Prime Spots & Hidden Gems

Shinjuku is a must-visit district in Tokyo, and there’s a lot to do on this cool neighbourhood!

It’s obtained the right mixture of buying, leisure, and hidden pockets of calm.

By day, you’ll discover peaceable parks and panoramic metropolis views, and by night time, the neon lights come alive with limitless meals and nightlife choices.

Whether or not it’s your first journey to Tokyo otherwise you’ve been earlier than, Shinjuku has lots to find.

Listed below are a few of the finest and most enjoyable actions and issues to do in Shinjuku!

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Enjoyable issues to do in Shinjuku

Stroll by way of Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard

This huge, 144-acre park in Shinjuku seems like a peaceable escape from the town.

It blends conventional Japanese gardens with European panorama designs, and it’s an exquisite spot to wander by way of year-round.

And when you’re visiting in spring, the cherry blossoms listed below are completely beautiful!

The Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard was initially constructed as a backyard for the Imperial household, however it turned a nationwide park for the general public after WWII!

Entrance is ¥500 per particular person for normal admission.

Take within the views on the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing

For probably the greatest free viewpoints in Tokyo, head as much as the statement decks on the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing.

On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even spot Mount Fuji within the distance!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku

You do have to attend in a queue to take the elevator up, however it’s undoubtedly well worth the go to.

Needless to say as it’s an workplace constructing, it’s solely open throughout workplace hours and through weekdays!

See the Godzilla Head

Considered one of Shinjuku’s quirkiest landmarks is the Godzilla head towering over Toho Cinema in Kabukicho.

It’s an iconic photograph spot, and when you’re fortunate, you would possibly even catch it roaring and lighting up all through the day.

Although it’s only a fast photograph op, it’s a really enjoyable and “solely in Japan” sort of cease!

Stroll by way of Omoide Yokocho

Discover this slim alley tucked away close to Shinjuku Station, the place you’ll discover tiny izakayas and yakitori stands.

The smoky, nostalgic ambiance actually seems like stepping again in time.

The truth is, omoide yokocho means “reminiscence lane” in Japanese.

It’s the right place for grabbing a late-night chunk and soaking within the native vibe!

Snap images of the neon lights round Kabukicho

Shinjuku’s leisure district comes alive after darkish, and this well-known space is finest recognized for adult-oriented nightlife.

We’re probably not nightlife individuals, however we loved strolling by way of Kabukicho within the late afternoon and seeing the glowing indicators of Kabukicho.

There have been so many picturesque streets within the space – we couldn’t cease snapping images!

Cease right into a bar in Golden-Gai

Golden-Gai is a must-visit space in Kabukicho for nightlife lovers.

This maze of six slim alleys is full of nearly 300 tiny bars, every with its personal distinctive theme and character.

Previously a red-light district after WWII, Golden-Gai nonetheless has the memory of Fifties Tokyo, proper in the course of ultra-modern Shinjuku.

Some spots are locals-only, however many are foreigner-friendly as nicely – you’ll know when you see an English signal!

If you happen to’re up for it, you’ll be able to even e book a guided bar-hopping tour in Shinjuku.

Go on a meals tour by way of Shinjuku

We solely spent a short time in Shinjuku throughout our time in Tokyo, however we had actually unbelievable eats there.

With this meals tour, you’ll be able to style 13 totally different dishes at 4 totally different spots, whereas studying in regards to the historical past and tradition of Shinjuku.

It’s a enjoyable method to strive a bunch of various Japanese dishes without delay, and also you don’t even should do any analysis on the place to eat!

Go to an animal café

Shinjuku has tons of themed cafés, together with loads of lovely animal cafés.

Play with cats on the Cat Cafe Mocha Lounge or hedgehogs at Chiku Chiku Cafe.

If you happen to’re planning to go to one, I’d suggest checking evaluations to verify the animals are nicely cared for. Google evaluations are a terrific place to begin!

We visited a micropig cafe in Shibuya and performed with the cutest and cuddliest micro pigs.

Your Name stairs by Suga Shrine in Shinjuku Tokyo

Go to Suga Shrine from Your Identify

Your Identify is certainly one of my favorite films of all-time, so in fact we needed to pay a go to to Suga Shrine.

If you happen to’re a fan of the film as nicely, you’ll acknowledge the long-lasting staircase main as much as the shrine from the tip of the film.

Adam and I actually wished to recreate the well-known scene from the film, however we had been too shy to ask anybody to take images.

We as an alternative shot some impressed images, which nonetheless turned out very nice.

I’d suggest coming earlier somewhat than later, as a result of it truly will get a bit busy with different film followers taking images.

Even when you’re not an anime fan, it’s a captivating little cease value visiting, and makes for a terrific photograph op.

And when you’re right here, make sure you try the precise shrine as nicely!

Try retailers close to Shinjuku Station

There may be simply a lot good buying in Tokyo, and you must try all of the retailers within the space round Shinjuku Station.

Particularly, you’ll discover the BEAMS flagship retailer right here, which seems like an artwork museum!

Each BEAMS location has totally different choices, and this 6-storey constructing presents up the whole lot from quirky Japanese souvenirs to chill clothes manufacturers.

BEAMS Flagship Shinjuku — Souvenirs from the BEAMS Flagship.

Different shops we actually appreciated in Shinjuku embody:

UNITED ARROWS – western type reimagined from a Japanese perspective
UNIQLO – high quality fundamentals for men and women
GU – the little sibling to UNIQLO with extra inexpensive choices

Enjoyable issues to do in Shinjuku:

Stroll by way of Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
Take within the views on the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing
See the Godzilla Head
Stroll by way of Omoide Yokocho
Snap images of the neon lights round Kabukicho
Cease right into a bar in Golden-Gai
Go on a meals tour by way of Shinjuku
Go to an animal café
Go to Suga Shrine from Your Identify
Try retailers close to Shinjuku Station

From the quiet paths of Shinjuku Gyoen to the neon lights of Kabukicho, each nook of Shinjuku has one thing value exploring.

Will you be including any of those Shinjuku actions to your itinerary? What are another enjoyable issues to do in Shinjuku? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!