Shinjuku Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and tips for visiting Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan. Find out more about the local food, culture, and nearby destinations. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide.


Japan is an ancient country steeped in history, culture, and beauty. Despite being a relatively small country, it is one of the most visited places on earth. Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is home to many tourist attractions. Shinjuku is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. It is a vibrant district in the heart of the city that offers a range of experiences for visitors to indulge in. Here is a comprehensive travel guide to Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Introduction to Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a bustling district, home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is known for being an entertainment and shopping hub, as well as for its lively nightlife. The district is divided into several subareas, including Kabukicho, which is known for its bright lights and entertainment, and Golden Gai, a narrow alleyway filled with tiny bars.

List of Places to Visit in Shinjuku

Shinjuku offers a variety of attractions that cater to all interests, from cultural landmarks to natural attractions and outdoor adventures.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Samurai Museum are some of the must-visit landmarks in Shinjuku.

Natural Attractions of Shinjuku: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees in the spring, and Shinjuku Chuo Park is a serene oasis in the middle of the district.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shinjuku

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers hiking trails that are suitable for all levels, and visitors can rent a bike to explore the park on two wheels.

Best Things to Do in Shinjuku: Activities and Tours

Visitors can indulge in entertainment at the Robot Restaurant, visit the Owl Café, and see the different sights of Shinjuku on a Segway tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shinjuku

Day 1: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Day 2: Meiji Shrine, Samurai Museum Day 3: Golden Gai, Kabukicho Day 4: Shin Okubo Korean Town Day 5: Harajuku Neighborhood and Takeshita Street Day 6: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and observatory Day 7: Shinjuku Chuo Park and shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Shinjuku

Shinjuku has an array of dining options ranging from street food stalls to fine-dining restaurants. Ramen, sushi, and yakitori are some of the signature dishes of Shinjuku.

Must-Try Dishes

Shinjuku is famous for its ramen noodles, tonkatsu, sashimi, and sushi. Other popular dishes include tempura, yakitori, and street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Local Beverages

Visitors can try Japanese whiskey or sake, which is made from fermented rice, or indulge in matcha green tea and sakura latte.

Where to Stay in Shinjuku: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Shinjuku offers a range of accommodation options for budget travelers and luxury seekers alike. Some popular options include the Hilton Tokyo, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo, and the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

What to Buy in Shinjuku: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Shinjuku is home to some of Tokyo’s best shopping districts, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck, Isetan department store, and underground shopping malls like OIOI.

Local Culture and Customs of Shinjuku

The Japanese culture is known for being polite and respectful to others. Visitors should be aware of Japanese customs such as bowing when meeting someone, presenting a gift with both hands, and removing shoes when entering a home.

Best Time to Visit Shinjuku

The best time to visit Shinjuku is during the spring season, from March to May. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the temperatures are mild. Autumn, from September to November, is also an excellent time to visit when the leaves change color.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shinjuku

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Use chopsticks while eating
  • Keep your passport with you at all times

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly in public
  • Smoke while walking
  • Leave tips at restaurants or cafes

Safety and Health

Safety in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is relatively safe compared to other major cities globally. Visitors should avoid dark alleys and be aware of their surroundings when walking around at night.

Health in Shinjuku

Japan has a high standard of healthcare, and visitors can visit local hospitals if they need medical attention.

Getting to Shinjuku: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shinjuku

Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport are two of the major airports that service the Tokyo area and are both located relatively close to Shinjuku.

Bus Stations Near Shinjuku

Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest stations in Tokyo and offers connections to other areas of the city.

Other Options

Visitors can travel around Shinjuku using the Tokyo Metro, and taxis are also available throughout the district.

How to Get Around in Shinjuku

Visitors can use the Tokyo Metro to travel around the district, and taxis are also available. Bike rentals are also an option for those who want to explore the area at a more leisurely pace.

Where to Go Next from Shinjuku: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can visit other areas of Tokyo, such as Shibuya or Ueno. Mount Fuji and Kamakura, a coastal town known for its temple, are popular destinations for day trips.

Conclusion

Shinjuku is a vibrant district that offers something for visitors of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. From cultural attractions to natural wonders, visitors can experience Tokyo’s rich culture and history through the lens of Shinjuku. Use our travel guide to plan your trip to Shinjuku for a truly unforgettable experience.

Location of Shinjuku in Tokyo Location of Shinjuku in Tokyo Kabukichō is an entertainment district Kabukichō is an entertainment district Nishi Shinjuku(West) is a business district Nishi Shinjuku(West) is a business district Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden The gate to Kabukichō at night The gate to Kabukichō at night View from New York Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo View from New York Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo Night view Club on the Park on 47th floor of Park Hyatt Tokyo Night view Club on the Park on 47th floor of Park Hyatt Tokyo