Explore the best things to do in Shinjuku — from neon-lit nightlife and hidden bars to shopping streets, serene gardens, and unforgettable ramen spots. A complete guide to Tokyo’s most dynamic and diverse district.
Table of Contents
1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The main Tokyo government building complex in Nishi-Shinjuku features the iconic twin towers of Building No.1 (243 meters tall), Building No.2, the Metropolitan Assembly Hall, and Citizens’ Plaza. The 45th-floor observation decks are a major draw, offering panoramic views across Tokyo. You’ll also find a Tokyo tourism information center and a national tourism promotion corner here. Some parts of the assembly building are open for tours too.
- Address: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Admission: Free
2. Thermae-Yu (Shinjuku Natural Hot Springs)
Kanto’s largest high-concentration carbonated spa.
This luxurious 24-hour day spa in Kabukicho features high-concentration carbonated baths and an open-air bath sourced from a hot spring in Izu. Inside, you’ll find elegant lounges and full-on relaxation facilities — perfect for solo visitors, couples, or anyone needing a recharge. There’s also a Japanese izakaya, ethnic food, and a juice bar on-site. Great for a post-night-out rest, too.
- Address: 1-1-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round (may close for maintenance)
- Admission:
- Mon–Thu: ¥2,700 (members), ¥2,900 (non-members)
- Fri–Sun, holidays, eves: ¥2,800 / ¥3,000
- Late-night surcharge (midnight–9 AM): ¥1,800–2,300
3. Hanazono Shrine
Shinjuku’s guardian shrine, tucked into the city’s chaos.
This peaceful shrine sits just off the main drag of Shinjuku’s entertainment district. It’s been the town’s protective shrine since before the Edo Shogunate. Originally built on the grounds of a beautiful flower garden, it was called “Hanazono Inari Shrine” — and the name stuck. People pray here for business success, fertility, and romantic blessings. Artists and celebrities also visit the sub-shrine dedicated to performing arts. The annual Tori-no-Ichi festival in November is a must-see.
- Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Prayers: 9:30–11:30 / 13:00–16:30
- Office: 9:00–20:00 (may close earlier)
- Closed: Open daily
4. Suehirotei
Traditional comic storytelling and a slice of old Tokyo.
This permanent rakugo (comedy storytelling) theater is a rare gem, designated as a cultural asset by Shinjuku Ward. Its classic facade blends surprisingly well with the bars and wine spots of Shinjuku Sanchome. Acts rotate every 10 days, split into upper (1–10), middle (11–20), and lower (21–30) seats. You can eat during the show (just no alcohol), and the space is spacious and relaxed.
- Address: 3-6-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Daytime: 12:00–16:15
- Evening: 16:45–20:30
- Closed: Dec 30–31
- Admission:
- Adults: ¥3,000
- Seniors: ¥2,700
- Students: ¥2,500
- Kids: ¥2,200
5. Flags
Trendy shopping and lifestyle hub right by the station.
This 10-story fashion and lifestyle building is packed with flagship stores from top fashion, music, and sports brands. On the ground floor, you’ll find a Gap store with tons of design options and color variety. There’s a giant video screen on the stylish exterior — perfect for meeting up with friends.
- Category: Shopping Complex
- Address: 3-37-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00–21:00 (TOWER RECORDS & Gap open until 22:00)
6. Shinjuku ReNY
A live music venue with serious sound and stylish vibes.
Located on the 2nd floor of the circular Island Hall in Nishi-Shinjuku, ReNY is a semi-circular music venue that holds around 800 people. With high-end lighting and acoustics, it’s perfect for everything from rock and idol shows to full-on festival-style events. There’s a bar inside, plus paid lockers and a cloakroom. Only 8 minutes from Shinjuku Station, and directly connected to Nishi-Shinjuku Station.
- Address: Island Hall 2F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
7. Ōkubo Park
A multi-use urban park with sports and events space.
Right across from Ōkubo Hospital in Kabukicho, this park has two zones: a general-use area and a sports zone. The sports section features a futsal court and a basketball court. It’s also a popular venue for events — concerts, performances, and outdoor festivals take over the entire park throughout the year.
- Address: 2-43 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- April–September: 9:00–19:00
- October–March: 9:00–18:00
- Sports courts open 30 mins after park opens
- Closed: May be unavailable during events
8. 371BAR (San-Nana-Ichi Bar)
Morning buffet to midnight cocktails — this place does it all.
Located in Shinjuku Sanchome, this lounge bar is open all day and night. Mornings feature a Japanese-Western buffet, lunch brings seasonal pastas and hamburg steaks, and dinner is a relaxing mix of drinks and a la carte dishes. Whether you’re starting or ending your day, 371BAR’s got your back.
- Address: 1F, 3-7-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Morning: 7:00–10:00
- Lunch: 11:30–14:00
- Dinner: 14:00–4:30 a.m. (may vary)
- Closed: Open daily
9. Korea Town (Korean Hiroba)
Tokyo’s biggest Korean supermarket — and more.
