Food Areas at Shinjuku 2024: From Street Food to Skyscraper Dining
Located in central Tokyo, Shinjuku Station, which boasts the world's highest passenger traffic, is known as one of Japan's premier food destinations.
From my 40+ years of food exploration in Tokyo where I was born and raised, I can say that Shinjuku's culinary diversity and depth are unmatched anywhere else.
From exquisite Japanese cuisine served at the top of skyscrapers to surprising flavors found in Kabukicho's back alleys, Shinjuku holds endless possibilities for food lovers.
However, this treasure trove of cuisine has its challenges. With too many choices, travelers often find it difficult to decide where to go and what to eat.
In this article, I'll use my local knowledge and experience to guide tourists through Shinjuku's food spots.
Let's dive into Shinjuku's culinary world together!
Table of Contents
・Budget Guide for Dining in Shinjuku
・Shinjuku Food Area 1: Diverse Cuisine in Station-Connected Shopping Malls
・Shinjuku Food Area 2: Late-Night Dining in Kabukicho
・Shinjuku Food Area 3: Authentic Korean Cuisine in Shin-Okubo
・Shinjuku Food Area 4: Experience Retro Izakaya Culture in Memory Lane
・Shinjuku Food Area 5: Premium Dining in West Shinjuku Skyscrapers
・Two Recommended Tours to Enjoy Shinjuku's Food
Budget Guide for Dining in Shinjuku
Shinjuku caters to all budgets. Based on my years of dining experience in this area, here's an approximate budget guide.
Casual Lunch
For a casual lunch, 1,000 to 2,000 yen is sufficient. You can enjoy authentic Japanese flavors at restaurants around the station, standing soba shops, and donburi restaurants.
Casual Dinner
For casual dinner, budget between 2,000 to 5,000 yen. With this budget, you can enjoy meals with drinks at izakayas, Chinese restaurants, or yakiniku places.
High-End Dining
High-end dining typically requires 10,000 to 20,000 yen. In this price range, you can enjoy top chefs' creations while overlooking Tokyo's night view from skyscraper restaurants.
Izakaya
Izakaya dining typically costs between 4,000 to 6,000 yen. This price range is perfect for those wanting to experience traditional Japanese izakaya culture.
All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
All-you-can-eat restaurants range from 3,000 to 6,000 yen. All-you-can-eat yakiniku, in particular, is popular among international tourists.
Use these budgets as a reference to enjoy Shinjuku's food scene according to your preferences and purposes.
Shinjuku Food Area 1: Diverse Cuisine in Station-Connected Shopping Malls
The large shopping malls directly connected to Shinjuku Station are treasure troves where you can enjoy diverse cuisines.
From Japanese to Western, Chinese, and ethnic cuisines, all types of restaurants are concentrated in one place. The appeal of these malls lies in their range of establishments, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries.
I often stop by after work, appreciating how easy it is to enjoy delicious meals that comfort my tired body.
Lumine Shinjuku: Recommended Food Spot Directly Connected to Shinjuku Station
Lumine Shinjuku is a spot I've been frequenting since my student days.
Attractive restaurants are concentrated on the 7th floor of Lumine 1 and the 7th-8th floors of EST.
What's particularly striking is that many of these restaurants target young, trend-conscious women. As a result, their menus are visually appealing, health-conscious, and Instagram-worthy.
They offer various cuisines, from Japanese to Chinese, and the lower floors house numerous sweet cafes.
Website: https://www.lumine.ne.jp/shinjuku/
Isetan: Quality and Reasonable Dining
Isetan Shinjuku is a department store that holds fond memories for me, as my parents used to take me there when I was a child.
Restaurants are located in the basement and on the 7th floor. What's particularly impressive is how many of these establishments strike a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. While preserving traditional flavors, they incorporate contemporary food trends.
Prices are generally higher than Lumine but not as expensive as West Shinjuku's high-end restaurants. In other words, Isetan's charm lies in its ability to offer quality dining at reasonable prices.
Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/shinjuku.html
Shinjuku Food Area 2: Late-Night Dining in Kabukicho
Kabukicho is an area with special charm that I've visited countless times since my university days.
