Shopping Guide Shinjuku 2024: Complete Area Guide for Tourists w/map
Shinjuku, which has the world's busiest station and can sometimes overwhelm even a Tokyo local like myself, reigns as one of the world's premier shopping destinations.
Amidst the high-rise buildings, department stores, specialty shops, and electronics stores are packed together, with so many shopping spots that you can't possibly visit them all in a single day.
Indeed, first-time visitors may be bewildered by the station's complexity and the crowds. Especially after the evening rush hour at the east and south exits, where office workers and tourists intersect, it's not ideal for leisurely shopping.
However, with some advance research, you should be able to fully enjoy shopping for everything from global brands to Japan-exclusive limited items.
As someone who has lived in Tokyo for over 40 years, I will guide you through Shinjuku's shopping spots from the perspective of a local resident, aimed at international tourists.
Let me introduce you to a number of special shopping spots that are worth visiting even while navigating the crowds!
Table of Contents
・Shopping Guide for Shinjuku Station East Exit Area
・Shopping Guide for Shinjuku Station West Exit Area
・Shopping Guide for Shinjuku Station South Exit Area
・Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping Guide for Shinjuku Station East Exit Area
The East Exit area, known as the gateway to Shinjuku, is a major commercial area where you can enjoy all kinds of shopping, from the latest fashion to electronics, centered around the long-established Isetan department store. I, who have known this city for over 40 years, will introduce must-see spots that I highly recommend.
Isetan Shinjuku Store
Isetan Shinjuku Store has reigned as the face of Shinjuku since its founding in 1933. The lineup of global luxury brands is truly impressive.
In particular, the first-floor cosmetics department is known for having Japan-exclusive and new products before anywhere else, and I often take my cosmetics-loving friends from overseas here.
The basement food hall boasts the best selection in Tokyo, with famous confectioneries and seasonal delicacies from all over Japan packed together. The time spent in this food hall will be a special experience where you can truly feel the wonder of Japan's food culture.
It's also known as a hub for the latest trends, and many fashion-conscious people make it a daily routine to visit first thing in the morning when new products are put out.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 0333521111
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/shinjuku.html
LUMINE EST
Connected directly to Shinjuku Station, LUMINE EST is a popular hub for the latest trends, especially among people in their 20s.
What I particularly focus on is the abundance of Japanese fashion brands. You can experience designs and quality that are distinctly Japanese, different from overseas fast fashion.
The permanent souvenir corner is also a must-see. The cosmetics and miscellaneous goods floors, in particular, offer a wide selection of Japan-exclusive products and are very popular with tourists.
The high convenience of being directly connected to the station is also a nice point for those touring with heavy luggage.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 0353340550
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Hours (Weekends): 10:30 AM–9 PM
Website: https://www.lumine.ne.jp/est/
Marui Main Building
Source: Google Map
Marui Main Building is characterized by its selection of women's and men's clothing.
What I particularly like is that you can find trendy items at reasonable prices. The cosmetics floor is well-stocked with both domestic and international brands and is popular especially among young women.
A hidden charm is the rooftop garden, which is perfect for a little break between shopping. It's a space loved by locals as an oasis in the city.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 0333540101
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.0101.co.jp.e.ex.hp.transer.com/003/
Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store
Known as a treasure trove of electronics, Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store is one place I always take my friends from overseas. It's highly rated by tourists as a place to experience the high quality of Japanese electronics.
Notable points are the multilingual staff always on hand and the efficiency of the tax-free process. The cosmetics corner is also substantial, so you can enjoy a wide range of shopping beyond just electronics.
My recommendation is to get the money-saving point card. You can accumulate points that can be used when you revisit Japan, which is a great deal.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-29-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 0332261111
Hours: 10 AM–10 PM
Website: https://www.biccamera.com/bc/i/shop/shoplist/shop116.jsp?ref=gmb
Don Quijote Kabukicho
Source: Google Map
Open 24 hours, Don Quijote is my strong ally when I need to shop late at night. It's especially popular with travelers from abroad as a place to experience the unique atmosphere of a Japanese discount store.
It's impressive to see an astonishingly diverse array of products, from food to electronics, packed together.
