5 Must-Visit Attractions in Shinanomachi! Full of Charm

Shinanomachi in Shinjuku Ward is located in the heart of the city, between bustling areas like Harajuku and the political centers of Nagatacho and Akasaka. However, when you hear "tourist spots in Shinanomachi," nothing specific may come to mind. While many people may have visited Shinanomachi for sports events, the area is actually packed with cultural and artistic attractions. This time, we'll introduce you to some of the must-visit tourist spots in Shinanomachi!

1. Meiji Jingu Gaien

◆ Seiryo Kinenkan

The Seiryo Kinenkan is a symbolic tourist facility of Meiji Jingu Gaien. This art museum was built to honor the achievements of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, displaying 40 Japanese paintings and 40 Western paintings in chronological order, depicting events from Emperor Meiji's reign. The view of the Ginkgo tree avenue from the Aoyama Street side and the museum is one of Tokyo’s must-see landscapes. Though the walk from the Ginkgo tree avenue to the museum may be a bit long, be sure to stroll around the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

◆ Meiji Kinenkan

Opened in 1947 as a wedding hall managed by Meiji Jingu, the Meiji Kinenkan is also known as the building where the draft of the Imperial Constitution of Japan was discussed. The most popular reception hall, the "Golden Pheasant Room" (Kinke no Ma), was used for imperial conferences. The splendid ceiling and walls, which retain the elegance of the Meiji era, will surely make you feel sophisticated.

The restaurants, offering kaiseki, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, also host special seasonal events and plans for gatherings such as girls’ night out and mommy meetups. They also offer reasonably priced lunch courses, so why not stop by during your sightseeing trip? You can spend a relaxing time while enjoying the beautiful garden views, making it a top sightseeing spot in Shinanomachi.

◆ Stadiums

When it comes to sightseeing in Shinanomachi, many people visit for sports events at Meiji Jingu Gaien. Jingu Stadium, home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and the sacred ground of university baseball, is famous for its summer fireworks festival. Additionally, the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium is nearby, where the rising interest in rugby, spurred by Japan's national team, can be experienced live. Watching a live game while visiting Tokyo is a must!

◆ Sports Facilities

Aside from stadiums, Shinanomachi also offers plenty of public sports facilities. Why not break a sweat during your sightseeing trip to Shinanomachi? At the Jingu Batting Dome, you can challenge the "Perfect 9," where you aim to hit nine targets pitched by a virtual professional baseball pitcher.

For futsal, there are two courts: the Shinanomachi Court in the middle of the park and the Sendagaya Court near the station, which also has a sports shop. There are also golf practice ranges, an ice-skating rink, and tennis courts, making it enjoyable for everyone, from children aspiring to be professionals to hobbyists.

◆ Meiji Jingu Gaien Niko Niko Park

If you're sightseeing with children or on a family holiday in Shinanomachi, the Meiji Jingu Gaien NikoNiko Park is a must! It’s full of play equipment that kids will love, including the "Wonder Jungle" slide with colorful animals, trampolines, and a Tarzan rope.

From May to September, the Forest Beer Garden is open. Whether it’s after work on a weekday or a refreshing drink during a weekend afternoon, a cold beer will be irresistible. It’s a great spot in Shinanomachi where both adults and children can have a satisfying time.

2. Min-On Music Museum

The Min-On Music Museum is one of the few music museums in Japan that features instruments and materials related to Western musical arts. For music lovers, the exhibition floor showcasing classic pianos, including a model identical to the one Mozart used, as well as pianos from various periods starting from the 16th century, is a must-see.

The elegant white grand piano in the style of Louis XIV and the beautifully decorated Italian harpsichord are especially worth admiring! Even if you're not particularly interested in classical music, you'll surely find something to enjoy. The museum also has a popular library filled with a vast collection of materials, sheet music, books, and rare instruments from around the world.

3. Bungakuza Theater

Founded in 1937 by three literary figures, the Bungakuza Theater is one of Japan’s most prestigious theater companies. Currently, actor Toru Emori serves as its representative. Bungakuza has staged works by its founders Mantaro Kubota, Kunio Kishida, and Toyoo Iwata, as well as masterpieces by foreign authors like Shakespeare, including works by novelist Yukio Mishima.

While Bungakuza's main performances are held nationwide, its atelier in Shinanomachi serves as a venue and rehearsal space for "Atelier no Kai," which focuses on more innovative works. The Tudor-style building itself is worth seeing when you visit Shinanomachi, even just to admire its architecture.

4. National Noh Theatre

Located near Shinanomachi in Sendagaya, the National Noh Theatre is one of Japan's premier venues where you can enjoy performances from all five major schools of Noh, including the Kanze school. There are discounts available for students and those under 25, making it an accessible cultural experience for young people as well.

Although Noh might seem intimidating, it can be broadly described as a form of theater that combines acting, music, and dance. There are websites that explain the techniques and movements, so it’s recommended to do a bit of research before attending.

5. Hatomori Hachiman Shrine

One of the most famous power spots near Shinanomachi, Hatomori Hachiman Shrine (Hatomori Hachiman Jinja), is about a 7-8 minute walk from both Sendagaya Station and Kita-Sando Station. The shrine's name is said to come from a legend in which a cloud descended on the forested area, and many white doves flew away from the spot.

The shrine is well known for its Fujizuka (a small hill modeled after Mount Fuji), which is designated as a tangible folk cultural property of Tokyo. At the top, there is a small shrine made from Mount Fuji’s lava, so when you visit Shinanomachi, be sure to climb the hill and receive the blessings of Mount Fuji. Don’t forget to check out the adorable dove-shaped omikuji (fortune slips) and dove-themed ema (votive plaques)!

◎ Summary

In addition to the attractions mentioned, Shinanomachi is also near Shinjuku Gyoen and the Akasaka Imperial Grounds, making it one of the most nature-rich areas within the Yamanote Line loop. Visitors from afar may be surprised to discover just how much greenery exists in Tokyo. With plenty of sports, entertainment, and shopping options, be sure to visit Shinanomachi!

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5 Must-Visit Attractions in Shinanomachi! Full of Charm