Shinjuku Morning Guide: 10 Things to Do in the Early Morning in Tokyo
Shinjuku is a bustling district frequented by businesspeople, shoppers, and tourists. Shinjuku Station is famous for being Japan's busiest station, with approximately 650,000 daily users.
When deciding what to do in the morning in Shinjuku, visitors will find a district with multiple personalities - from business districts to entertainment areas and historic shrines. While Shinjuku is often associated with its vibrant nightlife, particularly in the Kabukicho entertainment district, many establishments and facilities have early opening hours, making it perfect for morning exploration.
In this guide, we'll introduce recommended spots for various scenarios, from leisurely morning sightseeing to places you might want to visit after a night out.
3 Recommended Tourist Spots to Visit in Shinjuku Morning
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Opening hours: 9am~)
Source: Official website
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a government-managed national park. The vast 58.3-hectare grounds feature historical buildings, manicured gardens, and a greenhouse showcasing various plant species.
The park consists of three distinct gardens: a Japanese garden, an English landscape garden, and a French formal garden. The French formal garden boasts approximately 100 varieties and 500 rose bushes, creating a beautiful scenery alongside rows of plane trees.
You can enjoy nature in the heart of the city, from the Japanese garden with its large pond and lush greenery to the sprawling lawns of the English landscape garden. My personal recommendation is to have breakfast at the on-site Starbucks and enjoy a relaxing morning walk.
Facility Information:
Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Mondays (or following weekday if Monday is a holiday) and New Year's holiday (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
Hanazono Shrine (Opening hours: 24 hours)
Source: Wikipedia
Hanazono Shrine has been cherished as Shinjuku's guardian shrine since before 1603. Despite its urban location, the shrine grounds maintain a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The vermillion-colored structures, including the torii gate and main hall, are striking features, while the abundant greenery provides a sense of tranquility.
The shrine is accessible 24 hours a day for worship. The amulet shop opens at 9 AM, so if you wish to purchase amulets, it's recommended to visit after this time.
While surrounded by tall buildings, the shrine grounds offer an open space that feels separate from the city. With fewer visitors in the morning hours, it's perfect for a peaceful visit. Why not start your day with a visit to Hanazono Shrine?
Facility Information:
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 03-3209-5265
Official website: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/
Godzilla Head (24 hours)
The "Godzilla Head" is a large-scale Godzilla object installed on the 8th floor of the SHINJUKU TOHO BUILDING in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district. From ground level, you can witness an impressive sight of a life-sized Godzilla appearing to emerge from the building.
The Shinjuku Toho Building is located in an area lined with restaurants and bars. It's recommended to explore it along with the various shops and the bustling atmosphere of Shinjuku's entertainment district. While Kabukicho is known for its nightlife, if you're wondering what to do in the morning in Shinjuku, this is an excellent spot to visit as the area is relatively quiet, allowing for a peaceful sightseeing experience.
From a distance, you can enjoy a dynamic view that makes it appear as if Godzilla is about to attack. This spot is a must-visit for fans of Godzilla and special effects movies.
Facility Information:
Address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Varies by establishment
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3344-4816
Official website: https://shinjuku-toho-bldg.toho.co.jp/
Best Breakfast Spots! Recommended Restaurants & Cafes Opening Early in Shinjuku
Sarabeth's LUMINE Shinjuku
Source: Official website
Sarabeth's LUMINE Shinjuku, located on the 2nd floor of LUMINE 2, is a café that opens at 9:00 AM. You can order fruit bowls, fruit juices, pancakes, and French toast. Besides sweet breakfast options, they offer plenty of egg dishes including Eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, and Spinach Goat Cheese Omelet.
My recommendation is the "APPLE PIEFFLE" topped with apple spread and caramel sauce. The waffle served with banana and whipped cream is perfect for energizing before a day of sightseeing.
If you're craving a Western-style breakfast, this is the place to visit.
Store Information:
Address: LUMINE 2, 2F, 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Opening hours: 9:00-22:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5357-7535
Official website: https://lumine-shinjuku.sarabethsrestaurants.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarabethsjapan/
Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh (Café)
Source: Official website
Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh is a long-established café that opened in 1975. Operating 24 hours, it offers authentic siphon-brewed coffee and light meals at any time.
From Monday to Saturday, 6:00-11:30, they serve morning sets that include a drink, salad, and dessert. You can choose between sets with bacon and egg roll or toast, or a rice porridge set with chicken cooked in dashi broth.
The drink menu features not only coffee but also tea and frozen drinks. With their extensive dessert menu including parfaits and crepes, it's an attractive spot that can be enjoyed at any time, whether for café time or after a night out.
Store Information:
Address: Shinjuku M&E Square Building 2F, 3-2-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5379-2822
Official website: https://edinburgh.jp/
3 Recommended Restaurants Open From Late Night to Early Morning - Perfect After a Night Out!
ICHIRAN (Ramen)
Source: Official website
ICHIRAN Ramen, founded in Fukuoka in 1960, is a specialty restaurant focusing on tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. Their ramen features a meticulously temperature-controlled tonkotsu broth. If you're wondering what to do in the morning in Shinjuku after a night out, their rich and deeply flavorful soup is perfect for satisfying late-night cravings. They use straight noodles that are easy to eat, topped with their original spicy sauce made from red pepper. You can enjoy varying the taste by mixing the soup, noodles, and sauce.
