Shinjuku Events October 2025: Complete Guide to Festivals, Highlights & Must-See Experiences
Tokyo, which I consider one of the world's most dynamic and captivating megacities, is my absolute favorite destination where you can experience an incredible fusion of ultra-modern innovation and deeply rooted traditions all within a single urban landscape. As someone who has explored countless cities around the globe, I find myself constantly amazed by Tokyo's endless layers of culture, cuisine, and experiences.
However, due to Tokyo's enormous scale and incredibly diverse neighborhoods, each with their own unique character and attractions, planning an effective itinerary can be genuinely overwhelming for visitors. In fact, a Canadian friend of mine visited Tokyo but later expressed frustration, saying, "I spent most of my time just figuring out transportation and barely scratched the surface. I felt like I missed the real Tokyo experience because I didn't know where locals actually go."
This shows that Tokyo can be an intimidating destination for foreign visitors to fully explore without proper local insights.
This is why I, as a resident in Tokyo, would like to recommend tours where you can have the city guided by local guides like myself who know Tokyo inside and out. Magical Trip offers numerous local tours that guide you through the city efficiently and allow you to enjoy it deeply.
Due to their high quality, they were selected for TripAdvisor's Best of the Best for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.
They offer a wide variety of tours, including the award-winning Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku, the Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo in vibrant Shibuya, the heart of youth culture, and the Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza where you can enjoy Japan's finest sushi.
Just having commentary doubles or even triples Tokyo's enjoyment. When you come to Tokyo, don't just enjoy events, but please deeply enjoy each neighborhood with the guidance of local guides.
Introduction
Autumn in Tokyo brings relief from the harsh summer heat, creating a comfortable climate for exploration. Particularly, October in Shinjuku is the season I look forward to most throughout the year, as the street trees turn red and yellow, creating beautiful scenery that transforms the urban landscape.
When visiting Shinjuku in October, the diverse events that can only be experienced here are also must-sees. As we look ahead to the Shinjuku Event October 2025 season, these celebrations continue to evolve and attract visitors from around the world.
This time, I'll introduce my top recommended events as someone who lives in Shinjuku, so please use this as a reference when planning your sightseeing schedule.
2025 Year-round Event Schedule in Shinjuku↓
Shinjuku: List of Events & Festivals for 2025
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October Event Recommended by an Author Living in Shinjuku: "Shinjuku Town Walk Festival"
One of the reasons I live in Shinjuku and eagerly await the arrival of autumn every year is the "Shinjuku Town Walk Festival" held in October. This event is a major celebration where the entire area around Shinjuku station comes together, with the whole district united in festivity.
During the event period, various projects spanning music, art, and gourmet food are developed in each area around Shinjuku station. The characteristic of this event is that you can experience modern culture-rich Shinjuku all at once.
I believe the Shinjuku Town Walk Festival is an excellent opportunity for foreign tourists to simultaneously experience Japan's cutting-edge urban culture and warm local community spirit. This magnificent Shinjuku Event October 2025 promises to be even more spectacular than previous years.
Let's experience this major event that colors Shinjuku's autumn firsthand.
Information:
- Schedule: TBD
- Access: Several venues are set up mainly around Shinjuku Station
[Shinjuku Alta Front Special Stage] Right after exiting JR "Shinjuku" East Exit
[Shinjuku-Sanchome Area] Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, Toei Shinjuku Line "Shinjuku-Sanchome," about 1-minute walk from JR "Shinjuku" Southeast Exit
[Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station Area] Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line "Shinjuku Gyoen-mae," about 12-minute walk from JR "Shinjuku" Southeast Exit
[Shinjuku Golden Gai] JR "Shinjuku" East Exit (about 5-minute walk), about 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, Toei Subway Shinjuku Line "Shinjuku-Sanchome"
- Admission: Free (1,500 yen ticket required for Shinjuku Bar Week)
- Website: https://www.kanko-shinjuku.jp/festival2024/-/index.html
Enjoy Bar Hopping at Unique Bars and Izakaya in Shinjuku: "Shinjuku Bar Week"
Source:Official website
The annual "Shinjuku Bar Week" held every October is one of the main events of the "Shinjuku Town Walk Festival."
During the event period, unique bars and izakaya throughout Shinjuku offer special menus and great deals, and participants can freely explore the establishments with their tickets in hand.
The reason I recommend Shinjuku Bar Week to foreign tourists is that the event provides an opportunity to casually visit local establishments that might normally feel intimidating to enter.
For those who want to experience Japan's unique izakaya culture or enjoy interactions with locals, definitely consider participating in this Shinjuku Event October 2025 highlight.
