Shinjuku Travel Guide: 9 Best Activities In The Best Areas To Live in Tokyo

Radiating out from four exits of the busiest namesake train station in the world, Shinjuku is known as the commuting capital of Tokyo.

Encompassing such a massive footprint, Shinjuku takes you half an hour just to get from the West Exit to the South. That being said, it’s one of the most compact and vibrant areas to visit in the capital city, with everything you need from retail therapy to sleepless nightlife and a decadent food scene.

Head out of the West Exit and you will encounter the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office at its center. Meanwhile, the East Exit takes you to a vast collection of cinemas, theaters, department stores, and the gorgeous sun-kissed national garden named Shinjuku Gyoen, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in March and April.

In this article, I’ll be showing you how to make the most of your trip to Shinjuku, Tokyo. From walking the red-light district of Kabukicho and Golden Gai back-streets to finding the most distinctive, awe-inspiring siphon coffee. Let’s dive in!

Walk the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden During the Cherry Blossom Season

Dubbed one of the most visited national gardens in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen welcomes a vast number of visitors when spring is around the corner and the dazzling cherry blossoms take over 58.3 hectares of the park.

They grow about 1000 cherry trees of all kinds throughout the park with their blossoms lingering until the end of the season. That being said, those who cannot make it in time for the main cherry blossom period in Tokyo can stop by Shinjuku Gyoen to enjoy.

Grab some takeaways with you and put a tarp down for a pleasant picnic under the trees. The garden is usually closed on Monday. However, it’s usually open all through when the cherry blossom season comes.

Shop Til You Drop at Lumine Est Shopping Mall

Located by the East Exit of the JR Shinjuku Station, Lumine Est is a fashion paradise to complete your retail therapy on a high note.

From big international brands to local retailers, from interior goodies to cosmetic stores, you will have a whale of a time stocking up your cart. Most of the stores can be found throughout the B2 floor and 6th floor, while the dining holes make up the 7th and 8th floors of the building.

Though I didn’t really spend any money on clothes here, there’s one thing I don’t want you to miss out on: the crepes at HARBS. This insanely famous bakery is taking Tokyo by storm with its fluffy, yummy, and fruity crepes.

There’s a chance that you will be caught in the long queue which may take over 30 minutes to clear but the whole dining experience there is totally worth it. Don’t forget to pair your cakes with some honey lemon soda that you can order at a separate section of the bakery.

Delight Your Taste Buds at NEWoMan

Another cool shopping hub you can’t go without is NEWoMan. It’s located on the south side of Koshu-Kaido Street.

NEWoMan is one of the latest add-ins in the shopping scene of Shinjuku. The building is broken down into fashion boutiques, food chains, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants of all kinds. Some spots open out to the scenic view of the city’s south side where you can see the trains heading out of the station from afar.

Oyster Bar Wharf

Not only Pacific oysters but also serve grilled wagyu and sashimi tuna at the bar. The fried shrimp is also great even though the space is a little cramped with people, especially when it gets really cold outside. Some Spanish fine wines round up the drink selection if you’re seeking some good juice to pair with your dishes.

Sawamura Bakery

Sawamura Bakery is known for its impressive variety of pastries and bread using different types of yeast. The flour they use also comes from different origins. For that reason, the treats you find here are very decadent and unique on their own.

Verve Coffee Roasters

If you need a caffeine kick to stay energized throughout the day, stop by Verve Coffee Roasters and sip on some hearty and rich Valencia latte. A fresh orange peel sitting on top of the cup adds a nice touch. Their espresso is another tasty serving if you’re unsure what to order.

Le Cafe De Joël Robuchon

Have you ever craved a buttery and crispy croissant in the middle of an East Asian city? Well, right here in Shinjuku Tokyo, Le Cafe De Joël Robuchon is a stellar boulangerie serving insanely delicious croissants and pain au chocolat.

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria

This Shinjuku location is the first outlet in Japan of the famous American pizza chain. Bringing authentic Italian pizza to locals and visitors alike, their Napoli pizza is always on top of the list of the best food spots in town. Other than that, you also have a ton of dairy-free vegan cheese and plant-based meat options to choose from.

