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Best Things to Do in Shinjuku

Updated: September 1, 2024

Shinjuku City is dotted with diverse tourist attractions. From powerful skyscrapers to historic shrines and gardens to bustling shopping areas, there are many attractive spots to visit. Let us introduce you to some of these fascinating spots.

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What kind of city is Shinjuku?

Shinjuku is a vibrant city located in the heart of Tokyo and is extremely popular with travelers. Shinjuku Station is the world’s largest terminal station, offering convenient transportation, shopping, and entertainment.

Tourist Spots

SEASONAL

3. 新宿御苑

Shinjuku Gyoen

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Shinjuku City

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Autumn leaves Garden Illumination Cherry blossom

Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast park in the center of Tokyo where some 1,500 cherry trees bloom in spring. Many Japanese and foreign tourists visit during this time of year to view the blossoms. It is one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms as a symbol of spring in Japan and a place where one can feel the beauty and peace of nature.

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11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014

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4. 都庁展望台

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck Observatory overlooking the city of Shinjuku

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Nishishinjuku

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Vantage point

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck is located on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo. From the observatory, which is free of charge, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo’s cityscape and landmarks, including Mt. For Japanese people, it is one of Tokyo’s most iconic architectural landmarks and a worthy location from which to view the hustle and bustle of the city.

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2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001

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5. ゴジラヘッド

Godzilla Head

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Kabukicho

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Photo spot

Godzilla Head
Godzilla Head

Godzilla Head is a giant object of Godzilla’s head installed on top of the Toho Cinemas Shinjuku building in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district. From the observation deck overlooking the area, visitors can also experience Godzilla’s roar. It is a popular photo spot for Godzilla fans as well as for many tourists. For Japanese people, this spot has a special presence as an icon of movie culture.

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1 Chome-19 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

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6. NEWoMan新宿

NEWoMan Shinjuku

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Shinjuku City

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Shopping mall

NEWoMan Shinjuku
NEWoMan Shinjuku
NEWoMan Shinjuku

NEWoMan Shinjuku is a new commercial facility directly connected to the south exit of Shinjuku Station, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and art experiences. It offers a wide range of fashion and beauty products, especially for women, and offers a lifestyle that incorporates the latest trends. It is a valuable place for Japanese people to take in new styles and ideas.

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4 Chome-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

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7. バスタ新宿 ペンギン広場

Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza

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Shinjuku-ku

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Photo spot

Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza
Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza
Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza
Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza
Basta Shinjuku Penguin Plaza

Basta Shinjuku’s Penguin Plaza is a plaza located in the corner of the bus terminal at the south exit of Shinjuku. Here, occasional art installations and limited-time events are held to provide locals and tourists alike with a relaxing time. The plaza is particularly popular among children and adults of all ages, so named because of the penguin statues that have been installed there.

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3 Chome-38-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan JR Shinjuku Station

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8. サムライミュージアム

The Samurai Museum

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Kabukicho

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Japanese culture

The Samurai Museum
The Samurai Museum
The Samurai Museum
The Samurai Museum

The Samurai Museum is a place where visitors can learn and experience Japanese samurai culture and its history. The museum displays actual armor, swords, and other weapons, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the life and spirit of the samurai. The museum also offers a variety of interactive programs, such as an actual experience of wearing armor and a sword drawing show.

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2 Chome-25-6, Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, 160-0021, Japan 1F/2F Horizon Bldg.

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9. ルミネ the よしもと

Lumine the Yoshimoto

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Shinjuku City

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Japanese comedy culture

Lumine the Yoshimoto
Lumine the Yoshimoto

As mentioned above, Lumine the Yoshimoto is an entertainment facility directly connected to Shinjuku Station, and is a theater where you can enjoy manzai and comedy acts that represent Japanese comedy culture. This location is loved by visitors from Japan and abroad as a great spot to experience Japanese humor.

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〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−38−2 LUMINE2 7F

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10. 十二社熊野神社

Junisha Kumano Shrine

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Nishishinjuku

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Shrine

Junisha Kumano Shrine
Junisha Kumano Shrine

Junisha Kumano Shrine is a shrine with a long history in Shinjuku City and is an object of worship for local residents. The shrine was founded in the Heian period (794-1185) and has much historical background.

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2 Chome-11-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

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11. 新宿コパボウル

Shinjuku Copa Bowl

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Kabukicho

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Recreational activities

Shinjuku Copa Bowl
Shinjuku Copa Bowl
Shinjuku Copa Bowl
Shinjuku Copa Bowl

Shinjuku Copa Bowl is a popular bowling alley located in Shinjuku City, offering modern facilities and a full range of amenities. It is popular with a wide range of people, from families to young adults, and is especially busy on weekends and at night. In addition to bowling, the bowling alley also offers billiards, darts, and other activities, making it a great place to get together with friends or as a date spot.

