Shinjuku

The Basics

Office workers, tourists and locals all pass under the neon lights of Shinjuku. For the best views of the area, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s free observation tower. Then wander through the sub-neighborhood of Kabukicho, one of the city’s busiest entertainment and red-light districts, or relax in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a peaceful spot famous for its cherry trees.

In the evening, you can enjoy Tokyo’s street food scene at Memory Lane, an alley that runs behind Shinjuku Station and is packed with little stalls selling yakitori skewers and steaming bowls of ramen. Alternatively, join a nightlife tour to enjoy local izakayas or go bar hopping with a guide who can help you find the best spots and tell you what to order.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Shinjuku Station connects to an underground mall that has stores selling nearly anything you can imagine.

• The area is easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

• Shinjuku railway station welcomes more than 2 million passengers every day, and the surrounding area gets very crowded.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to Shinjuku is by train; a dozen different metro and intercity train lines serve Shinjuku Station, including the JR Yamanote line. Intercity buses also stop at the Busta Shinjuku station.

When to Get There

The Shinjuku district never sleeps. No matter what time of day or night you visit, you’ll find stores, bars, cafes, and pachinko (pinball) parlors open for business. The street-side food stalls on Memory Lane tend to fill up with customers from 6pm onwards.

Visit Sanrio Puroland

Once you’ve enjoyed Shinjuku’s urban landscape, head to Sanrio Puroland (also known as Hello Kitty Land) for a taste of classic Japanese kawaii (cute) culture. Small children and Hello Kitty fans will love the gentle rides and meet-and-greet opportunities with giant plush characters. The park is also a great place to stock up on unusual Sanrio souvenirs, such as Gudetama bags and Cinnamoroll headbands.

What is Shinjuku best known for?

Shinjuku is best known for its high-rise buildings and concentration of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s also known for Shinjuku Gyoen, which is a nice place to take a break from the urban hustle. While Tokyo doesn’t have a center per se, Shinjuku is Tokyo’s de facto center as many train lines converge here.

What is the best time to visit Shinjuku?

Shinjuku is a lively shopping, dining, nightlife, and sightseeing destination, so you can visit at any time. To avoid the thickest crowds, visit in the morning. The park, Shinjuku Gyoen, will also be most peaceful then. Many of Shinjuku’s nightlife establishments are open until the early hours of the morning.

Is Shinjuku foreigner friendly?

Yes, like most of Tokyo, Shinjuku is a foreigner-friendly neighborhood. There are many things to see and do here, from shopping and dining to drinking and sightseeing. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a local or a foreigner. Knowing how to speak or read Japanese will help you navigate Shinjuku but it’s not essential.

Is Shinjuku walkable?

Yes, Shinjuku is a walkable neighborhood. Like much of Tokyo, walking is the best way of getting around because driving can be slow and parking can be a problem. Reach Shinjuku by train and then walk around—just make sure to exit the station at the right place for where you want to be.

What can you see on a tour of Shinjuku?

Tours of Shinjuku usually include different attractions depending on the time of day you go. Day tours may include the park Shinjuku Gyoen and the Metropolitan Government Building observatory, whereas evening tours focus on the bars and restaurants. These attractions can also be seen independently but it’s easy to get lost.

Is it worth visiting Shinjuku?

Yes, Shinjuku is worth visiting and is a must-see neighborhood of Tokyo. With one of the busiest train stations in the world, it’s Tokyo’s de facto center. There are many shops and restaurants to see, as well as Shinjuku Gyoen and the free observation deck at the Metropolitan Government Building.

Ways to explore

Amid the glittering skyscrapers, Shinjuku Park (Shinjuku Gyoen) is a wide, green oasis that offers a tranquil escape from the surrounding commotion of Shinjuku. For some of the best views of Tokyo’s skyline—and, if you’re lucky, Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san)—head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s free observation towers. After night falls, Tokyo’s colorful nightlife scene comes to roaring life in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho—though largely a red-light district, Kabukicho also offers less risqué attractions, including Golden Gai, a cluster of tiny bars crowded into a handful of alleys. Joining a nightlife tour is a great way to overcome the language barrier and avoid any etiquette mishaps.

Accessibility

Shinjuku’s accessibility varies. While the main streets, stations, and stores are wheelchair accessible, visitors with mobility issues may struggle to navigate the back alleys and bars of Kabukicho.

Age limits

None, but families with young children may want to avoid Kabukicho, where explicit signage is common.

What to pack

Bring cash for a night out in Shinjuku; some small bars are cash only.

What to wear

If planning a night out in Shinjuku, note that Japanese people typically dress carefully and avoid revealing clothing.

Not allowed

Golden Gai is made up of private alleyways, and photography is prohibited without permission.

Amenities

Bars, restaurants, stores

Address

Shinjuku is a special ward on the western side of Tokyo, next to Shibuya.

Driving

While you could drive to Shinjuku, parking is expensive. Book a taxi instead.

Public transportation

Shinjuku Station is very well connected to the rest of Tokyo. You can get here using 12 different lines operated by the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Odakyu, Keio, and JR East.

Best times to visit

Visit after dark to see the neon signs lit up.

Best days to visit

Shinjuku is always buzzing, but it is liveliest on Friday nights.

Best months to visit

Visit in April for the best chance of seeing Shinjuku Gyoen’s cherry trees in bloom.

Special events

In July, the annual Eisa Festival celebrates Okinawan culture with music, dance, and street processions.