Shinjuku Night View: Observatory & Night Walk Spots List 2024
If there's one phrase to describe Shinjuku, it would be "the city that never sleeps." The glittering skyscrapers that rise like a forest of light and the countless restaurants and bars with their vibrant neon signs truly symbolize Tokyo's nightlife. The shinjuku night view 2024 experience offers an even more impressive spectacle than ever before.
While sporting an ultra-modern urban facade, Shinjuku uniquely preserves pockets of post-World War II retro atmosphere throughout its streets. This guide will show you how to experience Shinjuku's perfect fusion of retro and modern elements, where past and future intersect.
Let's head out stylishly into Shinjuku, the sleepless city!
6 Recommended Spots to Enjoy Tokyo's Night View from Shinjuku
Shinjuku Nomura Building Observation Lobby
Source: Yahoo! Maps
While many observation decks in West Shinjuku's iconic skyscrapers have been closing over the years, the Shinjuku Nomura Building, directly connected to Shinjuku Station, still offers breathtaking night views. The observation lobby is located in a corner of the restaurant floor on the 50th floor. This hidden gem allows you to leisurely enjoy the night view from 200 meters above ground without large crowds.
Renovated in 2020, it now offers an even closer view of the scenery. The best timing is between 8:00-9:00 PM when the skyscrapers' lights create a magnificent illumination. The nine restaurants on the 49th and 50th floors also boast spectacular views, so enjoy the night scene while dining.
‐ Address: 1-26 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
‐ Hours: 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
‐ Closed: Never
‐ Phone: 03-3348-1662
‐ Official Website: https://snb-portal.com/nomura-shop/
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
Source: Tokyo City Official
Did you know that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is also famous as a night view spot? The observatory is located on the 45th floor of the Main Building No. 1. The upper floors are divided into north and south towers, each with observation decks at 202 meters above ground. The view is so spectacular it's been selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Night Views."
The South Observatory offers an almost 360-degree panorama of Tokyo, including beautiful views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. Besides the night view, the building's illumination, which changes depending on the day, is also worth seeing.
Note: The North Observatory will be closed from November 1, 2024, to January 2025.
The view is particularly stunning during autumn and winter when the air is crisp and clear.
‐ Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, 45F, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
‐ Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
‐ Closed: First and third Tuesday of each month (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday)
‐ Phone: 03-5320-7890
‐ Official Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tenbou/
Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Free Observation Lobby
Source: Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Sky Restaurants Official Facebook
The "Shinjuku Sumitomo Building," located in the heart of West Shinjuku's skyscraper district, has long been affectionately known as the "Triangle Building." Since its completion 50 years ago, it has been a popular spot for experiencing the original Shinjuku night view 2024 and beyond.
The observation lobby on the 51st floor offers views toward the Metropolitan Government Building and Mount Fuji, providing spectacular daytime views as well. Due to the building's triangular shape, the restaurant area offers different perspectives, including views toward Tokyo Tower.
The observation lobby features more spacious viewing areas compared to other observation buildings, with unobstructed views. The west-side view is particularly magnificent during twilight hours. The Metropolitan Government Building stands right in front, offering up-close views of its illumination.
Below, you can enjoy the illuminated Shinjuku NS Building, creating a night view with impressive depth.
- Address: 2-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 5:00-24:00 (Building hours)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-3344-6941
- Official Website: https://www.sumitomo-sankakuhiroba.jp/shop/
BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel
Source: Official website
Opened in May 2023 in Shinjuku, the luxury hotel "BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel" has been creating buzz for its breathtaking views.
Located on floors 39-47 of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, the hotel rooms feature 7-meter-wide windows offering dynamic views of Tokyo below and unobstructed sky views, perfect for experiencing the stunning Shinjuku night view 2024.
The top floor features the triple-height Main Dining "Restaurant Bellustar" and "Bar Bellustar" with 13-meter-high ceilings. It truly deserves its nickname "Sky Private Villa," offering an exclusive world separated from the ground below.
We recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy the spectacular views, spa services, dining, and private time in your room.
- Address: 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Restaurant Bellustar/Lunch 12:00-15:00 (L.O.14:00), Dinner 17:30-22:00 (L.O.21:00)
Bar Bellustar/Weekdays 17:00-24:00 (L.O. 23:30), Weekends & Holidays 13:30-24:00 (L.O. 23:30)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-6233-8800
- Official Website: https://www.bellustartokyo.jp/
roof top bar & terrace G
Source: Official website
Located on the 13th floor of the Shinjuku GRANBELL HOTEL, "roof top bar & terrace G" is popular for its rare rooftop space in Shinjuku.
It's a place where you can spend time in an open atmosphere while enjoying the pleasant night breeze. The venue has been upgraded with the concept of "enjoying greenery and drinks while viewing Shinjuku's cityscape," creating a natural oasis in the heart of Kabukicho.
About 90% of the clientele are international visitors, creating an exotic atmosphere that feels removed from everyday life. Perfect for experiencing the evolving Shinjuku night view 2024 from a unique perspective.
While terrace seats can be chilly in midwinter, the evening offers beautiful sunset views as the city is painted in twilight colors. The view from this slightly off-center location offers a different charm compared to central Shinjuku's night views.
- Address: 2-14-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 17:00-28:00 (Food L.O. 26:00/Drink L.O. 27:30), Sunday & Holidays 14:00-22:30 (Food L.O. 21:30/Drink L.O. 22:00) *Holiday hours may vary
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5155-2412
- Official Website: https://www.granbellhotel.jp/shinjuku/restaurant/
NEW YORK BAR
Source: Official website
Park Hyatt Tokyo, known for its distinctive three-block futuristic design, is one of Tokyo's premier luxury hotels. As we enter 2024, its NEW YORK BAR on the 52nd floor remains an unmissable spot for experiencing Shinjuku's night view. What I particularly recommend here is the live jazz performances. The beautiful, immersive melodies fill the entire floor.
The experience of enjoying dynamic vocals and live music while gazing at the New York-style skyscraper night view outside the windows is simply extraordinary. Savor the sleepless night with their signature cocktails. From the east-facing windows, you can admire Tokyo's unique illuminated landmarks, including Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree.
Currently, the hotel is undergoing complete renovation and is scheduled to reopen in October 2025.
- Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Currently closed
- Closed: Currently closed
- Phone: 03-5322-1234
- Official Website: https://restaurants.tokyo.park.hyatt.co.jp/nyb.html
Shinjuku's streets, where the metropolitan atmosphere meets retro charm, are perfect for Night Walks!
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a mecca for drink enthusiasts from all over Japan. With over 200 intimate bars, it preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of Japan's golden era (1950s-60s). It presents a different face of Shinjuku from the towering buildings and neon lights of Kabukicho.
Especially as red lanterns light up towards evening, the area takes on a nostalgic ambiance that feels familiar even to first-time visitors. Like a scene from a movie, it makes you want to capture the moment with your camera.
Recently, alongside traditional establishments, stylish hidden izakayas and women-friendly bars have increased. Opening any door might lead you to a welcoming, fun atmosphere.
Note that establishments in Shinjuku Golden Gai are quite small and cramped. Large luggage is not allowed, so travel light.
- Address: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Varies by establishment
- Closed: Varies by establishment
- Phone: 03-3209-6418 (Shinjuku Sanko Shopping District Association)
- Official Website: http://goldengai.jp/
Omoide Yokocho
Source: Tabelog
Alongside Shinjuku Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) near Shinjuku Station's West Exit is another beloved nostalgic drinking district. Its roots trace back to the post-World War II street market in a devastated area.
Today, it houses about 60 establishments, mainly motsuyaki (grilled organ meat) and yakitori restaurants, continuing the tradition from its early days.
The narrow alleys, barely wide enough for two people to pass, create a maze-like atmosphere that's exciting to explore. While some shops open from morning, visiting after dusk is recommended when all establishments light up, creating a vibrant 2024 Shinjuku night view atmosphere. International tourists highly rate this spot for its preservation of post-war Japanese retro charm.
