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Shinjuku during the nighttime. There are numerous things to do in Shinjuku during this time.

Top 30 Things to Do in Shinjuku

By Pin-Sheng, Ho | September 27, 2022 

Are you currently studying or working in Japan close to Shinjuku but have no idea what to do in Shinjuku? Don’t worry, I have been there too, and I will try to answer all your questions regarding things to do in Shinjuku. Often as international students or working professionals, our free time is limited. Therefore, planning the most efficient trip with the least amount of time becomes our priority, maximizing our time on traveling instead of searching. Keep reading and we will explore our favorite day and night activities, landmarks, and restaurants to make your visit to Shinjuku memorable!

 This article is part of our extensive series on Learning About Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.

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    What is Shinjuku known for?

    Starting with, Shinjuku (新宿) is one of the busiest city centers in Tokyo. It is one of Tokyo’s leading shopping destinations, with many large fashion department stores (Isetan, Marui) and the largest electrical appliance mall (Bic Camera) in Japan, as well as a gourmet street where you can find restaurants and izakaya at all price levels.

    Shinjuku is also known as a popular tourist destination, with Shinjuku Gyoen (one of the largest and most popular parks, located a short walk from Shinjuku Station) and Tokyo City Hall (often visited by tourists for its free observation decks which provide great panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond) attracting many visitors from time to time.

    How can I get to Shinjuku?

    From Haneda Airport

    Transportation to and from Haneda Airport is mainly on the Keikyu Line, monorail, JR Yamanote Line, or Tokyo Metro; in addition to trains, there are also limousine buses and airport charter buses.

              1. Limousine Bus (Fastest & Easiest): 

    Frequency: 

    • Departs every 5 – 30 minutes from Haneda Airport International Terminal

    Travel Cost (One way): 

    • ¥ 1,250

    Transfer:

    • Direct

    Total Travel Time Required:

    • Around 30 minutes

    More information here on Booking.

              2. Tokyo Monorail and JR Yamanote Line:

    Frequency:

    • Tokyo Monorail departs every 3 - 10 minutes from Haneda Airport International Terminal

    Train Route:

    1. Take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station.
    2. Change at Hamamatsucho Station and then transfer to JR Yamanote Line.
    3. Ride the JR Yamanote Line from Hamamatsucho Station to Shinjuku Station.

    ***Haneda Airport International Terminal to Hamamatsucho Station via Tokyo Monorail (around 15 minutes cost ¥ 500)*** 

    ***Hamamatsucho Station to Shinjuku Station via JR Yamanote Line (around 26 minutes cost ¥ 200)***

    Transfer:

    • 1 time at Hamamatsucho Station

    Total Travel Time Required:

    • Around 41 minutes

              3. Keikyu Line and JR Yamanote Line (Cheapest, but requires transfer):

    Frequency:

    • Depart every 5 – 10 minutes from Haneda Airport International Terminal

    Train Route:

    1. Board the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa Station.
    2. Alight at Shinagawa Station and then change to JR Yamanote Line.
    3. Catch the JR Yamanote Line from Shinagawa Station to Shinjuku Station.

    ***Haneda Airport International Terminal to Shinagawa Station via Keikyu Line (around 15 minutes cost ¥ 300)***

    ***Shinagawa Station to Shinjuku Station via JR Yamanote Line (around 20 minutes cost ¥ 200)***

    Transfer:

    • 1 time

    Total Travel Time Required:

    • Around 35 minutes

              4. Private Haneda Airport Transfers

    Frequency:

    • 24-hour service

    Cost:

    • Price differs from vehicle type

    If you have questions regarding prices and available vehicle types, please visit the site here.

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    From Narita Airport

              1. Keisei Skyliner and JR Train (Fastest)

    Frequency:

    • Departs every 20 - 30 minutes from Narita Airport

    Train Route:

    1. First, take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Nippori Station.
    2. Next, arrive at Nippori Station and then transfer to JR Yamanote Line.
    3. Finally, catch the JR Yamanote Line from Nippori Station to Shinjuku Station.

