11 Must-Visit Attractions in Shinjuku 2024 w/map
Even for me, living in Tokyo, Shinjuku is a special district that's difficult to describe in a single word.
Centered around JR Shinjuku Station, which boasts the world's highest passenger traffic, it has multiple facets that seem to blend several cities into one – from a business district lined with skyscrapers to a serene Japanese garden and an entertainment district that never sleeps.
Indeed, it might feel a bit intimidating for first-time visitors. The station interior is like a maze, crowds are always intense, and touts' voices fill the air in Kabukicho.
However, amid this bustle, there are many peaceful spaces like the serene Hanazono Shrine, Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) that retains its post-war atmosphere, and hidden bars where sophisticated adults gather.
Shinjuku is the district that most vividly embodies Tokyo's "present." Its chaos is precisely what makes its charm endless.
In this article, I'll introduce Shinjuku's attractions from a local's perspective.
Table of Contents
・What is Shinjuku?
・Daytime Attractions in Shinjuku
・Nightlife Attractions in Shinjuku
・Culinary Attractions in Shinjuku
What is Shinjuku?
Shinjuku is a massive terminal district that could be called the heart of Tokyo.
At its center, JR Shinjuku Station handles over 3.5 million passengers daily, making it the world's largest station. The station has multiple exits including East, West, and South, each showing completely different characteristics.
A distinctive feature is the concentration of Tokyo's representative tourist spots within walking distance, such as Shinjuku Gyoen and the Metropolitan Government Building. Furthermore, it houses Japan's largest entertainment district, including Kabukicho, which buzzes with activity 24/7, 365 days a year.
With convenient access from both Haneda and Narita airports, it's an ideal base for exploring Tokyo.
Daytime Attractions in Shinjuku
Shinjuku, where you can experience Tokyo's daytime and nighttime charm simultaneously, offers numerous tourist attractions to enjoy during the day. I'll introduce various attractions ranging from skyscrapers to lush gardens.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
I always take my foreign friends to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observatory. Located 202 meters above ground, the observatory offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view.
On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree, offering spectacular views that seem too good to be free. It's especially captivating at sunset when you can watch Tokyo's appearance change with the setting sun, enchanting many tourists.
Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html
Giant Godzilla Head
The giant Godzilla Head, reigning as Kabukicho's symbol, is an impressive monument installed on the 8th floor of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
At 12 meters tall, this Godzilla Head's eyes glow red with a thunderous roar every hour on the hour, creating a unique atmosphere in Kabukicho.
It's also popular as a photo spot, with numerous social media posts. As a local tip, I recommend visiting at dusk when you can capture more impressive photos with the neon lights.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a park spanning 58.3 hectares where three different garden styles coexist: Japanese, French, and English gardens.
Cherry blossoms bloom abundantly in spring, and colorful autumn leaves paint the garden in fall. I use it as my weekly jogging course, and on weekends, it's bustling with families enjoying picnics and tourists taking photos.
It's truly worthy of being called an urban oasis where you can forget the city's hustle and bustle.
Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/en/
Hanazono Shrine
Website: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/
Hanazono Shrine is a historic shrine with over 400 years of history.
Known as the deity of prosperity in business, it attracts many worshippers from local shop owners to nationwide business operators. During the Tori-no-Ichi festival held every November, the shrine grounds are packed with people seeking lucky rake decorations.
I make sure to visit every year, and the massive torii gate is impressive, creating a mysteriously calming space amid Kabukicho's bustle.
Nightlife Attractions in Shinjuku
As the sun sets, Shinjuku shows a completely different face. From traditional drinking districts to modern entertainment facilities, nighttime Shinjuku overflows with various charms.
Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a special place that preserves the post-war alley culture. Small bars are densely packed in a single block, each with its own unique atmosphere.
What I particularly like is the natural conversations that develop with regular customers in its distinctive atmosphere. Recently, more establishments have prepared English menus for foreign tourists, making it more accessible.
