Guidebook for Shinjuku-ku
Sightseeing
The observation gallery is open to the public for free from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily (last admittance to the gallery is at 10:30 p.m.). At a height of 202m, the gallery offers a fabulous view of Tokyo, and just like Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, you will be able to see the majestic Mount Fuji from there, too! The gallery also has a cafe.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/40197.html
Free English guided tours for the government building that includes the observation gallery, are also available.
http://gotokyo.org/en/tourists/guideservice/guideservice/#3
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The observation gallery is open to the public for free from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily (last admittance to the gallery is at 10:30 p.m.). At a height of 202m, the gallery offers a fabulous view of Tokyo, and just like Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, you will be able to see the majestic Mount Fuji from there, too! The gallery also has a cafe.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/40197.html
Free English guided tours for the government building that includes the observation gallery, are also available.
http://gotokyo.org/en/tourists/guideservice/guideservice/#3
Hanazono Shrine has been the shrine of the Shinjuku district since before the start of the Edo Shogunate in 1603. The enshrined deity is called Ukanomitama, and is the god of agriculture, so if you’re looking to have some good food while your in Shinjuku, we why not come and visit the shrine? The shrine is located right in front of Exit E2 of the Shinjuku San-chome station or is a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku station’s East exit.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/s_745.html
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하나조노 신사
5-chōme-17-3 ShinjukuHanazono Shrine has been the shrine of the Shinjuku district since before the start of the Edo Shogunate in 1603. The enshrined deity is called Ukanomitama, and is the god of agriculture, so if you’re looking to have some good food while your in Shinjuku, we why not come and visit the shrine? The shrine is located right in front of Exit E2 of the Shinjuku San-chome station or is a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku station’s East exit.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/s_745.html
Parks & Nature
The present garden used to be the residence of a feudal lord but in 1906, during the Edo period, the residence was developed as a garden for the imperial family. The 58.3 ha garden is decorated with rows of sycamore trees and there are also beautiful French-style gardens as well. Crowds of visitors will come to see the different blossoms during different seasons, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Do come and visit this garden especially since the entrance fee is only a mere ¥200!
English homepage: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
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신주쿠 교엔
11 NaitōmachiThe present garden used to be the residence of a feudal lord but in 1906, during the Edo period, the residence was developed as a garden for the imperial family. The 58.3 ha garden is decorated with rows of sycamore trees and there are also beautiful French-style gardens as well. Crowds of visitors will come to see the different blossoms during different seasons, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Do come and visit this garden especially since the entrance fee is only a mere ¥200!
English homepage: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
This 88,000m² park, located among the many skyscrapers in Shinjuku is ideal for many occasions. You can enjoy a jog here early in the morning, or you can come here during lunch hours and enjoy your onigiris (rice balls) or sandwiches on the park benches. There is also a playground for children as well.
Japanese homepage: http://parks.prfj.or.jp/shinjuku/
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신주쿠 중앙 공원
2-chōme-11 NishishinjukuThis 88,000m² park, located among the many skyscrapers in Shinjuku is ideal for many occasions. You can enjoy a jog here early in the morning, or you can come here during lunch hours and enjoy your onigiris (rice balls) or sandwiches on the park benches. There is also a playground for children as well.
Japanese homepage: http://parks.prfj.or.jp/shinjuku/
Entertainment & Activities
Did you know that the karaoke boxes in Japan also offer English, Chinese and Korean songs as well? If you are ever in the mood for a bit of karaoke, head to Shinjuku’s entertainment district and you will be spoiled for choice. We recommend Pasela Resorts because the place is clean and the kitchen offers delicious menus. The honey toast is especially popular among their female patrons. If you are worried about the charges, head there during the day time for some good value karaoke plans!
English page: https://gurunavi.com/en/g466908/rst/?__ngt__=TT0a94f8eea002ac1e4a1036OovfEsJIt4sw5V14h4naZQ
パセラリゾーツ 新宿店
Did you know that the karaoke boxes in Japan also offer English, Chinese and Korean songs as well? If you are ever in the mood for a bit of karaoke, head to Shinjuku’s entertainment district and you will be spoiled for choice. We recommend Pasela Resorts because the place is clean and the kitchen offers delicious menus. The honey toast is especially popular among their female patrons. If you are worried about the charges, head there during the day time for some good value karaoke plans!
