.
It spans 60 hectares and offers three distinct areas.
- The Japanese section features ponds, small islands, and stone bridges that create a traditional Japanese landscape.
- The English section has large open lawns perfect for picnics or hanami, the Japanese tradition of sitting and admiring nature’s beauty.
- The French section is symmetrically designed in classic French style, with beautiful rows of rose bushes forming elegant lines.
All in all, it’s one of the best areas to visit in Shinjuku during the day.
Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine was built to honor Emperor Meiji, who played a crucial role in ending the Shogunate in Japan, thus closing the chapter on the feudal era.
The shrine is located near Yoyogi Park, in an area where Emperor Meiji and his wife often spent their afternoons.
Today, the shrine attracts thousands of visitors seeking peace and the serene atmosphere that surrounds it.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by massive wooden and copper Torii gates.
The shrine is divided into two sections: Naien and Gaien, which mean inner and outer precincts.
In the Naien, you’ll find the shrine buildings and the Treasure Museum, while the Gaien contains the shrine’s gardens and murals depicting the life of the emperor.
Nishi-Shinjuku
Nishi-Shinjuku is a district that forms part of Shinjuku, known for having Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers.
This is a business district that’s fascinating to visit, located on the west side of the area.
Before 1970, it was mostly a residential zone, but leading companies saw its potential as a prime location for administrative office buildings, starting with the construction of the Keio Plaza Inter-Continental Hotel.
Gradually, more companies joined, creating the impressive business hub it is today.
Among all the buildings, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building stands out, where visitors can go up and enjoy its observation deck with spectacular views:
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, known locally as “Tocho,” is also referred to as the Tokyo City Hall.
While it wasn’t originally intended to be a tourist spot, it has become one of the city’s top attractions.
Its main draw is the observation deck. The building is 243 meters tall, with two towers, and at 202 meters high, visitors can see a vast number of landmarks in the city, such as Mount Fuji, the Park Hyatt Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree, the Meiji Shrine, and the Tokyo Dome.
Best of all, entry to the observation deck is free.
If you visit Nishi-Shinjuku at sunset, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful cityscape views Tokyo has to offer. The lights gradually turning on throughout the city create a magical atmosphere.
After admiring the views from the skyscrapers, embark on an unforgettable adventure with the 1-Day Panoramic Bus Tour of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, combining the natural beauty of Mount Fuji with the urban charm of Shinjuku.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is known as Tokyo’s red-light district and is famous across Japan.
The district’s name comes from a plan in the 1940s to build a Kabuki theater, though this never materialized.
The area is filled with bars, restaurants, and several nightlife venues catering to both men and women.
Recently, “Love Hotels” have started to appear, adding a distinctive and erotic twist to the area. Rumor has it that these hotels are operated by the Yakuza. Myth or reality?
Most establishments and streets in Kabukicho are very safe, though adult venues are less so. If you decide to explore, proceed with a bit of caution.
Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Station is the busiest in Tokyo and possibly the entire world, with over three million people passing through each day.
This doesn’t mean it’s constantly overcrowded, but navigating it can be challenging.
Rest assured, the station functions with impressive efficiency, but patience is essential, as locals often move quickly, and bumping into a hurried commuter is not uncommon.
Golden Gai
Golden Gai consists of six narrow, dimly lit alleys packed with over 200 small establishments.
Initially, only Tokyo locals frequented this quirky district, but as tourists began to discover it, shops emerged to cater to visitors.
The influx of tourists has helped sustain the area economically, though the narrow streets have remained the same, adding a unique charm.
In fact, most bars have space for fewer than 10 patrons at a time.
One challenge is that many of these tiny bars have a list of regulars, filling them quickly and making it tough for newcomers to find a spot. However, those who do find an open seat are rewarded with an intimate and truly memorable experience, perfect for a taste of Tokyo’s old-fashioned nightlife.
For this reason, some bars in Golden Gai put up signs to let tourists know they’re welcome, reserving exclusive seating for visitors.
Okubo
Shin-Okubo, or Shin-Ōkubo, is Tokyo’s Korean district and is, in fact, the largest Korean district outside of South Korea.
It’s located close to Kabukicho, the red-light district, making it easy to explore both areas on foot. It’s also just minutes away from the Shinjuku metro line.
This area is the ideal spot to find all kinds of Korean products. There’s even a special section dedicated to K-Pop items, which is one of the most popular stops for tourists.
For Korean cuisine lovers, this district has many traditional Korean restaurants, making it an excellent way to experience authentic dishes. Plus, you’ll find the food at very reasonable prices.
Shinjuku Robot Restaurant
If you’re looking to experience Japan’s eccentric and technological side, the Shinjuku Robot Restaurant is a fantastic option.
Here, you’ll see robots battling each other, dancing, and performing scenes that look straight out of sci-fi movies or anime.
Inside, you’ll enjoy robotic shows featuring vibrant music and flashing lights of every color, all set in a futuristic, robotic environment that’s truly worth seeing.
As expected, the food isn’t the main attraction at this restaurant. They serve only light snacks and a bento box with a choice of meat or fish.
If the robots don’t entertain you enough, you can expect an epic twist: dinosaurs and Japanese deities appear at some point in the show to engage in a battle with the robots for control of the restaurant.
This is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and unique experiences in Shinjuku if you’re seeking excitement and something out of the ordinary.
How to get there?
There are several ways to reach Shinjuku, all involving a train ride, so it’s highly recommended to get the Tokyo Rail Pass to save money.
The most commonly used line to reach Shinjuku is the Yamanote Line. Additionally, you can use the Odakyu, Seibu, and Keio lines, which are less crowded and may take a bit longer, but provide a more relaxed journey.
For those wanting to explore further, Tokyo’s efficient metro network also offers easy connections to other major attractions in Shinjuku and beyond.