Life never gets boring when you get the chance to stroll around Shinjuku – one of the 23 city wards of Tokyo – that is lit with colorful lights that sparkle at night right down the streets, and unbelievably rich in culture and style. Not only that, Shinjuku station bagged the title as the busiest station in the world catering to more than two million passengers every day.
Want to know more about the ever famous Shinjuku? Check out 10 best things that you can do and have a full blast during your stay!
Contents
- 【1】Witness the art and history
- 【2】Capture the best spots
- 【3】Relax with Nature
- 【4】Have some fun at Shinjuku Copa Bowl
- 【5】Nosh at some restaurants
- 【6】Splurge on great finds
- 【7】Booze up at Shinjuku Golden Gai
- 【8】Get ready to mingle at Shinjuku Nichome
- 【9】Meander through Omoide Yokocho
- 【10】Wander through Kabukicho
【1】Witness the art and history
If you’re looking for a refresher of Japanese culture and art, you might wanna check out these interesting places I’ve listed below.
Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art
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| Name | Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art |
|---|---|
| Address | SOMPO JAPAN NIPPONKOA Headquarters Building 42nd floor 1-26-1, Nishi-shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8338 |
| Operating Hours | 10AM – 6PM entry allowed: 30 minutes before the closing time |
| Holiday | Mondays & New Year holidays |
Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art exhibits Japanese and foreign artworks since it opened its door to the public in 1975. The works of Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne, and Seiji Togo, Pablo Picasso, Grandma Moses, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Tsuguharu Fujita, Ryusei Kishida, Kayo Yamaguchi are all on display and became long-lasting exhibit to the crowd.
The exhibition hall on the 42nd floor of the Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Head Office Building will give you a glimpse of the magnificent Tokyo Skytree and the beautiful Tokyo Tower.
Check out the official website here:
Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art
Yotsuya Fire Museum
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| Name | Yotsuya Fire Museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Holiday | Monday |
The fire museum offers both history and fun for the whole family. Bonus part is, it’s completely free and there are lots of fun things to see and experience inside.Sound guidance are available in three differnet languages.
It’s best to start touring around from the 5th floor because the 6th floor only holds a multimedia room for special exhibitions and screenings of disaster-prevention videos.
Visitors are given the chance to do some drills like using fire extiguisher, how to escape incase of fire and smoke, and how to do first aid. There are also interactive videos that young and adults can really enjoy and learn from.
Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum
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| Name | Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-22-7 Yoyogi | Shinjuku Bunka Quint Bldg.1F, Shibuya 151-8529, Tokyo Prefecture |
| Operating Hours | 10 AM – 4:30 PM entry allowed: 30 minutes |
| Holiday | Sundays, National Holidays, Year End & New Year, Holidays, Summer Holidays |
It’s a great place to visit when you are fascinated by fashion and history. The exhibit changes often like 4 times in a year. You might wanna check the schedule of the exhibit first before visiting the place so you’ll know what to expect once you get there.
It’s all worth the price, the time, and the energy because it is really well-organized and very informative. From the fashion style of 1600 to the present time, isn’t it amazing to see all of these in one place?!
Check out related info here:
Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum
【2】Capture the best spots
Ready your camera as you are about to take the best selfie moments with nothing but the best locations that you can find here in Shinjuku!
The captivating buddha – Taisoji Temple
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| Name | Taisoji Temple |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Chome-9-２ Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-0022, Japan |
| Operating Hours | First Performance 3:20 PM – 4 PM Second Performance 5:15 PM – 5:55 PM Third Performance 7:10 PM – 7:50 PM Fourth Performance 9:05 PM – 9:45 PM |
| Holiday | None |
Taiso-ji Temple is one of the historic places that you can find in Shinjuku and it just a short walk away from the station. You’ll find soe statues and the serenity of the place is just so calming.
The big buddha is waiting for you to take a good selfie shot with it. Surely, it will serve as a reminder of this beautiful temple that is worth checking out.
Hanazono Shrine
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| Name | Hanazono Jinja Shrine |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-17-3 Shinjuku | Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-0022, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
A very old Shinto shrine built in the mid-17th century. It is located at the heart of Shinjuku but it is clearly inconspicuous and smaller than the others although it is considered as one of the most historical shrines in Japan.
Hanazono Shrine may not be the best shrine here in Japan but it is worth having a quick tour. It’s exactly opposite from the busy streets of Shinjuku. If you want to experience the greatness of the place and its beautiful concept, find your way down here.
Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck
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| Name | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8001 |
| Operating Hours | 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Holiday | New Year’s holiday (December 29-31 & January 2-3 ) |
I call this the twin tower of Shinjuku as it somehow reminds me of the famous Petronas Tower in Malaysia. THe observation rooms both north and south are free of charge so you can enjoy the beautiful view of many langmarks in Tokyo.
Some people said that the best night view can be seen from the noth observation deck. On the day time, you’ll get to see a clearer view of the entire metro and not just the sparkling lights from the buildings.
Schedule Reminder:
South Observation Deck: Closed first and and third Tuesday of every month
North Observation Deck: Closed second and fourth Monday of every month
Check out related info here:
Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck
Love Objet
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| Name | Shinjuku i-Land – LOVE Objet |
|---|---|
| Address | 6-5-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-1312 |
| Operating Hours | 9:30AM – 11PM |
| Holiday | None |
A prominent artwork that can be seen in front of Shinjuku i-LAND, a towering building that has 44 floors. The specific location is exactly a famous meeting place especially for couples. In fact, you can see lots of pictures going around the internet featuring this piece of art.