English page: https://gurunavi.com/en/g466908/rst/?__ngt__=TT0a94f8eea002ac1e4a1036OovfEsJIt4sw5V14h4naZQ
Rakugo is a traditional form of storytelling entertainment that started during the Edo period and has been preserved to this day. The events are carried out in a vaudeville style and there are supportive fans to this day. There are only 4 rakugo facilities left in the capital and Suehirotei is the only one that is in a wooden building structure, which was built in 1894. Please note that the rakugo performances are all conducted in Japanese.
Japanese homepage: http://www.suehirotei.com/
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Suehirotei
3-chōme-6-12 ShinjukuRakugo is a traditional form of storytelling entertainment that started during the Edo period and has been preserved to this day. The events are carried out in a vaudeville style and there are supportive fans to this day. There are only 4 rakugo facilities left in the capital and Suehirotei is the only one that is in a wooden building structure, which was built in 1894. Please note that the rakugo performances are all conducted in Japanese.
Japanese homepage: http://www.suehirotei.com/
Shopping
Out of all the many department stores in Tokyo, none can offer you as glamorous a shopping experience as Isetan. Here, you will be spoiled for choice, not only in the fashion department but also in the food court in the basement, where you can enjoy trendy deli food and desserts! You’re sure to be amazed at the beautiful window displays, too!
English homepage: http://isetan.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/translation/english.html
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이세탄신주쿠점
3-chōme-14-1 ShinjukuOut of all the many department stores in Tokyo, none can offer you as glamorous a shopping experience as Isetan. Here, you will be spoiled for choice, not only in the fashion department but also in the food court in the basement, where you can enjoy trendy deli food and desserts! You’re sure to be amazed at the beautiful window displays, too!
English homepage: http://isetan.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/translation/english.html
Shinjuku also has a lot of electronics stores but none as unique as BICQLO, which is a combined Bic Camera (electronics store) and Uniqlo (clothes store). So while dad and the boys are busy deciding which SONY television to buy, mum and the girls can have some fun at Uniqlo.
English homepage: http://www.biccamera.co.jp.e.lj.hp.transer.com/shoplist/shop-116.html
Japanese homepage: http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/community/store_news/store.php?poi=10101424 (UNIQLO)
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BICQLO
3-chōme-29-1 ShinjukuShinjuku also has a lot of electronics stores but none as unique as BICQLO, which is a combined Bic Camera (electronics store) and Uniqlo (clothes store). So while dad and the boys are busy deciding which SONY television to buy, mum and the girls can have some fun at Uniqlo.
English homepage: http://www.biccamera.co.jp.e.lj.hp.transer.com/shoplist/shop-116.html
Japanese homepage: http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/community/store_news/store.php?poi=10101424 (UNIQLO)
For those who think that the prices in Japan are too high, have you ever heard of Daiso? At Daiso, every item is priced at ¥108. You can find pretty much anything there, from stationery, to kitchen utensils, to cosmetics and lifestyle goods. You will definitely be able to find some great value for money items here!
English page: http://www.subnade.co.jp/access/en/
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Daiso
35-2 UdagawachōFor those who think that the prices in Japan are too high, have you ever heard of Daiso? At Daiso, every item is priced at ¥108. You can find pretty much anything there, from stationery, to kitchen utensils, to cosmetics and lifestyle goods. You will definitely be able to find some great value for money items here!
English page: http://www.subnade.co.jp/access/en/
One out of every two tourists who visit Japan will definitely have stepped foot into Don Quixote! This is a big convenient discount store that sells electronics, daily goods, food, watches, fashion items, sports, leisure goods and more! You will come out satisfied with all the bargains you can find in this store!
English homepage: http://www.donki.com/search/shop_detail_en.php?st_store_id=29
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Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho
1-chōme-16-5 KabukichōOne out of every two tourists who visit Japan will definitely have stepped foot into Don Quixote! This is a big convenient discount store that sells electronics, daily goods, food, watches, fashion items, sports, leisure goods and more! You will come out satisfied with all the bargains you can find in this store!
