13 Things to Do in Shinjuku 2025: A Time-Based Guide to Must-see & visit Spots in Tokyo's Most Bustling Center
As tours in Shinjuku gain popularity, Magical Trip's tour, which ranked #1 among all tours on Tripadvisor, has been receiving numerous applications.
If you want to enjoy Shinjuku's nightlife, I recommend the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku," which ranked #1 on Tripadvisor. Our guides who know Shinjuku inside and out will take you bar hopping while avoiding dangerous areas, allowing you to fully enjoy Shinjuku at night.
I also recommend the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku," where you can enjoy premium wagyu beef barbecue and exceptional sushi. You'll learn from food-savvy tour guides about the best ways to grill your meat and proper sushi etiquette while enjoying exquisite Japanese cuisine.
I hope you can safely and thoroughly enjoy Shinjuku's nightlife with Magical Trip's tours!
Introduction
Even for me, living in Tokyo, Shinjuku is a special district that's difficult to describe in a single word.
Centered around JR Shinjuku Station, which boasts the world's highest passenger traffic, it has multiple facets that seem to blend several cities into one – from a business district lined with skyscrapers to a serene Japanese garden and an entertainment district that never sleeps.
Indeed, it might feel a bit intimidating for first-time visitors. The station interior is like a maze, crowds are always intense, and touts' voices fill the air in Kabukicho.
However, amid this bustle, there are many peaceful spaces like the serene Hanazono Shrine, Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) that retains its post-war atmosphere, and hidden bars where sophisticated adults gather.
Shinjuku is the district that most vividly embodies Tokyo's "present." Its chaos is precisely what makes its charm endless.
In this article, I'll introduce Shinjuku's attractions from a local's perspective.
Table of Contents
-What is Shinjuku?
-Things to Do in Daytime: 5 Attractions Recommended by a Shinjuku Resident
-Things to Do at Night in Shinjuku: 5 Nightlife Spots the Author Frequently Visits
-Foods Experience in Shinjuku: Introducing 3 Japanese Food Spots in Shinjuku
If you're interested in "Attractions in Shinjuku", Check the article below.
・Exploring Shinjuku: A Comprehensive Guide to Tokyo's Dynamic Heart
・Shinjuku in a Day: The Ultimate One-Day Trip Itinerary
What is Shinjuku?
Shinjuku is a massive terminal district that could be called the heart of Tokyo.
At its center, JR Shinjuku Station handles over 3.5 million passengers daily, making it the world's largest station. The station has multiple exits including East, West, and South, each showing completely different characteristics.
A distinctive feature is the concentration of Tokyo's representative tourist spots within walking distance, such as Shinjuku Gyoen and the Metropolitan Government Building. Furthermore, it houses Japan's largest entertainment district, including Kabukicho, which buzzes with activity 24/7, 365 days a year.
With convenient access from both Haneda and Narita airports, it's an ideal base for exploring Tokyo.
More Detailed Information About "Access of Shinjuku"
・Shinjuku Station: Tokyo's Bustling Hub - A Guide to Attractions, Shopping, and Nearby Districts
Things to Do in Daytime: 5 Attractions Recommended by a Shinjuku Resident
Shinjuku, where you can experience both Tokyo's daytime and nighttime charms simultaneously, has numerous tourist spots that can be enjoyed during the day.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Tokyo for free, is a highly popular spot that I definitely recommend. From traditional shrines to lush gardens, I'll introduce you to a variety of Shinjuku attractions.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
I always take my foreign friends to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observatory. Located 202 meters above ground, the observatory offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view.
On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree, offering spectacular views that seem too good to be free. It's especially captivating at sunset when you can watch Tokyo's appearance change with the setting sun, enchanting many tourists.
Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html
More Detailed Information About "Observation Deck in Tokyo"
・Tokyo Free Observation Deck: Enjoy Best View of Shinjuku!
Giant Godzilla Head
The giant Godzilla Head, reigning as Kabukicho's symbol, is an impressive monument installed on the 8th floor of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
At 12 meters tall, this Godzilla Head's eyes glow red with a thunderous roar every hour on the hour, creating a unique atmosphere in Kabukicho.
It's also popular as a photo spot, with numerous social media posts. As a local tip, I recommend visiting at dusk when you can capture more impressive photos with the neon lights.
More Detailed Information About "The Giant Godzilla Head"
・Discover the Magic of TOHO Shinjuku: Godzilla’s Domain and Ultimate Cinema Experience
If you're thinking "I want to enjoy the Kabukicho area but isn't it dangerous...?", you should definitely have a guide who knows Shinjuku thoroughly show you around. Magical Trip's tour guides know Shinjuku and Kabukicho inside out, so you can safely enjoy Kabukicho's attractive spots.
・Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a park spanning 58.3 hectares where three different garden styles coexist: Japanese, French, and English gardens.
Cherry blossoms bloom abundantly in spring, and colorful autumn leaves paint the garden in fall. I use it as my weekly jogging course, and on weekends, it's bustling with families enjoying picnics and tourists taking photos.
