Shinjuku is located in the eastern section of the Tokyo metropolitan area, the east and the west is held together by Shinjuku station that goes directly down the middle. Shinjuku has two very different faces and atmospheres; the western side is prominently high-rise office buildings with numbers that are high even within Japan, whilst the eastern side is what could be said to be the largest shopping district in the entire East.

About Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a huge terminal station. Both people & animals from outside and inside of Tokyo collect here, meaning it is both a spot for sightseeing as well as an essential spot for the economy. Furthermore, there is a Tokyo government office (Tokyo Metropolitan government) , meaning it is also an important spot for administrational work.

Is Shinjuku Safe at Night?

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has designated Shinjuku (Mostly the Kabukicho area) as a place that is constantly busy with people. In recent years they have begun trying to lower the number of people in single locations, lowering the number of both people who attract customers and scouts in the area.

Furthermore, among the typical crimes you think of, things such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are a very rare occurrence here. However, shoplifting and vehicle theft are both very common. The typical times these crimes occur are from 16: 00 - 22: 00, so please be careful around these times.

How Shinjuku became famous as the leading entertainment district within Tokyo?

In and after the year 1923, the area around Shinjuku station was developed as a residential area. After this, the development around the station continued, before long things such as 100-yen stores, cinemas, restaurants among many other things started appearing. As the people started to increase, so did the stores, eventually birthing Kabukicho and turning into the large-scale entertainment district it is today.

Where can you store your luggage in Shinjuku?

The places where you can store your luggage within Shinjuku are as follows:

• Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center Shinjuku West Exit/ Shinjuku South Exit
• Tokyo Tourist Information Center, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku)
• Keio Nekonote Counter
• Shinjuku Cafe Cloud (Reservation Required)

The fee for having your luggage stored is anywhere from 800~1000 yen. Also, you are able to use a service that sends your luggage directly to the airport or hotel you are staying at. Thanks to these various services you can enjoy sightseeing around Shinjuku without carrying around a lot of luggage.

Shinjuku’s Sightseeing Areas

We can split Shinjuku’s sightseeing areas into 6 main locations.

East Entrance Area (Higashiguchi)

The East Entrance Area is the largest shopping area around Shinjuku Station. There are lots of large-scale stores including department stores, entire buildings dedicated to fashion, and electronics stores.

There are also lots of stores from famous brands meaning it’s the perfect place for having a stroll. Furthermore, just a minutes walk from the South East Exit of Shinjuku station you can find the Shinjuku Tourist Information Center which can offer tourist information in over 10 different languages including English, Chinese, and Korean.

West Entrance Area (Nishiguchi)

The West Entrance Area has a lot of high-rise buildings all packed together. There are many different office buildings and hotels extending out from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Some of the buildings have restaurants on the top floor where you can look out the window and see the entirety of Tokyo.

South Entrance Area (Minamiguchi)

The South Entrance Area is a popular location filled with various restaurants as well as entire buildings dedicated to fashion stores.

There is also the largest bus terminal in the whole of Japan, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. On the third floor of the bus terminal you can find a Tokyo Sightseeing Information Center that has guides available in English, Chinese, and Korean as well as a service that looks after your baggage. Furthermore, they even have Wi-Fi, making it a very useful spot.

Shinjuku Golden Gai (Golden Street)

Shinjuku Golden Gai (Golden Street) is an area located on the northeastern part of Shinjuku Station. There are over 300 different small scale restaurants clustered together in this narrow territory.

There are also buildings that still stand from the early 1950’s, this is a spot with some unique sights even within Shinjuku. However, please be aware that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures of Shinjuku Golden Street without prior permission.

Kabukicho Area

Kabukicho is located towards the north of Shinjuku Station, it is an area that is said to be the largest entertainment district in the East of Japan. There are various different entertainment facilities gathered here including restaurants, cinemas, amusement spots and much more.

Of course there are lots of people during the day, however it turns into a different sight at night. The “neon street” with it’s beautiful red scenery will bring out your playful side.

