10 Unmissable Things to Do with Kids in Shinjuku: Playgrounds, Iconic Spots, and Hidden Gems
Shinjuku is Tokyo's busiest district. The area is lined with various buildings, including office buildings, department stores, and tourist attractions. During the day, shoppers and businesspeople come and go, while at night, people gather in the entertainment district of Kabukicho.
Shinjuku isn't just an urban area filled with buildings; it also offers spots where you can enjoy nature, making it a diverse destination with various ways to enjoy yourself.
Today, we'll introduce spots in Shinjuku that you can enjoy with children. These are all tourist spots where you can relax and have fun with kids without worry. If you're struggling to decide where to go on a family trip, please use this as a reference.
Despite Its Image as a "Nightlife District," Shinjuku Has Many Child-Friendly Places
While Shinjuku is famous for its nightlife district Kabukicho, it actually has many places scattered throughout that you can enjoy with children.
There are various tourist spots, including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden where you can spend relaxing time in nature, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck where you can enjoy Tokyo's spectacular views for free, and indoor playgrounds perfect for rainy days.
Shinjuku is a district rich in entertainment beyond just shopping and dining. Use this article to discover a new side of Shinjuku beyond its "nightlife district" image.
7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Shinjuku to Enjoy with Kids
Shinjuku Gyoen
Source: Wikipedia
Shinjuku Gyoen is a national park managed by the government. Within its vast 58.3-hectare grounds, you can enjoy well-maintained lawns, gardens, and a greenhouse featuring rare plants.
Many people spread leisure sheets on the lawn to relax in the park. Both adults and children can enjoy spending time in nature, having lunch, and relaxing. Before visiting Shinjuku Gyoen, I often buy a leisure sheet from a 100-yen shop to enjoy a picnic with my family.
The park features various spots where you can enjoy nature while in the city, including a Japanese garden with a large pond and a French formal garden with about 500 rose bushes. There's also a greenhouse where you can observe plants and a museum displaying Shinjuku Gyoen's history and culture, making it enjoyable even on rainy days.
If you're tired of the city's hustle and bustle, try spending some relaxing time at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Facility Information:
- Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:00-16:00
- Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, then the following weekday), Year-end/New Year holidays (Dec 29-Jan 3)
- Phone: 03-3350-0151
- Official Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/
- Official X (Facility Information): https://x.com/sg_service_kyo
- Official X (Nature Information): https://x.com/SG_info_kyokai?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Source: Official website
The observation deck in the First Main Building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a panoramic view of Tokyo from 202 meters above ground. During the day, you can see Tokyo's dense cityscape, and at night, you can enjoy the illuminated night view.
Through the large windows facing various directions, you can spot Tokyo tourist attractions like TOKYO SKYTREE and Meiji Shrine, enjoying Tokyo's magnificent scenery. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance.
The observation deck features a grand piano that anyone can play, restaurants, and souvenir shops. If you can play the piano, please give it a try.
The free admission is another plus. It's recommended to relax while having a drink and listening to piano music.
Facility Information:
- Address: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:30-22:00
- Closed: First and third Tuesday of each month (if Tuesday is a holiday, then the following weekday)
- Phone: 03-5320-7890
- Official Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tenbou/index.html
Ninja Karakuri House
Source: Go Tokyo
The "Ninja Karakuri House" is a facility where you can experience authentic ninja training. Instructors dressed as ninjas teach you how to handle swords and throw shuriken (ninja stars) in a safe environment.
Inside, you can practice using ninja weapons with targets set up on walls and enemy-shaped dummies. The ninja experience is enjoyable for both adults and children, making it a perfect activity when visiting Shinjuku with kids.
Since this facility is very popular, it's recommended to make a reservation if you definitely want to visit. Each ninja experience session lasts about 40 minutes. Why not immerse yourself in the world of ninjas in this mysterious space designed to look like a traditional Japanese house?
Photography and video recording are allowed inside the facility. There are many photo opportunities, making it perfect for creating memorable experiences.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 4F Dai-ichi Wakō Building, 2-28-13 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:00)
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Phone: 03-6457-3337
- Official Website: https://ninja-trick-house.com/
Godzilla Head
The "Godzilla Head" is a life-sized Godzilla object emerging from the 8th floor of the Shinjuku Toho Building in Kabukicho, Shinjuku.
You can enjoy this dynamic object that looks as if Godzilla is about to destroy Kabukicho. While Kabukicho is a bustling entertainment district at night, when visiting Shinjuku with kids, it's recommended to come during the quieter and safer daytime hours.
Appreciate the powerful Godzilla head along with the unique cityscape of this dense entertainment district. I recommend taking photos from the entrance of Kabukicho or slightly further away. You can capture powerful images that make it look like Godzilla is about to crush Shinjuku.
This spot is particularly recommended for fans of special effects movies and the world of Godzilla.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours: Varies by establishment
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-3344-4816
- Official Website: https://shinjuku-toho-bldg.toho.co.jp/
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
The "Tokyu Kabukicho Tower" is a multipurpose entertainment complex comprising hotels, theaters, cinemas, and restaurant floors.
At "109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku," you can enjoy movies in a state-of-the-art theater. Experience high-quality Japanese cinema with powerful sound systems and comfortable seating.
