Shinjuku in a Day: The Ultimate One-Day Trip Itinerary
As a born and raised Tokyoite, I'll introduce you to the charms of Shinjuku that continue to captivate tourists from all over the world.
Shinjuku is a microcosm of Tokyo, where ultra-modern skyscrapers coexist with retro drinking alleys. However, its fascinating diversity can sometimes confuse foreign tourists.
Shinjuku Station, boasting the world's highest number of passengers, might feel like a maze to first-time visitors. Moreover, with so many tourist spots, it can be challenging to decide where to go in limited time.
In bustling areas like Kabukicho, there's also a possibility of getting into unexpected trouble due to language barriers or cultural differences.
But don't worry. In this article, I'll teach you local tips to maximize your enjoyment of Shinjuku's charms, solve the dilemma of choosing tourist spots, and avoid potential problems, along with a one-day itinerary.
I've prepared an itinerary that allows you to efficiently and safely experience Shinjuku's diverse faces, from a quiet morning garden stroll to the nighttime hustle and bustle.
Let's make unforgettable memories in Shinjuku by maximizing your time with this itinerary!
For those who want to get overall tourist information about the Shinjuku area, please also check out the Shinjuku Guide.
Table of Contents
・What Makes Shinjuku Attractive?
・Is Shinjuku Safe?
・Access to Shinjuku from Various Parts of Tokyo
・Overview of a One-Day Trip in Shinjuku
・10:00 AM-12:00 PM Enjoying Morning Shinjuku
・12:00 PM-6:00 PM Savoring Daytime Shinjuku
・6:00 PM-12:00 AM Fully Enjoying Shinjuku at Night
・Areas to Visit Along with Shinjuku if You Have Time
・Recommended Tours for Sightseeing in Shinjuku
What Makes Shinjuku Attractive?
Shinjuku is known as the largest entertainment district not only in Tokyo but in all of Japan. The unique atmosphere where ultra-modern skyscrapers coexist with retro drinking alleys is a sight that can't be seen anywhere else but Shinjuku.
When you stand in front of the west exit of Shinjuku, you'll be overwhelmed by the sight of towering skyscrapers, but step into a back alley, and you'll find small izakayas lined up, retaining the atmosphere of old Tokyo. This contrast further enhances Shinjuku's charm.
Shinjuku Station, located in the center of Shinjuku, is a massive terminal boasting the world's highest number of passengers. The city spreads out in all directions from this station, offering convenient access to anywhere.
Moreover, Shinjuku is characterized by its internationally diverse streetscape where various cultures intersect. Areas like Shin-Okubo, known as Korea Town, and Shinjuku Ni-chome, which is LGBT-friendly, coexist with different cultures. This diversity further deepens Shinjuku's appeal.
And Shinjuku is known as a city that never sleeps. There are numerous attractive spots that can be enjoyed day and night, and there are always new discoveries to be made from morning to evening, and even late into the night.
After enjoying shopping at high-end department stores, you can indulge in the vibrant nightlife in Kabukicho.
Is Shinjuku Safe?
Let me talk about the safety of Shinjuku based on my experience as a local.
Shinjuku is basically a safe area. Japan is world-renowned for its safety, and Shinjuku is no exception. I've been spending time in Shinjuku since I was a child, and I've never encountered any major problems.
However, as with any big city, there are points to be cautious about. Especially in drinking areas like Kabukicho, you need to be careful about scams.
One of my friends once almost got charged an exorbitant fee at a place they were guided to. Fortunately, they left the store immediately and avoided trouble, but to avoid such issues, it's important to choose reliable establishments.
If you encounter any problems, it's a good idea to consult with station staff or the police. Shinjuku Station has multilingual staff, and Shinjuku Police Station is accustomed to dealing with foreigners. I myself have asked station staff for guidance when I've seen tourists lost, and they always respond very politely.
Also, avoid going to places with few people at night or following strangers. This applies anywhere, not just in Shinjuku.
Shinjuku is indeed an exciting and vibrant city, but if you follow basic rules and act sensibly, you can enjoy it safely.
Access to Shinjuku from Various Parts of Tokyo
Shinjuku is a transportation hub of Tokyo and is easily accessible from anywhere. Here, I'll introduce in detail how to access Shinjuku from major stations and airports.
Access from Major Stations
From Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station, you can arrive in about 15 minutes using the JR Chuo Line Rapid. This line runs frequently, so waiting times are short.