Shinjuku Sanchome Area

The Shinjuku Sanchome Area can be found about a 5-minute walk away from Shinjuku Station. There are various cultural institutions such as large-scale book stores and art supply specialist stores as well as small-scale cinemas.

Different to the areas around Shinjuku Station, the atmosphere here is more relaxed. On Sundays and Public Holidays, Shinjuku Sanchome’s main street “Shinjuku Dori” turns into a pedestrian-only zone. Walking along the road and window shopping is another new and interesting experience surely.

What to Do in Shinjuku

There are lots of things to do in Shinjuku including shopping and the nightlife. Below are some recommended activities for sightseers visiting the area.

• Look out onto Tokyo from the top floor of a high-rise building
• Do some shopping at a department store and general goods store
• Enjoy the entertainment district until early morning
• Take some pictures whilst wearing samurai armour
• Spend some time relaxing at a public park

Places you shouldn’t miss visiting in Shinjuku

There are lots of different locations to visit within Shinjuku, however, there are some famous sightseeing spots which you should definitely not miss out on. We would like to recommend some of those spots here.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a public park just a 10-minute walk to the east from Shinjuku Station. It’s not that distant from Shinjuku’s bustling shopping district, however, the silent atmosphere certainly feels like it’s a lot further.

Within the park there are 3 styles of gardens available to see. A European style garden, a landscape garden, and a Japanese style garden all of which have a different look and experience.

Furthermore there are lots of buildings which have a historic relation to both the emperor of Japan and the imperial family. You can also study the differences in history of architectural style between American, Chinese, and Japanese.

You should also pay attention to the changing scenery from season to season. In spring, you can see various sakura flowers such as Yoshino cherry blossom and double-flowered cherry blossom. In autumn, you are able to see various flowers such as roses, fragrant olives, and Camellia hiemalis.

Spot information

• Spot name: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Street address: 11 Naitōmachi Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-0014
• Access: 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station South Entrance
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English
• Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
• Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory Deck

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory Deck is located on the 45th floor of the government office building. The two tower sections each have their own location and you can look out onto Tokyo from a height of over 200m.

At the observation deck, you can use a QR code to open the “TOKYO SKY GUIDE” which is available in 15 different languages.

Furthermore, on the first floor you have the Tokyo sightseeing information center PR corner where you can find pamphlets about each location throughout the city.

Spot information

• Spot name: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory Deck
• Street address: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001
• Access: 10 minute walk from the west entrance of Shinjuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English, Chinese (Traditional/ Simplified) , Korean, Français, Deutsch, Italiano, Español, Russian, Tiếng Việt, Thai, Arabic, Indonesia, Malay
• Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Hanazono Jinja Shrine

Hanazono Jinja Shrine is a shrine that has over 400 years of history and is located on the eastern side of Kabukicho. Even though it is adjacent to the busy streets of the city it has a calm atmosphere, and is loved as an oasis in the center of the city.

Also, every week on Sunday an antique sale is held and people looking for a bargain come in the masses.

Spot information

• Spot name: Hanazono Jinja Shrine
• Street address: 5-chōme-17-3 Shinjuku Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-0022
• Access: 7 minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Entrance
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: Only Japanese
• Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Shinjuku Chuo Park

Shinjuku Chuo Park is located adjacent to the west side of the Tokyo Government Office. Even though it is in the center of a town with lots of high-rise buildings, it is a garden and lawn for the residents filled with luscious greenery.

Furthermore, at this biotope you are able to see insect and plant life that you wouldn’t otherwise see within the city.

Spot information

• Spot name: Shinjuku Chuo Park
• Street address: 2 Chome-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
• Access: 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English, Chinese, Korean
• Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Shinjuku’s Godzilla Head Monument

Shinjuku’s Godzilla monument is called “Godzilla Head” and is located on the 8th floor of Kabukicho’s Shinjuku Toho Building. After being erected in 2015 it became known as one of Kabukicho’s landmarks.

Also, if you stay on the hotel which is located on the top floor, you can see the monument up close.

