What to do in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the heart of the Tokyo metropolis. Here you will find many sights and entertainment for all tastes. The Shinjuku train station is one of the busiest in the world, with 2 million people passing through every day. If you like nightlife, this is the ideal district for your stay in Tokyo.
Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to get to Shinjuku
The Shinjuku district is easily accessible by train and underground.
By train you can use the JR Yamanote Line or from Tokyo Station you can take the JR Chuo/Sobu Line.
Metro lines passing through Shinjuku are the Marunouchi Line (M08 – Tokyo Metro), the Oedo Line (E01/E27 – Toei), the Shinjuku Line (S01/S02 – Toei) and the Fukutoshin Line (F13 – Tokyo Metro).
Also if you are coming from Narita Airport, the NEX train (Narita Express) runs to JR Shinjuku Station.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is an imposing structure located in the Shinjuku district. With its twin towers 243 metres high, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. It is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and houses government offices, meeting rooms and even an observatory open to the public. The modern design of the building is impressive, with large spaces and futuristic architecture. It has become a symbol of the city and a must-see for visitors who want to admire the Tokyo skyline.
IMPORTANT: The North Tower Observatory is currently closed. Please consult this calendar for the closures of the south tower.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| 10:00-20:00 (south observatory) 10:00-17:00 (northern observatory) Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| 29 December to 3 January (excluding 1 January) and occasional inspection days 2nd and 4th Monday of the month (North Observatory) The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month (southern observatory) If the closing day corresponds with a national holiday, this will be moved to the next day |
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| Free | |
| 4 minutes’ walk south of Tochomae underground station (E28) 12 minutes’ walk east of Shinjuku underground station (M08) 11 minutes’ walk east of JR Shinjuku Station |
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a green oasis located in the heart of Tokyo in the Shinjuku district. This beautiful Japanese garden was founded in the 17th century and is divided into three sections, each with a distinct design and style, including a traditional Japanese garden, an English garden and a tropical landscape area. The garden is famous for its many varieties of flowers, including flowering cherry trees, roses and azaleas, which attract visitors from all over the world. The garden is a popular attraction in all seasons, especially during the blossoming of the cherry trees in spring.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official page |
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| 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (15 March to 30 June and 21 August to 30 September) 7:00-19:00 (1 July to 20 August) 7am-4.30pm (1 October to 14 March) Please note: Okido and Sendagaya entrances open at 9:00 a.m. Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 29 December to 3 January. There are no closing days from the end of March to the end of April (cherry blossom) and in the first half of November (chrysanthemums). |
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| 500 Yen 250 Yen (over 65 and students) Free (under 15 years) |
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| 5 minutes’ walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae underground station (M10) 5 minutes’ walk from JR Sendagaya Station 5 minutes’ walk from Shinjuku san-chome underground station (S02) 5 minutes’ walk from Kokuritsu-kyogijo underground station (E25) 10 minutes’ walk from JR Yoyogi Station, south exit |
Shinjuku Central Park
This public park is located behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the Kumano Shrine (Kumano Jinja). The park is home to several homeless people, who live in blue tents.
Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official page  |
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| Always open | |
| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| 5 minutes’ walk west of the Tochomae (E28) metro station |
Seiji Togo Memorial Art Museum Sompo Japan Nipponkoa
The Seiji Togo Memorial Art Museum Sompo Japan Nipponkoa is an art museum located in Nishi-Shinjuku district, Tokyo. The museum is dedicated to the work of Japanese artist Seiji Togo. Its collections include landscape paintings, portraits and contemporary artworks. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring international and local artists. The building itself is a combination of modern and traditional Japanese design, with bright exhibition spaces and a cosy atmosphere. It is an ideal place for art and culture lovers visiting Tokyo.
Rlbberlin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 10:00-18:00
Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (open if a public holiday) 28 December to 4 January |
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| 1000 Yen 700 Yen (university students) |
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| 10 minutes’ walk north-west of JR Shinjuku Station (West exit) |
Samurai Museum
A large collection of samurai armour can be seen in the museum. It is also possible to take calligraphy and swordplay courses, as well as the opportunity to wear a samurai costume.
IMPORTANT: the museum is currently closed
Monica Wong, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 10:30-21:00 10:30-20:00 (Saturday) Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| No closing days | |
| 1900 Yen 800 Yen (3 to 12 years old) Free (under 3 years) |
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| 10 minutes’ walk north-east of JR Shinjuku station |
Shinjuku Skyscraper District
The Shinjuku Skyscraper District is one of the most iconic and fascinating areas of Tokyo, Japan. This district is famous for its imposing and bright skyscrapers soaring skywards. With its bold, modern buildings, the Shinjuku skyline is a sight to behold, especially at night when the lights come on. Not only a visual attraction, the Shinjuku Skyscraper District also offers a wide variety of luxury shops, high-class restaurants and prestigious hotels. It is a place where modernity and luxury come together, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere.
Rs1421, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| Restaurants: restaurant opening hours are from 11 am to 11 pm. Some restaurants close a few hours between lunch and dinner |
Kabukichō
Kabukicho is the nightlife district located in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Known as one of the liveliest and most animated districts in Tokyo, Kabukicho offers a myriad of entertainment, including restaurants, bars, clubs and nightclubs. It is particularly famous for its Kabuki-za Theatre and Robot Restaurant. However, Kabukicho also has a reputation for being a red-light district, with many nightclubs and variety bars. Despite this, Kabukicho is also a popular shopping destination, with shops selling electronics, manga and traditional souvenirs. It is a vibrant place, where the lights and activities continue late into the night.