From Shibuya Station, it's only about 7 minutes away on the JR Yamanote Line. The Yamanote Line is considered the main artery of Tokyo, with trains coming frequently, allowing for smooth travel.
From Ikebukuro Station, it's also about 8 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line.
From Akihabara Station, it's about 15 minutes on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line. You can enjoy different faces of Tokyo, from the electric town of Akihabara to the bustling Shinjuku.
From Ueno Station, famous for its zoo, you can move in about 25 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line.
Access from Airports
From Narita Airport to Shinjuku, you can arrive in about 80 minutes using the Narita Express (NEX). NEX has comfortable in-car facilities, allowing you to relax from your long journey as you head to the center of Tokyo.
From Haneda Airport, it's about 50 minutes by taking the Keikyu Line and transferring to the JR Line. Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo, making access easier than from Narita Airport.
Overview of a One-Day Trip in Shinjuku
From here, I'll introduce a one-day plan to maximize your enjoyment of Shinjuku.
First, the morning starts with spending quiet time in Shinjuku Gyoen.
When noon comes, we'll head to the vibrant streets of Shinjuku. Our first destination is Shin-Okubo, known as Korea Town. Here, you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine while experiencing the latest Korean trends, such as K-POP goods and cosmetics.
In the afternoon, we'll enjoy shopping around Shinjuku Station. With various shops gathered, from high-end department stores to large electronics stores, it's perfect for souvenir hunting.
As evening approaches, we'll head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation deck. From here, you can overlook the cityscape of Tokyo, enjoying a particularly beautiful view at dusk.
At night, we'll indulge in Shinjuku's attractive nightlife. First, we'll enjoy delicious Japanese food and drinks in Omoide Yokocho, savoring the retro Showa atmosphere. After that, we'll fully enjoy Shinjuku's nighttime face, including Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ni-chome, and Golden Gai.
In this way, from a quiet morning garden stroll to enjoying Korea Town and shopping during the day, and savoring Shinjuku's nightlife in the evening, you can fully experience Shinjuku's diverse faces in one day.
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Enjoying Morning Shinjuku
This time starts at 10:00 AM, beginning with Shinjuku Gyoen.
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Morning Walk in Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is like an oasis, a step away from the hustle and bustle of the city, wrapped in silence and nature. I recommend starting your day in Shinjuku here.
Shinjuku Gyoen, with its vast grounds, is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh morning air.
As you walk through the garden, you can enjoy observing seasonal flowers and trees. You can see beautiful scenery throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and plum blossoms in winter.
One of the charms of Shinjuku Gyoen is that three different styles of gardens coexist: Japanese garden, French formal garden, and English landscape garden. It's interesting to observe the differences between these gardens.
The two hours spent in Shinjuku Gyoen will surely refresh your body and mind in the morning. By spending time surrounded by nature away from the city's hustle and bustle, you can prepare yourself mentally for the upcoming Shinjuku sightseeing.
Website: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
12:00 PM-6:00 PM Savoring Daytime Shinjuku
After spending a quiet morning in Shinjuku Gyoen, it's time to enjoy Shinjuku's lively daytime face. From here, I'll guide you to places where you can fully experience Shinjuku's diverse charms.
12:00 PM-1:30 PM Lunchtime in Shin-Okubo
Shin-Okubo is known as one of the most internationally diverse areas in Tokyo. It's famous as Japan's Korea Town and is an excellent place to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine. I love Korean food and often visit here.
First, I'd recommend a yakiniku lunch at a popular samgyeopsal specialty restaurant.
Samgyeopsal is a representative Korean dish where you grill thick slices of pork belly yourself and eat it with vegetables. The aroma of the grilled meat and the crunchiness of fresh vegetables match perfectly, making it very delicious. When I first ate it, I was so impressed by its taste that I've been hooked ever since.
Another charm of Shin-Okubo is that you can enjoy food hopping. I definitely recommend trying Korean-style snacks like kimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls) and hotteok.
Kimbap is especially my recommendation. It's similar to Japanese sushi rolls, but the sesame oil aroma is characteristic, and one bite makes you feel like you're in Korea.
1:30 PM-3:00 PM Exploring Shin-Okubo
After lunch, it's time to explore the streets of Shin-Okubo. This area has a unique atmosphere as if a small Korea exists within Tokyo.
First, let's walk while enjoying the atmosphere of Korea Town. The streets are lined with signs in Korean, and Korean music is playing. You can experience a strange sensation of traveling to another country while in Japan. Especially on weekends, it's filled with many young people, and you can enjoy a lively atmosphere.
