Shinjuku (Vh) is one of the 23 city wards of Tokyo, but the name commonly refers to just the large entertainment, business and shopping area around Shinjuku Station.
Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest railway station, handling more than two million passengers every day. It is served by about a dozen railway and subway lines, including the JR Yamanote Line. Shinjuku is also one of Tokyo's major stops for long-distance highway buses. A large bus terminal, named Busta Shinjuku, is conveniently located on top of the railway station.
West of the station is Shinjuku's skyscraper district, home to many of Tokyo's tallest buildings, including several premier hotels and the twin towers of the Metropolitan Government Office, whose observation decks are open to the public for free.
Northeast of the station lies Kabukicho, Japan's largest and wildest red light district, while department stores, subterranean malls and electronic shops surround Shinjuku Station on all four sides, including the redeveloped Southern Terrace.
Districts
Restaurants: Hours vary but are typically from 11:00 to 22:00. Some restaurants close for a few hours between lunch and dinner.
The area west of Shinjuku Station is home to a large number of skyscrapers including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and leading hotels such as the Keio Plaza, Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Park Hyatt (featured in Lost in Translation). Several of the skyscrapers have shops and restaurants on their ground floors and additional restaurants with great views of the city on their top floors.
Restaurants: Typically 11:00 to 24:00 (some open 24 hours)
Bars: Typically from 19:00 or 20:00 until the next morning
Closed: Some establishments are closed on Sundays
Named after a kabuki theater, whose construction plans have never been realized, Japan's largest red light district features countless restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pachinko parlors, love hotels and a wide variety of red light establishments for all sexes and sexual orientations. Explore with caution and beware of exorbitant cover fees and drink spiking resulting in loss of cash and credit cards. The latter typically occurs at establishments run by non-Japanese patrons and is initiated by touts targeting foreign tourists.
Hours: Typically from 19:00 or 20:00 until the next morning
Closed: Typically Sundays
Golden Gai is a small, atmospheric nightlife district in Kabukicho packed with over 200 small bars and eateries. Most places are very small, seating only a few customers, and typically cater to a few regular customers. A few of the bars openly welcome foreign guests with signs and menus set outside listing prices in English.
Restaurants: Typically from 17:00 to 24:00 (some are open for lunch)
Closed: Irregular closing days
Omoide Yokocho (lit. memory lane), also known under its more colorful nickname Piss Alley, is a small network of alleyways along the tracks northwest of Shinjuku Station. The narrow lanes are filled with dozens of tiny eateries serving ramen, soba, sushi, yakitori and kushiyaki. Many restaurants consist of just one counter with some chairs, while others have a couple of tables.
Shop and restaurant hours vary
Shin-Okubo Koreatown is a collection of Korean shops and restaurants found along the main road and side streets around Shin-Okubo Station, one stop north of Shinjuku Station. Many of the shops and restaurants are operated by Korean residents and sell a variety of Korean goods, including K-Pop music, videos and groceries.
Attractions and parks
Hours: 9:30 to 22:00 (entry until 21:30)
Closed: Dec 29 to Jan 3 (except Jan 1) and occasional inspection days
Admission: Free
The 243 meter tall twin towers and surrounding buildings contain the offices and the assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo, as well as observatories on the 45th floor of each tower. The view from the southern tower is considered slightly more interesting.
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 16:30 in winter, until 19:00 in summer)
Closed: Mondays (or next day if Mon is a holiday), and Dec 29 to Jan 3. No closing days from late Mar to late Apr and in the first half of Nov.
Admission: 500 yen
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest and most pleasant parks and one of the city's best cherry blossom viewing spots. It was opened to the public in 1949, after it had served as a garden for the Imperial Family since 1903.
Hours: Always open
Admission: Free
This public park behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government twin towers houses Kumano Shrine. It used to have a sizable homeless population living in blue tarp shanties and cardboard box homes.
Department stores
Hours: 10:00 to 20:00
Restaurants: Typically 11:00 to 22:00
With a history of over 100 years Isetan is a veteran among Shinjuku's department stores. The Shinjuku store is Isetan's flagship and consists of ten floors, including restaurants on the top floors and a food department in the basem*nt.
Hours: 10:30 to 19:30
Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00
Opened in 1996, the Shinjuku branch of Takashimaya consists of 15 floors, including a food department in the basem*nt and three restaurant floors. It is the main store of the "Takashimaya Times Square" complex that also houses a Hands branch and Kinokuniya book store with a large foreign language section..