The unique storefronts lined up in narrow alleys create a strange sensation as if you've time-traveled.
Website: http://goldengai.jp/
Omoide Yokocho Izakaya District
Omoide Yokocho is a dining district that retains its old-time atmosphere. Over 70 establishments line up, with yakitori shops being particularly numerous.
I often use it for after-work drinks or casual drinking sessions with friends. The prices are reasonable, and you can enjoy meals while rubbing shoulders with local regulars.
Walking through the alley while eating yakitori and other foods is also a popular way to enjoy the area. The streetscape retaining its post-war atmosphere is a valuable spot to experience traditional Japanese food culture.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is known as Asia's largest entertainment district, a district that never sleeps. It's known as the world's largest red lantern district with numerous establishments gathered.
New entertainment facilities continue to open, with multilingual karaoke establishments being particularly popular among foreign tourists.
While it's an attractive place, some areas have safety concerns. I recommend sticking to main streets, especially at night.
You can enjoy Kabukicho's charm more safely by choosing reliable establishments and preferably visiting with locals through the tours I'll introduce later.
Shinjuku Ni-chome
Shinjuku Ni-chome is known as Japan's largest LGBTQ-friendly district. This area creates a unique atmosphere as a hub for culture that embraces diversity.
What's particularly impressive is that you can enjoy special entertainment not found elsewhere, like glamorous drag shows. My foreign friends also rate it as one of Tokyo's most interesting areas.
While security is relatively good, it's important to respect the local culture and privacy by being discreet with photography in establishments.
Culinary Attractions in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is Tokyo's premier food battleground. You can enjoy all genres of cuisine, from high-end restaurants to casual izakayas.
Restaurants and Department Store Basements Around Shinjuku Station
Around Shinjuku Station, major department stores like Lumine, Takashimaya, and Isetan stand side by side, with their basement food floors known as "Depachika."
What I particularly recommend are the abundant takeout foods, including fresh side dishes and beautifully displayed Japanese and Western sweets.
Also, the upper floors of each department store house quality restaurants where you can enjoy fine dining at more reasonable prices than high-end establishments. I love that these places maintain an atmosphere where families can dine comfortably.
Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/shinjuku.html
Omoide Yokocho for Izakaya Food
Omoide Yokocho is the perfect place to enjoy authentic izakaya food.
While it might be difficult to visit with children since it's primarily active at night, you can enjoy traditional Japanese izakaya menus like yakitori, simmered dishes, and oden in an authentic atmosphere.
What I particularly love is being able to watch the cooks' skilled hands at work across the counter. It's a precious spot where you can casually experience Japanese food culture in a lively atmosphere.
West Shinjuku for Fine Dining
The West Shinjuku area hosts particularly sophisticated restaurants in Shinjuku.
Many restaurants are located on the upper floors of skyscrapers and hotels, offering great views and making them perfect for anniversary dinners or special business meals.
I often choose restaurants in this area when dining with important people. I recommend making reservations in advance as popular establishments are often fully booked.
Dinner with the night view will surely become a special memory of Tokyo.
Tours to Fully Enjoy Shinjuku's Cuisine
At Magical Trip, we offer two special tours to help you fully enjoy Shinjuku's food culture.
["Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku"] is an adult-oriented 3.5-hour tour visiting local bars while enjoying izakaya food.
On the other hand, ["Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku"] is a family-friendly tour focusing on representative Japanese cuisine like sushi and yakiniku.
Since nighttime Shinjuku has some dangerous areas, I especially recommend these tours where you can safely explore the city with experienced guides.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a special district where Tokyo's diverse attractions are concentrated. During the day, you can enjoy spectacular views from the Metropolitan Government Building observatory and nature at Shinjuku Gyoen, while at night, you can experience Japanese food culture in uniquely atmospheric places like Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho.
While it might feel a bit complex for first-time visitors, by visiting the places introduced in this article in order, you can safely and fully enjoy Shinjuku's various faces.
I hope you'll find your own charm of Shinjuku!