English homepage: http://www.donki.com/search/shop_detail_en.php?st_store_id=29
I am sure you know Hello Kitty, Japan’s Superstar. This is the first Hello Kitty gift store in Japan and just like the other Sanrio shops in Japan, there is a big Hello Kitty statue at the entrance, which makes for a great photo opportunity! Inside the store, you will find all sorts of cute Sanrio items to buy as souvenirs!
English homepage: http://www.sanrio.co.jp/english/store/sh1129000/
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Sanrio
3-chōme-15-11 ShinjukuI am sure you know Hello Kitty, Japan’s Superstar. This is the first Hello Kitty gift store in Japan and just like the other Sanrio shops in Japan, there is a big Hello Kitty statue at the entrance, which makes for a great photo opportunity! Inside the store, you will find all sorts of cute Sanrio items to buy as souvenirs!
English homepage: http://www.sanrio.co.jp/english/store/sh1129000/
Food Scene
The owner, known as the King of Maguro, is dedicated to gathering the best sushi ingredients from all over the world and selling them at a great price at his restaurants. The ingredients are transported fresh directly from Tsukiji market daily, and as the restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can savor the fresh Tsukiji whenever you want all year round. It is a 3-minute walk from Exit A1 of Higashi Shinjuku Station or a 7-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku station.
Japanese homepage: http://www.kiyomura.co.jp/shops/detail/22
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tsukji kiyomura
1-chōme-1-15 ŌkuboThe owner, known as the King of Maguro, is dedicated to gathering the best sushi ingredients from all over the world and selling them at a great price at his restaurants. The ingredients are transported fresh directly from Tsukiji market daily, and as the restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can savor the fresh Tsukiji whenever you want all year round. It is a 3-minute walk from Exit A1 of Higashi Shinjuku Station or a 7-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku station.
Japanese homepage: http://www.kiyomura.co.jp/shops/detail/22
Takoyaki is a famous Osaka street food that is served hot and drizzled with a type of Japanese sauce and mayonaisse. You can walk around while eating it because it is made into bite-sized portions and you can easily eat it with bamboo skewers or toothpicks. Walking around while eating some Gindaco takoyaki is great way to enjoy Shinjuku.
Japanese homepage: http://www.gindaco.com/highball/#storeInfo
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Gindaco
4-chōme-10-6 RoppongiTakoyaki is a famous Osaka street food that is served hot and drizzled with a type of Japanese sauce and mayonaisse. You can walk around while eating it because it is made into bite-sized portions and you can easily eat it with bamboo skewers or toothpicks. Walking around while eating some Gindaco takoyaki is great way to enjoy Shinjuku.
Japanese homepage: http://www.gindaco.com/highball/#storeInfo
Everyone loves teriyaki. In Japan, you can enjoy teriyaki even in fast food chains. One particular recommendation is the teriyaki burger at MOS Burger. The sweet-spicy sauce made of miso and soy sauce goes well with the mayonnaise. It’s a deliciousness you can’t eat in any other country.
HP: mos.jp/menu/detail/010330/1/ (Japanese Only)
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Mos Burger Shinjuku West Exit
7-chōme-1-8 NishishinjukuEveryone loves teriyaki. In Japan, you can enjoy teriyaki even in fast food chains. One particular recommendation is the teriyaki burger at MOS Burger. The sweet-spicy sauce made of miso and soy sauce goes well with the mayonnaise. It’s a deliciousness you can’t eat in any other country.
HP: mos.jp/menu/detail/010330/1/ (Japanese Only)
Hayama in Ushigome-yanagicho is ranked as No.9 in Japan. The specialty in this small restaurant is the curly and chewy noodles. The hand-made noodles are actually finished with chef’s hands after orders are placed. It offers shoyu ramen only. The fish based soup is made of natural ingredients and heart-warming as well as its hearty owner.
Address: 1 Ichigaya Yakuojimachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hayama
1 IchigayayakuōjimachiHayama in Ushigome-yanagicho is ranked as No.9 in Japan. The specialty in this small restaurant is the curly and chewy noodles. The hand-made noodles are actually finished with chef’s hands after orders are placed. It offers shoyu ramen only. The fish based soup is made of natural ingredients and heart-warming as well as its hearty owner.
