12 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Shinjuku – Explore Tokyo’s Vibrant Heart

Shinjuku, boasting the highest passenger traffic in Japan, is packed with attractions where urban excitement meets natural beauty. Around Shinjuku Station, you'll find countless dining options and bustling entertainment districts, allowing you to choose your destination based on your mood or cravings. The west side of the station is lined with towering skyscrapers, while the east side features department stores and the famous Kabukicho, making Shinjuku a full-day destination. When you need a break from the urban hustle, tranquil spots like Shinjuku Gyoen and Shinjuku Central Park offer lush green oases with beautiful lawns and expansive ponds. Here’s a guide to 12 of the best tourist attractions in Shinjuku.

1. Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is renowned as an urban oasis. Despite being just a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, this sprawling garden rivals European parks, featuring French formal gardens and English landscape gardens that create a romantic ambiance. From mid-May to mid-June, nearly 100 varieties and around 500 rose bushes burst into bloom in the rose garden.

For those who want to experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere, the Japanese garden—designed as a stroll-around pond garden with ducks swimming in a serene pond—offers a peaceful retreat. In autumn, the contrast between golden ginkgo trees and fiery red maples creates a breathtaking view.

With cherry trees in full bloom during spring, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most popular hanami spots in Tokyo. Alcohol is prohibited in the park, making it ideal for families with small children.

2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

As a landmark of Shinjuku, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a modern reinterpretation of Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral. While primarily serving as an office building, its 48 floors and height of 243 meters command a spectacular presence. When it was completed in 1991, it was Japan’s tallest skyscraper.

The building is a popular tourist destination thanks to its two free observation decks on the 45th floor. The South Observation Deck, open during the day, offers a 360-degree panoramic view that includes Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The deck also houses a restaurant and a café for a relaxed dining experience.

The North Observation Deck, open late into the night, lets you enjoy Shinjuku’s dazzling city lights.

3. Isetan Shinjuku

Isetan Shinjuku is a department store famous for its record sales and over 80 years of history since its opening in 1933. Housed in an Art Deco building designated as a historic structure in Tokyo, it offers popular high-fashion brands as well as innovative, unique labels for fashion aficionados.

The restaurant floor offers a wide array of dining options including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines, catering to families with young children. The basement food floor boasts a host of acclaimed patisserie shops, with delectable chocolates and macarons that are a must-try.

4. Kabukicho

Kabukicho is Tokyo’s iconic entertainment district in Shinjuku, often associated with its vibrant nightlife. While known for its night scene, it also features cinemas, amusement facilities, and a wide range of gourmet eateries. The New Shinjuku Toho Building, home to the famous Godzilla head, houses restaurants, a cinema, and a hotel, making it an ideal destination for a full day of exploration. The narrow streets around it are filled with dining options, ensuring that you’ll never run out of choices.

Foreign visitors are also drawn to the “Robot Restaurant,” where enormous neon-lit robots perform alongside dancers in a spectacular show. With frequent festivals and events, Kabukicho offers a dynamic and immersive experience.

5. Shinjuku Southern Terrace

Located just outside the south exit of Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Southern Terrace is an elegant promenade lined with shops that invite casual visits. At “Boul Ange,” a French bakery, you can savor traditional French bread paired with Japanese ingredients—a delightful fusion. Meanwhile, “Bessedo” offers authentic Italian cuisine and wine in an open terrace setting, perfect for engaging conversations.

The Odakyu Southern Tower within the complex features restaurants serving charcoal-grilled steak, Korean cuisine, and Mexican dishes, making it a great venue for both group outings and intimate dates. In winter, the area around Shinjuku Southern Terrace and Takashimaya Times Square is illuminated with festive lights, further enhancing its charm.

6. Shinjuku Central Park

Shinjuku Central Park is an urban oasis amidst the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Surrounded by landmarks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Park Tower, and the Hyatt Regency Tokyo, the park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The park features futsal facilities, an exercise area, and a children’s playground, making it popular among both tourists and office workers seeking a break after work.

The “Water Plaza” within the park features a huge waterfall often called “Shinjuku Niagara,” providing a refreshing view. The park also hosts flea markets and various events, and its expansive lawns are perfect for hanami in spring, with cherry blossoms adding to its charm.