Yu Morita from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Restaurants: 11:00-24:00 Bar: from 19:00. until the following morning |
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| Some venues are closed on Sundays |
Golden Gai
Located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, Golden Gai is an atmospheric maze of narrow alleys housing over 200 tiny bars and clubs. This small area is charming and busy while maintaining an authentic and traditional style. Each venue has its own unique style and very limited space, creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere. Golden Gai offers a wide range of experiences, from live music to conversation with locals. It is a must for nightlife lovers and those looking for a true immersion in Tokyo’s bar scene.
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sprklg, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| From 19:00 until the following morning | |
| Typically on Sundays | |
| Many bars have a fee of 500 to 1000 Yen |
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, also called ‘Piss Alley’, is another area of Tokyo that offers unique and authentic experiences. Located in the Shinjuku district, Omoide Yokocho is a set of narrow alleys dotted with small restaurants and bars offering traditional Japanese food. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with locals inviting customers to try the local specialities. Despite the somewhat eerie name, it is a safe area and a great place to enjoy local street food and immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture.
Photo by Luca Rodegher
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Restaurants: 17:00-24:00 (some are open for lunch) | |
| Irregular closing days |
Shin-Ōkubo Koreatown
Located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, Shin-Ōkubo Koreatown is an area that offers a culinary and cultural experience unlike any other. This area is known for its many activities related to Korean cuisine, from restaurants offering bulgogi and kimchi to supermarkets selling food imported from South Korea. Shin-Ōkubo Koreatown is also an ideal place for fans of Korean fashion and beauty, as shops selling clothes, cosmetics and accessories typical of Korean culture can be found here.
Ph0kin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Business hours vary |
Isetan
Isetan, located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, is one of the most famous and prestigious department stores in Japan. This busy emporium offers a wide selection of luxury goods, high-fashion clothing and high-quality beauty products. With its many themed areas and a variety of internationally renowned brands, Isetan is a must-visit shopping destination for lovers of fashion and luxury items.
Kakidai, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 10:00-20:00 Restaurants: 11:00-22:00 |
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| No closing days |
Takashimaya
Takashimaya is a department store located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It is renowned for its wide selection of luxury items, from beauty products to high-fashion clothes. With its floors dedicated to clothing, household goods and gourmet food, Takashimaya offers an exclusive and high-quality shopping experience. Its elegant atmosphere and wide selection of products make Takashimaya a favourite destination for fashionistas and foodies visiting the vibrant city of Tokyo.
Aimaimyi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 10:00-20:00 (on Saturdays until 20:30) Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 |
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| 1 January (except for restaurants) |
Odakyu
Odakyu is a department store located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It is a major shopping destination offering a wide range of products from clothing to electronics, from foodstuffs to traditional Japanese souvenirs. With its many floors of shops and restaurants, Odakyu is an ideal place to spend a day of shopping and entertainment. Its central location in Shinjuku makes it easily accessible and very popular with visitors and residents of the city.
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 10:00-20:30 (Sunday until 20:00) Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 |
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| No closing days |
Keio
Keio is a department store located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It is one of the city’s leading shopping centres, offering a wide selection of fashion, cosmetics, food and traditional Japanese souvenirs. The mall spans several floors and offers a convenient and luxurious shopping experience for visitors. Its central location in Shinjuku makes it easy to reach and very popular with tourists who want to experience the glamour of the city.
Rs1421, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 10:00-20:30 (Sundays and public holidays until 20:00) Restaurants: 11:00-22:00 |
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| No closing days |
Lumine
Lumine is a renowned shopping centre located in the heart of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. With its wide selection of fashionable shops, Lumine is a shopper’s paradise. The building houses a variety of fashion, accessories, cosmetics and homeware brands. In addition, Lumine is also known for its selection of gourmet restaurants and cafés, offering a wide range of culinary options for visitors. With its central location and wide selection of shops, Lumine is a must for fashionistas and foodies visiting the bustling city of Tokyo.
Rs1421, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 11:00-22:00 Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 |
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| No closing days |
Mylord
Mylord is a department store located in the eastern part of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. It is a luxury shopping mall offering a range of high quality products from clothes to beauty, from food products to typical Japanese souvenirs. Its selection of high-end fashion shops makes it a favourite destination for fashion lovers. In addition, Mylord is also known for its selection of restaurants and bars, making it an ideal place to spend a pleasant evening in the bustling city of Tokyo.
Terry850324De-Shao Liu (Terry850324), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops: 11:00-21:00 (Mosaic Dori from 10:00) Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 |
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| No closing days |
Yodobashi Camera
Yodobashi Camera is the largest and most popular electronics shop in Shinjuku, in the heart of Tokyo. With its wide selection of electronic gadgets, mobile phones, computers, cameras and more, Yodobashi Camera is a true paradise for technology enthusiasts. The building spans several floors, creating a grandiose and technologically advanced shopping environment. Yodobashi Camera’s central location in Shinjuku makes it easily accessible and very popular with tourists visiting the city.
Hadsn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-22:00 | |
| No closing days |
Bic Camera
Bic Camera is a well-known electronics shop located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. With a wide selection of products such as mobile phones, computers, cameras and household appliances, Bic Camera is a landmark for technology lovers. The building has many floors, each dedicated to a different product category. Its central location in Shinjuku makes it a convenient shopping option and a favourite place for tourists to discover the latest technology.
Aimaimyi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 10:00-21:00 | |
| No closing days |
Yamada Denki
Yamada Denki is one of the largest electronics shops in Shinjuku, in the heart of Tokyo. The chain offers a wide selection of electronics such as computers, smartphones, cameras, televisions and much more. With a variety of shops in the neighbourhood, there is always a Yamada Denki on hand for technology enthusiasts. Its central location makes it easily accessible and offers a modern shopping experience with many floors dedicated to electronic products.
Kakidai, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 10:30-22:30 (weekdays) 10:00-22:00 (Sundays and public holidays) |
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| No closing days |