Their signature counter seating system features individual booths separated by partitions. Order by marking your preferences on the order sheet, including noodle firmness, soup concentration, and garlic quantity. With their extended opening hours, it's perfect for a post-drinking meal.
<Store Information (Shinjuku Kabukicho Branch)>
Address: B1F Peace Building, 3-34-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 AM next day
Closed: Never
Phone: 050-1808-2529
Official Website: https://ichiran.com/index.php
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichiran_jp/?hl=ja
Official X: https://x.com/ICHIRANJAPAN?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
<Store Information (Shinjuku Central East Exit Branch)>
Address: 1-17-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 050-3733-3393
Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi (Ramen)
Source: Official Online Store
Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi started in 2004 in a small space in Shinjuku. Initially operating just once a week with only eight seats, it expanded through word-of-mouth popularity.
Their ramen features a rich seafood broth made from dried sardines (niboshi). Niboshi is a dried small fish commonly used in Japanese cuisine for making soup stock and miso soup.
Dried sardines, complete with heads, bones, and organs, create an intensely flavorful fish broth. Their most popular dish, "Sugoi! Niboshi Ramen," features a rich soup blended with over 20 types of dried sardines. With 24-hour opening hours, it's an accessible option for late-night or post-drinking visits.
<Store Information (Shinjuku Golden Gai Main Branch)>
Address: 2F 1-1-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Inside Shinjuku Golden Gai)
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3205-1925
Official Website: https://n-nagi.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramennagi_jp/
Official X: https://x.com/ramennagi_jp
Tsurutontan (Udon)
Source: Tabelog
Tsurutontan was established by a founder from Kagawa Prefecture, famous for udon. The restaurant offers various udon dishes in a stylish, bar-like atmosphere.
They use high-quality kombu (kelp) from Hokkaido for their soup stock and serve freshly made noodles. The menu includes udon with umeboshi (pickled plum) in dashi broth, chicken udon, and specialty varieties like spicy tantanmen udon and mentaiko (spicy cod roe) udon.
On weekdays and Saturdays, they're open until 8 AM, making it a perfect spot for what to do in the morning in Shinjuku, especially if you're craving comfort food after a night out.
<Store Information (Shinjuku Branch)>
Address: B1F Amimoto Building, 2-26-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 8:00 AM next day (Last order 7:00 AM)
Sun & Holidays 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Last order 10:00 PM)
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5287-2626
Official Website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/
3 Recommended Spots for the Morning After a Night Out in Shinjuku
Thermae-Yu (Natural Hot Spring)
Source: Official website
Thermae-Yu is a 24-hour hot spring facility located in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district. The building features various baths, including a "natural open-air bath" using hot spring water transported from authentic onsen towns, a "jet bath" where you can relax while lying down, and a "silk bath" where fine bubbles envelope your skin.
The facility is also popular for its extensive sauna facilities. The high-temperature sauna, set at approximately 85-90°C, helps you sweat out toxins thoroughly for a relaxing effect. The men's sauna features a "mist sauna," while the women's sauna offers "mud packs and salt sauna." It's perfect for those wanting to refresh their bodies after a night out or experience Japanese bathing culture.
Store Information:
Address: B1F Thermae-Yu, 1-1-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5285-1726
Official website: https://thermae-yu.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thermae_yu_official/?hl=ja
Manga Cafe Manboo Shinjuku South Exit
Source: Official website
A manga cafe is a place where you can read manga while enjoying drinks. At Manboo, you can read unlimited manga in private rooms equipped with reclining or flat seats. The facility offers shower sets, toothbrushes, and light meals for sale. You can relax while enjoying various services including free drinks, free Wi-Fi, and showers.
The bookshelves contain thousands of manga titles, from classic masterpieces to the latest releases. It's perfect for those wanting to relax after a night out.
Store Information:
Address: Sansei Building 3, 2-10-13 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5304-7911
Official website: https://manboo.co.jp/stores/manga_shinjukuminami.php
KAYU-SAN-CHIN Shinjuku Keio Mall
Source: Tabelog
KAYU-SAN-CHIN is a Chinese restaurant specializing in rice porridge (congee), hot noodles, and dim sum. Morning sets are available from 7:00-10:00 on weekdays.
You can choose from main dishes like "Dried Shrimp and Preserved Vegetable Porridge" or "Steamed Chicken and Greens Porridge," served with steamed buns and almond jelly in a satisfying set. Sets are reasonably priced at around 500 yen.
The warm, mild-flavored porridge is perfect for the morning after drinking. It's also recommended for those with tired stomachs from eating out or those wanting a light breakfast.
Store Information:
Address: Keio Mall Area A, 1 South Underground Street, 1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-22:00, Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun/Holidays 11:00-21:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5339-1335
Official website: https://www.ghf.co.jp/brand/kayu-san-chin/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayusanchin/
Official X: https://x.com/kayu_san_chin?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