The area is known for its reasonable prices and variety of dining options, from fresh sushi to hearty beef tongue specialists and comprehensive eel cuisine restaurants.
- Address: 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Varies by establishment
- Closed: Varies by establishment
- Phone: Please contact individual establishments directly
- Official Website: https://shinjuku-omoide.com/
Shinjuku 3-chome (Suehiro Street Shopping District)
Source: Yahoo! Maps
The Shinjuku 3-chome area, anchored by the Isetan Shinjuku store, is widely known as a shopping mecca. The 2024 night view of this district continues to dazzle visitors with its modern urban charm while preserving its rich history.
While it's now bustling with shoppers, this area actually has a fascinating history dating back to the 1600s when it flourished as a post town (shukubamachi) - a hub-like town equipped with accommodations and transportation services for travelers - due to its location at the intersection of national highways.
As a result, many historic landmarks preserve the atmosphere of that era, including the Hanazono Shrine and Suehiro-tei, a traditional entertainment hall featuring classical performing arts like rakugo (comic storytelling), manzai (comedy), and kodan (storytelling).
The area is also unique for its diverse collection of establishments. Some historic shops were frequented by famous Japanese cultural figures like author Yukio Mishima and film director Akira Kurosawa. It's renowned as a gathering place where intellectuals would meet nightly for passionate discussions. You can sit in the same seats they once occupied and imagine the scenes of the past while enjoying a drink.
The district is a fierce battleground of excellent drinking establishments offering both outstanding taste and value for money. Come enjoy an exciting food crawl!
- Address: 1 Higashisuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: Varies by establishment
- Closed Days: Varies by establishment
- Phone: Please contact each establishment directly
- Official Website: https://suehirostreet.tokyo/
Experience Shinjuku at Night with a Local Expert Guide!
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Shinjuku, Tokyo's premier entertainment district, offers an incomparable array of dining establishments. Among the stunning Shinjuku night view 2024 scenery, finding hidden gems truly beloved by locals but not featured in guidebooks can be quite challenging.
Today, we introduce the authentic gourmet experience "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku," led by local food connoisseurs. Explore Japanese culinary culture while visiting three carefully selected restaurants, unraveling the complexities of the Shinjuku area, and indulging in exceptional cuisine!
Your first stop is a prestigious sushi restaurant known only to locals. Here, a skilled itamae (sushi chef) crafts pieces using the finest, freshest ingredients right before your eyes.
Next, savor premium wagyu beef grilled on traditional shichirin (charcoal grill) at a yakiniku restaurant near Kabukicho.
Finally, conclude your magnificent culinary evening at a bar or Japanese snack bar (called sunakku), enjoying drinks and conversation in the midst of the dazzling Shinjuku night view 2024 cityscape!
Meeting point: In front of UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store (Shinjuku Palette Bldg, 1-1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Tour area: Shinjuku
Start time: 17:00 or 18:00 or 19:00
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
The "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" offers an authentic experience of Tokyo's culinary scene and genuine nightlife, set against the backdrop of the spectacular Shinjuku night view 2024.
Expert tour guides who know every corner of the area will lead you through Shinjuku's vibrant street food districts, one of Tokyo's largest nightlife areas. The tour takes you through deep local areas that even Japanese people unfamiliar with the neighborhood might miss, including Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Shinjuku 3-chome.
Experience Japanese izakaya (bar/pub), enjoying small plates typical of Japanese dining along with sake, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.
Your local tour guide will coordinate an authentic nightlife experience, taking you to places you'd never discover or fully enjoy on your own, allowing you to experience the night scene like a true local.
This all-in-one tour makes it easy to participate, so don't hesitate to join!
Meeting point: In front of UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store (Shinjuku Palette Bldg, 1-1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Tour area: Shinjuku
Start time: 17:00 or 17:30 or 18:00 or 18:30 or 19:00