The area's main feature is its abundance of restaurants operating late into the night. From office workers returning home to young people enjoying nightlife, various people gather here, and someone is always dining somewhere 24/7/365. I often find myself here at 3 AM looking for a final bowl of ramen.
Kabukicho's dining establishments are incredibly diverse. From izakayas to ramen shops and high-end clubs, restaurants of all genres line the streets.
Entertainment restaurants are also a characteristic of Kabukicho. You can enjoy drinks and meals while watching live performances.
However, when visiting Kabukicho, be mindful of safety. Especially late at night, avoid alleys with little foot traffic. Also, be careful of establishments with unclear pricing. From my experience, it's wise to choose well-lit restaurants facing main streets.
Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi: Must-Visit Ramen Shop in Kabukicho
Source: Official website
"Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi" is one of my must-visit spots in late-night Kabukicho. Its 24-hour operation is a major attraction. Whether as a late-night ramen fix or an early morning post-drinking meal, you can enjoy delicious ramen anytime.
The shop's signature menu item is "Sugoi! Niboshi Ramen." The ultra-rich soup, blended with over 20 types of dried sardines, is shockingly delicious.
However, Nagi's appeal doesn't end there. They also serve "BUTAO" pork bone ramen, which is equally excellent.
With its 24-hour convenience and overwhelming deliciousness, it's definitely worth visiting.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F, 1-1-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3205-1925
Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: https://n-nagi.com/english/
KUJIRA ENTERTAINMENT: Unique Food Spot in Kabukicho
Source: Official Instagram
The greatest appeal of KUJIRA ENTERTAINMENT is undoubtedly its unique entertainment experience.
You can enjoy various drinks while watching shows by famous performers. When I first visited, I was overwhelmed by its unique atmosphere and high-quality performances.
KUJIRA's charm also lies in its flexible pricing plans. They offer various plans to suit different needs, from the "Casual Plan" with free admission to "All-You-Can-Drink Plan" and "Shisha Plan."
The location is also excellent. It's in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, just a 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. Operating late into the night makes it convenient for tourists to visit.
Through social media reviews and posts, KUJIRA's popularity is growing daily. I often see photos of Instagram-worthy drinks and innovative performances being shared on social media.
I highly recommend international tourists visit once to experience this new face of Kabukicho.
Website: https://kujiraentertainment.com/
<Store Information>
Address: B2F, 2-23-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 03-6205-6675
Hours: 9 PM–5 AM
Website: https://kujiraentertainment.com/
Shinjuku Food Area 3: Authentic Korean Cuisine in Shin-Okubo
Since I first visited with my Korean drama-obsessed mother about 20 years ago, Shin-Okubo has become a familiar neighborhood. This area, known as Tokyo's largest Koreatown, is a treasure trove for authentic Korean cuisine.
The biggest attraction here is undoubtedly the authentic Korean food. You can enjoy all kinds of Korean dishes, from kimchi jjigae to samgyeopsal and bibimbap.
Shin-Okubo's appeal isn't limited to food alone. Many people combine their dining experience with shopping at K-pop merchandise shops and Korean cosmetic stores.
In recent years, the area has seen an increase in restaurants serving cuisines from various countries. Being able to enjoy Nepalese and Thai cuisine alongside Korean food adds a new dimension to Shin-Okubo's charm. I feel this diversity has deepened the area's appeal even further.
Yopu no Oubutashioyaki: Recommended Restaurant in Shin-Okubo
"Yopu no Oubutashioyaki" is one of my must-visit places whenever I'm in Shin-Okubo. The restaurant's charm lies primarily in its signature dish: thick-cut three-layer samgyeopsal (pork belly).
When I first visited this restaurant, I was surprised by the thickness of the meat. However, despite its thickness, the meat is surprisingly tender and juicy.
The moment when you wrap the grilled meat in fresh sangchu (Korean lettuce) and dip it in their special salt or sauce is truly blissful.
However, this deliciousness comes at a price. Dinner costs about 5,000-7,000 yen per person, which was quite expensive for me during my student days.
