tokyo

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the center of Tokyo culture, and it never stops evolving. Shinjuku Station, where 3.5 million commuters come through per day, is the center of the town. A busy entertainment district, big department stores, and many shopping spots are around the East Exit. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, high-rise buildings, and hotels stand side by side in the business area of the West Exit. There is a big terrace in front of the South Exit, a pleasant place for a walk. And there is Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden on the east-south side, a true oasis for people living and working in downtown Tokyo. Go for an adventure in Shinjuku!

(1)Takashimaya Times Square→(2)Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building→(3)Department Stores on the East Exit Side→(4)Kabukicho

Shinjuku Map

Sightseeing & Shopping

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

This is the central administration building of the metropolitan government. The office building, the tallest at 243 meters high of the office buildings in western Shinjuku, was designed by the late Kenzo Tange. The Tokyo Tourism Information Center is on the 1st floor of Metropolitan Main Building No.1 where Tokyo sightseeing information is available in many languages. The breathtaking view from the free observatory on the 45th floor is famous, and Mt. Fuji can be seen on clear days! The romantic night view is also very popular.

Takashimaya Times Square

This is a big shopping complex on the South Exit of Shinjuku Station that includes the long-established Takashimaya, a major department store, and other large specialty stores.

Popular Specialty Stores

• Tokyu Hands:　This store has a huge variety of items and goods not found elsewhere and even Japanese souvenirs are available!
• Yuzawaya:　Various materials for all kinds of hobbies, handcrafts, and sewing are available.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

This garden was built in the Edo era on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito of the Takato domain (now in Nagano Prefecture). Formerly an imperial garden but, since the end of World War II, it has been open to the public. It is a vast park of 583,000 square meters and with a traditional Japanese garden, a French-style garden, an English-style garden, and more. It is famous for its seasonal displays such as cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful leaves in the autumn.

Department Stores on the East Exit Side

Time-honored Isetan Department Store, Mitsukoshi Alcott, and a favorite of the young, Marui, are on the East Exit side of Shinjuku Station. Shop for all the latest fashion in ladies’ and men’s and fancy goods! On the basement floors, gourmet foods and sweets are available. Why not buy a box lunch and enjoy a picnic in Shinjuku Gyoen?

• Isetan
• Mitsukoshi Alcott
• Marui

Kabukicho

Kabukicho is the biggest amusement area in Japan. Many izakaya (a Japanese restaurant bar), bars, theaters, and other entertainment places line the streets, and many people including university students, and workers come to enjoy themselves in the evening. Cleaning and patrolling in Kabukicho is carried out by the metropolitan government so you can enjoy the nightlife safely and comfortably.

LABI Shinjuku Higashiguchi

Labi (Yamada Denki) is the home appliance store chain most famous for cheap prices and the variety of goods, and they have confidently launched a store in Shinjuku. The store is accessible from the basement floor of Shinjuku Station so shopping is easy for the many popular audio devices, digital cameras, PCs, and a wide choice of kitchen appliances available there. It also is a great “store for ladies” with its floor for beauty goods and a corner with decorations for mobile devices. Staffers who speak English, Chinese and Korean are available.

Omoide Yokocho

This is an old bar street running along the railroad tracks. There are many small izakaya restaurants, called "akachochin” for the red lanterns hanging outside, and you will hear the chatting and laughing of many office workers’ as they relax in this retro environment. If you are curious about the “real” Shinjuku, this is a must-go place!

Hanazono Shrine

This shrine has been the main guardian deity of Shinjuku since 1603 when the Tokugawa shogunate began. Setsubun, a festival on the day before the beginning of spring in February, an annual May festival, Bon Dancing in August, the Cock Fair in November and other festivals are held at this shrine and many shoppers and tourists go there to worship the deity. Itokuinari Shrine is at the end of the red gate (torii)-lined walkway. The God is honored for bringing happiness to married couples, marriage, and fertility and so attracts many women.

Restaurants

Oiwake Dango

Oiwake Dango (dumplings) is the Japanese confectionery traditionally loved by travelers. The dumplings are made in the traditional method using rice directly delivered from a contracted farmer that is milled in the early morning. No chemical preservatives are used and they are exquisite. The chewy, soft texture and simple yet never-boring sweetness is only found in handmade dumplings.

Shinjuku Tsunahachi Main Store

This store has been in business for 80 years. The tempura fried in the finest sesame oil is superb. Enjoy the crispy coating and mouth-watering flavor! Sit down at the counter and watch the itamae chefs cook tempura right in front of you. There are seven other restaurants besides the main store in Shinjuku area.

Super Buffet Glass Court (Keio Plaza Hotel)

Over 70 kinds of dishes and sweets are served at lunch and dinner time. Various cuisines including Japanese, Western and Chinese are available, something for everyone from adult to child to enjoy. At the "live kitchen" in the center of the restaurant, guests can watch the chefs cook the dishes. Have a piping hot dish fresh from the chef!