    Narita Airport to Nippori Station via Keisei Skyliner:

    • Around 40 minutes
    • Normal Ticket Price: ¥ 2,520 

    Nippori Station to Shinjuku Station via JR Yamanote Line:

    • Around 20 minutes
    • ¥ 200

    Transfer:

    • 1 time

    Total Travel Time Required:

    • Around 60 minutes

              2. Limousine Bus (Easiest)

    Frequency:

    • Depart every 10 - 20 minutes from Narita Airport

    Departure Locations:

    • Narita Airport Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3

    Travel Cost (One way):

    • Normal Ticket Price: ¥ 3,200 

    Transfer:

    • Direct

    Total Travel Time Required:

    • Around 105 minutes

              3. JR Narita Express (NEX)

    Frequency:

    • Depart every 30 minutes from Narita Airport

    Departure Locations:

    • Narita Airport Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3

    Train Route:

    • Take Narita Express to Shinjuku from Narita airport directly without a transfer required

    Travel Cost (One way):

    • ¥ 3,250

    Transfer:

    • Direct

    Total Travel Time Required:

    • Around 90 minutes

              4. Keisei Limited Express and JR Train (Cheapest, but requires transfer)

    Departure Locations:

    • Narita Airport Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3

    Train Route:

    1. First, ride the Keisei Limited Express from Narita Airport to Nippori Station.
    2. Next, arrive at Nippori Station and then change to JR Yamanote Line.
    3. Finally, board the JR Yamanote Line from Nippori Station to Shinjuku Station.

    Narita Airport to Nippori Station via Keisei Limited Express:

    • Around 75 minutes
    • ¥ 1,050

    Nippori Station to Shinjuku Station via JR Yamanote Line:

    • Around 20 minutes
    • ¥ 200

    Transfer:

    • 1

    Total Travel Time Required:

    • Around 95 minutes

    5. Private Car Transfer

    Frequency:

    • 24-hour service

    Cost:

    • Price differs from vehicle type

    These are two of the suggested online booking platform, click here to see more information about transfers.

    General Information About Shinjuku Station

    To begin with, Shinjuku Station contains various railways and subways, including the JR Line, Keio Line, Keio New Line, Odakyu Line, Toei Oedo Line, Toei Shinjuku Line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi. Since the station is quite large and divided into several sections, make sure to check which exit is appropriate for your destination. For example:

    Also, if you want to go to Higashi-Kyoto Hall, which is famous for its observation deck, or if there are electrical appliances stores such as Bic camera, it is recommended that you exit the station through the "West Exit". 

    Next, if you want to go to the Kabukicho area with a sophisticated adult atmosphere, such as the Shinjuku Golden Street, or a fashionable department store such as Mitsukoshi Isetan, Marui Department Store, or Lumine Est, we recommend using the "East Exit".

    Finally, if you want to go check out some trendy shopping malls such as Lumine 1 (ルミネ1), Lumine 2 (ルミネ2), or NEWoMan, please use the "South Exit".

    Impressed by the convenience of Japanese trains? Feel free to visit the Ultimate Guide to the JR Tokyo Wide Pass to learn more!

    Recommended Breakfasts to Start Your Day in Shinjuku

    Having breakfast in Shinjuku before you start your trip to build up your strength for the day is quite important. Often people eat their breakfast either at a hotel or bought from the supermarket. However, there are plenty of places to eat breakfast on the streets of Japan. Shinjuku, one of the major cities in Tokyo, is no exception.

    ベーカリー&レストラン 沢村 新宿 (Bakery&Restaurant, Sawamura Shinjuku)

    First, located on the NEWoMan Shinjuku Food Hall (2nd floor), a shopping complex at the south exit of Shinjuku Station, the Bakery & Restaurant uses more than 20 types of wheat flour from both inside and outside of Japan to bake their bread, which is popular among people as Sawamura's signature products. The restaurant is located in the summer resort of Karuizawa, so even in Tokyo, you can enjoy the same delicious food as the restaurant and enjoy the resort's relaxing atmosphere.

    The popular breakfast is the Sawamura Bacon and Egg Platter, which is a combination of thick slices of toast, eggs, bacon, seasonal soup, salad, and coffee or black tea made on the same day! For an additional 200 yen, you can exchange it for a cappuccino. Their cappuccino, made with specially selected cream, is very popular because of its crispiness and deliciousness.

