10 Must Visit Spots in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most popular and famous districts! If you have already done some research on Tokyo, chances are you’ve read about Shinjuku and for good reason! Shinjuku is the lively and exciting entertainment hub of the capital, known for its modern architecture, neon signs and billboards, department stores and nightlife! It is also the home of some beautiful temples, museums and gardens. It is also highly convenient, with great public transport links across the city and out of the city, as well as an array of hotels perfect for travellers. We have created this page to provide you with the inspiration you need to make the most of your time exploring this bustling neighbourhood! On this page you will find the following information :
— 10 Must Visit Spots in Shinjuku
— 30 Best Day-trips & Overnight Getaways from Tokyo
10 MUST VISIT SPOTS IN SHINJUKU
We offer two tours which visit the Shinjuku area which we highly recommend for anybody wanting to experience Shinjuku to the fullest! Both tours visit most of the places listed below, so if after reading this article Shinjuku sounds like somewhere you’d love to visit, click on the tour cards below!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Kagurazaka : Tokyo Hot Spots and Hidden Gems | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 / Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most popular and famous gardens in Tokyo, and it should be a must visit during your Shinjuku trip! This slice of serenity is impressive as it sits in stark contrast to the surrounding urban jungle that envelops it. It is the perfect place to take in nature and enjoy a relaxing walk. The garden has many notable features, including a traditional Japanese garden, an English landscape garden, a French garden and even a greenhouses which is home to a number of exotic plants and flowers. If you get hungry or thirsty, the garden has multiple cafes including an onsite Starbucks selling rice balls, hot and cold foods, and a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. In the Spring, the garden reaches peak season for visitors, as many people flock to see the blooming Cherry Blossom trees. It is also a great spot for seeing Autumn leaves! Check out our Shinjuku Gyoen Garden page for more information!
2 / Shinjuku Historical Museum
Only about 20 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens is the Shinjuku Historical Museum. Nestled in quieter area of Shinjuku, it is well worth venturing that little bit further to enjoy the interactive and engaging exhibits it holds. If you’re a history buff and want to learn all about how Shinjuku came to be, then the museum won’t disappoint. With a well thought out exhibit, the museum takes you from prehistoric Shinjuku all the way to modern day Shinjuku. Visitors can enjoy the to scale replicas of a traditional train carriage, Japanese house and Japanese Merchant Warehouse. You can also see many original artefacts. The Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions so it is worth checking their website to see what is on! The Museum also has a lovely rock garden built in the middle of the complex which visitors can enjoy looking at from inside the reception area downstairs. Don’t forget to also collect the museum stamp to commemorate your visit which makes for a great free souvenir! Check out our Shinjuku Historical Museum page to learn more!
3/ Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine is a true hidden gem nestled just a few minutes from the lively area of Golden Gai and Kabukicho! It is easy to walk past, so make sure to look out for the Torii gates that frame the Shrine’s entrance. Hanazono is a very important Shinto Shrine where many working professionals and business owners come to pray for good fortune! You will often see businessmen and businesswomen coming here on their lunch break to pray. The shrine has a beautiful row of red Torii gates lined up which can be likened to a very mini Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto! This makes for some wonderful photos and for a moment you can forget you’re in Shinjuku. The shrine is also known for its seasonal festivals, with the biggest happening during the Summer months. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the small but great flea markets that are usually held on Sundays where you can pick up unique crafts and souvenirs!
4 / Golden Gai
Located right next to Hanazono Shrine is Golden Gai! This small and intricate maze of tiny bars is a must if you to experience nightlife in Shinjuku and Tokyo! There are over 200 bars in this area which was established after WW2, which is incredible considering how compact Golden Gai is. Many of the bars therefore have small capacity with most only being able to fit 4 – 6 people at time! Each bar offers a unique experience or theme, which will make your night out interesting. It is very easy to hop from one bar to the other, but be mindful of being respectful and that some bars only accept cash. Most of the bars don’t open until later in the evening or night, but coming here in the day before it gets too busy is also a great opportunity to walk around and take photos!
5 / Kabukicho
Kabukicho is at the heart of Shinjuku, and is probably the busiest area in the district. Famous for its nightlife and entertainment, Kabukicho has plenty to offer in the day and especially at night! Packed with bars and restaurants selling a wide variety of foods such as curry, Wagyu beef and sushi, foodies can enjoy a great night out here. Kabukicho also has a large cinema complex, many games arcades, as well as the newly opened Kabukicho Tower. A 48 story entertainment complex that is well worth a visit. Don’t forget to pop into the popular ’Don Quijote’ store where you can buy every thing possible and find some of the best souvenirs to take home. Check out our Kabukicho page to find out more.