If you're a K-POP fan, enjoy shopping at K-POP goods shops. They have a rich assortment of the latest albums, posters, and fan goods.
My sister is a big K-POP fan, and we often go shopping together. She always chooses products with sparkling eyes. She says you can even find limited edition goods that are hard to get in Japan.
Korean cosmetics shops are also one of the popular spots in Shin-Okubo. They're crowded with many women because you can get the latest beauty items at reasonable prices.
My friends often praise the high quality of cosmetic products bought here. It's interesting to look for Korean cosmetics that are also popular in Japan, such as face masks and BB creams.
Lastly, I recommend purchasing unusual ingredients and snacks at Korean supermarkets. They have interesting products lined up, such as kimchi base, gochujang, and Korean snacks that you don't see in Japan.
I especially like Korean ramen and always buy new types to try. If you like spicy food, it might be interesting to challenge yourself with super spicy ramen.
3:00 PM-5:00 PM Shopping Around Shinjuku Station
After experiencing Korean culture in Shin-Okubo, let's enjoy shopping around Shinjuku Station, the center of Shinjuku.
This area is known as Tokyo's premier commercial district, where you can enjoy various types of shopping.
Lumine Shinjuku
Lumine Shinjuku is a large shopping mall directly connected to Shinjuku Station. It's packed with fashion brands for young people, where you can find items that capture the latest trends.
Lumine Shinjuku consists of three buildings: Lumine 1, 2, and EST. Each building has its characteristics. Lumine 1 has relatively casual brands, Lumine 2 has slightly more adult-oriented brands, and Lumine EST focuses on trendy brands.
Being directly connected to Shinjuku Station makes access very convenient. It's a great advantage that you can enjoy shopping even on rainy days without using an umbrella. I often visit Lumine on rainy days too.
Website: https://www.lumine.ne.jp/shinjuku/
Isetan Shinjuku Store
Isetan Shinjuku Store is a high-end department store representing Shinjuku. It features a wide range of products from luxury brands to traditional Japanese crafts, making it a place where you can experience not only shopping but also Tokyo's culture and latest trends.
What I particularly like is the food section on the first basement floor. Here, you can find specialty products and high-end ingredients from all over Japan, and it's enjoyable just to look around. The Japanese confectionery corner is especially exquisite, and as you look at the beautiful wagashi that changes with the seasons, you can feel the four seasons of Japan.
Also, Isetan Shinjuku regularly hosts cultural events and exhibitions. You can enjoy various events, from exhibitions of traditional Japanese crafts to the latest fashion shows.
Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/shinjuku.html
Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store
Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store is an irresistible place for electronics and gadget enthusiasts. It's well-stocked with the latest electronic devices, including cameras, smartphones, and computers. I often visit here when I want a new gadget.
The charm of this place is not only the abundance of products but also the ability to actually handle and try the products. For example, in the camera section, you can try out the latest digital cameras. In the headphone section, you can listen to various types of headphones.
For foreign tourists, tax-free services are also well-established. You can smoothly process tax exemption at the tax-free counter. Also, there are English-speaking staff, so you can ask detailed questions about products.
Website: https://www.biccamera.com/bc/i/shop/shoplist/shop116.jsp
Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho
Source: Google Map by Red October65
Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho store is a large discount store open 24 hours, affectionately known as "Donki".
What I particularly like about this store is the abundance of products and the fun of finding unexpected bargains.
For example, in the Japanese snack corner, you can find unusual flavors of Kit Kat and Pocky that you don't see elsewhere. In the cosmetics corner, you can sometimes find popular products from Japanese drugstores at bargain prices.
It's also popular among foreign tourists as a tax-free shop. You can purchase various Japanese products and Japan-limited items tax-free. Electronic devices, cosmetics, and snacks are especially popular.
The interesting thing about Don Quijote is its unique store structure. The sight of products piled up in narrow aisles, with items lined up to the ceiling, makes you feel like you're on a treasure hunt. Sometimes you can come across unexpected bargains, so I recommend exploring the store slowly.
Also, Don Quijote operates late at night and early in the morning, so you can shop even when other stores are closed. I often rely on it when I suddenly need something in the middle of the night.
Website: https://www.donki.com/store/shop_detail.php?shop_id=29
5:00 PM-6:00 PM Enjoying Tokyo's View from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck is one of Shinjuku's sightseeing highlights. I always bring my friends and family here when they visit Tokyo. The view from here is truly spectacular, and you can feel the grandeur of Tokyo.