Hours: 10:00 to 20:00
Restaurants: 11:00 to 22:00
Keio Department Store consists of 11 floors, including a food department in the basem*nt and several restaurants on the restaurant floor. The department store belongs to the Keio Group, which also operates a suburban railway line from Shinjuku to western Tokyo. The Keio department store is scheduled to be rebuilt in a major redevelopment project in the near future.
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00
Restaurants: 11:00 to 22:00
Lumine is owned by JR East and located both next to and above Shinjuku Station's South and East exits. Lumine is divided into "Lumine 1" and "Lumine 2" on either side of the South Exit and "Lumine Est" (formerly known as "My City") above the East Exit.
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00 (Mosaic Dori from 10:00)
Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00
Mylord offers seven floors of shopping and three restaurant floors. The complex also includes "Mosaic Dori", a narrow pedestrian street behind the Keio department store. Mylord is affiliated with the Odakyu Group and is also scheduled for redevelopment.
Electronics stores
Hours: 9:30 to 22:00
Yodobashi Camera is one of Japan's leading discount electronics retailers, and especially strong on camera equipment. Yodobashi's main store is located near the west exit of Shinjuku Station, while a smaller branch is located near the station's east exit.
Hours: 10:00 to 21:00
Bic Camera is another of Japan's leading discount electronics retailers. It has two large stores in Shinjuku: one in the Odakyu Halc Building near the station's west exit and one east of the station near the Isetan department store.
Getting there and around
Shinjuku Station is Japan's busiest railway station, served by about a dozen railway lines, including the JR Yamanote Line.
From Tokyo Station
The frequently departing, orange trains on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid Service) take less than 15 minutes and cost 200 yen from Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station.
From Ueno Station
By JR Yamanote Line it takes 25 minutes and costs 200 yen to get from Ueno to Shinjuku. A slightly faster alternative is to take the JR Yamanote or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from Ueno to Kanda Station, and then the JR Chuo Line from Kanda to Shinjuku.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Kabukicho
Official website of the business association.Golden Gai
Official website of the business association.Omoide Yokocho
Official website of the business association.Shinjuku Central Park
Official website.Isetan Department Store
Official website.Keio Department Store
Official website.Lumine Department Stores
Official website.Mylord Shinjuku Department Store
Official website.Takashimaya Department Store
Official website.Yodobashi Camera
Official website.Bic Camera
Official website.Hotels around Tokyo
Top rated in Shinjukupoweredby
Budget:
Luxury
High above Shinjukufs lively streets, the wide windows of Park Hyatt Tokyofs spacious rooms offer beautiful views of Mount Fuji or Shinjuku. An indoor pool and 52nd-floor restaurant are featured. Rooms at the Tokyo Park Hyatt boast Hokkaido wood panelling and Egyptian cotton sheets. Guests can pour a drink at the wet bar and relax in the deep bathtub, or stretch out in the fluffy bathrobe and watch a video-on-demand movie. Free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer are provided. Rooms also feature a seating area, desk and free high-speed wired internet as well as WiFi access. Shinjuku Central Park is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. JR Shinjuku Train Station is a 15-minute walk away, and Shinjuku Gyoen is a 20-minute walk. Guests can enjoy the massage or sauna at Club on the Park Spa or work out at the fitness room, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotelfs library offers a wide selection and the front desk is open 24-hours a day. Currency exchange service is available at the hotel. The 52nd-floor New York Grill offers spectacular skyline views. Guests can enjoy a drink at The Peak Bar while watching the sun set in the Tokyo Skyline. Sumptuous cakes and seasonal sweets can be purchased at the Pastry Boutique, while modern Japanese dishes, French cuisine and a stylish cafe are also available on site.
9.1Booking.com
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand
Luxury
Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and spa centre, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand is set in Tokyo in the Tokyo Prefecture Region, 1.5 km from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Opened in December, 2016, the new Club Floor "Premier Grand" welcomes guests with green tea and hand towels. Exclusive service such as private check-in and check-out is available on the 45th floor. Premier Grand features panoramic views of Tokyo. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a coffee machine and a kettle in the room. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom with a bath and bidet, with bathrobes and slippers provided. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is free shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk and hairdresser's at the property. Meiji Jingu Shrine is 1.8 km from Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Gran, while Meiji Jingu Stadium is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 16 km from Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand.
9.0Booking.com
Luxury
Hundred Stay Shinjuku provides modern service apartments with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Featuring a fitness room and cafe, it is a 3-minute walk to JR Okubo Train Station. One- and two-bedroom apartments at Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku come with a fully equipped kitchen, living room and washing machine. All rooms include a microwave, fridge and en suite bathroom. Guests can watch a DVD or relax in the bathtub. From nearby Okubo Station, Shinjuku Station is 1 train stop away, and Tokyo Station is a 25-minute ride. Shin-Okubo Korea Town is 500 metres away. The lively Kabukicho area is a 15-minute walk. The hotel features free internet access. Laundry services are available and a concierge is on call 24/7.