【3】Relax with Nature
Now is the time to reflect and connect with nature just by visiting these magnificent creations. Just take a few steps away from the busy streets and you’ll reach the right destination.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
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| Name | Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden |
|---|---|
| Address | 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
A colossal park and garden with exquisite view everywhere truly deserves a visit. The tranquility and the refreshing vibe while walking at this park makes you appreciate life even more.
There is an entrance fee of ¥200 per person. Quite reasonable as you are about to experience seeing Japanese, English, and French gardens in one extraordinary place.
Shinjuku Central Park
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| Name | Shinjuku Central Park |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Chome-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-0023, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
Another beautiful and well-maintained park is included in the list. Both of the parks have something in common but also a huge difference after giving some considerations. Central Park is surrounded by tall buildings around Shinjuku and is totally accessible from the station.
【4】Have some fun at Shinjuku Copa Bowl
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| Name | Shinjuku Copa Bowl |
|---|---|
| Address | 3rd & 4th floors of Humax Pavilion Kabukicho 1-20-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021 |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Thursday 11 AM – 6:30 AM the next morning Friday, Saturday, and the day before a national holiday 11 AM – 8 AM the next morning Sunday and national holidays 11 AM – 7 AM the next morning |
| Holiday | None |
Bowling lovers and those who are willing to try, this place is highly recommended when you get to the area. Those who are below 18 years old are prohibited to use the facility from 11 PM to 4 AM even if they’re with their parents or guardian.
For more information about the rates please browse through their website first before coming over.
Check out the official website here:
Shinjuku Copa Bowl
【5】Nosh at some restaurants
When you get hungry and crave for food, just check out some restos or the ones I mentioned below. Shinjuku has a lot of good restuarants that you can choose from.
Robot Restaurant
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| Name | Robot Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-7-7 Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku Tokyo,Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
Anime or manga lovers, here’s the perfect spot for you to try! It’s not really like a deep cultural performance but the robots are just so attractive to the eyes. The entrance to this place is like having your own grand entrance as a royalty with all the glamour along the way.
The non-stop hig ash energy level is just crazy as I think it is! I would say it also represents Japan because it is known to always have the inoovative technology first.
Check out the official site:
Robot Restaurant
Fuunji Ramen
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| Name | Fuunji |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-14-3 Yoyogi | Hokuto Daiichi Building B1F, Shibuya-ku 151-0053, Tokyo |
| Operating Hours | 11 AM – 3 PM 5 PM – 9 PM |
| Holiday | Every Sunday & Holidays |
Indeed a convenient location as it only takes about 2 minutes on foot from (Toei Subway Shinjuku Line) Shinjuku Station, and 6 minutes on foot from JR each line Shinjuku Station (South Exit or New South Exit).
Ramen Fuunji is such a gem to the Ramen world because this restaurant is very famous for its dipping noodle style or known as Tsukemen here in Japan. The perfect mix of fish and chicken broth made the soup richer in taste and extraordinary.
Check out my previous post about this restaurant:
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【6】Splurge on great finds
One of the memorable experiences you can have in Japan is “shopping” some authentic Japanese items so never ever miss this places when visiting Shinjuku!
Don Quijote
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| Name | Don Quijote |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-16-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
Shopping can never be this exciting if you get into this tax free shopping place and offers the biggest discount you can have. Don Quijote or also known as Donki offers a huge variety of products from food, cosmetic, household items, electric products, clothes, and a lot more.
Check out related info here:
Don Quijote
BICQLO
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| Name | BICQLO |
|---|---|
| Address | 3 Chome-29-１ Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 10AM – 10PM |
| Holiday | None |
The name is quite unique isn’t it? Bicqlo – an 11 story building – is a colaboration of Bic Camera and the famous clothing company Uniqlo. The helpful staff can also communicate well with foreign visitors across the globe so you can ask anything you want.
If you’re looking for some eletronic stuff like camera, beauty equipments, personal computers and many more, then give it a go! You can check out the latest gadget trends at a reasonable price.
【7】Booze up at Shinjuku Golden Gai
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| Name | Shinjuku Golden Gai |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-６ Kabukichō, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-0021, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
Golden Gai is really famous for its small alleys of bars lined up in one ot two directions. These bars can accommodate mostly 10 cutomers at a time. Most of the locals would recommend it to visit at night if you’re looking for some great drinks, while visiting in the morning can lead you to a good shopping experience!
【8】Get ready to mingle at Shinjuku Nichome
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| Name | Shinjuku Ni-chome District |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Chome Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
Alright, this one’s really a famous spot to the LGBT community as this is called “The Gay District of Tokyo”. You can find the best tourist-friendly gay bars here that you surely won’t forget. With over 100 gay bars, you can bet that the party really never stopped!
Drinking till morning is allowed but it is highly recommended to drink moderately to avoid getting into trouble. Just as the saying goes, “Drink responsibly!”.
【9】Meander through Omoide Yokocho
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| Name | Shinjuku Omoide Yokochō |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
Shinjuku Omoide Yokochō or the “memory lane” is indeed very close to West Exit of Shinjuku Station. The view, the sound, and the vibe are quite fun to catch! The food are also great especially with the yakitori shops around here.
A little reminder though, this place can really be hot sometimes expecially on summer season so wearing jackets is highly discouraged.
【10】Wander through Kabukicho
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| Name | Nonbei Yokocho |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Chome-25 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Holiday | None |
Kabukicho is really a special place and it is considered as an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku. Other name it’s known for is “The Sleepless Town” and I think that it is a great experience walking around here looking at the neon lights.
There are lots of spots to eat, play and unwind so feel free to pick your choice! Be careful though because this area might get a little dangerous at times.