Address: 1 Ichigaya Yakuojimachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
specializes in udon — those thick, boxy noodles that are sadly often overcooked in the U.S. At Tsurutontan, diners are given the choice of thick or traditional udon or thin udon served by the half or full portion (you can even order up to three times the normal size for the same price). Those noodles are served laced with caviar, in a "white goddess" broth, traditional kitsune style, in a curry bath, on ice, and numerous other ways. No word on what precisely will be on the American menu, but the team's been Instagramming some noodle shots.
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つるとんたん 新宿店
2-chōme-26-3 Kabukichōspecializes in udon — those thick, boxy noodles that are sadly often overcooked in the U.S. At Tsurutontan, diners are given the choice of thick or traditional udon or thin udon served by the half or full portion (you can even order up to three times the normal size for the same price). Those noodles are served laced with caviar, in a "white goddess" broth, traditional kitsune style, in a curry bath, on ice, and numerous other ways. No word on what precisely will be on the American menu, but the team's been Instagramming some noodle shots.
You might know the name of this Michelin-3-star restaurant that was featured in a documentary movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011). Sushi is perfectly timed to the customer’s arrival to be tasted at its best texture. Omakase, chef’s selection at 32,400 yen, is the only menu. The ambiance will tell you to concentrate on appreciating the sushi items served. Though this 10-counter-seats restaurant is almost always fully booked, it’s guaranteed by many as one of best and must-go sushi restaurants in the world.
HP: www.sushi-jiro.jp/shop-info/
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Sukiyabashi Jiro
4-chōme-2-15 GinzaYou might know the name of this Michelin-3-star restaurant that was featured in a documentary movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011). Sushi is perfectly timed to the customer’s arrival to be tasted at its best texture. Omakase, chef’s selection at 32,400 yen, is the only menu. The ambiance will tell you to concentrate on appreciating the sushi items served. Though this 10-counter-seats restaurant is almost always fully booked, it’s guaranteed by many as one of best and must-go sushi restaurants in the world.
HP: www.sushi-jiro.jp/shop-info/
For a slightly modern touch, come over to Kaisen Misakiko at Shinjuku Eastside Square because here you can order what you want to eat with their touch screen order panel and your order will come right away on the conveyor belt. In other words, you don’t have to worry about not knowing how to order in Japanese. It’s super popular so there might be a long line during lunch time. If you come right after lunch time, you’ll be able to find a seat quite easily.
海鮮三崎港 新宿イーストサイドスクエア店
6-chōme-27 ShinjukuFor a slightly modern touch, come over to Kaisen Misakiko at Shinjuku Eastside Square because here you can order what you want to eat with their touch screen order panel and your order will come right away on the conveyor belt. In other words, you don’t have to worry about not knowing how to order in Japanese. It’s super popular so there might be a long line during lunch time. If you come right after lunch time, you’ll be able to find a seat quite easily.
This shop is a branch of a kushikatsu chain from Osaka. You can eat kushikatsu, or deep-fried skewers, and oden priced from 100 yen. They offer several lunch menus for around 500 yen. There is a seat charge of 200 yen at night, but you can eat as much cabbage as you want. In the daytime, a meal will cost less than 1,000 yen and at night about 2,000 yen. 1 minute-walk from Takadanobaba station.
HP: www.no-doubledip.com/ (Japanese Only)
Eichan
1-chōme-26-5 TakadanobabaThis shop is a branch of a kushikatsu chain from Osaka. You can eat kushikatsu, or deep-fried skewers, and oden priced from 100 yen. They offer several lunch menus for around 500 yen. There is a seat charge of 200 yen at night, but you can eat as much cabbage as you want. In the daytime, a meal will cost less than 1,000 yen and at night about 2,000 yen. 1 minute-walk from Takadanobaba station.
HP: www.no-doubledip.com/ (Japanese Only)
Kasoyo is located in the midst of quiet residential area. This beautiful, old-style Japanese house was built more than 100 years ago. Kasoyo is a kimono store, and its cafe is open on an irregular basis. Overlooking a small garden with various seasonal flowers, you can enjoy beautiful sweets and traditional green tea.
