Misty Fujii is a Canadian DJ and writer who came to Japan seeking adventure and stuck around for love. Living life as a bucket list in progress, she’s as passionate about sharing her stories as she is experiencing them. She gets excited about collecting vintage vinyl records, food from all countries, traveling, and renovating her traditional Japanese house. She can be found on Instagram @djmisty
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Planning to explore Shinjuku during your Tokyo trip? There’s a reason (dozens, actually!) why this area is so popular: it’s Tokyo’s buzzing heart, where neon lights meet quiet gardens, and skyscrapers tower above hidden alleyway bars. Home to the world’s busiest train station (over 3.5 million people pass through daily!), Shinjuku is an eclectic mix of modern thrills and timeless charm. Whether you’re in the mood for street food, skyline views, late-night drinks, or a peaceful stroll through nature, this guide will take you through the best things to do in Shinjuku, including some local favorites and secret spots you won’t want to miss.
Things to See in Shinjuku
Godzilla head
Let’s start with an iconic and must-see spot in Shinjuku: Kabukicho’s giant Godzilla head. It is a part of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, and you can even stay here with a view of the monster right outside your room! It’s an epic sight to see up close and personal, and pictures don’t do it justice regarding how big the head really is. Walking through the busy streets and admiring the legendary beast is something you don’t want to miss when in the area.
I♡Kabukicho Sign
Next, you have to snap a picture with Kabukicho’s famous bold red I heart Kabukicho sign. Perched right on the Shinjuku Kabukicho Hayashi Building, this vibrant landmark is practically the welcome sign for the area, often captured in photos as the main gateway. It’s a perfect symbol of the dazzling neon lights and electric colors the neighborhood is renowned for. Snap a picture here, and you’ll instantly feel the electric energy of Tokyo’s entertainment district. If you’re standing under this sign, you’re right where the action is.
Performance of Samurai Restaurant
If you were mourning the loss of Shinjuku’s legendary Robot Restaurant during the pandemic, fear not because the equally dazzling Samurai Restaurant has arrived to fill that neon-soaked void! Housed in the same over-the-top venue, Samurai Restaurant brings the same sensory overload with a fresh twist. Prepare for a sensory explosion featuring everything from samurai (in perhaps historically questionable, but eye-catching armor) and ninjas, to vibrant dancers, giant floats, and wildly entertaining sword battles. Just a heads-up: while ‘restaurant’ is in the name, the main course here is the high-energy entertainment, not the food. It’s wildly overstimulating in the best way, and conveniently, each ticket includes two drinks to help you dive into the chaos.
Get tickets here: The Samurai Restaurant
Projection Mapping at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
There’s a show-stopping experience in Shinjuku that you won’t want to miss: the projection mapping show at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Recently crowned by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest permanent display, this nightly spectacle lights up the skyscraper with mind-blowing visuals created by Japanese and international artists. Some shows dive into Tokyo’s rich past, while others feature everything from the moon’s phases and even Godzilla! The magic kicks off every night at 7:00 PM and plays on the hour and half-hour until 9:30 PM. It’s free, epic, and the perfect way to end an evening in Shinjuku. Just be sure to check the latest schedule before you go!
Website: Tokyo Projection Mapping Project
Love Statue
Right in the middle of Shinjuku’s busy business hub, you’ll find another iconic photo-worthy spot: the vibrant LOVE statue! Just outside the towering I-Land Tower, you’ll find the famous red LOVE statue by American artist Robert Indiana. It’s more than just a bold pop of color; it’s a popular Shinjuku meeting spot and a symbol that’s traveled the world since the 1970s. There’s even a fun local legend: if you can squeeze through the space between the “V” and the “E” without touching either letter, your love will be returned. Whether snapping a photo to match one from another city or just soaking in the sweet message, this stop is a feel-good moment you won’t want to miss.
Where to Visit in Shinjuku
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Tokyo’s red-light district, where you can experience an interesting side of Japan’s nightlife. This area was developed to revitalize the Japanese economy after WWII, and it rapidly became a popular area with several attractions and restaurants. Kabukicho is known for all sorts of entertainment, from karaoke parlors to gaming arcades, and, yes, love hotels. Some say it is not a suitable place for a family trip, but there are many things to see during the daytime, making it a place anyone can enjoy!