Floors 1-5 house restaurants and souvenir shops. My recommendation is "Shinjuku Kabuki Hall" on the second floor. In its festival-themed, vibrant interior, you can enjoy dishes from various regions of Japan. It's perfect for those who want to try different dishes in a lively atmosphere reminiscent of festival food stalls, especially when visiting Shinjuku with kids.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours: Varies by establishment
- Closed: Varies by establishment
- Phone: Varies by establishment
- Official Website: https://www.tokyu-kabukicho-tower.jp/
- Official X: https://x.com/TKT2023official
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkt2023official/
Beruberu Park Shinjuku Main Store
Source: Table Check
Beruberu Park Shinjuku Main Store is a large kids' space designed for children from infants to lower elementary school age. Inside, you'll find various play areas perfect for young children, including a large playground with slides, a block corner, and a grass area.
The restaurant offers an extensive kids' menu featuring hamburger steak, pancakes, ramen, and udon noodles, as well as adult-friendly options like steak, pasta dishes, and Asian cuisine. When visiting Shinjuku with kids, this venue offers excellent value as up to two children (elementary school age or younger) can enter free with one paying adult. They also allow you to bring baby food, which is particularly convenient for families with infants.
As an indoor facility, it's an ideal destination regardless of weather conditions, making it a perfect spot when you're looking for somewhere to take the kids on a rainy day in Shinjuku.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 6F Pasela Resorts Shinjuku Main Store, 1-3-16 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours: Mon-Fri & Days before holidays 10:00-18:00, Sat/Sun/Holidays 10:00-20:00 (Hours may vary, please check the website for details)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0120-956-746
- Official Website: https://www.pasela.co.jp/mamakai/beruberu-park/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beruberu_park/
Shumi no Mori
Source: Official Website
Shumi no Mori is a family-friendly facility located just a 5-minute walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station, offering both dining and play areas. The interior is thoughtfully designed to accommodate visitors of all ages.
The first floor features a ball pool, pretend play area, gym, and mini-golf course. On the rooftop, there's a circuit where children can enjoy riding vehicles. After enjoying family activities like golf or circuit racing, you can head to the restaurant for a meal.
The restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes like sashimi and grilled fish, as well as Western options including pasta and pizza sets. There's also a varied kids' menu featuring sushi, curry, and omurice (Japanese-style omelet rice).
This is an ideal spot for families visiting Shinjuku with kids who want to spend quality time together regardless of the weather.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-8-8 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00-19:00 (Last entry 17:30), Weekends/Holidays 10:00-20:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0120-034-142
- Official Website: https://www.shuminomori.jp/higashi-shinjuku/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuminomori.higashi_shinjuku/
3 Recommended Restaurants in Shinjuku with Kids
Fishing Restaurant ZAUO Shinjuku Branch
Source: Official website
When visiting Shinjuku with kids, ZAUO offers a unique dining experience where you can fish from tanks inside the restaurant and have your catch prepared as sashimi, sushi, tempura, or any way you prefer. You can even have your fish prepared two different ways - for example, half as sushi and half as karaage (fried).
Inside the restaurant, you can enjoy fresh fish that you've caught yourself. The dining area is surrounded by tanks filled with live fish, creating an exciting atmosphere that's entertaining even just watching the fish swim around.
Among the 200 seats available, the boat-shaped seating areas are especially popular, so reservations are recommended when dining with kids.
This entertainment-focused restaurant also features fish-cutting shows and festival-like events, making it a perfect choice for families visiting Shinjuku with kids.
Store Information:
- Address: 1F Washington Hotel, 3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:30)/17:00-22:30 (L.O. 22:00), Weekends & Holidays 11:30-14:30 (L.O. 14:00)/16:00-22:30 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: New Year's (12/31, 1/1, 1/2)
- Phone: 03-3343-6622
- Official Website: https://www.zauo.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zauoshinjyuku/
latte chano-mama
Source: Official website
For families exploring Shinjuku with kids, latte chano-mama is a thoughtfully designed café. The floor is level throughout with ample space for strollers, making it easily accessible for families. The proximity to nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities is an added convenience.
The highlight is the raised seating area, which resembles multiple king-size beds arranged together. Flat tables are placed on the soft sofas where meals are served. The cushioned seating makes it perfect for relaxing with babies.
The menu focuses on Western dishes like hamburger steaks, omurice, and chicken sauté. Kids' plates are available, making it an ideal spot for family dining.
Store Information:
- Address: 6F Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-20:00
- Closed: According to facility schedule (Closed on January 1, 2025)
- Phone: 03-5341-4417
- Official Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/chanomama/shinjuku
ISETAN dining
Source: Official website
When in Shinjuku with kids, ISETAN dining in the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building is an excellent family restaurant choice. The menu features Japanese, Western, Chinese cuisine, and kids' plates, perfect for families with different preferences. Their katsu curry is particularly recommended, featuring a delicious combination of curry and crispy cutlet.
The floor has 250 seats including table and sofa seating. Wide aisles accommodate strollers easily. Natural light fills the space, creating a bright and clean atmosphere.
The restaurant primarily caters to families with children, and the staff is experienced in handling young guests, allowing for a relaxed dining experience. It's highly recommended for families looking for a comfortable dining option in Shinjuku.
Store Information:
- Address: 7F Eat Paradise, Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
- Closed: According to facility schedule
- Phone: 03-3352-0909
- Official Website: https://www.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/shops/restaurant/isetan_dining.html