The lively store interior even late at night embodies the atmosphere of Kabukicho itself and is a special place where you can feel the nighttime culture of Shinjuku, not just shopping.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-16-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
Closed: None
Phone: 0570010411
Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: https://www.donki.com/store/shop_detail.php?shop_id=29
Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store
Source: Google Map
The 8-story Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store is one of the largest bookstores in Tokyo. It's particularly well-stocked with initial books on Japanese culture and is popular with travelers from overseas. The manga selection is also extensive, providing a great opportunity to get in touch with Japanese pop culture.
Don't miss the stationery corner either. Japanese stationery is world-renowned for its high quality, and here you can pick up and experience a particularly curated selection of products.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 0333540131
Hours: 10:30 AM–9 PM
Website: https://store.kinokuniya.co.jp/store/shinjuku-main-store
Shopping Guide for Shinjuku Station West Exit Area
The West Exit area, which has a different charm from the East Exit, allows you to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere of shopping centered around two long-established department stores, Odakyu Department Store and Keio Department Store.
This area, which I like to visit for weekend shopping, is a space where tourists can also enjoy shopping at a leisurely pace.
Odakyu Department Store
Source: Google Map
Odakyu Department Store is a department store with an attractive selection of luxury brands including Chanel. What I especially want to recommend is the basement food hall, which is truly a gourmet paradise where delicious things from all over Japan gather.
Being directly connected to another shopping mall, "HALC Building," makes for smooth shopping flow, allowing for a comfortable stay even during long visits.
The tax-free process is also substantial, fully accommodating travelers from abroad. The high convenience of being accessible via underground walkways even on rainy days is another major feature of this store.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-5-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8001
Closed: None
Phone: Unavailable
Hours: 10 AM–8:30 PM
Hours (Sundays): 10 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.odakyu-dept.co.jp/shinjuku/index.html
Keio Department Store
Source: Google Map
For me, who has been visiting for over 40 years, Keio Department Store is a special place where I can experience Japanese traditional culture. The Japanese crafts corner is particularly substantial, and the traditional craft items such as tea ceremony utensils are all exquisite pieces that allow you to experience the wonder of artisanal techniques.
The food floor is spacious with a wide selection, and there is the joy of exploring delicious things from all over Japan. The high convenience of being directly connected to the station is also appealing, allowing for comfortable shopping even on rainy days.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-1-4 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8321
Closed: None
Phone: Unavailable
Hours: 10 AM–8:30 PM
Hours (Sundays): 10 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.keionet.com/info/shinjuku/
Shinjuku MYLORD
Source: Google Map
Shinjuku MYLORD is a fashion building filled with boutiques aimed at young women.
What I particularly like is that you can find trendy items at reasonable prices. There are also many accessory shops, making it ideal for finding Japanese-style delicate design accessories.
Cosmetics specialty stores are also substantial, allowing you to test purchase the latest items, mainly from Japanese cosmetic brands. The building also has a variety of cafes and restaurants, perfect for refreshment between shopping.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-1-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Closed: None
Phone: 0570003610
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Website: https://x.gd/tfBmC
Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku West Exit Main Store
Source: Google Map
At Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku West Exit Main Store, each floor from the basement to the 8th floor is composed of highly specialized sales areas. In addition to cameras and electronics, the games and toys section is also substantial.
As a regular customer for 40 years, what I particularly appreciate is the multilingual staff always on hand and the high point return rate.
For travelers, I highly recommend it as a place to actually experience the excellent quality and functionality of Japanese electronics.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-11-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Closed: None
Phone: 0333461010
Hours: 9:30 AM–10 PM
Website: http://www.yodobashi.com/ec/store/0011/index.html
Shopping Guide for Shinjuku Station South Exit Area
The Shinjuku Station South Exit area has been attracting attention as a new shopping spot in Shinjuku, with new commercial facilities opening one after another since the opening of NEWoMan in 2016. What I particularly like is the sophisticated atmosphere and more open spatial design that was not previously found in Shinjuku.
NEWoMan
Source: Google Map
Since its opening in 2016, NEWoMan has established itself as a new landmark in Shinjuku.
