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5 Things You Must Do When You Visit Shinjuku | Must-See Attractions

5 Things You Must Do When You Visit Shinjuku | Must-See Attractions

Shinjuku, known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” is a bustling district where business, skyscrapers, and entertainment coexist, attracting countless visitors from all over the world. It’s a place bursting with energy day and night, where you can enjoy shopping, gourmet food, entertainment, as well as opportunities to immerse yourself in history and culture. The charm of Shinjuku lies in its variety of experiences.

In this article, we introduce activities you should try and iconic tourist spots you must see when you visit Shinjuku. Take full advantage of Shinjuku’s unique charm!

1.What is Shinjuku?

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most iconic entertainment districts and is considered one of the “Three Major Sub-centers” alongside Shibuya and Ikebukuro. It’s an area where business districts, skyscrapers, and entertainment areas coexist, giving Shinjuku a variety of different faces.

The name “Shinjuku” comes from “Naito Shinjuku,” an inn town established during the Edo period. It was named after the Naito family’s estate, which was located around what is now Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The remnants of this history can still be seen in the name “Naito-cho,” a district name in the area.

Also a major transportation hub, it sees the highest average daily number of passengers in the world—approximately 3.5 million people. Shinjuku Station, serviced by 11 JR, subway, and private rail lines, is known for its convenience, providing smooth access to various parts of Tokyo.

Here are the main ways to access Shinjuku from major stations and airports:

Departure Transport Method Route Time
Tokyo Station JR Yamanote Line
(Outer Loop)
Tokyo Station, Platform 5
→ Shinjuku Station
~30 min
Shinagawa
Station
JR Yamanote Line
(Outer Loop)
Shinagawa Station,
Platform 2 →
hinjuku Station
~20 min
Haneda
Airport
Monorail / JRHaneda Airport →
Hamamatsucho Station →
Shinjuku Station
~36 min
Keikyu / JRHaneda Airport →
Shinagawa Station →
Shinjuku Station
~46 min
Departure Transport Method Route Time
Bus Haneda Airport →
Shinjuku Station
~35-75 min
Narita AirportSkyliner / JR
Yamanote Line
Narita Airport →
Nippori Station →
Shinjuku Station
~60 min
JR Narita ExpressNarita Airport →
Shinjuku Station
~80 min
BusNarita Airport →
Shinjuku Station
(West Exit)
~85-145 min

Thanks to the excellent access from major stations and airports, Shinjuku attracts a large number of tourists.

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2. Five Things to Do When You Visit Shinjuku

With a rich history filled with traditions as well as plenty of shopping and entertainment, Shinjuku is one of Japan’s most popular entertainment districts. Loved by people of all ages and interests, it’s a must-see destination for tourists. Below are five recommended experiences to try when visiting Shinjuku.

2-1.Experience the City Nightlife

Kabukicho is the place to go if you’re looking to enjoy Shinjuku’s nightlife.Known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” Kabukicho is one of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts, bustling with people late into the night. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, and offers a lively atmosphere any time of day.

Golden Gai is another must visit spot if you’re looking to experience the deep, unique side of Japan’s nightlife. Adjacent to Kabukicho, Golden Gai is a small area packed with about 280 tiny bars and eateries, each with its own unique vibe. You can enjoy bar hopping and immerse yourself in the retro Showa-era atmosphere that the area preserves.

2-2.Explore Retro-Style Street Food

Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku’s west exit area is a great spot to enjoy a taste of the Showa era while indulging in a casual food stroll. This narrow alleyway, which evolved from post-war street vendors, is now home to around 60 small eateries. All of the establishments in Omoide Yokocho are reasonably priced and are easy to stop by for a quick bite. Popular dishes include grilled offal (motsuyaki), yakitori, and stewed dishes, with each shop preserving its traditional flavors.

A key part of the Omoide Yokocho experience is sitting at the small counter seats, enjoying conversations with fellow customers as you savor your meal. Loved by locals, this retro corner of Shinjuku offers a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a food tour.

2-3.Enjoy Seasonal Atmosphere

If you want to enjoy the changing seasons in Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the perfect spot. Although located in the city center, this vast garden is a showcase of landscapes and is full of natural beauty. The park features different styles of gardens, including Japanese and English landscape gardens, providing a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Shinjuku Gyoen is especially famous for its cherry blossoms, with around 900 cherry trees in 70 varieties blooming in spring. In summer, the lush greenery offers a cooling respite, while autumn brings stunning red foliage. In winter, you can enjoy early-blooming cherry blossoms, narcissus, and plum blossoms.

The park also hosts seasonal events, adding another layer to its charm.

2-4.Try a Ninja Experience

A unique experience spot in Shinjuku is the “Shuriken Dojo Shinjuku Ninja Trick House.” This dojo offers a variety of programs that both adults and children can enjoy, including shuriken (throwing star) practice, ninja sword training, and an introduction to house tricks. Visitors can also watch ninja-themed anime and try their hand at using real swords and shuriken, making the world of ninjas feel even closer.