Spot information

• Spot name: Godzilla Head
• Street address: 1-chōme-19-1 Kabukichō Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-0021
• Access: 5 minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Entrance
• Wi-Fi: Available (Select stores)
• Language: English (Select stores)
• Credit cards: Available (Select stores)

The Best Spots for Window Shopping in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is full of amazing spots for window shopping. There are lots of different genres of shops including clothes, general goods, and food items. We would like to introduce some of the best spots to you here.

Odakyu Shinjuku Mylord

Odakyu Shinjuku Mylord is a building specialised in ladies fashion. There are various shops that house cosmetics, fashion and other general goods.

Located about the southern entrance of Odakyu Shinjuku Station, the shops are lined up alongside the slope named Mosaic Street. Furthermore, on first floor which is closest to the station there is a currency exchange station.

Spot information

• Spot name: Odakyu Shinjuku Mylord
• Street address: 1-chōme-1-3 Nishishinjuku Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-8001
• Access: Very close walk from the south entrance of Shinjuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Available (odakyu Free Wi-Fi)
• Language: English, Chinese (traditional/ simplified) , Korean
• Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, UnionPay

Flags

Flags is a fashion building located adjacent to Shinjuku Station’s eastern side. There are lots of casual fashion stores gathered here. For this reason, the age range is quite young.

Furthermore, they offer an interpretation service over the phone.

Spot information

• Spot name: Flags
• Street address: 3-chōme-37-1 Shinjuku
• Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-0022
• Access: A short walk from JR Shinjuku Station Southeast Entrance
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English, Chinese (traditional/ simplified) , Korean
• Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club

Shinjuku Depachika

The underground of Shinjuku’s department store is a place that sells food. It is the floor that is commonly called the “Depachika”. Here you can find lots of different stores including those that sell fresh food,high quality food items, lunch boxes, and even famous sweets.

There are especially a lot of sweets that have great attention to detail in their sweets, we’re sure you’ll be fascinated by their elaborate shapes.

Shinjuku Shopping Spots - Fashion -

There are lots of fashion stores collected in Shinjuku. There are many department stores that have a lot of well known brands as well as casual fashion stores aimed at younger audiences.

Fashion Buildings aimed at Younger Audiences

A lot of fashion buildings aimed at younger audiences are collected in front of the train station. Due to the fashion being aimed at younger audiences the prices are comparatively cheap within the range of 5,000 - 20,000 yen.

If you’re looking for some reasonably priced items within this lineup, then we can definitely recommend “Lumine EST Shinjuku”. There are lots of different brands aimed towards people in their teens and 20s, with the average prices being comparatively low compared to other stores. Furthermore, if you go to “LUMINE Shinjuku 1” and “LUMINE Shinjuku 2”, you can find lots of stores with brands that are aimed towards people in their 20s and 30s.

If you are someone in your 20s or 30s and you want fashion that looks a little more gown-up, then we would recommend “NEWoMan”. They have many simple and calm fashion lineups to choose from.

Also, all stores have a counter for tax exemption.

Shinjuku Department Stores aimed towards Adults with High Grade Tastes

Shinjuku’s department stores can be found right next to Isetan’s train station. Western clothes you can purchase here will usually cost around and over 10,000 yen. There are even items which can go over 1,000,000 yen.

Product lineups at department stores don’t really change much. However, the difference in service can be quite large. If you want to shop a little smarter, we would recommend “Odakyu Department Store”, “Takashimaya Shinjuku”, and “Isetan Shinjuku”.

For example, they have a lot of services to help customers from overseas such as their assistance services available in various languages as well as tablets prepared that will interpret things for you.

Also, Takashimaya Shinjuku has a floor dedicated to tax exemption, meaning you can shop a little cheaper here compared to the other stores.

Fast Fashion Stores that have many Reasonably Priced Products

If you’re looking for some reasonably priced products in Shinjuku then you should visit some fast fashion stores. You can find a lot of these stores on the east exit of Shinjuku station. You can expect prices for these clothing items to range from 5,000 - 7,000 yen.