It's truly worthy of being called an urban oasis where you can forget the city's hustle and bustle.
Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/en/
More Detailed Information About "Shinjuku Gyoen"
・Discover the Charm of Shinjuku Gyoen: Tokyo’s Seasonal Paradise for Cherry Blossoms and Relaxation
Hanazono Shrine
Website: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/
Hanazono Shrine is a historic shrine with over 400 years of history.
Known as the deity of prosperity in business, it attracts many worshippers from local shop owners to nationwide business operators. During the Tori-no-Ichi festival held every November, the shrine grounds are packed with people seeking lucky rake decorations.
I make sure to visit every year, and the massive torii gate is impressive, creating a mysteriously calming space amid Kabukicho's bustle.
More Detailed Information About "Temples and Shrines in Shinjuku"
・Shinjuku’s Must-See Temples and Shrines: A Guide to Hanazono, Kumano, and Hidden Gems
Be Healed by the Cuteness of the "3D Cat" Displayed on Cross Shinjuku Vision
Source:PR TIMES
Cross Shinjuku Vision is a 3D vision screen located at Shinjuku Station East Exit Square.
Shinjuku Station is known as the world's busiest station. Among all areas of Shinjuku Station, the East Exit is the most heavily used, and the East Exit square is always bustling with people heading to Kabukicho and other destinations.
Everyone who visits East Exit Square sees the adorable 3D Cat displayed on Cross Shinjuku Vision. Not only is it cute, but the 3D images that skillfully utilize the L-shaped screen have such a strong sense of depth and three-dimensionality that anyone seeing it for the first time will exclaim in surprise.
Whenever I go to Shinjuku Station East Exit, I always find myself staring intently at the screen. Be healed by the cuteness of the 3D Cat that seems to jump right out at you.
<Information>
Address: Higashi-Shinjuku Building Cross RF, 3-23-18 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 7:00-1:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: None
Official Website: https://shinjuku.xspace.tokyo/
Things to Do at Night in Shinjuku: 5 Nightlife Spots the Author Frequently Visits
When the sun sets, Shinjuku begins to show a completely different face. From traditional drinking districts to modern entertainment facilities, nighttime Shinjuku is overflowing with various charms.
Here, I'll introduce 5 classic Shinjuku nightlife spots that I frequently visit, including Golden Gai, an area filled with bars that are extremely popular with overseas travelers.
Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a special place that preserves the post-war alley culture. Small bars are densely packed in a single block, each with its own unique atmosphere.
What I particularly like is the natural conversations that develop with regular customers in its distinctive atmosphere. Recently, more establishments have prepared English menus for foreign tourists, making it more accessible.
The unique storefronts lined up in narrow alleys create a strange sensation as if you've time-traveled.
Website: http://goldengai.jp/
More Detailed Information About "Golden Gai"
・Golden Gai: A Complete Guide to Shinjuku's Hidden Bar Paradise for Foreign Visitors
Omoide Yokocho Izakaya District
Omoide Yokocho is a dining district that retains its old-time atmosphere. Over 70 establishments line up, with yakitori shops being particularly numerous.
I often use it for after-work drinks or casual drinking sessions with friends. The prices are reasonable, and you can enjoy meals while rubbing shoulders with local regulars.
Walking through the alley while eating yakitori and other foods is also a popular way to enjoy the area. The streetscape retaining its post-war atmosphere is a valuable spot to experience traditional Japanese food culture.
More Detailed Information About "Omoide Yokocho"
・Omoide Yokocho aka Piss Alley: A Nostalgic Journey Through Tokyo's Hidden Gourmet Alley w/map
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is known as Asia's largest entertainment district, a district that never sleeps. It's known as the world's largest red lantern district with numerous establishments gathered.
New entertainment facilities continue to open, with multilingual karaoke establishments being particularly popular among foreign tourists.
While it's an attractive place, some areas have safety concerns. I recommend sticking to main streets, especially at night.
You can enjoy Kabukicho's charm more safely by choosing reliable establishments and preferably visiting with locals through the tours I'll introduce later.
More Detailed Information About "Kabukicho"
・Kabukicho Comprehensive Guide: Things to do & Nightlife Idea in Tokyo's Neon-Lit District
・10 Things to Do in Kabukicho Tower; Shinjuku’s New Landmark!
Shinjuku Ni-chome
Shinjuku Ni-chome is known as Japan's largest LGBTQ-friendly district. This area creates a unique atmosphere as a hub for culture that embraces diversity.
What's particularly impressive is that you can enjoy special entertainment not found elsewhere, like glamorous drag shows. My foreign friends also rate it as one of Tokyo's most interesting areas.
While security is relatively good, it's important to respect the local culture and privacy by being discreet with photography in establishments.
