You could spend a month in Shinjuku and still feel like a newcomer to the area.
Its like a mini Tokyo in itself!
Shinjuku
Shinjuku encompasses a large area in west Tokyo.
Bars along Omoide-Yokocho, Shinjuku
Everything you could possibly want is here in one place from shopping to drinking, entertainment to dining.
We love to stay in Shinjuku sometimes for this reason.
You could spend a month or even a year here and barely scratch the surface!
Yasukuni-dori Avenue, Shinjuku
The station is massive and you will almost certainly get lost inside at some stage even we still do!
Shinjuku is hugeand can be overwhelming to explore for first timers.
It can be well over a kilometre between points of interest on either side of the station.
Shinjuku Marui Annex Department Store
Soplan your itinerary accordinglyand pay attention to using the correct exits at the station.
Is Shinjuku safe?
A lot of people ask me this: Is Shinjuku safe?
Overlooking Shinjuku Station
The answer is YES, just like most of Japan!
Its safe during the day and at night, even in the Kabukicho red light district.
Theres really no area of Shinjuku to avoid for safety concerns.
Shinjuku at Night
What to do in Shinjuku
Kabukicho
Kabukichois Tokyos sleazy side.
Here youll find a mix of massage parlours, love hotels, as well your standard adult entertainment establishments.
For a red light district however Kabukicho is still very safe, even at night.
Kabukicho (Red Light District), Shinjuku
Its very quiet during the day however and only properly comes alive at night.
Almost 200 according to one source if you are talking aboutGolden Gai, in ShinjukusKabukicho nightlife district.
This tiny area comprised of six alleys is crammed with miniature bars side-by-side.
Golden Gai, Shinjuku
Night time is when Golden Gai properly swings into gear.
See the Best Food section below for more on drinking in Golden Gai.
You could easily spend a couple of hours lazily strolling the grounds.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Three distinct garden styles are incorporated into the park: English, French and Traditional Japanese.
Each can be found showcased at separate areas of the park.
Crowds descend on the park to marvel, photograph and picnic under the trees.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku
Even better, admission is completely free.
Building 1 is considered to have the more interesting views, so head to he 45th floor.
Here are our picks for the best Shinjuku restaurants that we love.
Kaiseki at Horikawa, Shinjuku
The stellar view over Shinjuku below you doesnt hurt one bit either.
The friendly chefs will prepare a delectable selection of sushi formed with perfect rice.
Maybe though youre on a tight budget (yakiniku can be pricey).
Kyubey Restaurant, Shinjuku
Or maybe you want a way to try as many different meat cuts as possible before you tap out.
Or maybe youre not quite hungry enough to commit to the full yakiniku restaurant experience.
Jiromaruis the place for you.
Jiromaru Restaurant, Shinjuku
This restaurant is also a perfect choice for solo travellers.
JiromaruAddress: 1 Chome-26-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map).
TsunahachiAddress: 3 Chome-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map).
Tempura Resturant Tsunahachi, Shinjuku
Finding it isnt hard.
Buy your order ticket at the vending machine at the top of the stairs.
English menus are available to help you.
Omoide-yokocho (“memory lane”), Shinjuku
Each bar has its own unique fit-out, atmosphere and character.
A number of them are also unfortunately rather exclusive, serving only Japanese customers or regulars.
Or, just poke your head and have a nose of the vibe.
Nagi Ramen, Shinjuku
Youll know soon enough if the place is somewhere you want to settle in for drink.
The drinks menu however is more limited.
Yoshoku is a thing in Japan and we love it!!
Golden Gai, Shinjuku
Spaghetti Hashiyais ayoshokurestaurant thats been serving nothing but spaghetti since the 1950s.
Here you could try spaghetti dishes featuring ingredients and pasta sauces unlike what youve ever tried before.
Shimeji mushrooms in soy sauce and butter sauce.
Moto Sake Bar, Shinjuku
Sea urchin in a creamy cod roe sauce.
Tinyasariclams in a ginger-based sauce.
These are just some of the inventive but delicious combinations on offer at Hashiya.
New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Shinjuku
The first time we heard the sound we thought these trucks were announcing that someone important had died.
If you happen across one of these trucks from a bygone era, be sure to try one.
How to get to Shinjuku
you might get to Shinjuku station on either of the following.
Yoshoku at Spaghetti Hashiya, Shinjuku
Then press the restaurant for more information about that restaurant as well as highlighting the marker on the map.
Zoom in and outby clicking the + and on the bottom left.
Click a marker on the mapto reveal more information about the restaurant.
Sweet Potato Truck, Shinjuku
See our Tokyo Guide!
Born in Japan, raised in Australia, Sydney is our hometown, but Tokyo is our playground.
ThisTokyo Travel Guideis a culmination of a lifetime of travelling to Tokyo, condensed into one place!
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