You’ll find family-friendly spots like Kabukicho Tower for entertainment, shopping, and food, and the famous Godzilla head is smack dab in the middle of Kabukicho. Like other parts of Tokyo and Japan, Kabukicho is quite safe, but just be sure to use common sense. Be careful at night, and avoid shady areas and dodgy-looking bars and restaurants.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast park that initially belonged to the Naito family during the Edo period. It served as a private residence, an imperial garden under the control of the Imperial Household Agency in 1906, and was finally opened to the public after World War II. A wide variety of flowers and plants bloom throughout the year, and you can also enjoy 65 different kinds of cherry blossoms in spring, making it a very popular place for people to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom parties). It’s a perfect place for a peaceful morning or afternoon, and walking around the garden will relax you.
Website: Shinjuku Gyoen
Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine is a Shinto shrine built before the Tokugawa shogunate’s establishment. The Tokugawa Shogunate ruled the country as a central authority for over 260 years from 1603. This shrine holds several events throughout the year, and the most famous one is Tori no Ichi, an open-air market, also known as the rooster market, in November. During the festival, many stalls are on the street leading to the shrine, and you can buy decorated rakes or kumade, which symbolize good luck with money and prosperity in business. They also host a flea market every Sunday, so it is still worth visiting, even on regular weekends!
Website: Hanazono Shrine
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
If you are looking for somewhere perfect to have dinner around Shinjuku station, check out Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho or Piss Alley, as it’s known to locals. But don’t let the nickname put you off when you explore the narrow street full of small stalls; they all offer delicious food and drinks in a unique atmosphere. This area initially had black markets post WWII, but now it hosts over 300 tiny bars and izakaya. They usually offer yakitori (chicken skewers) and other delicious meat dishes as they were relatively affordable during the post-war recession. Yakitori is a simple dish, but the taste never disappoints, and it goes very well with Japanese sake! Omoide Yokocho is a must-visit if you have never tried yakitori or explored a yokocho before.
Website: Shuinjuku Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a popular yokocho for bar hopping near Hanazono Shrine. It is very popular among salarymen as a place to eat and drink after a long day at work along with tourists. It has a similar history to Omoide Yokocho, with more than 250 tiny stalls and bars packed into a small area. Each bar has an intimate atmosphere with friendly staff and offers tourists an excellent opportunity to get to know the locals. As it gets pretty crowded at night and the capacity of each bar is small, you may want to arrive there early in the evening, though most bars stay open well into the wee hours of the morning. It is located close to Omoide Yokocho (8 min on foot), so we suggest you visit both and compare them while enjoying the different atmospheres!
▼Book our izakaya-hopping tour in Shinjuku!
Free Observation Deck at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, with a free observation deck overlooking Tokyo. Kenzo Tange, a world-famous architect, designed this well-known Shinjuku landmark. The building is mostly open to the public except for a few select rooms and floors, and the observation deck on the 45th floor offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city! On sunny days, especially in the winter, when the air is clean, you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. And like we said, it is totally free! Don’t be put off by the line of people waiting to go up, as it moves surprisingly fast.
Website: Shinjuku Government Building Observatories
“Depachika” Food Markets at Isetan
Isetan’s “depachika,” the upscale food floor in the department store’s basement, is a local favorite for high-quality delicatessen items. Whether you’re looking for gourmet Japanese and Western sweets or premium gift options, this depachika has it all. Don’t miss trying traditional Japanese sweets from Taneya, especially their popular dorayaki, a delightful pancake sandwich filled with red bean paste. Pick up a bento box from there for a delicious and convenient meal, offering restaurant-quality options perfect for lunch or dinner. This is also an excellent option for families, especially if you want to eat different things.
Website: Isetan Food Market
Tokyo Toy Museum
Set inside a charming old elementary school, the Tokyo Toy Museum isn’t your typical museum; it’s more like a hands-on playground packed with over 10,000 toys from Japan and around the world. Each room, once a classroom, is now a themed space where you can play with everything from classic Japanese toys to modern board games. There’s even a cozy area called Toy Square Red, where traditional toys take the spotlight. And if you’re in the mood to get crafty, don’t miss the workshop where kids and adults alike can make their own toys from recycled materials. This is a perfect hidden gem for families, especially with infants and small children. It’s fun for adults, too, because it’s the kind of place that brings out the kid in everyone. Needless to say, this should be on any toy lover’s Shinjuku itinerary!
Website: Tokyo Toy Museum
Where to Eat in Shinjuku
Yakiniku Ushigoro
Ushigoro is an upscale yakiniku spot that takes “meat power” seriously, serving only the finest A5-grade Japanese black beef, including ultra-rare Omi beef that’s nearly impossible to find in Tokyo. Everything here is sourced directly from pedigree cattle, resulting in mouthwatering dishes like smoked beef, beef tartare with caviar, juicy skirt steak, and crisp, refreshing water kimchi. The Shinjuku location offers exclusive menu items you won’t find at other branches, like “black tongue,” a delicacy so rare it’s only served in restaurants with special health center approval. If you’re craving next-level yakiniku in an elegant but cozy setting, Ushigoro is the spot.