If you’re looking for some simple clothes, then we would recommend “UNIQLO” and “GU”, for more personalised and stylistic clothing “H&M”. Also, “GU” has comparatively cheaper prices compared to the other stores in this list.

Shinjuku Shopping Spots - Daily Necessities & Miscellaneous Goods

If you’re planning to do some shopping in Shinjuku then you should definitely check out some daily necessities & miscellaneous goods. There are huge general stores where you can search through a large amount of items at once, or the 100 yen stores where there is literally anything and everything for a cheap price.

Shinjuku Stationery / General Stores

There are lots of stationery and general stores on the eastern side of Shinjuku station. Some of the stores are a little ways from the station, however thanks to this, their scale is larger. The stores which are close to the station typically have everything you need packed into their shelves.

If you want some great original items that can be bought as souvenirs, then “MUJI Shinjuku” is the place to go, for affordable stationary you should visit “Sekaido Shinjuku”. Also, if you want to see a lot of different products all in one place then “Tokyu Hands Shinjuku” is a great choice. Finally, for women, “LoFt” is a good place to look into.

Shinjuku 100yen Stores

Shinjuku’s 100 yen stores are located to the east and west of the station. One of their interesting characteristics is that they’re typically not a floor-level store and are located within another building as a smaller store.

If you want some stylish goods for 100 yen, then “Silk Shinjuku” is the place to go, however if you’re looking to check out many different products then we would recommend either “Can ★ Do” or “Seria.” Furthermore, if you’re looking to find something quickly without spending too much time, then the small “Daiso” store is a great choice.

Shinjuku’s Electrical Appliance Stores

There are multiple different electrical appliance stores in Shinjuku on both the east and west sides of the station. The area in front of the western entrance of the station is particularly filled with electrical appliance stores.

If you’re searching for souvenirs then we would highly recommend “Yodobashi Camera” as it has a large number of products up for sale. For your typical electronic appliances then “BicCamera” and “LABI” are recommended.

Shinjuku’s Anime Character Goods Stores

There are stores dedicated to anime character goods in Shinjuku on both the western and eastern entrances of the station. They are also stores that house various specific anime and character products.

If you’re looking for figures or collections of Japanese anime characters then we would recommend both “Animate” and “Gamers.” Furthermore, if you’re looking specifically for character goods then visiting either the “Disney store” or “Sanrio Gift Gate” would be a good choice.

Shinjuku’s Attractions & Amusement Spots

Shinjuku is absolutely filled with amusement spots and places to have fun. Here we would like to introduce some of our recommended spots to you.

Samurai Museum

The Samurai Museum is a museum that introduces the samurai spirit. You can view and appreciate various exhibitions including panels that explain the history of the samurais’ work. Furthermore, you can see Japanese katanas as well as armour up close.

There are also other events that use the Japanese katana such as the “Tate (Stage combat) ” which takes place every day. You’re sure to gulp seeing the performance of the strong and impressive display.

Not only this, you can wear a kabuto (ancient Japanese helmet) and haori (traditional Japanese kimono-style jacket) for a photo shoot. Make sure to try this and leave some amazing memories of your trip!

Spot information

• Spot name: Samurai Museum
• Street address: 2-chōme-25-6 Kabukichō Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-002
• Access: 8 minute walk from the eastern entrance to Shinjuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English, Chinese, Korean
• Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER

Tokyo Mystery Circus

Tokyo Mystery Circus is one of the first theme parks in the world to have “Mystery” as its concept. This game which you can personally play is perfect for entertainment. There are various events such as solving mysteries to get out of rooms, spy-like events where you must complete a mission in a given schedule and many more.

The contents of the game change from day to day, and there are even lots of collaboration events with various anime, comics, and games. Please note, certain events may only be available in Japanese, so please ensure to check your ticket when purchasing.

Spot information

• Spot name: Tokyo Mystery Circus
• Street address: APM Building 〒160-0021 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−27−5
• Access: 7 minute walk from the eastern entrance of Shinjuku station
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English
• Credit cards: Available

Ninja Trick House In Tokyo

The Ninja Trick House in Tokyo is an institution that allows you to experience what it is like to be a ninja. You are able to throw shuriken (Japanese concealed weapon), wield a Japanese katana (sword) and have many more interesting experiences.