Sarutahiko Coffee and Tiki Taka Ice Cream

Sarutahiko Coffee packs a punch in its coffee (and sweet treat) game. From the seasonal options for lattes to special rare finds such as Kenya AA Single Origin pour-over, Sarutahiko Coffee is a family-friendly stopover for kids and adults alike.

Enjoy the Famous Grilled Beef Tongue at Negishi Takashimaya

The world-renowned Japanese corporation is another stellar sight of interest in the heart of Shinjuku, housing everything from food and fashion to household goods as well as an art gallery.

No matter what you plan to do there, make sure you won’t forget to check out the juicy and tender sliced beef tongue at Negishi restaurant. Waking up your taste buds with the mouthwatering thickness and an optimal seasoning technique that retains its chewiness, Negishi is a great spot to kick back and fill up your empty stomach on your day out beating the hectic streets of Shinjuku.

Stay Up All Night at the Sleepless Kabukicho District

People-watching has never been so fun, at least not at a place where it’s a possibility day and night. Kabukicho is a fun, thrilling, and immersive entertainment district in Shinjuku. Boasting a huge chain of shimmering neon signs, Kabukicho has a lot more to offer than just a red-light district. The colorful background of the area comes from a huge deal of inexpensive eateries, restaurants, and hotels in the area.

Right in the heart of Kabukicho, Golden Gai is a highly-visited corner that comprises six alleys. They have about 200 or so tightly-packed independent bars here where you can grab a drink and meet some local friends.

Blend in the Noise and Smoke of Omoide Yokocho

If you’re seeking a more universal vibe of a place to spend your nights, Omoide Yokocho is the place to go. Not far from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho becomes a thriving nightlife hub crammed with restaurants and open barbecue food stalls breathing smoke all night long out of their tiny wooden windows.

The narrow alleys are lined up with old, shabby buildings nestled by small food stalls that are always crowded with white collars after work.

Sing Your Hearts out with the Best Karaoke Spots

Karaoke may not be a thing for everyone. But it will be a waste if you miss out on this crazy fun thing to do at night in Shinjuku.

Every day when the sun beams down, a myriad of night bars and KTV spots come alive. The Balinese-style Pasela Shinjuku KTV brightens your night with meals and darts. Meanwhile, Karaoke no Tetsujin is a well-run KTV spot where you can find all types of karaoke models and songs to enjoy in a well-kept and fully-stocked room.

Soak Up the Shimmering Nightlife at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is famous for its free observation decks where you can immerse into the sweeping wraparound vista of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and Meiji Shrine at night. The building reaches a whopping height of 243 meters, comprising two skyrocketing towers. Each of the towers hosts its own observatory deck.

Bonus: More Food Spots in Shinjuku

Rokkasen

Rokkasen (六歌仙) is a renowned restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo, offering exceptional Wagyu beef. With TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence Award,” it’s a top choice for locals and international visitors. Indulge in melt-in-your-mouth Japanese beef like Matsuzaka and Black Hair Beef, prepared in yakiniku, shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki styles. Rokkasen also offers an all-you-can-eat option. It’s a hot spot in Shinjuku, known for its wide-ranging menu, affordable prices (starting at 9,000 yen), and TripAdvisor’s top rankings. Remember to make a reservation in advance for this unforgettable Wagyu beef experience in Tokyo.

Dancing Crab: The house’s signature Louisiana-style seafood boil will have you hypnotized. Get rid of the utensils and dive right in with your hands. You can also choose your favorite shrimp, crab, clam, and meat to be marinated in the restaurant’s secret sauce recipe.

Coffee Aristocrat Edinburgh: This spot uses the special technique of brewing highly aromatic coffee with an air pressure system pumping hot water into the brew.

Kani Doraku Shinjuku Honten

Kani Doraku Shinjuku Honten: The traditional Japanese restaurant is only 5 minutes on foot away from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. You sit on the wooden floor on a tatami mat while enjoying deep-fried crab croquette, shabu-shabu, and everything crab related.

Home to the best transport links in the country and a dense jungle of high-rise buildings with scenic views, Shinjuku can take you up to a week to visit if you want to. I hope the nine activities above complete your bucket list before you set out to Shinjuku for the first time.

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Author：Nguyen Oanh
Editor：Ashley Chuang
Last updated：2023-06-04