Available in 17 languages, the materials used for the ninja experiences can be fully enjoyed by even non-Japanese speakers.Located just a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, it’s an easy and fun stop during your sightseeing in the area.

2-5.Savor Sushi Handcrafted by Artisans

Don’t miss “Tokyo Sushi ITAMAE SUSHI Shinjuku Toho Building” if you’re looking to partake in delicious sushi in Shinjuku. Featuring skilled chefs who have inherited the traditional techniques of Edomae-style sushi, this restaurant serves fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay and natural bluefin tuna delivered directly from Toyosu Market.

Their popular nigiri sushi showcases the expertise of the chefs. The rich flavor of the lean tuna (akami) and the melt-in-your-mouth medium fatty tuna (chutoro) are particularly beloved by many.

The menu is available in English, Chinese, and Korean, making it easy for non-Japanese speakers to enjoy authentic sushi. Offering high-quality Edomae sushi at reasonable prices, this is a spot that sushi lovers should definitely check out.

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3.Iconic Tourist Spots in Shinjuku

From modern architecture to historical landmarks, Shinjuku offers a wealth of must visit tourist spots. Exploring these iconic sites will give you a full taste of Japan’s diverse appeal.

Here are 15 recommended tourist destinations in Shinjuku:

3-1.Godzilla Head

Located at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, the “Godzilla Head” is a must-see attraction. This nearly life-sized Godzilla statue is situated on the 8th-floor terrace of the Shinjuku Toho Building, serving as a symbol of Kabukicho.

The model for this massive head stands 12 meters tall was inspired by the Godzilla that appeared in the 1992 film Godzilla vs. Mothra, weighing approximately 80 tons. The sight of the giant head towering over the buildings gives the impression that Godzilla has really appeared in Shinjuku.

Inside the hotel, there is a dedicated space displaying Godzilla-related merchandise and movie posters, making it a must-visit for fans. If you stay in one of the special “Godzilla Rooms,” you can even enjoy a unique experience where Godzilla appears to be peeking into your window.

3-2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of Shinjuku’s signature landmarks, designed by famed architect Kenzo Tange. Its twin towers rise 202 meters above ground, offering free observation decks with panoramic views of Tokyo. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree from here.

The café on the south observation deck is open until 10 PM, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy Tokyo’s nightscape. The government building also has a cafeteria open to the public, where you can enjoy reasonably priced meals while taking in the city views.

3-3. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

The 225-meter-high Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is Shinjuku’s latest landmark, boasting a wide array of entertainment options which include a movie theater, live music hall, and game center. Every visit offers new experiences, from theater performances at “THEATER MILANO-Za” to various film, music, and live events.

The upper floors house luxury hotels like “BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel” and “HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU,” allowing visitors to enjoy state-of-the-art entertainment in a luxurious setting right in the heart of Kabukicho.

3-4. Hanazono Shrine

Nestled quietly among Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, Hanazono Shrine serves as a peaceful urban oasis. Since as far back as the Edo period, it has long watched over the growth of Shinjuku as the area’s guardian shrine.It is particularly well-known for blessings in business prosperity and matchmaking, attracting many visitors.

The “Geino Sengen Shrine” within its grounds is also popular with people in the entertainment industry.

Every November, the shrine hosts the “Tori no Ichi” festival, one of the three major Tori no Ichi festivals in the Kanto region, where bustling street vendors sell kumade (rakes) for good fortune, making it a lively year-end tradition in Shinjuku.

3-5. Shinjuku Suehirotei

出典:X「末広亭」

Shinjuku Suehirotei is a historic yose theater, opened in 1948. The retro wooden building has a nostalgic feel, transporting visitors back to the Showa era. The theater is a hub for traditional Japanese entertainment, with its performances of rakugo (comic storytelling), manzai (comedy duos), magic, and musical performances.

All seats are non-reserved, allowing visitors to choose their preferred spot, whether it’s the floor seating on the first floor or the upstairs balcony. You can stay for as long as you like without having to leave, as performances run continuously throughout the day and night.

3-6.Shinjuku Isetan

Opened in 1931, Shinjuku Isetan is a long-established department store. Its Art Deco-style exterior, designated as a historical building in Tokyo, stands out amid the surrounding modern structures.

The main building offers an extensive range of women’s fashion and luxury brands, and is conveniently connected to Shinjuku Sanchome Station. The men’s building is also highly regarded, featuring exclusive items from top brands.

The basement food section, or “depachika,” is a treasure trove of gourmet offerings from around the world, making it perfect for picking up souvenirs. The “Eat Paradise” restaurant floor offers a wide range of dining options, from Japanese to Western cuisine.

3-7.Samurai Museum

The Samurai Museum is a rare facility in central Shinjuku where you can immerse yourself in the culture of Japan’s warriors. Inside, visitors can view exhibits of samurai armor and swords up close, as well as participate in demonstrations where you can learn the basics of samurai swordsmanship. The museum’s armor dress-up experience is particularly popular with both adults and children.

As of September 2024, the museum is temporarily closed, with no set reopening date. Please check the official website for the latest updates before visiting.