More Detailed Information About "Shinjuku Ni-chome"
・Shinjuku 2-chome: Your Complete Guide to Tokyo's Largest Gay Town and LGBTQ+ Hub w/map
What I'd like to recommend for safely and deeply enjoying shinjuku attractions at night is a bar-hopping tour where you can be guided by a local guide.
The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku allows you to bar-hop through three establishments in Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho, which were also introduced in this article, together with a local guide.
Local guides know well how to play safely and enjoyably in the nighttime city from their years of experience being familiar with Shinjuku. Kabukicho is not only Tokyo's but Japan's largest entertainment district, and as I mentioned earlier, there are areas where you might feel the security is a bit questionable depending on the location.
In the complex and intricate Kabukicho, with a guide you can smoothly avoid alleys and shops that you shouldn't enter. Have the guide explain the city in detail and teach you tips for playing without being unnecessarily afraid and with peace of mind.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of Black pillar (Next to Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi shop)
Tour area: Shinjuku
Start times: 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Enjoy Shinjuku and Tokyo's Night Views Different from Daytime from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The observation room at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which was also introduced in the first half of the article, offers beautiful night views of Tokyo and Shinjuku when night falls.
The south observation room of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building allows entry until 21:30 at night. At night, from the observation room, you can overlook the endless lit-up buildings of Tokyo.
The sight of countless building lights shining like scattered jewels is breathtakingly beautiful. In the distance, you can also see Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, symbols of Tokyo, lit up.
It's extremely popular as a spot where you can enjoy high-quality night views for free, with many people setting up their cameras to take photos of the beautiful night scenery. Piano performances are sometimes held on the installed piano, and if the timing is right, you can spend a romantic time enjoying beautiful music and night views.
<South Observation Room Information>
Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, 45F, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: 9:30-21:30
Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 0353207890
Official website: https://www.zaimu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tochousha/goannai/tenbou
Foods Experience in Shinjuku: Introducing 3 Japanese Food Spots in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's most competitive culinary districts. From high-end restaurants to casual izakaya, you can enjoy cuisine from every genre.
You can purchase delicious deli items and beautiful Japanese and Western confections at department store basements, or taste classic Japanese foods that have been beloved for ages, such as Yakitori at Izakaya.
If you want to visit high-end restaurants, check out the Nishi-Shinjuku area or restaurant floors in department stores
Restaurants and Department Store Basements Around Shinjuku Station
Around Shinjuku Station, major department stores like Lumine, Takashimaya, and Isetan stand side by side, with their basement food floors known as "Depachika."
What I particularly recommend are the abundant takeout foods, including fresh side dishes and beautifully displayed Japanese and Western sweets.
Also, the upper floors of each department store house quality restaurants where you can enjoy fine dining at more reasonable prices than high-end establishments. I love that these places maintain an atmosphere where families can dine comfortably.
Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/shinjuku.html
Omoide Yokocho for Izakaya Food
Omoide Yokocho is the perfect place to enjoy authentic izakaya food.
While it might be difficult to visit with children since it's primarily active at night, you can enjoy traditional Japanese izakaya menus like yakitori, simmered dishes, and oden in an authentic atmosphere.
What I particularly love is being able to watch the cooks' skilled hands at work across the counter. It's a precious spot where you can casually experience Japanese food culture in a lively atmosphere.
More Detailed Information About "Izakaya Food"
・What is Izakaya Dishes? Shinjuku Izakaya Foods & Izakaya Guide 2025
West Shinjuku for Fine Dining
The West Shinjuku area hosts particularly sophisticated restaurants in Shinjuku.
Many restaurants are located on the upper floors of skyscrapers and hotels, offering great views and making them perfect for anniversary dinners or special business meals.
I often choose restaurants in this area when dining with important people. I recommend making reservations in advance as popular establishments are often fully booked.
Dinner with the night view will surely become a special memory of Tokyo.
More Detailed Information About "Shinjuku Restaurant with a view"
・Shinjuku Best Restaurants with a View! Enjoy Tokyo Extraordinary Landscape
Tours to Fully Enjoy Shinjuku's Cuisine
At Magical Trip, we offer two special tours to help you fully enjoy Shinjuku's food culture.
"Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" is an adult-oriented 3.5-hour tour visiting local bars while enjoying izakaya food.
On the other hand, "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" is a family-friendly tour focusing on representative Japanese cuisine like sushi and yakiniku.
Since nighttime Shinjuku has some dangerous areas, I especially recommend these tours where you can safely explore the city with experienced guides.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
More Detailed Information About "Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku"
・3 Reasons Why MagicalTrip's Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour is Popular!
Shinjuku is a special district where Tokyo's diverse attractions are concentrated. During the day, you can enjoy spectacular views from the Metropolitan Government Building observatory and nature at Shinjuku Gyoen, while at night, you can experience Japanese food culture in uniquely atmospheric places like Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho.
While it might feel a bit complex for first-time visitors, by visiting the places introduced in this article in order, you can safely and fully enjoy Shinjuku's various faces.
I hope you'll find your own charm of Shinjuku!
