Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a major district in Tokyo built around the world's busiest railway station, where over 3.6 million people pass through daily. Walk through the bright neon streets of Kabukicho, duck into one of Golden Gai's 200 miniature bars, or look across Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Building's observation deck. You can shop at multi-story department stores like Isetan, eat yakitori in the narrow alleys of Omoide Yokocho, or stroll through the Japanese, English, and French gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen.

Getting Around Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station connects 12 different train and subway lines, making it the central point for exploring Tokyo. The station has over 200 exits and multiple shopping areas inside, so it's helpful to know which exit you need before arriving. The main exits are East (for shopping and entertainment), West (for the business district), and South (for hotels and restaurants). You can purchase a prepaid IC card like Pasmo or Suica to avoid buying individual tickets each time you travel.

Shopping in East Shinjuku

The streets east of Shinjuku Station have several major department stores. Isetan's main store spans 10 floors of high-end fashion and includes a basement food hall selling prepared meals and specialty ingredients. The Lumine EST building connects directly to the station and caters to younger shoppers with Japanese fashion brands. Kinokuniya bookstore has a large foreign language section and occupies a multi-story building near the station's east exit.

Exploring Kabukicho

Kabukicho is busy after sunset with hundreds of restaurants, karaoke rooms, and entertainment venues. A giant Godzilla head looks down from the top of Toho Building, while video screens and neon signs light up the streets below. The area has become more family-friendly in recent years, though it stays active late into the night. At the Samurai Museum, you can see authentic armor and weapons from different periods of Japanese history.

Food Adventures in Omoide Yokocho

In Omoide Yokocho's narrow alleys, you'll find about 80 small eateries, many seating only 6-8 customers at a time. Most stalls serve yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) or ramen, with smoke from charcoal grills filling the air. The restaurants here open from early evening until late night, and many have their menus displayed outside with photos. While some places have English menus, many are Japanese-only but pointing at dishes others are eating works well.

Nightlife in Golden Gai

Golden Gai's six narrow alleys hold over 200 tiny bars, many themed around specific interests like whiskey, music, or film. Most bars seat between 5-10 customers, and some charge a cover fee. While traditionally many bars were regulars-only, an increasing number now welcome tourists. It's best to visit after 8 PM when most places open, and bring cash as many don't accept cards.

Views from the Metropolitan Government Building

The twin towers of the Metropolitan Government Building rise 243 meters high in the Nishi-Shinjuku business district. From the observation decks on the 45th floor of both towers, you can see across Tokyo and sometimes Mount Fuji on clear days. The north tower stays open until late evening for night views. The ground floor plaza regularly hosts art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

Relaxing in Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen spans 58 hectares with three distinct garden styles: Japanese traditional, English landscape, and French formal. More than 20,000 trees grow here, creating different scenes each season - cherry blossoms in spring, green maple canopies in summer, and red leaves in autumn. The greenhouse holds tropical and subtropical plants, while the Japanese garden includes a traditional teahouse. The garden closes at 4:30 PM and doesn't allow alcohol or loud music.