First, the biggest attraction of this observation deck is that you can enter for free. When you think of observation decks in high-rise buildings, you might imagine expensive entrance fees, but here you can enjoy Tokyo's spectacular view for free.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Tokyo. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. I still can't forget the excitement I felt when I first saw Mount Fuji from here. The contrast between Tokyo's cityscape and Mount Fuji is truly a breathtaking view.
I especially recommend visiting at dusk. You can enjoy the change in scenery from day to night. As you watch the sun setting and the lights of Tokyo gradually coming on, you can feel the passage of time.
Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html
6:00 PM-12:00 AM Fully Enjoying Shinjuku at Night
Shinjuku at night has a different charm from daytime. I personally love to go bar hopping in Shinjuku with my friends after work. From here, I'll introduce an itinerary to fully enjoy the charm of Shinjuku at night.
6:00 PM-8:00 PM Enjoying Drinks and Dinner at Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho is a small alley with a retro Showa-era atmosphere, lined with many small drinking establishments. I often stop by on my way home from work, and I'm always captivated by its unique atmosphere.
The charm of this place is undoubtedly its atmosphere. The small shops lined up in a narrow alley, red lanterns, wooden shop structures - it feels like you've traveled back in time.
Here, you can enjoy delicious Japanese food and drinks. Especially popular are izakaya menu items like yakitori and stewed dishes. My recommendation is the yakitori assortment. Yakitori that can be enjoyed in two flavors, sauce and salt, goes perfectly with Japanese sake. The motsu-nikomi (stewed offal) is also exquisite and goes well with beer.
One of the attractions of Omoide Yokocho is its reasonable prices. In Shinjuku, where there are many high-end restaurants, this is a place where you can enjoy authentic Japanese food at relatively low prices. Even when I was a student with little money, I often came here.
Also, here you can enjoy bar hopping to taste various flavors. I often enjoy "hashigo-zake" (bar hopping) with my friends. The charm is that you can enjoy different atmospheres and dishes at each store. For example, we might have a drink at a yakitori shop first, then move to a stewed dish specialty store, and finally end at a Japanese sake bar.
Eating and drinking in Omoide Yokocho should be not just a dining experience, but a valuable opportunity to experience Tokyo's izakaya culture while enjoying a retro atmosphere.
Website: https://shinjuku-omoide.com/
8:00 PM-12:00 AM Indulging in Nightlife
The night in Shinjuku is not over yet. After enjoying food and drinks in Omoide Yokocho, it's time to indulge in Shinjuku's diverse nightlife. From here, I'll introduce three areas that represent Shinjuku's nighttime face.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is known as Japan's largest entertainment district. The streetscape illuminated by neon signs perfectly fits the phrase "sleepless town". I sometimes visit with my friends, and I'm always overwhelmed by its energy and glamour.
The symbol of Kabukicho is the TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku with its giant Godzilla head. This Godzilla head installed on the roof of the building is famous as a landmark of Kabukicho. It's particularly impressive at night when it's lit up. When I first saw it, I was surprised by its size and elaborate construction.
Kabukicho has numerous bars and pubs lined up, and you can enjoy bar hopping.
However, while Kabukicho is a fun place, caution is also necessary. Especially late at night, you might encounter persistent touts. Also, you need to be careful not to get involved in troubles like rip-off bars.
I once almost got charged an exorbitant amount without realizing it. Fortunately, I avoided trouble, but foreign tourists need to be even more cautious.
Kabukicho symbolizes Shinjuku's night with its energy and glamour. However, to enjoy it safely, always be aware of your surroundings and don't fall for suspicious invitations.
Shinjuku Ni-chome
Shinjuku Ni-chome is known for its LGBT-friendly atmosphere. It's famous as Japan's largest gay town, but in reality, it functions as a space for the entire LGBT community. I've visited a few times, and I was always touched by its open and accepting atmosphere.
The charm of this area is undoubtedly its diversity and inclusivity. There's a space where anyone can freely enjoy themselves regardless of gender or sexual orientation. When I first visited, I was surprised by its free atmosphere and felt comfortable.
In Shinjuku Ni-chome, there are many unique theme bars and show pubs. For example, there are shops where you can enjoy performances by drag queens and various other genres of establishments lined up.
Also, a characteristic of this area is that you can enjoy interaction with an internationally diverse clientele. You can meet and converse with people from all over the world. I've had several occasions where I hit it off with tourists from overseas and had a great time.