6 / Godzilla Head and Statue
We can’t write a page on Shinjuku without mentioning the giant monster in the room, Godzilla! Located in Kabukicho atop the Hotel Gracery and Shinjuku Toho Building, the Godzilla Head and Statue has become an iconic and beloved landmark of Shinjuku. If you time your visit well, you will be able to catch Godzilla roaring and blowing smoke out of his mouth which happens once every hour. You can take fantastic photos of him from the start of Kabukicho, and enjoy seeing him tower over everybody below! For major fans of Godzilla, you can get up close to the statue by visiting Hotel Gracery’s cafe or by staying at their hotel. For more information check out our Godzilla page.
7 / Shopping
From high street shops to high end shops, Shinjuku has something for everybody and it is probably one of the best places in Tokyo for variety and affordability. You will the global stores of Zara and H&M here, as well as a plethora of Japanese brands such as Beams, Loft, Tokyu Hands and Uniqlo. However, make sure to also visit one of the many department stores such as Isetan, Takashimaya Times Square and Lumine. These department stores are filled with amazing and unique stores offering fashion, accessories, cosmetics, stationary and food. All Japanese department stores have basement food halls where you can browse the tempting treats on offer and buy many high quality foods to try. For those who love electrical goods, head to Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera where you can browse all manner of gadgets and gizmos!
8 / Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of the many great observatories in Tokyo! The main selling point of this observatory however is that it’s free! Located on the West side of Shinjuku station, the building serves as the headquarters for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, so please be mindful of this when visiting. The observatory is located on the 45th floor of each of the building’s North and South towers, and offers stunning views of Shinjuku and wider Tokyo. It is worth noting that the North tower tends to stay open later, so if you want to visit later in the day or evening head there. The observatory also has a cafe and souvenir shops for you to browse and enjoy. Why not check out our ’Tokyo’s Best Observatories and Viewpoints of the City page to find out more!
9 / Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho is located on the West side of Shinjuku. So after visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s Observatory, why not come here. With a similar vibe to Golden Gai, this small alleyway is lined with bars and Izakayas ( Japanese eateries) where you can enjoy feeling like a local as you eat, drink and soak up the electric atmosphere. It is clearly signposted and recognisable. We highly recommend visiting at night to get the most out of it, so why not pop along after joining one of our tours for dinner and drinks! Walking through the alleyway, visitors can enjoy the low hanging lanterns soft glow and the sound of people having fun. It is truly an iconic area of Shinjuku which dates back to the Showa Era (1926 – 1989). You will easily forget you are surrounded by tall Skyscrapers once you enter Omoide Yokocho. The foods on offer are varied, and you can expect to find Yakitori ( grilled chicken skewers), Kushiyaki ( grilled vegetable skewers), and Ramen and Udon.
10 / Kagurazaka
Located just 15 minutes from Shinjuku station, but still located on the edge of Shinjuku ward, Kagurazaka is one of Tokyo’s traditional yet trendy neighbourhoods with nods to the past steeped in history and culture. Here you will find temples, shrines, traditional architecture and streets, shops and a traditional Japanese garden. Nicknamed as Tokyo’s Little Paris due to the many French style eateries and cobbled streets. It is a fashionable and trendy area with many shopping and dining options. You can enjoy wandering up and down the pretty street of Kagurazaka Dori, the main street lined with an abundance of cafes, restaurants and shops! We highly recommend browsing local crafts here, or even sampling some Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) from the many traditional and high quality vendors. You also walk through three traditional alleyways known as the Geisha alleyways where Geisha have walked up and down for decades to go to their appointments and tea houses. Check out our Kagurazaka Dori and Yokocho page to find out more.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Shinjuku is just the scratching the surface of what Tokyo has to offer. The Capital is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There really is so much to see and do in Tokyo! Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region. However, to give you a taste of what we offer, check out the tours below! We hope you book a tour with us!
1 Day Tour
| Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside of Hamacho Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Ueno Station Park Gate Exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30- 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
30 DAY-TRIPS & GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan and beyond. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. Here are some examples of the tours we offer outside of Tokyo, but click on the link above to see more . We hope it tempts you to explore beyond the city!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park | |
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| Period | April – October |
| Time | 08:40 – 19:15 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥18,900 |
1 Day Tour
| Mount Fuji Day Trip : Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 07:50 – 19:45 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Shinjuku Bus Terminal |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,500 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea | |
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| Period | February – October |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.
HOW TO GET TO TOKYO
As Japan’s sprawling capital, Tokyo is the start and end point of numerous train lines and express bus services making it easy to reach from all over the country. Our ‘How to Get to Tokyo’ page includes detailed information about how to get there from popular starting points including Tokyo Haneda airport and Tokyo Narita. Why not also check out our ’Comparing Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport’ page for more useful information for planning your trip.