Furthermore their animation which has been translated into over 17 different languages is very popular. You can also leave a forever-lasting memory by taking a picture alongside a ninja.

Spot information

• Spot name: Ninja Trick House In Tokyo
• Street address: 2-chōme-28-13 Kabukichō Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-0021
• Access: 8 minute walk from the east entrance of Shinjuku station
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: Arabic, Chinese (traditional/ simplified) , English, Français, Deutsch, Hindi, Indonesia, Italiano, Korean, Malay, Russian, Español, Thai, Tiếng Việt, Tagalog
• Credit cards: Available

Shinjuku’s Cinemas

There are 9 main cinemas within Shinjuku. They range from small-scale to large-scale cinema complexes. There are a lot of smaller cinemas around Shinjuku’s Sanchome, whilst the larger cinema complexes can be found in and near to Kabukicho.

The films you can see are different depending on the cinema, and as does our reason for recommendation based on facility.

If you want to visit for late showings then you should visit either “TOHO Cinemas” or “Shinjuku Wald 9.” Also, if you’re looking for some more reasonably priced films, you can visit the “Shinjuku Musashino-kan” which, on wednesdays, has discounts. Or, if you’re someone who loves watching anime, visiting “EJ Anime Theater” is a great choice. Finally, if you just want to watch films with great impact, then “Shinjuku Piccadilly” is a perfect choice.

Shinjuku’s Kimono Rental Stores

There are 2 stores where you can rent a kimono in Shinjuku. These are “VASARA Kimono Rental Shinjuku Store” and “Kimono Rental Wargo”. The price ranges from 3,000 to 10,000 yen, and typically includes wearing of the kimono, hair and makeup, and small accessories such as bags. However, rental requires prior reservation.

Try wearing one of Japan’s most traditional clothing items and explore the surrounding areas of Shinjuku!

Shinjuku’s Nightlife

There are lots of spots you can enjoy during the night especially in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho and Golden Street. There are live houses, clubs, bars and much more.

For example, for live houses there are “Shinjuku PIT INN” and “Shinjuku LOFT”, both which we highly recommend. For clubs, you have over 100 different ones all of which have their own uniqueness and style. If you’re visiting a club for the first time then searching for somewhere small might be a good idea.

If you’re someone who rather than party with everyone, prefers to relax and just have a drink, then Shinjuku’s bars are the place for you. There are over 200 bars, with a lot of them being found in Kabukicho near the east exit of Shinjuku station, and inside of high-rise buildings near the west exit.

Shinjuku’s Food & Restaurants

Shinjuku has a lot of restaurants that offer some very delicious food. There are a lot of these stores gathered around the station, and the types of food range from high-grade to cheap meal deals. Within these are even restaurants that have attained Michelin Stars, and restaurants that have made a completely new style and concept of their own. We are going to introduce some of these restaurants to you here.

Shinjuku’s Sushi Restaurants

There are around 80 sushi restaurants located around Shinjuku. Some of these stores offer just sushi, whilst others include various other things such as hot pots and multi-course meals alongside the sushi. There are a lot of these stores around the Kabukicho area, however, there are also a lot of stores found in hotels and high-rise buildings in the west side of Shinjuku.

If you’re wanting to eat high-grade sushi then “Sushi Oumi” and “Sushi Ishikawa” are great places, for more reasonable prices then we recommend “Numazuko Shinjuku” or “Oedo Shinjuku South Store.”

“Numazuko Shinjuku” and “Oedo Shinjuku South Store”which are conveyor belt style store, allow you to freely take whatever sushi you want from the lane in front of you. That’s why we would recommend these stores for people who enjoy eating their favourite fish over and over.

Shinjuku’s Ramen Stores

In Shinjuku there are approximately 130 ramen restaurants. A lot of these gather particularly on the north side of the station. There are various styles of ramen.