More Detailed Information About "Shinjuku Tours"
・Shinjuku Tours 2025: Tokyo’s Excursion & Things to Do List
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a retro-atmosphere drinking district located about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku station. Small bars are packed together in narrow alleys, with each establishment radiating its own unique character.
Shinjuku Golden Gai attracts not only regular local customers but also foreign tourists in recent years, who come to see the nighttime scenes that have been beloved in Japan for ages. It's truly a place where you can experience Tokyo's deep nightlife.
While enjoying precious encounters locally, experience how Japanese people typically spend their nights in Tokyo.
More Detailed Information About "Shinjuku Golden Gai"
・Golden Gai: A Complete Guide to Shinjuku's Hidden Bar Paradise for Foreign Visitors
Shinjuku-Sanchome
Shinjuku-sanchome appears to be dominated by stylish cafes and restaurants during the day, but it's actually an area where many unique bars also line up.
You can enjoy cocktails at sophisticated bars or taste traditional Japanese cuisine at lively izakaya, allowing you to choose establishments based on your preferred way of spending time.
Therefore, I consider Shinjuku-sanchome the most accessible area for foreign tourists among the regions around Shinjuku station. If you plan to visit many establishments, why not start from Shinjuku-sanchome?
Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station Area
The area around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden station is characterized by a calm atmosphere slightly removed from the urban hustle and bustle. Adjacent to the vast garden called Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, walking through the area reveals abundant greenery and a peaceful flow of time.
The area around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden station has many hideaway-like bars and restaurants serving carefully crafted cuisine, making it ideal for those who want to leisurely enjoy meals and drinks.
Also, due to its calmer atmosphere compared to other areas, it's a safe place for women-only groups or families with children to spend time.
More Detailed Information About "Shinjuku Gyoen"
・Discover the Charm of Shinjuku Gyoen: Tokyo’s Seasonal Paradise for Cherry Blossoms and Relaxation
Feel Secure Touring with a Guide Who Knows Shinjuku Inside and Out
I recommend the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" for first-time Shinjuku visitors or foreign tourists who want to experience local culture more deeply.
This tour features guides who know Shinjuku inside and out, guiding users to optimal establishments based on their interests and preferences, allowing them to safely enjoy Shinjuku's nightlife without worrying about language barriers or geographical concerns.
Most users are delighted to experience Japanese culture more deeply through the guide's explanations.
In one limited evening, you can efficiently and safely enjoy Shinjuku to the fullest.
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: Black pillar next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
- Tour area: Around Shinjuku Station
- Start times: 17:00, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
More Detailed Information About "Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku"
・3 Reasons Why MagicalTrip's Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour is Popular!
Breaking barriers of age, gender, and nationality to unite through "POWER of DANCE"
Source:Official website
"POWER of DANCE," held as part of the "Shinjuku Town Walk Festival," is an event where anyone can connect through dance, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. This exciting Shinjuku Event October 2025 promises to deliver unforgettable experiences for all visitors.
The event features not only powerful performances by professional dancers, but also workshops that general participants can easily enjoy, and numerous participatory programs that involve the audience.
At this event, even someone like me who isn't good at dancing found myself moving to the rhythm, drawn in by the venue's energy and excitement. The moment when the entire venue becomes united is sure to give you goosebumps.
Attractive annual events related to Shinjuku with different themes each year
Source:Official website
The "Shinjuku Town Walk Festival" features slightly different themes and content each year, making it a great opportunity to discover new attractions in Shinjuku. As a premier Shinjuku Event October 2025, it continues to evolve and surprise visitors year after year.
In the past, various events have been held, including stamp rallies exploring the area's history and culture, and live performances by artists associated with Shinjuku.
There are fresh surprises and discoveries with each visit, and I look forward to seeing what new projects will be prepared each year.
This event serves as a valuable opportunity to feel the depth and diversity of Shinjuku as a city, not just as a simple festival.
3 Other Must-See Events to Enjoy in Shinjuku in October
In October, Shinjuku offers a wealth of attractive events beyond the "Shinjuku Town Walk Festival" where you can experience local culture, history, and cutting-edge trends. These remarkable Shinjuku Event October 2025 offerings provide tourists with authentic Japanese cultural experiences.
Here, as someone who lives in Shinjuku, I'll introduce three events that I especially want foreign tourists to experience locally.
Shinjuku Festival
Source:Shinjuku City
The "Shinjuku Festival" is a large-scale local festival held with the entire Shinjuku area coming together.
Held annually in October with Toyama Park as the main venue, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of programs including food stalls by local groups and shopping districts, traditional performing arts demonstrations, and stage performances.
I believe this festival is an excellent opportunity for foreign tourists to experience the atmosphere of festivals that have been passed down in Japan since ancient times.
While it would be difficult to travel all the way to rural areas, this event allows you to participate in traditional Japanese events in the heart of the city in Shinjuku, so please stop by during your sightseeing.