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〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−20−1, Humax Pavilion, 3・4F

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12. 超密室リアル体験型脱出ゲーム

Escape Games

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Kabukicho

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Recreational activities

Escape Games
Escape Games
Escape Games
Escape Games

Shinjuku is home to several super-intimate real-life interactive escape game facilities, where participants must solve a mystery in a story-based scenario. These games require logical thinking, teamwork, and creativity, and cooperation with fellow players is the key to success.

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2 Chome-14-12 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

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13. 花園神社

Hanazono Shrine

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Shinjuku City

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Shrine

Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono Shrine is an old shrine located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, and is well known by the local people. It is especially famous for its “Tori-no-ichi” event, which is held every November and attracts many people to buy lucky rakes. The shrine is known as a place to pray for prosperous business and family safety, and is a place where one can experience traditional Japanese culture and spirituality.

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5 Chome-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

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Official Site Hanazono Shrine

14. 東京オペラシティ アートギャラリー

Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery

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Shinjuku-ku

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Art museum

Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery

The Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery is located in Tokyo Opera City, a multi-purpose complex in Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. The gallery features a variety of contemporary art exhibits and focuses on artists from Japan and abroad. This facility also houses an opera house, where visitors can enjoy music and performing arts performances.

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3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1403

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Official Site Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery

15. 平和記念展示資料館

Peace Memorial Exhibition and Museum

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Nishishinjuku

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Art museum

Peace Memorial Exhibition and Museum
Peace Memorial Exhibition and Museum
Peace Memorial Exhibition and Museum

This facility is a memorial museum with exhibits that highlight the tragedy of war and the importance of peace. In particular, materials related to the atomic bombing and war damage are on display, and many people visit the museum as a place to renew their wish for peace. It is an important place for Japanese people to pass on the memories and lessons of war to future generations.

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〒163-0233 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2 Chome-6-1, Shinjuku Sumitomo bldg., 33F

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Official Site Peace Memorial Exhibition and Museum

16. LOVEオブジェ

The LOVE Object

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Nishishinjuku

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Public art

The LOVE Object
The LOVE Object

The LOVE Object is a famous artwork by American artist Robert Indiana and has been installed in several cities around the world. In Tokyo, the sculpture is located outside the Island Tower in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, and reads “LOVE” in white letters on a red background.

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6 Chome-5-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

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17. 花尾

Hanao

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Shinjuku City

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Public art

Hanao

From this information it is not possible to ascertain specific details about Hanao. It may be used as part of the name in general, but we cannot find information on it as a specific tourist attraction or artwork.

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3 Chome-38 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

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Tokyo's Local Cuisine

1. 江戸前寿司

Edomae Sushi Sushi made with fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay

Edomae Sushi is made with fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay and is a symbol of Tokyo’s sushi culture. The artisanal skills of the sushi chefs are evident in the nigirizushi and makizushi, and the high-end sushi restaurants in Tsukiji Market and Ginza are particularly famous.

2. ラーメン

Ramen Various ramen from all over Japan

Tokyo is teeming with a wide variety of ramen restaurants. You can enjoy a variety of soups, such as soy sauce, salt, miso, and tonkotsu (pork bone). Tokyo’s ramen is especially popular among tourists because of its unique style and abundance of toppings.

3. うな重

Unaju Grilled broiled eel on a bed of rice

Unaju is extremely popular. Unaju is a dish consisting of grilled broiled eel on a bed of rice. In particular, unajyu served at long-established restaurants that have been in business since the Edo period offers a traditional taste.

4. もんじゃ焼き

Monjayaki Famous Teppanyaki Cuisine

Monjayaki is a teppan-yaki dish famous in downtown Tokyo, especially in the Tsukishima area. Ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, and meat are mixed into a thin batter and grilled on a teppan grill. It is a homey and familiar dish for locals, as they enjoy grilling it by themselves.

5. ちゃんこ鍋

Chanko-Nabe One-pot meals eaten by sumo wrestlers in their rooms on a daily basis

Chanko-nabe is a nabe dish served at the famous sumo stables in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo. It is nutritious and hearty, with plenty of meat, fish, and vegetables. Chanko-nabe is known as a dish used by sumo wrestlers to improve their physical strength.

6. 油そば

Aburasoba A kind of ramen without soup

Aburasoba is a type of ramen with no broth, a dish in which noodles are tossed with sauce. In Tokyo, there are many restaurants specializing in this dish, and with a wide variety of toppings, it is a fun way to customize the dish to your own taste.

7. 天ぷら

Tempura Fried dishes with fresh seafood and vegetables

Tempura in Tokyo is a deep-fried dish made with fresh seafood and vegetables and characterized by the Edo-mae technique. Its crispy texture and simple seasoning that makes the most of the flavors of the ingredients are appealing.

8. 深川めし

Fukagawa-meshi Rice cooked with clams

Fukagawa-meshi is a dish that originated in the Fukagawa district of downtown Tokyo. Typical dishes include rice cooked with clams and rice topped with miso soup with clams. This dish began as a fisherman’s dish and is still loved by the locals today, a simple yet delicious dish that shows the bounty of the sea.