Golden Gai
Golden Gai is an area with a particularly unique atmosphere in Shinjuku. It's a place that developed from the black market after the war, and still strongly retains the atmosphere of that time.
The biggest feature of Golden Gai is its retro atmosphere. Along narrow alleys, two-story wooden buildings stand side by side, with small bars crammed into the first floors.
Many establishments have only about 10 seats, but this creates a unique intimate atmosphere where you're close to the bar owner and regular customers.
This place has a history of being frequented by artists and cultural figures from various fields such as literature, music, and film. Even now, you can sometimes see artists, writers, and musicians visiting. I once spotted a famous writer and was very excited.
However, Golden Gai can be a bit challenging for tourists. Many establishments have an atmosphere geared towards regular customers, which can make it difficult for first-timers to enter. Also, some places refuse entry to foreigners.
My recommendation is to start with places that have signs for foreigners or English menus. Such establishments tend to have a more open atmosphere and are easier for first-timers to enter.
Karaoke Boxes
As a way to enjoy Shinjuku at night, karaoke boxes are a must. Japanese karaoke culture is world-famous, but karaoke boxes in Shinjuku are particularly well-equipped. For me and my friends, it's standard to end our night out in Shinjuku with karaoke.
The appeal of karaoke boxes in Shinjuku is their extensive multilingual support. You can sing popular songs not only in Japanese but also in English, Korean, Chinese, and many other languages. My foreign friends are always surprised that they can sing songs from their own countries.
Also, many karaoke boxes offer all-you-can-drink plans. This is very convenient when you want to enjoy until morning. I've enjoyed karaoke all night with my friends, and thanks to the all-you-can-drink plan, we could enjoy ourselves without worrying.
Some karaoke boxes have a rich menu of light snacks and full meals. It's very convenient to be able to order pizza or french fries when you get hungry late at night. My favorite is eating hot ramen at dawn. There's nothing more luxurious after singing all night when your throat is dry.
The good thing about karaoke boxes is that you can enjoy them with friends or family in a private room without worrying about others.
You can sing loudly without worrying about disturbing others. Also, you can enjoy conversation between songs, making it a great opportunity to deepen bonds with friends and family.
Areas to Visit Along with Shinjuku if You Have Time
While Shinjuku is an attractive place as the center of Tokyo, I recommend visiting the surrounding areas if you have extra time. These areas each have their own unique charm, allowing you to understand Tokyo's diversity more deeply.
Shibuya
Shibuya is just a 7-minute ride from Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line. Known as the center of youth culture, Shibuya continues to send out the latest trends.
The symbol of Shibuya is undoubtedly the Scramble Crossing. Known as one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, the sight of thousands of people crossing at once is impressive.
If you want to view the crossing from above, I recommend the second floor of Starbucks. The view from here is interesting, like watching a sea of people.
Also, the statue of Hachiko in front of Shibuya Station is a famous landmark of Shibuya. The story of Hachiko, who continued to come to the station for 9 years after his owner's death, has touched the hearts of people all over Japan, and even now, many people take commemorative photos in front of the statue.
Most of Shibuya's tourist spots are concentrated around Shibuya Station, so you can efficiently tour them after moving from Shinjuku.
Harajuku and Omotesando
The Harajuku and Omotesando area is just a 5-minute ride from Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line. This area is a place where unique fashion culture coexists with high-end brand shops.
Harajuku is especially popular among teenagers. Takeshita Street is a symbol of Harajuku, lined with cute accessory shops and crepe stands.
Here, you can feel Tokyo's pop culture firsthand. For example, it's interesting to experience "purikura" (photo sticker booths). It's one of the essential experiences to understand Tokyo's youth culture.
On the other hand, Omotesando is known as a sophisticated adult town in contrast to Harajuku. Omotesando, beautiful with its rows of zelkova trees, is lined with flagship stores of world-famous luxury brands. The architectural designs are also wonderful, and it's enjoyable just to window shop.
Also, this area has Meiji Shrine. In just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city, you arrive at a shrine surrounded by a quiet forest. I sometimes stop by during work breaks, and each time I feel my mind calming down. It's a place I definitely want those who want to experience traditional Japanese culture to visit.
Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is just an 8-minute ride from Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line, another large entertainment district. Known as one of Tokyo's three major sub-centers along with Shinjuku and Shibuya, it has a different charm from the other two.