7. Bic Camera – Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store

Bic Camera’s “Bikku-ro” is a unique shopping complex located near Shinjuku Station’s east exit, where Bic Camera and Uniqlo have merged into an innovative, eye-catching display. Designed by creative director Kashiwa Sato, the store’s concept of a “wonderfully cluttered” space is truly captivating.

Inside, you’ll find everything from consumer electronics and household appliances to men’s and women’s fashion, as well as games, toys, and video media. With frequent discount sales and special events, this one-stop shop is ideal for satisfying all your shopping needs—so be sure to check the official website for updates.

8. Tokyo Opera City

Tokyo Opera City is a multifunctional facility located near Hatsudai Station, just one stop from Shinjuku Station. It houses a concert hall, art museum, and several shops.
On the third floor, an art gallery presents a series of temporary exhibitions by renowned international and domestic artists. The gallery’s warm wooden floors and spacious design create a relaxing atmosphere.

Also on the same floor is a concert hall where you can attend performances by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra or enjoy piano recitals, offering a treat for classical music lovers. After your visit, dine at one of the restaurants or cafés on the 53rd and 54th floors, which serve a variety of cuisines including Chinese and yakiniku.

9. Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho

Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho is a nostalgic alley filled with izakayas, ramen shops, and yakiniku restaurants. While Shinjuku continues to evolve with modern attractions, Omoide Yokocho offers a charming, retro atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes—from grilled chicken and stewed specialties to Chinese and seafood fare—all perfect for pairing with a drink. Must-visit eateries include “Kabuto” for its exquisite eel, “Tsurukame Shokudou” for unique rice bowls, and “Tori-en” for delicious whale cuisine.

Bustling with salarymen after work and attracting the curious glances of foreign tourists, this lively alley is an ideal spot for bar hopping at reasonable prices.

10. Shinjuku Golden Gai

Located in Kabukicho, Shinjuku Golden Gai is a unique nightlife district. Unlike the bustling streets of Kabukicho, Golden Gai exudes a more relaxed, intimate vibe, with a maze of narrow alleys lined with tiny bars and izakayas. While the dimly lit alleys might seem intimidating at first, the friendly staff will welcome you warmly.

Since most bars can only accommodate a few patrons at a time, it’s best to visit several spots rather than staying too long in one. Ask for recommendations, and note that many bars may charge a cover fee. Golden Gai is an ideal destination if you want to enjoy a quiet drink in a distinctive, atmospheric setting.

11. Samurai Museum

Opened in 2015, the Samurai Museum is one of Shinjuku’s newer attractions, with about 90% of its visitors being foreign tourists. This museum offers an engaging overview of 700 years of samurai history, spanning from the Kamakura to the Edo period. The exhibits include samurai armor, helmets, authentic swords, and matchlock guns.

A popular feature is the area where you can try on samurai armor and helmets for a photo opportunity—capture yourself in full samurai regalia! Professional photographers also offer sessions for those eager to don full samurai gear, providing an unforgettable cultural experience.

Additionally, a live sword-fighting performance by actor Shinichiro Matsuura is a must-see, delivering the thrill of samurai combat in a vibrant, real-time show.

12. NEWoMan

NEWoMan is a trendy hotspot that opened in the spring of 2016. Situated next to the Bus Terminal “Busta Shinjuku” at the south exit of Shinjuku Station, it is convenient for those traveling by bus. Inside, you’ll discover a range of stores offering many items making their debut in Japan, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere. One highlight is the LA-based pizzeria “800° DEGREES NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA,” where you can customize your pizza to your liking.

Other offerings include specialty coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine from the Pasch region—each presenting unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere. Trendy fashion brands and eclectic gift shops round out the experience, making NEWoMan an irresistible destination for both women and tourists.

◎ Summary of Tourist Attractions in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shinjuku, with its extensive transportation options and diverse attractions, is a vibrant destination. It offers a stimulating mix of time-honored historic sites and cutting-edge new developments. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply enjoying a leisurely day out with friends or family, Shinjuku has something for everyone. With a wealth of hotels and accommodations available, you can fully relax and take in all that this bustling center of Tokyo has to offer. Find your favorite spot and explore the heart of Tokyo—Shinjuku awaits!

Search

Customer Support

12 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Shinjuku – Explore Tokyo’s Vibrant Heart