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Guide to Shinjuku | MATOKA's Japan Travel Guide
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items Shinjuku has a special place in my heart and is probably one of the most exciting areas in Tokyo. It has it all; from entertainment like movie theaters and arcades to great restaurants and bars as well as a great nightlife, there is so much to do. An...
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What to do
Where to eat
Where to shop
Where to stay
What to do
Shinjuku has LITERALLY EVERYTHING and that's not an overstatement. It's one of my favorite places to hang around because there is so much entertainment, whether you want to eat and drink, shop, club, or take in historic sights.
My first tour on Viator was a food tour of the old Tsukiji Fish Market and it was such a great experience. I know that Viator tours are pretty great, so why not check out some of the Shinjuku tours that they offer! From food tours to walking excursio...
Tickets & Tours - Shinjuku, Tokyo
If small, intimate bars where you can meet people or talk to the bartender are your style, you definitely have to check out Golden Gai! While there may be a language barrier and some bars have a cover charge, you're bound to have fun and meet people,...
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku station is the second biggest station in Japan, so it's good to note which exit you should take to get to where you want to go. I made a short video about this, check it out!
Guide to Shinjuku Station
Catch a movie while seeing the famous Godzilla in Kabukicho! With restaurants and arcades surrounding the theater, there's so much to do in this area!
TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku
Want to live your Terrace House dating dreams? Why not try a batting cage - an iconic date activity (as long as you're decent)
Shinjuku Batting Center
You can find temples even in the middle of bustling cities! This Shinjuku temple is iconic and if you visit at the right time, you might be able to catch some of the festivities (especially if you're visiting in the late summer)
Hanazono Shrine
FREE TOUR ALERT! Tours are a great way to learn about local restaurants and hotspots, so if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, check out this nighttime tour or some of the other tours in this section!
Shinjuku Night FREE Walking Tour
If you're a nightclub kinda person, then Shinjuku is one of the places that you need to be. Shinjuku, along with Shibuya and Roppongi, are home to the best nightlife and here is one of the clubs that you can dance the night away until first train at ...
WARP SHINJUKU
One of the biggest national parks in Tokyo, this is a great place to visit, especially during cherry blossom season for pictures! There is an entrance fee but it is worth it!
Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku
Shinjuku's red light district offering arcades, movie theaters, bars and restaurants, and host and hostess clubs.
Kabukicho
A SUPER NICHE experience in the back streets of Shinjuku, this open mic hole-in-the-wall bar is very lowkey but is a great way to really immerse yourself with Japanese people in a friendly environment.
openmic subculture anime music sessionbar ROCINANTE
Best place to see Ginko Trees, especially during the fall! Great for pictures and to take aesthetic walks
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginko Forest
If you're not into the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku and want a more calm, neighborhood style area, check out Shinjuku Gyoenmae and the surrounding area. Some of the best eateries are here, it borders Shinjuku Gyoen National Park and there are great ...
Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station
Where to eat
NGL, I think Shinjuku has some of the best food! At the very least, it provides the most options of food because you can find pretty much anything you want in this area.
Food tours are a great way to become familiar with an area and find restaurants that you normally wouldn't dine in! Arigato Japan not only has Shinjuku food tours available, but also in many other locations, like Shibuya, Asakusa, Harajuku and more!
Best of Shinjuku Food Tour
Like Shabu Shabu, Dim Sum and AYCE? This has all three - all you can eat shabu shabu and dim sum or you can choose one or the other!
MK Restaurants Shinjuku
I know burgers are an American thing, but this restaurant is special! Burgers are great, fries and thin and crispy and the atmosphere is really nice. It's a small restaurant, but well worth the wait!
burger kitchen CHATTY CHATTY
This tsukemen restaurant specializes in a unique shrimp broth! Tsukemen is a dipping noodle with a stronger broth, so if you aren't into seafood, this might not be for you. But for everyone else, it's a must!
Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho Shinjuku
My personal favorite place for tsukemen, with the variety of broths and sizes, it's a great location for people who are new to tsukemen but want to be adventurous. Seating is limited so come early!
Fūunji
TONKATSU! This is the place to go! A higher end dining experience on the top floor of Takashimaya Mall, they offer many types of tonkatsu and a special seasonal teishoku!