The biggest feature of Ikebukuro is its aspect as a center of anime and manga culture. In particular, "Otome Road" on the east side of Ikebukuro is famous as a holy ground for anime, manga, and games.
My sister is also an anime fan and often asks me to take her here. Life-sized character figures are displayed in front of shops, and specialty stores dealing with related goods are lined up. For those interested in anime and manga, it's truly a heavenly place.
Also, Ikebukuro has a rich selection of restaurants. It's particularly known as a fierce battleground for Chinese cuisine, where you can enjoy authentic Chinese dishes.
Akihabara
Akihabara is about a 20-minute ride from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line, and it's the center of Japan's technology and pop culture. Commonly known as "Akiba," this town started as an electronics district and has now become world-famous as a holy ground for otaku culture including anime, manga, and games.
The charm of Akihabara is first and foremost its unique atmosphere. Giant electronics stores and anime shops are lined up, and you can feel Tokyo's pop culture just by walking through the streets.
I often went to Akihabara with my friends during my student days to explore the latest gadgets and anime goods. Even now, when I want a new electronic device, I find myself heading to Akihabara.
Also, Akihabara is a holy ground for anime and manga fans. The streets are lined with numerous anime shops where you can see products symbolizing Japanese anime culture, such as figures and related goods.
Recommended Tours for Sightseeing in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is known as one of the most vibrant areas in Tokyo, but to maximize its charm, I recommend tours with guides who know the local area inside out. Here, I'll introduce three attractive tours to enjoy Shinjuku at night.
"Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" by Magical Trip
For those who want to discover Shinjuku's hidden charms, the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" offered by our company, Magical Trip, is perfect. This tour takes you to hidden izakayas and food stalls in Shinjuku over 3.5 hours.
The feature of this tour is that you can deeply experience Japanese drinking culture by visiting three bars with a local guide. In addition to enjoying authentic Japanese izakaya dishes like yakitori, gyoza, and fried tofu, it's an all-in-one package that includes drinks such as sake and beer.
While it can be dangerous to walk alone in Shinjuku at night, you can safely enjoy Shinjuku's night by using this tour. It's a recommended tour for those interested in Japanese drinking culture and those who want to enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
"Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour" by Tokyo Localized
Source: Tokyo Localized
On the other hand, for those who want to enjoy Shinjuku's streetscape and atmosphere more than drinking, I recommend the "Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour" offered by Tokyo Localized. This is a 2-hour night walking tour that takes you through Shinjuku's entertainment districts.
You can discover the charm of the city while visiting famous spots in Shinjuku such as Kabukicho, Godzilla Road, and Golden Gai, listening to explanations from English-speaking guides. It's a tip-based tour with small groups, making it easy to ask questions and receive detailed guidance.
After the tour, you can freely spend time in Golden Gai, allowing you to fully enjoy Shinjuku at night. Since food and drink costs are not included, it's especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of the city rather than drinking.
Click here for more details: Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour
"Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" by Magical Trip
For those who want to fully enjoy Shinjuku's gourmet offerings, I recommend this foodie tour. Over 3.5 hours, you'll visit three selected gourmet spots in Shinjuku.
First, you'll enjoy seasonal omakase nigiri sushi by skilled sushi chefs. Next, you'll experience Japanese-style barbecue at a wagyu yakiniku restaurant. Finally, you'll explore Kabukicho and conclude the tour with desserts and drinks.
While you can enjoy alcohol on this tour, it's suitable for all ages, so it's perfect even if you have non-drinking companions. It's an ideal tour for those who want to deeply experience Japanese food culture and also enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of Shinjuku.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
By using these tours after sightseeing in Shinjuku during the day, you can fully enjoy Shinjuku's charms.
I recommend the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour" for those who want to enjoy drinks and meals, the "Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour" for those who want to savor the city's atmosphere, and the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" for those who want to focus on food.
I've introduced a one-day sightseeing plan for Tokyo centered on Shinjuku.
Starting with the quiet Shinjuku Gyoen in the morning, followed by the lively Shin-Okubo and shopping around Shinjuku Station during the day, the spectacular view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in the evening, and nightlife in Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho at night, you can enjoy Shinjuku's diverse faces throughout the day.
Furthermore, if you have extra time, visiting surrounding areas like Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara will allow you to experience Tokyo's diversity more deeply. Each of these areas has its own unique charm, making you feel the depth of Tokyo as a city.
I hope that through this one-day plan, you'll be able to feel the diverse charms of Shinjuku, and indeed Tokyo!
