Whether you're an early bird, a night owl, or something in between, Shinjuku is the perfect place to experience Tokyo. While this urban center is known mostly for its neon signs and buzzing nightlife, it's also home to beautiful parks, historic shrines and temples and some of the best shopping in the city. From dining on Michelin-starred ramen to
Stay
The Knot Hotel is located on the more peaceful, quieter side of Shinjuku west of Chuo Park. This urban hotel has three restaurants plus a cafe and bakery, as well as a stylish lounge for getting some work done or meeting with friends. The red brick building is an old office building renovated to fit the hotel's modest rooms and suites inside. The Knot also offers bicycle rentals, event spaces and even a small art gallery.
9:00 AM
Start the day bright and early at More Than Bakery, a local bake shop located inside The Knot Hotel, and freshly brewed tea or coffee from The Tea Stand. Enjoy it in the hotel's lobby lounge or get to go and head to Shinjuku Central Park, a vast green space just across the street from the hotel. Be sure to check out the Central Park's 'Water Plaza' for a view of the manmade Shinjuku Niagara Falls, and the beautiful Kumano Shrine, a tranquil Shinto shrine, located just west of the falls.
10:30 AM
Just steps from Central Park is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, famous for its free observatories which offer 360 degree views around the city and even as far as Mount Fuji on a clear day. There are observatories located in both towers which open on an alternating schedule. Word has spread, so there's usually a line for the elevator, but it's worth the wait. The small observatory-level gift shop sells local souvenirs, and there's an inexpensive cafe decked out with cozy armchairs offering cafe and light meals.
11:30 AM
A ten-minute walk northeast of the tower will take you to the Love Object, a bright red pop art installation in front of the i-Land Tower and another of Shinjuku's popular photo spots. Then, continue north on Higashi-dori, right on Ome-Kaido and make your way to Joenji Temple, a modest Buddhist temple complex founded during the Edo Period, and compare the architectural differences between Japan's Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
12:30 PM
If you had your heart set on sampling some of Tokyo's world-famous Michelin-starred ramen, now's your chance. Hop in a cab (or make the 20 minute walk) and head to Sobahouse Konjikihototogisu near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a ramen joint famous for its umami-rich broth made with clams, a rich seafood broth along with truffle and porcini oils. Wait times can be up to an hour during the busy seasons, and it's not a place you want to linger over your meal. If the line is too daunting, cozy up at Bowls Cafe nearby, or make the trek to Chatty Chatty Burger for homemade, gourmet burgers with all the trimmings.
2:15 PM
Energized, make your way to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, an enormous park with a botanical greenhouse, several scenic ponds, a traditional Japanese garden and areas inspired by the garden styling of France and Taiwan. The park has a cherry blossom grove, gingko trees and vast stretched of colorful blooms to keep the garden interesting in any season. The traditional Japanese teahouse, Rakuu-tei, is a must for Japanese matcha and wagashi (traditional sweets), but don't fret if it happens to be closed. The more modern Shouten-tei and the Central Rest House also offer drinks and snacks for the weary traveler.
4:00 PM
It's finally time to do some shopping, so head to Isetan, one of Tokyo's oldest and most influential department stores. The enormous double complex split into men's and women's interests carries upscale and luxury fashion, kimono, accessories and cosmetics. The basement edible souvenirs from popular local brands, while the roof features a spacious outdoor garden with rest areas. In the same neighborhood, ubiquitous everyday fashion shop UNIQLO has partnered with Bic Camera to form BIQLO, the ultimate shopping complex for fashion, home gadgets, liquor and more. On the sixth floor is UNIQLO's low-cost cousin, GU, and is a must for basic pieces.
Back outside, Kinokuniya is great for books and magazines, Animate for manga and anime goods, MUJI for lifestyle pieces - there's something for everything on Shinjuku's east side. Check if stores can handle same-day shipping to your hotel, or check your bags in at the coin lockers under the overpass near Shinjuku Information Center.
6:45 PM
Anything goes at dinnertime. There's popular shabu-shabu (hot pot) chains Nabezo and On Yasai, dozens of yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) joints, and sushi shops for every budget. For the quintessential Tokyo experience, however, an izakaya is best. These casual Japanese pubs usually offer cheap tapas and drinks but carry a hefty seating charge. To name a few, the elegant Izakaya EN; the samurai-themed Sengoku Buyuden; Hanbey, where even the menu prices are modeled after the Showa Era; and Kyomachi, which aims to transport diners back to Edo Era Kyoto.
8:30 PM
After killing some time at Shinjuku's popular game centers and arcades, stroll through Shinjuku's atmospheric Kabukicho, the city's busiest red light district. Head east to Golden Gai, a historic block of ramshackle bars and eateries dating back to the postwar era. Drinks and seating charges at these tiny establishments can be pricey, but the experience is worth it.
10:30 PM
As late evening approaches, it's time to decide the next move. If it's too soon to turn in, Shinjuku is ready to handle any kind of all nighter. Hang out at the bars until 5 AM or check out one of the local nightclubs, Warp, which stays open until 4:30 AM. For a quieter evening, there's the 24-hour spa Thermae-Yu is equipped with saunas, hot baths and lounges; late shows at Toho Cinemas (AKA the 'Godzilla Theater'); or coffee and cake at Cafe Edinburgh, an upscale cafe with a uniquely 1920s European flair, open 24 hours a day. Or, call it a day and enjoy the nighttime cityscape from the outdoor hot springs baths at Ryokan Yuen.