Katsukura Shinjuku Takashimaya
Yes, this is a chain restaurant, but it also has my favorite ramen. It specializes in citrus broth and charcoal-bbqed pork, but my fav is the shio ramen!
Afuri Shinjuku Lumine
Your go to michelin star meal that won't break the bank, as long as you go for their lunchtime teishoku! Choose from 3 different set meals and you'll get a taste of their famous anchovy menu without breaking the wallet!
Shinjuku Kappo NAKAJIMA
Popular dessert shop featuring skewered sweet dumplings, mochi & other confections, plus coffee.
Oiwake Dango
The most famous ramen in Japan with multiple locations - but if you still have an appetite after trying out all the other restaurants, you have to try it!
Ichiran Shinjuku Kabuki-cho
Unassuming Japanese curry hole in the wall. I love to try places off the beaten path, just like this curry place. Japanese curry has been my obsession as of late, so can't wait to go back here!
Kelala
People rave over this gyoza, as you can tell when you see the line out the door. I don't remember a time where I didn't have to wait, but if you're down to wait it will be worth it
Gyoza no Fukuho
Upscale Shabu Shabu restaurant with many offerings including wagyu beef, specialty broths and more
Momo Paradise Shinjuku Higashi-guchi
Square Enix cafe featuring some of your favorite characters from Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and more!
ARTNIA Square Enix
You don't have to travel to Sapporo to try Sapporo's soup curry, as this place is nestled in Shinjuku Sanchome and is a welcome delicacy in the cold of winter or in the summer heat (Japanese people like their hot soups in the summer).
SAPPORO SOUP CURRY TOKYO DOMINIKA
Where to shop
Shinjuku has so many areas to shop that you may actually drop; especially after you see how much you spent after a day here!
For the avid readers out there, check out one of the biggest Kinokuniyas for books, stationary, and more!
Books Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store
Started as a kimono store in 1886, this famous destination is now known for high fashion shopping.
Isetan Shinjuku
Probably one of the most fashion-foward stores you can visit while in Shinjuku. Men's, women's & children's clothing with a pop art-inspired look from a modern flagship store.
Beams Japan
For Stationary lovers, you can find some great deals in the 7-floor stationary store
Sekaido Shinjuku
Upscale department store with a focus on men's fashion, accessories & lifestyle goods.
Shinjuku Marui Men
Shinjuku station is connected to multiple different malls, including Lumine. You could probably spend a whole day exploring the station and the malls around it.
Lumine Shinjuku
Where to stay
Whether you want to stay in the middle of the action or one of the more quiet neighborhoods surrounding Shinjuku, this is a great area that is accessible to the rest of Tokyo for added convenience.
If you want to be in the middle of the action and plan to be out at all hours of the night, then staying smack dab in the middle of Kabukicho is for you. Plus. this is a newly constructed building with tons of restaurants around that are open 24/7
BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel
APA Hotels are famously known for being affordable, and SMALL! But if you're solo traveling and are going to be out of the room for majority of the day, then you'll be saving money to buy more on your days out!
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
A great option for solo travelers who want to stay a bit farther away from the hustle and bustle. A 15 min walk to Shinjuku station or 2 stops away by train, this APA Hotel is right above Shinjuku Gyoen Park and has tons of cute restaurants and coffe...
APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
A bit East from main Shinjuku, this is a great hotel with access to restaurants, izakayas, and a grocery store across the street while still having neighborhood vibes. A 20 min walk from main Shinjuku, but the bus stops on this street to bring you st...
Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
An onsen in the middle of Shinjuku? Yes Please! Get your onsen experience in the middle of Tokyo. Spend a busy and fulfilling day out on the town and then come back to your ryokan to relax and refresh!
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku, Tokyo
If you want to live like a local, then this is my favorite pick! Spacious apartment style living 5 minutes away from Shinjuku station by train (20 minute walk to Shinjuku) that provides all amenities (like a kitchen!)
Calm House, Hatagaya
If you don't want to be in the red light district but still close enough to not miss out on the fun, this hotel is situated in the perfect location that provides quiet nights but walking distance from all the fun!
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku