Shinjuku
Towering skyscrapers, dazzling neon lights, peaceful gardens and some of Tokyo's best food and nightlife make Shinjuku one of Japan's most exciting destinations.
Shinjuku (ๆฐๅฎฟ) is one of Tokyo's most vibrant and diverse districts, attracting millions of visitors each year with its unique mix of entertainment, shopping, dining, culture and green spaces. Anchored by Shinjuku Stationโthe world's busiest railway stationโShinjuku offers everything from peaceful gardens and observation decks to legendary nightlife and world-class shopping.
Whether you're visiting for panoramic city views, authentic Japanese dining, late-night entertainment or simply to experience the energy of modern Tokyo, Shinjuku has something to suit every traveller.
๐ Why Visit?
- ๐ Experience one of Tokyo's most famous entertainment districts.
- ๐ Discover everything from world-famous ramen to tiny yakitori bars.
- โ๏ธ Enjoy spectacular live entertainment at Samurai Restaurant Time.
- ๐๏ธ Take in spectacular panoramic views from the free observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
- ๐ณ Escape the crowds in one of Tokyo's largest parks and gardens.
- ๐ธ Visit many of Tokyo's most photographed landmarks.
๐ Top Attractions
- ๐ Shinjuku Station
- ๐ฆ Godzilla Head
- ๐ฑ Shinjuku 3D Cat
- ๐๏ธ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- ๐ณ Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- ๐ Kabukichล
- โ๏ธ Samurai Restaurant Time
- ๐ข Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
- ๐ฎ Shinjuku Golden Gai
๐บ Bars & Restaurants
Whether you're after a quick breakfast, traditional Japanese dining or an evening sampling craft beer, Shinjuku offers one of Tokyo's widest selections of food and drink.
Featured recommendations include:
- ๐ Ichiran Nishi-Shinjuku
- ๐ณ eggslut Shinjuku
- ๐บ Shinjuku Frigo
- ๐ข Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
- ๐ฎ Shinjuku Golden Gai
๐๏ธ Shopping
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's premier shopping destinations.
Popular places include:
- ๐ MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya (worth the short trip from Shinjuku)*
- ๐ฌ Isetan Shinjuku
- ๐๏ธ Takashimaya Times Square
- ๐ป Bic Camera
- ๐ท Yodobashi Camera
- ๐ Lumine Shinjuku
๐ Getting Around
Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest railway station and the main gateway to the district, connecting JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Odakyu and Keio Railway services.
Most attractions are within walking distance of the station. For information about station exits, railway lines and navigating the complex, see Shinjuku Station.
๐บ๏ธ Areas & Precincts
Shinjuku is made up of several distinct areas and precincts, each offering its own unique atmosphere.
- ๐ Kabukichล โ Tokyo's famous entertainment district.
- ๐ฎ Shinjuku Golden Gai โ Historic alleyways home to tiny themed bars and vibrant nightlife.
- ๐ข Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) โ A nostalgic dining precinct famous for yakitori and traditional izakayas.
- ๐ฑ Shinjuku 3D Cat โ A modern landmark outside Shinjuku Station and one of the district's most photographed sights.
- ๐ณ Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden โ A peaceful oasis featuring expansive gardens and seasonal beauty.
- ๐๏ธ West Shinjuku โ Home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, soaring skyscrapers, luxury hotels and panoramic observation decks.
๐ก Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
A great introduction to Shinjuku could include:
- ๐ Arrive at Shinjuku Station, the world's busiest railway station and the gateway to the district.
- ๐๏ธ Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and enjoy panoramic views from its free observation decks.
- ๐ณ Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
- ๐ณ Enjoy breakfast or brunch at eggslut Shinjuku.
- ๐ฑ Visit the famous Shinjuku 3D Cat outside the station.
- ๐ฆ Explore Kabukichล and see the iconic Godzilla Head.
- ๐ Enjoy a bowl of world-famous tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran Nishi-Shinjuku.
- ๐บ Relax with a Belgian craft beer at Shinjuku Frigo.
- ๐ข Wander through Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane).
- โ๏ธ Experience the spectacular live show at Samurai Restaurant Time.
- ๐ฎ Finish the evening with a drink in Shinjuku Golden Gai.
๐ก Tips
- ๐ถ Wear comfortable shoesโmany of Shinjuku's attractions are best explored on foot.
- ๐ Visit both during the day and after dark to experience two very different sides of the district.
- ๐ท Bring a cameraโthe neon streets provide some of Tokyo's best night photography.
- ๐ Check which station exit you need before arriving, as Shinjuku Station is enormous.
- ๐ซ Politely ignore street touts promoting bars and clubs.
Location
Shinjuku is located in western central Tokyo and is centred around Shinjuku Station, the world's busiest railway station.
๐ Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku City, Tokyo