8.9Booking.com
Luxury
Well located in the Shinjuku Ward district of Tokyo, MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST is located 500 metres from Zenrosai Hall Space Zero, 500 metres from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and 700 metres from Memorial Museum for Soldiers, Detainees in Siberia, and Postwar Repatriates. Popular points of interest nearby include Yamano Hall, Lumine Shinjuku 1 and Intercommunication Center. The property is 4 km from the city centre and 200 metres from Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at the hotel also offer free WiFi. At MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST each room has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Shinjuku Central Park, Bellesalle Nishi Shinjuku and Kumano Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST.
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Oakwood Apartments Nishi-Shinjuku
Luxury
Oakwood Apartments Nishi-Shinjuku features air-conditioned guest accommodation in the centre of Tokyo, 400 metres from Joenji Temple, 600 metres from Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art and 700 metres from Studio Alta. Free WiFi is available. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, shower and free toiletries, while the kitchen has a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Choko-ji Temple, Belle Salle Shinjuku Grand Hall and Okubo Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from Oakwood Apartments Nishi-Shinjuku.
8.9Booking.com
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku
Luxury
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku in Tokyo features 4-star accommodation with a shared lounge. Well located in the Shinjuku Ward district, the property is located 2.1 km from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and 2.4 km from Meiji Jingu Shrine. The property is 3.3 km from Meiji Jingu Stadium and 3.3 km from NHK Studio Park. The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom is fitted with a bath. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Staff at the 24-hour front desk speak Japanese and English. Shibuya Center Town is 4 km from the accommodation, while Hachiko Statue is 4 km from the property. Tokyo Haneda International Airport is 23 km away.
8.8Booking.com
Sakura Cross Hotel Shinjuku East Annex
Budget-friendly
Located in the centre of Tokyo, 600 metres from Full Gospel Tokyo Church, Sakura Cross Hotel Shinjuku East Annex provides air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi. The property is situated 300 metres from Saikoan Shrine, 700 metres from Inari Kio Shrine and less than 1 km from Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Park. The property is non-smoking and is set 200 metres from Itsukushima Shrine Nukebenten. At the hotel, each room is fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Sakura Cross Hotel Shinjuku East Annex each room has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Hozen-ji Temple, Samurai Museum and Okubo Baptist Church. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from Sakura Cross Hotel Shinjuku East Annex.
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JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
Luxury
Opened in August 2014, this hotel is located just a 3-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, offering direct access to Harajuku, Shibuya and Akihabara areas, all within a 20-minute train ride. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Sophisticated guest rooms at JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku feature decor inspired by traditional Japanese motifs and materials. In-room facilities include a flat-screen TV, fridge and air purifier/humidifier. The private bathrooms feature free toiletries. The Blossom Shinjuku Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, coin launderette and free luggage storage services. Massages can be arranged at a surcharge. Drink vending machines are available on site. The hotel is within a 15-minute walk from the lively Kabukicho area, Golden-gai and Tokyo Metroplitan Government Building. The tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is also a 15-minute stroll away. Tokyo Tower is a 30-minute train ride away. The Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store is only a 5-minute walk, where guests can enjoy shopping. On-site Umaya restaurant offers various Japanese meals, including Kyushu regionfs specialities.
8.7Booking.com
Mid-range
Well located in Tokyo, Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside provides a buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The hotel features family rooms. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and slippers, rooms at the hotel also offer a city view. At Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside each room has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Inari Kio Shrine, Samurai Museum and Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside.
8.7Booking.com
Luxury
Featuring a 24-hour fitness room, Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo is just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Subway Station and a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Subway Station. This design hotel offers studio apartments with free WiFi and wired internet access. This hotel was selected as one of the Top 25 Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Award 2014. Shinjuku Tokyo Citadines provides coin-operated laundry facilities. Guests will find drink vending machines and a 24-hour front desk with luggage storage service. Paid parking is available on site. The air-conditioned studios at Shinjuku Citadines Tokyo boast a smooth modern style. The fully equipped kitchenette features a variety of cooking utensils, cutlery and tableware, while the en suite bathroom comes equipped with a bath and shower. Free toiletries, a hairdryer and slippers are provided. Guests can enjoy DVDs on the flat-screen TV. For their convenience, guests will also find personal lockers and ironing facilities, as well as a seating area and desk. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Isetan Department Store are a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while the lively Kabukicho district is a 15-minute walk away. Shinjuku Gyoenmae Subway Station offers direct subway access to the Ginza and Shinjuku areas.
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