If you’re looking for some refreshing fish-based broth then Ramen Housenka is best, but if you’re looking for pork-based broths then we recommend Ichikakuya. Also, Ramen Ouka offers both halal and vegan options.

Shinjuku’s Michelin Star Restaurants

In Shinjuku, there are some stores that are listed within the Michelin guide. For example, of the stores listed in the “Michelin Guide Tokyo 2020” there are three stores that were awarded 1 star, and one that was awarded the Bib Gourmand award. The 1 star stores are Japanese cuisine and ramen, whilst the Bib Gourmand awarded store is a french restaurant.

If you want to choose a more ‘Japanese’ restaurant from the Michel-starred locations, then you will probably enjoy “Nakajima” or “SOBAHOUSE Konjiki Hototogisu”. Especially Nakajima as it has English-speaking staff, meaning people who don’t understand Japanese can eat here without worry.

If you’re looking for some italian food then “REGALO” is great, whilst french food can be eaten at “Sucre Sale.”

Shinjuku’s Udon & Japanese Meal Set Stores

There are a lot of chain-stores for Japanese food in Shinjuku. Whilst there are many different types of foods to be eaten here, the udon and beef bowl chains are most famous. These stores are collected on both the east and west of the station, but there are more fashion and high-rise buildings on the west side.

If you’re someone who wants cheap and quick food then we would recommend “Hanamaru Udon” and the beef bowl from “Yoshinoya”. If you’re someone who likes a good balance in the food they eat, then “Ootoya” who offer meal sets is our recommended place. Also, “EN' offers some more light food comparatively.

Shinjuku’s Unique Restaurants

In Shinjuku there are also many unique restaurants which have their concepts firmly planted in their menu. It might be nice to try some unique food for a change of pace.

If you’re looking for some fun other than eating just food, we recommend “Shinjuku Robot Restaurant” or “NINJA SHINJUKU YASHIKI.” At these 2 stores you are able to appreciate and see some interesting shows. Furthermore, the prison & horror “The Lockup” allows you to enter a very unique world.

Our Recommended Breakfast Spots in Shinjuku

In Shinjuku there are an abundance of stores & restaurants serving breakfast, other than hotels which are open from the early morning. There are a lot of different varieties including western or Japanese food, so please give it a check.

If you’re looking to eat freshly baked bread then visiting “Bakery & Restaurant SAWAMURA Shinjuku” is a good choice, for a more Japanese-style breakfast we would recommend “Cafe la Voie.” Also, if you’re a vegan or vegetarian then “Mr.FARMER” offers some good choices.

Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho

Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho is a small alley located on the northern side of Shinjuku station. This is a spot perfect for people looking for different and unique restaurants with lots of genres of food as there are small stores dotted along both sides of the alley.

There are fast food stores to chinese stores, and of course Japanese-style stores. Within them are things such as “Kappetei (かっぺ亭)”, “Hinadori (ひな鳥)”, and “Torie (鳥会)”, all of which are Japanese-style restaurants with chicken as their main ingredient.

Sweets and Desserts Shops in Shinjuku

There are over 250 sweet stores in Shinjuku. There are fruit-types, pancakes, Japanese sweets among many more. A lot of the stores are collected in the fashion buildings and underground which are connected to the station.

If you’re looking to eat traditional Japanese-style sweets then we would highly recommend “TORAYA CAFÉ·AN STAND Shinjuku Shop”, or if you’re more of a fruit-lover then “Shinjuku Takano Fruit Bar” is a great choice.

Furthermore, if you’re someone who enjoys pancakes then “EGG & SPUMA” has you covered. On the other hand, vegans can find some great menu items at “Ain Soph. Journey Shinjuku.”

Shinjuku’s Hotels

There are lots of hotels in Shinjuku. There are 5-star hotels as well as more reasonably priced hotels. Most of these hotels can be found on the western side, however, the western side also houses much more expensive hotels compared to the east side.

Shinjuku’s 4 & 5 Star Hotels

West Shinjuku has a lot of 4 & 5 star hotels. They are typically around 10 minutes walking distance away from the station, and one of their characteristics is that they are located in a comparatively quiet location within Shinjuku.