3-8.Shinjuku Island

Shinjuku Island is a 44-story skyscraper located in the business district of Nishi-Shinjuku. It primarily serves as an office building, but the lower floors host a variety of restaurants and shops, drawing in both businesspeople and tourists.

The “LOVE” sculpture in front of the building, designed by American artist Robert Indiana, is especially famous. It has become a popular meeting spot for couples and is recognized as a Shinjuku landmark, blending art and urban culture.

3-9.Shinjuku Piccadilly

A state-of-the-art cinema offering top-notch facilities and services, Shinjuku Piccadilly originally opened in 1958, and has undergone a complete renovation, reopening in 2008. The interior, inspired by the Vienna State Opera and Tokyo’s Kabuki-za, creates a sophisticated, out-of-the-ordinary atmosphere.

The cinema also screens films catering to foreign tourists, with the movie Soup, which delves into the history of ramen—a dish that originated in China and evolved uniquely in Japan—being particularly popular. Through this film, visitors can deepen their understanding of Japanese food culture.

3-10. Shinjuku Southern Terrace

Shinjuku Southern Terrace is a green, open space located just outside the south exit of JR Shinjuku Station. The terrace features Odakyu Southern Tower, which houses various shops, restaurants with scenic views, and even a hotel. The 350-meter promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, making it a wonderful place to relax.

The outdoor seating areas and the lush greenery from spring to autumn attract many visitors who enjoy meals or take leisurely strolls. In winter, the terrace is adorned with beautiful illuminations, making it a popular spot for dates. Southern Terrace also hosts seasonal events, offering a pleasant space for both locals and tourists.

3-11. Lumine the Yoshimoto

Lumine the Yoshimoto is a dedicated theater operated by Yoshimoto Kogyo, located on the 7th floor of Lumine 2, directly connected to Shinjuku Station’s south exit. The theater showcases daily performances by a wide range of comedians, from rising stars to seasoned veterans, with live stand-up comedy and sketches.

Special performances and solo shows are also worth checking out. After the show, visitors can purchase exclusive merchandise from the theater’s gift shop, a must-visit for fans of Japanese comedy.

3-12. Kumano Shrine

Shinjuku Juniso Kumano Shrine is located next to Shinjuku Central Park. Close to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, this historical shrine stands quietly among the towering skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku.

Originally established in the Muromachi period to enshrine deities from the Kumano Sanzan shrines in Wakayama, it is known as Shinjuku’s guardian shrine and was once surrounded by waterfalls and ponds, making it a bustling scenic spot in the Edo period, with teahouses lining the area.

The shrine is particularly famous for blessings related to financial success and victory. It gained widespread recognition when Japan’s national women’s soccer team, Nadeshiko Japan, prayed for victory here before winning the 2011 World Cup. The shrine is also home to many cultural treasures, which include Edo-period ema (votive plaques) and stone monuments, making it a fascinating place to explore history and experience a spiritual power spot in the heart of the city.

3-13. SOMPO Museum of Art

The SOMPO Museum of Art is famed for its permanent exhibit of Van Gogh’s masterpiece Sunflowers. The building’s design, featuring soft curves and rounded surfaces, creates an artistic space that enhances the viewing experience. The painting is housed in a special case with colorless, low-reflection glass, which allows guests to admire the vivid colors and brushstrokes up close.

On the second floor, there’s a museum shop and rest area where you can unwind after enjoying the art. An outstanding highlight is a ceramic reproduction of Sunflowers that visitors can touch, offering a rare tactile art experience. The museum has quickly become a beloved art spot in Shinjuku, attracting many art enthusiasts.

3-14. Shinjuku Central Park

Shinjuku Central Park is a vast green space in the middle of the city, surrounded by the towering skyscrapers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and other high-rises. The park features lush lawns, a splash pond, and a forested area called “The Citizen’s Forest,” which attracts families and people who enjoy playing outdoor sports.The Water Plaza, home to the popular “Shinjuku Niagara Falls,” often hosts events on weekends.

The park also features an observation area called “Mori of View,” where visitors can take in the cityscape while relaxing in the peaceful natural surroundings.

3-15. Shinjuku Okubo Park

Shinjuku Okubo Park is a versatile park , and park goers and enjoy sports and participate in events here. It offers facilities such as basketball and futsal courts, making it a lively spot for recreational activities. The park also hosts regular food and festival events.

In the fall of 2024, events like the “Ice Cream Festival,” “Local Ramen Championships,” and “Great Tsukemen Expo” are set to take place, offering a variety of culinary delights. The park is popular with both locals and tourists and attracts large crowds every year.

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Conclusion

As a highly accessible area, Shinjuku is a great place for sightseeing and shopping. With its 11 JR, subway, and private railway lines running through it, it is a great spot to visit after exploring other parts of Tokyo.

When in Shinjuku, don’t miss trying sushi prepared by skilled chefs or experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife. Places like Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho offer unique atmospheres where visitors can enjoy Japanese food and nightlife, providing an experience you can only find in Shinjuku.

From the Godzilla Head to Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku boasts numerous attractions. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to reference these spots to make the most of your trip!

*This article is based on information available as of September 2024.