Information:
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Access: Get off at "Nishi-Waseda" on the Fukutoshin Line (about 6 minutes on foot), get off at "Takadanobaba" on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (about 10 minutes on foot), get off at "Shin-Okubo" on the JR Yamanote Line (about 15 minutes on foot), get off at "Wakamatsu-Kawada" on the Toei Subway Oedo Line (about 15 minutes on foot)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/kanko/bunka01_2025shibahu_00002.html
More Detailed Information About "Sightseeing in Shinjuku"
・Exploring Shinjuku: A Comprehensive Guide to Tokyo's Dynamic Heart
Yabusame at Takadanobaba at Ana Hachiman Shrine
Source:Official website
Foreign tourists interested in Japanese traditional culture and history should not miss "Yabusame at Takadanobaba," a ritual held annually in October by Ana Hachiman Shrine.
Yabusame at Takadanobaba is a Shinto ritual where archers dressed as bushi (warriors) gallop through a specially constructed course in Toyama Park and shoot at targets. With nearly 300 years of history, its power overwhelms spectators.
The venue's scenery and performers' gorgeous costumes convey Japanese tradition and are sure to captivate foreign tourists.
Even in Japan, opportunities to watch Yabusame live are precious, so please take this opportunity to experience Japanese history firsthand.
Information:
- Date: October 13, 2025
- Access: Get off at "Nishi-Waseda" on the Fukutoshin Line (about 6 minutes on foot), get off at "Takadanobaba" on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (about 10 minutes on foot), get off at "Shin-Okubo" on the JR Yamanote Line (about 15 minutes on foot), get off at "Wakamatsu-Kawada" on the Toei Subway Oedo Line (about 15 minutes on foot)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/toyama/news/2024/park_info_20.html
Shinjuku Isetan Salon de Parfum
Source:FASHION PRESS
The "Salon de Parfum" held on the 6th floor of Shinjuku Isetan's main building is a fragrance festival where famous fragrance brands from around the world gather. Many limited edition items and rare brands that are not usually available in stores will make their appearance, making this an unmissable Shinjuku Event October 2025 for those who love staying on-trend.
I have participated in fragrance events in various regions, and even with the same fragrance, I sometimes receive different impressions depending on the atmosphere of the city where the event is held and the conversations with the people I meet there. In Shinjuku, where diverse cultures particularly blend together within Tokyo, fragrances that are different from those you usually wear might feel especially attractive.
Since you're visiting from overseas, please enjoy encountering new discoveries as well.
Information:
- Date: To be determined
- Access: Get off at "Shinjuku-sanchome" on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, or Toei Shinjuku Line (approximately 2-minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://meeco.mistore.jp/contents/magazine/salondeparfum/index.html
More Detailed Information About "Shopping in Shinjuku"
・Shopping Guide Shinjuku 2025: Complete Area Guide w/Shop & Street Map
More Detailed Information About "Isetan Shinjuku"
・Isetan Shinjuku Shopping Guide: Floor Guide, Access etc.
To Fully Enjoy October's Shinjuku, We Recommend Getting Guided by Someone Who Knows the Local Area Inside Out!
To efficiently and deeply enjoy Shinjuku in October 2025, we recommend getting guided by someone who knows the local area inside and out. Especially for foreign tourists, private tours that allow you to overcome language barriers and cultural differences for a more fulfilling experience are perfect for this exciting Shinjuku Event October 2025 season.
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
If you want to savor gourmet food in nighttime Shinjuku, participating in the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" is recommended. This tour includes a knowledgeable local guide who will take you to authentic sushi and wagyu restaurants.
When I'm dining at sushi restaurants in Shinjuku, I often see foreign tourists entering with Japanese guides. Even at authentic sushi restaurants that would be difficult for foreign tourists to enter alone, their relaxed demeanor is impressive.
In Shinjuku's nightlife, please enjoy authentic delicious Japanese cuisine to your heart's content.
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
- Tour area: Around Shinjuku Station
- Start times: 17:00, 18:00
Tokyo by Night Photography Tour
For those who want to capture Instagram-worthy local photos, the "Tokyo by Night Photography Tour" is recommended. This tour includes a professional photographer who will guide you to the best shooting spots that maximize Shinjuku's night scenery.
From Kabukicho's neon lights to nostalgic scenes set in back alleys, you can capture your own exclusive treasures that aren't found in guidebooks.
Additionally, while it's difficult for tourists alone to take photos featuring themselves or their entire group, having a photographer accompany you is an attractive point that allows you to preserve many memories with your loved ones.
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: Lion statue at Shinjuku Station East Exit
- Tour area: Around Shinjuku Station
- Start time: 17:30