    Opening hours: Breakfast: 07:00 ~ 10:00 | Lunch: 11:00 ~ 17:00 | Dinner: 17:00 ~ 24:00
    Address: 〒151-0051 東京都渋谷区千駄ヶ谷 5-24-55 NEWoMan新宿 2F エキソト フードホール / NEWoMan Shinjuku 2F Ekisoto Food Hall, 5-24-55 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051

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    だし茶漬け えん 新宿小田急エース店 (Dashichazuke EN ShinjukuodakyuACE)

    In Odakyu ACE, which is connected to JR Shinjuku Station, there is a restaurant chain that sells Japanese dashi soup (Japanese soup stock made of kombu (seaweed) and bonito (dried fish)). In addition, the thin Japanese soup is made from Hitomebore, a brand of white rice produced in Miyagi Prefecture, combined with kombu (seaweed), and iriko (dried small fish). Their soup is also served with seasonal ingredients such as seabream and sesame seed broth. Immerse yourself in the rich, pure Japanese flavor first thing in the morning!

    Opening hours: Breakfast 8:00 ~ 10:00, Lunch/Dinner: 10:00~20:00
    Address: 〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿一丁目 西口地下街1号 小田急エース北館 / Odakyu Ace Kitakan, No. 1 Underground Shopping Street at Nishi-Shinjuku 1-Chome Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-2003

    ヴァーヴコーヒーロースター 新宿 (VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS SHINJUKU)

    "VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS SHINJUKU" is also located in NEWoMan Shinjuku, The coffee roaster from California selects the beans and roasts them in-house, brewing high-quality coffee one cup at a time. In addition, for breakfast, you can choose from a sweet lattice muffin or a cheese lattice muffin, which is baked to perfection and served with a cup of coffee selected according to the season.

    Opening hours: Breakfast: 07:00 ~ 11:00, Lunch/Dinner: 11:00~20:00
    Address: 〒151-0051 東京都渋谷区千駄ヶ谷 5-24-55 NEWoMan新宿 2F エキソト / NEWoMan Shinjuku 2F Ekisoto, 5-24-55 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051

    こめらく 日本のお茶漬け日和 新宿京王モール店 (KOMERAKU Japanese Tea Ceremony Shinjuku Keio Mall)

    Next, when you come to Japan, you absolutely should not miss this authentic Japanese breakfast! "KOMERAKU" is a tea-brewed rice restaurant that specializes in an aromatic soup made from bonito (Skipjack Tuna), and serves traditional Japanese tea-brewed rice with other Japanese flavors such as side dishes and pickles. It not only allows visitors to experience Japanese food at its finest but also transforms the original plain tea-brewed rice into an Instagram-perfect dish! 

    Are you interested in learning more about Japanese tea? Why not check out the Ultimate Guide to Japanese Tea from Japan Switch?

    The entrance to the JR Shinjuku station. Even at the station, there are many things to do in Shinjuku.

    Top 10 Things to Do in Shinjuku

    Shinjuku Station is huge, and it is the station with the highest number of passengers in the world. It is not uncommon for people to get lost and find their way out of the station, as people move in and out of the huge station. There are many exits from Shinjuku Station, and sometimes you may accidentally leave the station through an exit that is far from your destination.

    Shinjuku Station is a place where even Japanese people living in Tokyo can get lost. Let’s walk through some of our favorite things to do in Shinjuku by the most convenient exits! 

    Shinjuku East and Chuo East Area

    新宿東宝ビル (Shinjuku Toho Building)

    First, there is a new building with a cinema, accommodation, and restaurants has opened in Shinjuku Toho Building. There are 16 restaurants on the first floor, including a sushi store, a Yakiniku restaurant, and a korai store (crepe store).

    There are many stores in Kabukicho that are open until midnight, however, if you are not feeling comfortable exploring Shinjuku at night, you can enjoy Kabukicho in Toho Building because it is safe right there. Near the roof of the Toho building is the world-recognized "Godzilla", and the hotel rooms closest to it can see it directly from the window, which is very impressive!

