Shinjuku in Tokyo is a commercial paradise, just like Shibuya. Not just for shopping, a visit to Shinjuku comes with opportunities to visit museums, a beautiful yet free view of Tokyo City, and even a garden oasis in always busy Tokyo. When you’re tired, there’s also plenty of cafes.
Table of Contents
- Introducing Shinjuku
- Places to Visit in Shinjuku
- Entertainment and Nightlife in Shinjuku
- Shopping in Shinjuku
- Takeaway
Introducing Shinjuku
Before Shinjuku Station expanded to the world's busiest railway station, it was first used as a fortress of samurai fighters during the Edo Period.
By the end of 1932, Shinjuku Station was an area of large stores expanding its services to entertainment which led to surpassing its nearby cities Yotsuya and Kagurazaka. The Tokyo Air Raid from May to August 1945 caused horrendous fires that almost burned the entire area completely.
However, Shinjuku was rebuilt into a great city as a surprising merger of the three areas of Yotsuya, Ushigome, and Yodobashi on March 15, 1947.
※ Shinjuku City, "History of Shinjuku"
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Places to Visit in Shinjuku
Now that you have a little bit of history, here are just some of the many great places you can find yourself in Shinjuku.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
One of Shinjuku’s most famous and popular tourist spots is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and especially its free observatory for a birds eye view over Tokyo City. The sunset view is one of the best in Tokyo, plus you can see both Tokyo Tower and Skytree from it and sometimes Mt. Fuji! (Did we mention it’s free?)
For more about this place, have a look at our dedicated article:
Discover the city anew with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Frequented by both locals and tourists alike, a garden oasis in the middle of Tokyo metropolis city is Shinjuku Gyoen. A spacious open space made up of 3 gardens each with their own styles, it is best known for sakura hanami and autumn foliage.
For more about this place, have a look at our dedicated article:
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, A Tokyo Garden Getaway
Fire Museum
This is a museum established by the Tokyo Fire Department dedicated to firefighting. This 5 story building covers Japan’s history of firefighting, exhibits a collection of firefighters’ stories, and offers children the opportunity to experience life and work as a firefighter.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
This is an art gallery founded by renowned abstract contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama herself. The museum exhibits both old and new works of art by Yayoi Kusama to promote her art and share her values as an artist with the rest of the world.
Entrance Fee: 1,100 yen (Adult)
Note: Tickets must be purchased online in advance. No on-site ticket sales.
Yotsuya Shuga Shrine
This is a relatively small shrine that gained popularity as an Anime Tourism Spot after blockbuster anime 「Kimi no Na wa」premiered in 2016. It is located in a residential district away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku’s busiest streets.
Tokyo Toy Museum
This is an elementary school building converted into a toy museum, Tokyo Toy Museum is home to around 10,000 toys from around the world and across different generations. From building blocks, board games like shogi and chess, and even foosball tables, there’s lots of fun to be had.
Entrance: 1,100 yen (adults), 800 yen (children)
Note: Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Entertainment and Night-life in Shinjuku
Godzilla Store Tokyo
The first Godzilla merchandise store in Japan and the world, definitely visit here if you’re a fan of the movies. Get all sorts of wacky Godzilla memorabilia like original design fashion goods, figurines, plushies posters and more.
Robot Restaurant
Love bright flashing lights, loud music, giant flashy robots, and high-tech machinery? Robot Restaurant is a mix of all those in a nightclub atmosphere. Food is separately charged starting from 1,000yen. Not recommended for children.
Entrance Fee: 8,500 yen (Adult)
Note: To prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Robot Restaurant has been temporarily closed since April 2020.
Animate Shinjuku
Although much smaller than its Ikebukuro counterpart, you can still drop by Animate Shinjuku if there’s something you need to get. With limited spacing, they usually stock the latest and most popular anime series items only.
Tower Records
Music fans rejoice! There’s a Tower Records in Shinjuku selling physical music albums and vinyl records. As expected of traditional Japan, CD sales are still relatively high compared to the rest of the world. Did you know that buying an album may give you a better opportunity when it comes to fanmeets and CD-signing with Japanese singers or idols?
Shinjuku Nightlife
The nightlife at Shinjuku is quite an experience for those that love to drink and party. Here are some places to check out:
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, meaning Memory Alleyway, is an area of historical streets dating back to the Showa period. The streets lined with around 80 Izakayas carry a retro oldies vibe. It’s the best place to visit in Shinjuku for a night of drinking and eating.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is well-known as Tokyo’s biggest nightlife spot as well as a red light district. Aside from izakayas and Western bars, the area is also filled with love hotels, cabaret clubs, host clubs, and nightclubs.
Do you know what a host club is? Check out our article Host and Hostess Clubs in Japan: What are they, where to go, and are foreigners allowed? We cover host and hostess clubs and the culture behind it in depth.
Shinjuku Ni-Chome
An LGBTQ friendly area that’s rare in Japan, this part of Shinjuku has a large number of gay bars and clubs. Many of the stores proudly adorn rainbow flags or decorate with rainbow lighting as a welcoming gesture. This part of town is also the venue for pride events. The block is also worth visiting during the day as there are cafes and restaurants that are very gay-friendly.
Shopping in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of the biggest shopping districts in Tokyo alongside Shibuya and Ginza. Here are some places to shop at in Shinjuku:
Department Stores
Shinjuku is home to a myriad of department stores including:
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Isetan
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Keio
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Takashimaya
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Odakyu
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Lumine: There are altogether 3 Lumine buildings in Shinjuku, Lumine EST has trendy fashion brands catering to young people and Lumine 1 and 2 have higher-end brands.
Subnade Underground Mall
Subnade is a huge underground mall that not just offers shopping, but also connects several main train lines which makes for easy transfers. A huge benefit when it comes to this underground mall is the coverage from nature’s worst, especially when it’s raining or in the middle of summer. It can even lead you all the way to Kabukicho.
Takeaway
Shinjuku is a must when it comes to visiting Tokyo. You may think it fine to skip Shinjuku if you’re visiting Shibuya but there’s plenty Shinjuku has to offer that other places lack. With toy, fire, art museums, a great observation point of the Tokyo area (and FREE too!), plus lots of fresh air and scenery in Shinjuku Gyoen, it’s not all just shopping to be had here.
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