Website: Yakiniku Ushigoro Shinjuku
Halal Ramen Shinjuku-Tei
If you’re looking for halal cuisine (or not!), Halal Ramene Shinjuku-Tei is more than meets the eye. Despite the name, this spot isn’t just about ramen! It’s actually a specialty restaurant serving mouthwatering Halal Wagyu beef. That means no pork, no alcohol, and plenty of peace of mind for Muslim diners looking to enjoy Japanese cuisine. But don’t worry if halal food isn’t a priority for you because this place is for everyone. The menu is packed with flavorful dishes, from their popular spicy miso chicken chashu ramen to creative Wagyu beef sushi rolls.
Website: Halal Ramen Shinjuku-Tei
Zauo Shinjuku
How about catching your own dinner right inside the restaurant? For a truly unique and fun dining adventure, make your way to Zauo, conveniently located just an 8-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station’s South Exit. Step inside, and you’ll spot a giant wooden boat docked in the middle of the dining room, surrounded by water teeming with fish. Once you’ve caught your fish, the chefs prepare it right away so you can enjoy the freshest bite possible. From beautifully arranged set meals to Hakata-style specialties, every dish is made with care by them and fun for you.
Website: Zauo Fishing Restaurant
Book here: Zauo Shinjuku
Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen
Step into a charming little slice of movie magic at Cafe La Boheme, right by Shinjuku Gyoen park. If you’ve seen Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), this cozy Italian cafe might look familiar because it’s where Taki worked part-time in the film! Even before the movie, it was a popular local spot, but now it draws fans eager to relive that nostalgic cinematic moment. Inside, you’ll find young waitstaff in crisp uniforms, just like in the movie, serving up pasta, pizza, and espresso with a side of charm. With huge windows framing the lush greenery of the park, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge after a stroll, whether you’re an anime fan or not.
Website: Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen
Where to Stay in Shinjuku
Keio Plaza Hotel
When you need a break from Shinjuku’s buzz, Keio Plaza Hotel is a luxurious high-rise and the perfect place to unwind in style. With elegant rooms and lounges that overlook the Tokyo skyline, it’s a dreamy escape that still keeps you close to the action. You’ll find 11 different restaurants offering everything from fine dining to casual bites, plus a stunning outdoor sky pool that’s especially popular in the summer, complete with lively nighttime events. Each room is packed with high-end comforts, making it easy to kick back and soak in the good life.
The hotel is also easily accessible from both Haneda and Narita airports via airport limosine bus and has a dedicated shuttle bus to and from Disney Resort (reservations required).
Book here: Keio Plaza Hotel
Hilton Tokyo Hotel
When you crave comfort and familiarity, check out one of Shinjuku’s most dependable stays: Hilton Tokyo. Perched above the city with views of Shinjuku and its peaceful park, this hotel blends sleek, modern style with the classic comfort you may be used to. And it’s more than just a place to snooze, because guests can unwind in the sauna or hot tub, take a dip in the pool, or even play a rooftop game of tennis. With top-notch dining that ranges from Japanese to Western to Chinese cuisine, you can satisfy any craving without even leaving the hotel. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to chcek out the Marble Lounge’s strawberry buffet! Whether you’re here to relax or recharge, Hilton Tokyo delivers in every way.
The hotel is also easily accessible from both Haneda and Narita airports via airport limosine bus.
Book here: Hilton Tokyo Hotel
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Tokyo
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are traveling in, our knowledgeable and friendly guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo, where you will have the chance to try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake along with your friendly English-speaking guide!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour: Experience Tokyo’s Nightlife in Izakaya
Check out the best spots in Shinjuku while bar hopping through the lively and vibrant area. Try some delicious local food and drink as you explore the narrow yet photogenic alleys that the town has to offer. Experience Japanese izakaya culture and drink in Shinjuku like the locals!
▶Kimono Experience in Tokyo
Step into the charm of the kimono, a beloved icon of Japanese tradition, ideal for festivals and wandering quaint streets. Asakusa offers the perfect setting to don your kimono and create cherished memories with picturesque backdrops. Let Kimono Rental Wargo dress you up for a day of delightful exploration in timeless style!
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Happy traveling!