    歌舞伎町 (Shinjuku Kabukicho)

    Second, many visitors to Shinjuku want to visit Kabukicho, arguably Asia's largest fun town. Kabukicho is known as the "city that never sleeps" because there are many activities that can be done at night and it is even more lively at night than during the day. For example, restaurants, karaoke, izakaya, and robot restaurants combine to make the area great for both dining and audio-visual experiences!

    The main street of Kabukicho, "Ichigai-Dori", is identified by its neon-lit archway. There are many restaurants on the way to Seibu-Shinjuku Station, and they are very popular with tourists. Also, there are many small bars on 新宿ゴールデン街 Golden Gai, which was once a black market after the Second World War and is well worth a visit.

    驚安の殿堂 新宿東南口店 (Don Quijote Shinjuku East Exit Main Store)

    Third, the 24-hour Don Quixote is a discount store with a nationwide presence in Japan, selling a wide variety of products, including food, groceries, electrical goods, designer goods, party favors, etc. You can find almost anything you want to buy, and it's worth a visit to pick up souvenirs.

    Due to a large number of foreign customers, the store offers not only tax-free but also foreign currency notes such as U.S. dollars, Renminbi, Euros, Thai baht, Korean won, Hong Kong dollars, and Taiwan dollars. Of course, credit cards, UnionPay cards, and Alipay are also acceptable and very convenient. In addition, we also provide airport delivery service.

      

     

     

     

     

    ルミネエスト新宿 (LUMINE EST)

    LUMINE EST is located just outside the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station and has about 260 stores. Famous stores such as “Cheese&Doria. Sweets”, “The Smile”, "馬馬虎虎Mamahuhu" etc, offer a wide range of products from lifestyle products to fashion, as well as restaurants and cafes. In addition to the same tax-free services, it is worth mentioning that the store is open until 22:00 on weekdays and the restaurants until 23:00!

    Shinjuku Sanchome Area

    紀伊國屋書店・新宿本店 (Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku Main Store)

    Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku Main Branch is a large bookstore complex located at the east exit of Shinjuku Station, and the bookstore building is located next to Shinjuku-Dori. From a two-story store, in the beginning, the store has grown into a large bookstore with 11 floors and a collection of over a million books, becoming one of the most popular bookstores in Tokyo. It is a hot spot to visit for those who enjoy reading. 

    In addition, Kinokuniya Bookstore has a large number of books covering various fields such as literary works, foreign languages, art-related, medical academic, nursing professionals, and even comic books. So you can get in touch with Japanese culture through books, magazines, and picture books.

    Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00
    Address:東京都新宿區新宿3-17-7 / 3-chōme-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

    ディスカウントドラッグコスモス 歌舞伎町一丁目店 (COSMOS Shinjuku)

    COSMOS Cosmetic Store Shinjuku is conveniently located on the main street of Kabukicho Ichiban, so you can easily find the sign. Since Shinjuku is a popular shopping area for cosmetics, the products on display are the most popular among tourists!

    Additionally, COSMOS Pharmacy focuses on health food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and care products, and often offers better prices than other pharmacies, as well as exclusive premium cosmetic care products that can only be purchased at COSMOS Pharmacy with Japanese beauty brands Shiseido and KOSE.

    Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 20:00
    Address: 〒160-0021 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1丁目5−2 KUビル1階 / Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−5−2 KUビル 1floor

    伊勢丹新宿店 (Isetan Shinjuku)

    Shinjuku Isetan is a long-established department store consisting of several buildings. The main building, designated as a historical building in Tokyo, the men's hall, which specializes in men's products, and the Isetan Kaikan, which houses restaurants and various stores such as luxury, or clothing brands are all part of the building.

    The stone-built main building has a strong vintage look, which makes it look even more elegant in Shinjuku, where modern high-rise buildings abound.

    Isetan Shinjuku is a shopping paradise for all ages, with a wide variety of brand-name products that guarantee quality and sell the hottest items of the day.

    Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 20:00
    Address:東京都新宿區新宿3-14-1  / 3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

    Shinjuku Southeast Area

    タカシマヤタイムズスクエア (Takashimaya TIMES SQUARE)

    Takashimaya Times Square is not only a must-see in Shinjuku, but it is also one of the must-see shopping spots in Tokyo. Takashimaya also has a distinctly more upmarket sensibility that rivals a visit to Mitsukoshi in Ginza, as evidenced by the carefully curated brands and goods on sale. Luxury brands such as Hermes, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton have stores here; and the kitchenware section, for instance, has a fine selection of exquisite hand-thrown ceramics and gorgeously painted porcelain ware. They are also very tourist-friendly these days, with attendants in red who speak English and Chinese. Tax refunds are easy, with instant cash back.

    新宿ミロード (Shinjuku MYLORD)

    Odakyu Shinjuku Mylord is a department store popular among young girls. The main building is located at the south exit of Odakyu Shinjuku Station, and also includes a walkway (called Mosaic Street) that connects to the west exit of Shinjuku. There are more than 120 stores, including fashion and beauty, gifts and supplies, and restaurants and cafes. Therefore, if you are looking for the latest trendy products, visit MYLORD because you can’t go wrong here with the wide variety of products.

    Shinjuku South Area 

    新宿サザンテラス店 (Shake Shack)

    Shake Shack, the number one restaurant in Japan and the best burger restaurant in New York, opened in Tokyo's Jingu Gaien in 2015 and is still a popular restaurant even after the craze. The classic beef burger is available with single or double layers of beef, soft and juicy buns with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles, and a rich but not greasy taste that you can't get enough of.

    Shinjuku West and Central-West Area

    ヨドバシ (YODOBASHI)

    Besides Bicqlo, there are also large electrical appliance malls such as Yodaboshi, Bic Camera, and Yamada Electric. On weekends and holidays, there are many promotions here, so you can shop around.

    The signs on each floor are, of course, in multiple languages (English, Chinese, and Korean). In addition, there are staff who speak English, Chinese, and Korean, so you can ask them to help introduce you if you need.

    Other than electrical devices, there are also Wi-Fi sharer rental services for overseas visitors (1-day, 3-day, 7-day plan, etc), which are a great way to save on your cell phone data charges. 

    小粋 (Koiki)

    Located on Mozaiku-Dori (モザイク通り) in Mylord, Shinjuku, "Koiki Shinjuku Store" is a Japanese-style souvenir store with modern decor and color scheme. For those who don't know what to choose as a souvenir, you can find a huge range of authentic Japanese items from traditional basic handkerchiefs and seasonal handkerchiefs to specific personalized handkerchiefs. Prices range from 800 yen upwards. Not only Japanese-style patterns but also festive treasures such as Halloween and Christmas are waiting for you to discover their beauty.

    In addition, the store also offers gift boxes for those who don't know what to choose as a gift, and usually, the contents of the boxes are items from Japanese culture. You can also find small products such as yukata and fans in Japanese style.

    Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00
    Address: 東京都新宿區西新宿1-1-3 新宿ミロードモザイク通り /  〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2 Chome−4−1 新宿NSビル29F

    A photo of Kabukicho Ichibangai

    6 Special Attractions in Shinjuku

    inSPYre

    inSPYre is an escape room located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho. You become a spy to complete a secret mission experience. You have to infiltrate the lair of a criminal organization that seeks to conquer the world to complete a variety of special tasks. Visitors can participate both alone or with friends!

    Apple Store Shinjuku

    This one is probably only for Apple fans but I recommend you swing by for a peek to see the Apple Store in Shinjuku. The store is a must-see destination for not only Apple fans but also visitors to Shinjuku. 

    The 6K screen wall in the center of the store, with the Apple logo and the word Shinjuku in a "neon" effect, is said to be inspired by the bustling nights of Kabukicho, making it a super popular spot to visit! Such ways to present the Apple logo are not common, however, the LED lights presented with a 6K screen wall in the center of the Shinjuku Apple Store successfully incorporate the atmosphere of Kabukicho at night, and also become a popular tourist spot in Shinjuku.

    手裏剣道場 新宿忍者からくり屋敷 (Ninja Trick House in Tokyo)

    The ninja agency house is located in Kabukicho in a small alley, the appearance of the dark apartment on the 4th floor, close to the robot restaurant introduced above.