If you’re looking for a hotel where you can get a great view of Shinjuku then we would recommend “Park Hyatt Tokyo”, “Hyatt Regency Tokyo”, and “Hilton Tokyo.”

If you’re looking for a high-class hotel at a reasonable price then “Hotel Gracery Shinjuku” or “Shinjuku Prince Hotel” are great choices. For a standard room you are looking at a cheap price of around 10,000 - 13,000 yen. (As of december 2019)

Shinjuku’s Economy Hotels

Economy hotels are split into the ones within the business district and one’s that are quite far from the station. The hotels in the business district have good transport, however the ones far from the station are usually quite quiet and relaxed.

If you’re looking to get to Shinjuku station easily then both “Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku” and “JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku” are great choices. Furthermore, if you’re someone who is looking to enjoy Kabukicho to its fullest, “Shinjuku Granbell Hotel”, “APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower”, “East Hotel Shinjuku”, and “Shinjuku Urban Hotel” are all great options. Or if you want to find a quiet environment where a little away from the station, “Shinjuku Washington Hotel” and “Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku” are recommended.

Shinjuku’s Capsule Hotel

There are lots of capsule hotels on the east side of Shinjuku. The majority of the hotels are around 10 minutes from the station. The typical price ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 yen per night.

Shinjuku’s capsule hotels have specific areas for male only which is perfect for people who don’t want to worry about troubling others. Within these, if you want to stay close to the station, “Anshin Oyado” is the perfect choice. If you’re looking for something more ‘Japanese’, then “Hatagoya” is a great alternative.

If you’re looking for a women-only floor then we would recommend “Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel”, “Capsule Hotel Transit Shinjuku”, and Capsule Hotel Shinjuku 510’s “Ladies 510.”

Shinjuku’s AirBNBs & Hostels

There are over 300 different vacancies within Shinjuku, with most of them collecting together on the eastern side of Kabukicho. As for hostels, there are 3 at Higashi - Shinjuku station (1 station away from Shinjuku station on the Toei Ōedo Line) and 1 at Shinjuku-sanchome Station (1 station away from Shinjuku station on Tokyo metro marunouchi line).

Shinjuku’s Unique Hotels

In Shinjuku there are various hotels that have done collaborations with certain characters. We would definitely recommend trying out a new style of staying at a hotel.

For example, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is a location where you can experience how godzilla sees the world. All of the amenities also have various illustrations of godzilla on them.

Also, in the past, Keio Plaza Hotel had a Hello Kitty room, however, right now the room is closed to the public. If you want to stay in a Hello Kitty themed room, then you would have to travel 40 minutes from Shinjuku station by train to reach Tama center station where you can stay at another Keio Plaza Hotel.

Shinjuku Love Hotels

There are around 90 different love hotels in Shinjuku. Most of them are found within Kabukicho.

There are hotels designed around simple stays, as well as hotels that have paid close attention to the available amenities and interior design among many more. There are even some which have recreated a resort-like atmosphere.

The typical price range for these hotels are from 10,000 to 20,000 yen. (As of december 2019)

Shinjuku’s Ryokan or Japanese Inns

There are 2 ryokan (Japanese inns) near Shinjuku station. Both are around a 20 minute distance from the station itself. One of them is “Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku.” This is a stylish yet traditional ryokan, and you can even enter the hot springs which are here.

The other is “Nambu Inn Nishi Shinjuku.” This cosy ryokan has guides available in both English and Chinese.

Accessing Shinjuku from Tokyo Station

If you’re wanting to reach JR Shinjuku station from JR Tokyo Station, then you should ride on the Chūō Line (Rapid) . The Chūō Line (Rapid) departs from lines 1 and 2 at Tokyo Station. The required time for travel is around 15 minutes.

Accessing the Main Stations within the City and Outskirts from Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku station has various lines going from it including JR lines, Odakyu lines, and Keio lines, etc. Furthermore, there is the highway bus terminal “Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal”, meaning you can even easily access other prefectures.