However, during lunch hours, you can enjoy samgyeopsal for about 2,000-3,000 yen. When I take friends or family, I often use these value-for-money lunch hours.
Jongno Hotok: Street Food in Shin-Okubo
Source: Tabelog by chack225
Jongno Hotok is a street food spot I always visit when I'm in Shin-Okubo. The charm of this store lies in its cheese-filled hotteok (Korean-style hot dog) with its signature stretchy cheese.
I still can't forget the shock of eating their hotteok for the first time. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the melting cheese inside was amazing.
The price is also attractive. You can enjoy it for under 1,000 yen per person. It was even cheaper during my student days, and I still visit occasionally for nostalgic reasons.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-16-29 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3232-6680
Hours: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Website: https://www.hotok.jp/
Shinjuku Food Area 4: Experience Retro Izakaya Culture in Memory Lane
This small drinking district near Shinjuku Station's west exit is like stepping back in time, with the old Tokyo atmosphere strongly preserved.
The biggest charm of this place lies in its unique atmosphere with numerous small izakayas lined up. The small shops standing along narrow alleys look like something out of a movie set.
The food served in Memory Lane centers around traditional Japanese izakaya menus. Everything from yakitori to motsuyaki (grilled offal) and oden are essential dishes in Japanese drinking culture.
The reasonable prices are also appealing. From my student days to now as a working adult, I appreciate that I can still casually drop by without breaking the bank. Being able to enjoy traditional flavors at honest prices is unique to Memory Lane.
In recent years, Memory Lane has become popular among international tourists. It's gaining attention as a spot for experiencing deep Japanese culture, particularly the "Showa" era atmosphere. When I bring my friends from overseas here, they all show excitement.
However, the spaces in the shops are small, so it can feel cramped during busy times. Also, some establishments may not have English menus, so international tourists should research in advance.
I recommend our Magical Trip tour where you can enjoy Memory Lane with a Tokyo local: Our Magical Trip Tour
Motsuyaki Ucchan: Must-See Restaurant in Memory Lane
Source: Tabelog
"Motsuyaki Ucchan" is one of my favorite spots that I always visit when I'm in Memory Lane. The charm of this store lies primarily in its signature dish: yakitori made with fresh offal.
"Motsuyaki" is a dish where beef or pork offal is skewered and grilled. While it might sound grotesque at first, this delicacy with its unique texture and rich flavor is beloved by many Japanese people.
When I first visited this store, I was amazed by its freshness and careful preparation. The offal being grilled right in front of you releases an appetizing aroma that stimulates your hunger. When you take a bite, you experience a perfect contrast of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The pairing with alcohol is excellent. The deliciousness doubles when enjoyed with cold draft beer or sake. I always enjoy my motsuyaki slowly with ice-cold draft beer.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-2-7 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5909-5890
Hours: 4–11 PM
Website: https://kiwa-group.co.jp/uttyan_shinjuku/
Sushi Tatsu: The Only Sushi Restaurant in Memory Lane
Source: Memory Lane Official Website
"Sushi Tatsu" is the only sushi restaurant in Memory Lane. Among the yakitori and simmered dishes that line Memory Lane, this sushi restaurant stands out as a unique presence.
When I first discovered this store, I was both surprised and intrigued. A sushi restaurant suddenly appearing among the izakayas in the narrow alley. I still vividly remember being drawn to this unexpected find and immediately going in.
The biggest appeal of Sushi Tatsu is that you can enjoy authentic sushi at reasonable prices. Unlike high-end sushi restaurants, the pricing makes it easy to drop by casually. However, despite the reasonable prices, the quality of sushi is surprisingly high.
The chef's skills are reliable, with perfect balance between the shari (vinegared rice) and fish. My favorite is the "medium fatty tuna," which has a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that amazes me every time.
The pairing with alcohol is also excellent. The deliciousness of sushi doubles when enjoyed with cold sake or draft beer. My standard pattern is to start with cold sake for sushi and switch to draft beer in the latter half.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-2-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3342-0740
Hours: 5–11:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13047204/
Shinjuku Food Area 5: Premium Dining in West Shinjuku Skyscrapers
This area, known as Shinjuku's skyline, symbolizes Tokyo's modern face while also being a treasure trove of fine dining.