    Here you can experience ninja espionage and learn various ninjutsu and sword techniques. The ninja guides will patiently guide you through the process of throwing ninja darts and experiencing invisibility, so both adults and children will have fun!

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    新宿末広亭 (Shinjuku Suehiro-tei)

    Rakugo, a traditional Japanese cultural art, was popular in the 18th century. At that time, to watch rakugo, one had to go to a small theater called "Yoromi". One of these theaters is Shinjuku Suehiro-tei.

    It is a nostalgic and retro building with tatami and chair seating. The theater is not too large, so you can enjoy traditional Japanese music at close range. The audience will have a good laugh at the comical stories. Even if you don't understand Japanese, you will laugh a lot because of the happy atmosphere! If you want to experience the funny culture of Japan's Edo period in an authentic setting, this is the best place to go!

    消防博物館 (Fire Museum)

    When you see "Firefighter Museum", some of you may think it sounds boring, but this free museum in Sanchome, Shinjuku, is a super popular family attraction in the whole Shinjuku area!

    The museum is located in the "Yotsuya Fire Station" and not only can you see antique fire trucks, helicopters, ambulances, etc. inside the museum, but you can also experience driving various fire trucks in firefighter's gear and all the activities, including tickets, are free! If you bring your children to Shinjuku, this is a must-see spot!

    赤城神社 (Akagi Shrine)

    Akagi Shrine, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, was built in 1300 as a branch of Akagi Shrine at the foot of Mount Akagi in Gunma Prefecture.

    This shrine, with its modern design such as large glass windows on all sides, was designed by Kengo Kuma, a master architect, and is known as "Tokyo's most fashionable shrine" for its artistic architectural beauty.

    Golden Guy at Shinjku. There are things to do in Shinjuku which includes drinking, socializing, and enjoying a time out.

    7 Places to Refresh Your Mind in Shinjuku

    新宿御苑 (Shinjuku Gyoen)

    Shinjuku Gyoen is a national park in Japan, covering 58.3 hectares and 3.5 kilometers in circumference. It is one of the few modern-style Western gardens in Japan, consisting of scenic gardens, geometric gardens, and Japanese gardens.

    The scenery in Shinjuku Gyoen varies with the seasons, from pink cherry blossoms in spring to maple blossoms in autumn, and in late autumn, you can even see cherry blossoms and maple leaves together. In addition, because Shinjuku Gyoen has a large greenhouse that regulates the temperature of the environment, you can enjoy tropical plants and endangered Japanese plant species in it.

    新宿中央公園 (Shinjuku Central Park)

    Shinjuku Central Park is an urban oasis in Shinjuku's high-rise buildings, as it is located in a business district with many high-rise buildings. It is the largest urban park in Tokyo and the Shinjuku City Park. The park has a large lawn with a variety of plants, insects, and birds. On the other hand, having a multi-purpose sports plaza and other recreational facilities.

    神宮外苑いちょう並木 (Jingu Gaien Icho Namiki)

    Meiji Jingu Gaien was built in 1926 and has a variety of sports venues, including the Jingu Stadium, centered on the Shotoku Memorial Painting Hall. The 300-meter-long avenue of ginkgo trees from Aoyama-Dori to the Shotoku Memorial Painting Hall is very famous, and the scenery of the avenue of ginkgo trees and the Shotoku Memorial Painting Hall is also well known.

    Take a stroll along Ginkgo Avenue in Meiji Jingu's outer garden, and find the right spot and angle to take a memorable photo.

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    戸山公園 (Toyama Park)

    Although the height of Hakone Mountain in Toyama Park is only about 45 meters, it is the highest mountain in Shinjuku and the highest mountain in the entire Yamanote Line area. From the top of the mountain, you can see the city of Shinjuku and take great pictures.

    It is also a great place for cherry blossom and maple viewing in Tokyo.

    花園神社 (Hanazono Shrine)

    Shinjuku is known as a bustling business district, and in addition to the famous urban oasis Shinjuku Gyoen, there are some lesser-known, quiet, and mysterious attractions. Hanazono Shrine is one of them. This shrine, which has been worshiped as the guardian of Shinjuku for generations by the local people since ancient times, is quietly hidden in the middle of the bustling market.