What I find particularly appealing is the refined sales floor composition with the latest fashion brands. You can enjoy leisurely shopping in a high-quality space that was not previously available in Shinjuku.
Restaurants and cafes are also substantial, with many stores that allow you to experience the latest cafe culture in Japan.
The good location, with bus and taxi stops nearby, is also a big advantage for tourists.
<Store Information>
Address: 4 Chome-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 0353340550
Hours: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Hours (Sundays): 11 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.newoman.jp/shinjuku/
TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE
Source: Google Map
As a large 14-story facility, TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE reigns as a new trend transmission base in Shinjuku.
One reason I often visit on weekends is the substantial restaurant floor that spans from the 12th to 14th floors. Here, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines, ideal for soothing shopping fatigue.
The fashion floors feature a balanced mix of popular domestic and international brands, catering to a wide range of ages.
<Store Information>
Address: 5 Chome-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0051
Closed: None
Phone: 0353611111
Hours: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjuku/timessquare/index.html
LUMINE 1・2
Source: Google Map
LUMINE 1 and 2 are my favorite commercial facilities that I have been visiting for over 20 years.
Casual fashion is the main focus, with a particularly good selection of Japanese fashion brands. The cosmetics floor is also spacious with a wide selection, allowing you to try the latest cosmetics trends.
The convenient location directly connected to the station is also appealing, making it a user-friendly facility for tourists who travel a lot by train. There are also many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals at reasonable prices.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-1-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Closed: None
Phone: 0353340550
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Website: http://www.lumine.ne.jp/shinjuku/map/
HANDS
Source: Google Map
Known as a treasure trove of DIY supplies, HANDS is a special place that stimulates creativity. It offers an abundance of Japanese-style meticulous miscellaneous goods, making it an ideal place for tourists to find souvenirs.
The stationery and art supplies floor is particularly substantial, allowing you to experience the high quality of Japanese stationery. There are also many handmade kits, with numerous products that allow you to experience Japanese handmade crafts.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-7F, Times Square Building, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0051
Closed: None
Phone: 0353613111
Hours: 10 AM–9 PM
Website: https://x.gd/irN4Q
FLAGS
Source: Google Map
Reopened after renovations in 2022, FLAGS embodies the latest trends in Shinjuku.
What I'm focusing on is the abundance of Japanese casual fashion brands like GU and Uniqlo. These brands are the perfect place to experience the high quality of Japanese fast fashion.
Many cafes and restaurants have also opened, allowing you to experience the latest Japanese food scene. Many of the stores are popular with the younger generation, and you can enjoy the lively atmosphere.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-37-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 0333501701
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Website: https://www.flagsweb.jp/
Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, I will answer some frequently asked questions about shopping in Shinjuku.
What is the best time for shopping in Shinjuku?
From my experience of over 40 years, I can tell you that weekdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM are relatively uncrowded and easy to shop.
Don Quijote is open 24 hours, so you can enjoy late-night shopping. However, during sale periods such as the New Year, it's bustling with many customers from early morning, so in that case, I recommend visiting right after opening.
Where can I do tax-free procedures?
Each department store has a dedicated tax-free counter. The dedicated counters at Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera, in particular, have multilingual staff always on hand, allowing for smooth procedures. However, you must always bring your passport, and there is a minimum purchase amount requirement, so please check in advance.
What souvenirs do you recommend?
My recommendations are Japan-exclusive cosmetics and Japanese electronics. Japanese handicrafts at Keio Department Store, Japanese sweets at various department store basements, and stationery at Loft and Tokyu Hands are all wonderful souvenirs packed with Japanese essence.
Can I use credit cards?
Most of the stores introduced here accept major cards such as VISA, Master, and AMEX. Of course, cash payment is also no problem. In my experience of shopping in Shinjuku for over 40 years, you will almost never have trouble with payment methods.
The Shinjuku East Exit area exudes luxury brands and the latest trends, the West Exit area has a relaxed atmosphere with established department stores, and the South Exit area features new commercial facilities, each area radiating a different charm.
Please use the information introduced in this article as a reference to fully enjoy your own Shinjuku shopping experience!
