Shinjuku

A bustling urban playground that never sleeps - blink and you might miss something.

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s liveliest districts, centered around its famously busy train station where crowds surge in every direction throughout the day. From here, the city’s skyline of skyscrapers and entertainment districts stretches both east and west. To the east, you’ll find countless shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots. To the west, a forest of skyscrapers rises, dominated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which dazzles year-round with its projection mapping displays. Head south from the station to reach the expressway bus terminal and the new shopping complexes, such as NEWoMan Shinjuku. In the neon-lit Kabukicho area, hotels, bars, and entertainment venues create an unmistakably Tokyo atmosphere after dark.

Highlights

• Stroll through high-end department stores and massive electronics retailers
• Experience the neon capital of Tokyo nightlife
• Enjoy culture and relaxation for every taste

Getting There

Shinjuku Station is one of Tokyo’s main transit hubs, served by JR lines, the Keio Line, Odakyu Electric Railway, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, and the Toei Shinjuku and Oedo subway lines. You can also access the area via Seibu-Shinjuku Station (Seibu-Shinjuku Line), Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station (Toei Oedo Line), and Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Fukutoshin, and Toei Shinjuku Lines).

• From Haneda Airport: About 55 minutes by limousine bus or train
• From Narita Airport: Around 2 hours by limousine bus or 1 hour 35 minutes by train
• From Tokyo Station: About 14 minutes on the JR Chuo Rapid Line

Shopping Therapy

Some of Tokyo’s most renowned department stores surround Shinjuku Station. Here, you’ll find high-end fashion, designer boutiques, and gourmet food halls inside Isetan, Keio, Odakyu, and Takashimaya Times Square. Spend a day shopping and savoring the city’s signature omotenashi - exceptional Japanese hospitality.

If you’re into the latest gadgets, head to the west side of the station, home to giant electronics stores where you can browse everything from new cameras to cutting-edge tech.

Nightlife and Dining

As evening falls, Shinjuku transforms into a futuristic city of neon lights and endless nightlife. Grab a seat at one of the many bars and restaurants and join the energetic crowds. For a memorable night, dine atop one of the district’s many skyscrapers while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

In Kabukicho, explore the maze of narrow alleys packed with tiny wooden bars stacked almost on top of each other. Go bar-hopping like a local, or sample Shinjuku’s best ramen in the so-called “Ramen Gekisenku” (Battlefield) area north of the station, known for its dense cluster of ramen stalls. You’ll also find plenty of izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) serving creative and authentic dishes.

Public transport stops around midnight, but Shinjuku rarely sleeps - the night doesn’t have to end when the last train leaves.

Culture and Relaxation

Shinjuku offers more than nightlife - it’s also a great place to unwind. Enjoy stunning city views from the observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, or admire Godzilla’s appearance through projection mapping displays nearby.

For a tranquil escape, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a vast green oasis that was once part of the Imperial gardens. Its manicured lawns and scenic landscapes offer a peaceful contrast to the urban skyline.

Note: Alcohol, smoking, sports equipment, and musical instruments are not permitted inside the garden.

Just a 10-minute walk from the station, Hanazono Shrine provides a quiet cultural retreat. Those looking for interactive experiences can visit the Ninja Trick House, where visitors can witness the skills of stealthy shinobi.

Film and anime fans will recognize Shinjuku from titles such as Your Name, Weathering With You, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and Lost in Translation.