    There is also a shrine dedicated to the god of art, "Geien Asama Shrine," where many of Japan's most famous entertainers come to pay their respects every year.

    神楽坂 (Kagurazaka)

    Kagurazaka, known as the "Little Paris" of Shinjuku, was once a geisha-infested area. The 1-kilometer-long slope is lined with old-fashioned stone paths, which are lined with various fashionable and beautiful stores and cafes, as well as fine French restaurants and Japanese food kiosks.

    Kagurazaka is also known as Tokyo's cat paradise, and if you are lucky, you can meet cute cats on your walk.

    新宿サザンテラス (Shinjuku Southern Terrace)

    Southern Terrace in Shinjuku is a 350-meter-long pedestrian mall in a commercial area surrounded by the Takashimaya Times Square and the Odakyu Century Nanetsu Hotel. On both sides of the street are a variety of designer stores, high-end restaurants, cafes, and quality grocery stores.

    Every year in late fall and winter, a lighting event is held at night. This long pedestrian street will be decorated with colorful and romantic lights, making it a great place to go for an evening stroll with your loved one.

    Check out more sightseeing places by visiting the Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing in Japan!

    Shinjuku at night. There are again many things to do in Shinjuku at night.

    End your day in Shinjuku with a great view of the night

    When you think of Shinjuku, many backpackers think of the skyscrapers and urban scenery. So when you come to Shinjuku, it's important to visit the observation spots!

    There are many observation decks in Shinjuku, and most of them are free!

    东京都厅展望室 (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories)

    The twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the highest administrative body in Tokyo, are the landmarks of Shinjuku. You can visit the building freely except for a part of the office area.

    There is a free observation deck on the 45th floor of the first main building, and it takes only about one minute by a special high-speed elevator to overlook the city of Tokyo from a height of 202 meters. During the day, you can see the Skytree and Tokyo Tower, and in good weather, you can see Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji. Since it is open until 11:00 p.m., you can capture the night view of Tokyo like a fantasy world!

    It is also worth mentioning that the staff cafeteria is open to the public, so it is a good place to have lunch during lunchtime on weekdays. It's a great place to have lunch during lunchtime on a weekday. It's recommended because of the variety of meals and the low prices!

    東京オペラシティ (Tokyo Opera City)

    Tokyo Opera City is a theater that hosts a variety of large-scale operas and concerts, and has many stores, art galleries, and restaurants under the theme of "21st Century Theater City".

    The most recommended place to dine is on the 53rd floor. From the 230-meter-high observation restaurant, you can see the skyscrapers surrounding the Nishi-Shinjuku area. The view of the city while you dine will make for a memorable time!

    新宿パークタワー (PARK TOWER Shinjuku)

    The Shinjuku Park Tower, which consists of three skyscrapers of different heights arranged in order from high to low, has office buildings, many restaurants, and stores. One of the most famous hotels, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo Garden, is also located in the Shinjuku Park Tower.

    The uppermost 52 floors of New York Bar, where the movie "Lost in Tokyo" was filmed, has a large 8-meter high floor-to-ceiling window facing east, making it ideal for viewing or photographing Shinjuku at night.

    At night, New York Bar has minimal lighting and hosts various live bands from time to time. You'll be able to enjoy a glass of wine under the soft lights while listening to the music and the jewel-like night view outside the window.

    There are a lot of great places for night views in Tokyo, why not check out Ultimate Guide to Tokyo at Night to find more great night view spots?

    Final thoughts

    To conclude, Shinjuku is full of classic sights and hidden gems. Whether you want to go shopping, eat and drink, experience Tokyo city life, visit the famous places of literature and youth, or just relax and enjoy nature, you can experience it all in one place in Shinjuku.

    Please share this article with your friends who are also interested in visiting Shinjuku. Good luck on your journey and enjoy your time visiting this great place!

    Interested in planning a day trip besides Shinjuku? Recommend you to check out the Ultimate Guide to Planning a Day Trip from Tokyo

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