Kasoyo（花想容）
Address: 2-19-21 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: JR Mejiro Station (Yamanote-line)
Opening hours: Thursday-Sunday: 11:30-18:30 / Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and national holidays
Website(Japanese only): http://kasoyo.com/
Kasōyō
1-chōme-25-5 HongōKasoyo is located in the midst of quiet residential area. This beautiful, old-style Japanese house was built more than 100 years ago. Kasoyo is a kimono store, and its cafe is open on an irregular basis. Overlooking a small garden with various seasonal flowers, you can enjoy beautiful sweets and traditional green tea.
Kasoyo（花想容）
Address: 2-19-21 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: JR Mejiro Station (Yamanote-line)
Opening hours: Thursday-Sunday: 11:30-18:30 / Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and national holidays
Website(Japanese only): http://kasoyo.com/
Starbucks
2-chōme-25-6 DōgenzakaStarbucks Coffee Shinjuku L Tower
1-chōme-6-1 NishishinjukuBeer roof garden in Shinjuku. Here, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a back street alley. If it rains, the roof will close, so there’s no need to worry. You can also order from multiple restaurants at the same time.
天空の花 新宿店
Beer roof garden in Shinjuku. Here, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a back street alley. If it rains, the roof will close, so there’s no need to worry. You can also order from multiple restaurants at the same time.
Named after the German word for cat, the manager of Die Katze is the adorable cat, Koenig. It’s a must-visit for cat lovers. The café is located right by Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi line, and on a nice day it’s a lovely stroll from Shinjuku. There are over 30 varieties of tea on offer as well as baked sweets like scones and brownies. Special lunch sets, which of course include tea, are also available.
ディー・カッツェ
1-chōme-19-8 ShinjukuNamed after the German word for cat, the manager of Die Katze is the adorable cat, Koenig. It’s a must-visit for cat lovers. The café is located right by Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi line, and on a nice day it’s a lovely stroll from Shinjuku. There are over 30 varieties of tea on offer as well as baked sweets like scones and brownies. Special lunch sets, which of course include tea, are also available.
Swallow's nest is just one of the unusual ingredients at this Beijing cuisine restaurant, founded in 1963. For appetisers, try the Pidan Tofu (prepared at your table) and the saucy Special Boiled Gyoza.
Zuien Bekkan Shinjuku
2-chōme-7-4 ShinjukuSwallow's nest is just one of the unusual ingredients at this Beijing cuisine restaurant, founded in 1963. For appetisers, try the Pidan Tofu (prepared at your table) and the saucy Special Boiled Gyoza.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of the must-go-to places for a view of Shinjuku’s nightscape is the Park Hyatt’s New York Bar on the 52nd floor. Together with the spectacular view, the bar offers you great cocktails, which may make you think of Manhattan city and its skyscrapers.
If you are in town on a Sunday, don’t miss out on their live jazz sessions.
English homepage: http://tokyo.park.hyatt.jp/en/hotel/dining/newyorkbarunplugged.html
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New York Grill
3-chōme-7-1-2 NishishinjukuOne of the must-go-to places for a view of Shinjuku’s nightscape is the Park Hyatt’s New York Bar on the 52nd floor. Together with the spectacular view, the bar offers you great cocktails, which may make you think of Manhattan city and its skyscrapers.
If you are in town on a Sunday, don’t miss out on their live jazz sessions.
English homepage: http://tokyo.park.hyatt.jp/en/hotel/dining/newyorkbarunplugged.html
Way back in the 1960s and early ’70s, Shinjuku was sprinkled with jazz coffee shops. Celebrated names of that bygone era included Dug, an establishment whose present-day incarnation is a cramped brick-lined basement on Yasukuni-dori. Everything about the place speaks serious jazz credentials, with carefully crafted authenticity and assorted memorabilia. A basement bar annexe below the nearby KFC is used for live performances.
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Dug Jazz Cafe & Bar
3-chōme-15-12 ShinjukuWay back in the 1960s and early ’70s, Shinjuku was sprinkled with jazz coffee shops. Celebrated names of that bygone era included Dug, an establishment whose present-day incarnation is a cramped brick-lined basement on Yasukuni-dori. Everything about the place speaks serious jazz credentials, with carefully crafted authenticity and assorted memorabilia. A basement bar annexe below the nearby KFC is used for live performances.