The greatest appeal of this area lies in the special dining experiences offered at high-end restaurants located on the upper floors of skyscrapers. The Tokyo night view seen from dozens of floors up is a special experience in itself. Combined with the cuisine, it creates a feast for all five senses.
West Shinjuku's upscale restaurants offer not only Japanese cuisine but also French, Chinese, and other world-class international cuisines.
However, be aware that the overall budget tends to be higher. I recommend these venues for special occasions like celebrations or business meetings. Personally, I often choose restaurants in this area for anniversaries with loved ones or important business discussions.
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: Premium Hotel Dining in West Shinjuku
Source: Google Map
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo holds special memories for me.
It was my part-time workplace during my student years, then became a spot for anniversary dinners with special someone's after I started working, and now I use it for important business meetings.
This hotel offers one of the finest dining experiences among West Shinjuku's skyscrapers.
The hotel's biggest charm is its restaurants on the upper floors. You can enjoy delicate Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients while overlooking Tokyo's cityscape.
However, Keio Plaza Hotel's appeal isn't limited to the upper floors. The lower floors also house various high-end restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese, and other cuisines.
Keep in mind that reservations are required at most restaurants, so it's best to visit for special dining experiences. Popular restaurants can be fully booked weeks in advance for weekends and holidays. For important anniversary dinners, I always make sure to reserve at least a month in advance.
Website: https://www.keioplaza.com/restaurants/index.html
Shinjuku Nomura Building: For Premium High-Rise Dining
Source: Google Map
The charm of the Shinjuku Nomura Building lies in its variety of restaurants from lower to upper floors. Particularly notable is the rich selection of restaurants on the 49th and 50th floors. The view from these high floors is spectacular, allowing you to enjoy meals while overlooking Tokyo's cityscape.
The building's appeal includes restaurants ranging from Japanese to Western cuisine. The lower floors also house many attractive restaurants. During lunch hours, you can enjoy high-end restaurant flavors at relatively reasonable prices.
Website: https://snb-portal.com/nomura-shop/shop-en/
Two Recommended Tours to Enjoy Shinjuku's Food
Let me introduce tours that help you understand and safely enjoy Shinjuku's food culture.
"Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" by Magical Trip
Our 3.5-hour night tour at Magical Trip explores hidden izakayas and food stalls in Shinjuku.
Experience Japanese drinking culture deeply by visiting three bars with a local guide. On the tour, you can enjoy authentic Japanese izakaya dishes like yakitori, gyoza, and agedofu.
The tour's appeal includes an all-inclusive package with drinks and meals, so you don't need to worry about additional costs.
While Shinjuku at night can feel dangerous alone, this tour allows you to enjoy it safely.
I recommend this tour for those who want to experience Shinjuku's nightlife food spots with drinks.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
"Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" by Magical Trip
This is another 3.5-hour night tour we offer at Magical Trip. You'll visit three selected gourmet spots in Shinjuku.
The tour's first highlight is seasonal omakase sushi by a skilled sushi chef. Next, at a wagyu yakiniku restaurant, you can experience Japanese-style barbecue.
The finale is exploring Kabukicho, where you can enjoy desserts and drinks while experiencing the atmosphere of nighttime Kabukicho.
A good point about this tour is that while alcohol is available, it's suitable for all ages. Unlike the previous tour, it's perfectly enjoyable even if some participants in your group don't drink alcohol.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is truly a microcosm of Tokyo's food culture.
From station-connected shopping malls to the nighttime bustle of Kabukicho, the Korean town of Shin-Okubo, the retro atmosphere of Memory Lane, and the skyscrapers of West Shinjuku, each area has its own unique charm and offers diverse dining experiences.
For international tourists, I hope you'll take time to explore Shinjuku's food scene. Whether it's a special night at a high-end restaurant or a down-to-earth experience at a small izakaya in the back alleys, both can be wonderful experiences.
I sincerely hope this article helps make your food experiences in Shinjuku amazing!