This massive Korean grocery store in Kabukicho carries a huge selection of directly imported foods — kimchi, cold noodles, seaweed, you name it. Not just groceries, either — there are Korean kitchen goods, home items, and even cosmetics. A local favorite for K-food fans and anyone curious about Korean cooking culture.
- Address: 2-31-11 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 8:00–22:45
- Closed: Open daily
10. Odakyu Department Store – Shinjuku Main Store
A bustling department store with direct station access.
Just outside Shinjuku Station’s west exit, this department store covers fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, and gourmet treats. The 7th floor holds a flexible event space that hosts pop-up sweets shops, art exhibits, and more — always buzzing with visitors. Great for grabbing something special between trains.
- Address: 1-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- B2F–2F: Mon–Sat 10:00–20:30 / Sun & Holidays 10:00–20:00
- 7F: 10:00–20:00
- Closed: Irregular
11. Shinjuku Toho Building
The one with Godzilla on top.
Built on the old site of the Shinjuku Koma Theater, this commercial tower is a mix of restaurants, a pachinko parlor, a TOHO cinema, and the Hotel Gracery Tokyo. The 8th-floor terrace has a giant Godzilla head peeking out — it’s not just for show; if you’re having tea on the café terrace, you’re basically face-to-face with it. There are even Godzilla-themed menu items.
- Address: 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours / Prices: See official website
12. Ōroji
The legendary tonkatsu shop that may have invented pork cutlet curry.
Since 1921, this small shop tucked behind Isetan has been serving crisp, hearty tonkatsu with a nostalgic twist. Their signature dish is the Tondon — a bowl of curry rice topped with a thick, crunchy pork cutlet. The meat is layered and rolled into a mille-feuille shape so tender you can cut it with a spoon. Lunchtime fills up fast, especially with longtime regulars and older folks who’ve been coming for decades.
- Address: 3-17-21 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Lunch: 11:15–14:30 (L.O.)
- Dinner: 17:30–20:00 (L.O.)
- Closed: Tuesday evenings & all day Wednesday
- Budget: ¥1,001–3,000
13. Shinjuku Southern Terrace
Stylish shops, cafés, and twinkling lights in winter.
Just one minute from the south exit of Shinjuku Station, this elevated walkway and shopping area runs toward Yoyogi. With 18 shops and restaurants — including a stylish all-white Starbucks with terrace seating — it’s perfect for a relaxed hangout. In winter, the trees lining the terrace light up in a gorgeous illumination display, making it a favorite date spot.
- Category: Street / Promenade
- Address: 2-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours / Closed Days: Vary by store
14. Shinjuku Marui Annex
Anime, art films, and a calm escape from the chaos.
Just a bit east of Shinjuku Sanchome intersection, this quieter Marui building includes the massive Shinjuku Wald 9 cinema — a sleek complex known for indie and anime screenings. It’s less crowded than other theaters and hosts collab events with popular franchises. Plus, there’s a restaurant floor filled with fan-favorite spots.
- Address: 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00–20:00 (varies by store)
- Closed: Irregular
15. Kinokuniya Bookstore – Shinjuku Main Store
A towering temple of books, from medical texts to manga.
Stretching from basement to 8th floor, this massive bookstore covers every genre imaginable (also in English): novels, foreign books, art, medicine, children’s lit, and more. There’s a hall for theater and rakugo performances, an event space for author talks, and a second building for manga and DVDs. A booklover’s paradise that’s always buzzing.
- Address: 3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:30–21:00 (Phone: until 20:30)
- Closed: Open daily (limited hours on Dec 31 & Jan 1)
16. Brooklyn Parlor Shinjuku
Books, jazz, burgers, and serious Brooklyn vibes.
Inspired by New York’s Brooklyn district, this cozy café blends books, music, and food. Books cover the walls, ranging from manga to highbrow lit. The food is casual but high-quality — think burgers, pasta, and desserts — and the music? Always on point. Occasional live shows add a cool twist.
- Address: B1F, Marui Annex, 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 12:00–23:00
- Weekends/Holidays: 11:30–23:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Budget:
- Day: ¥1,001–3,000
- Night: ¥3,001–5,000
17. Memories of Returnees Museum (Heiwa Kinen Tenji Shiryokan)
A powerful space honoring stories from WWII returnees.
Operated under Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, this museum shares the experiences of soldiers, forced laborers, and those repatriated from overseas after the war. It uses dioramas, survivor testimony, and digital books like Letters from Siberia to make these heavy histories accessible — especially for younger generations.
- Address: 33F, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, 2-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku
- Hours: 9:30–17:30 (Last entry 17:00)
- Closed: Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday), Dec 28–Jan 4, and building closure days
- Admission: Free
18. Yodobashi Camera – Shinjuku West Main Store
Tech heaven spread across multiple themed buildings.
Just 2 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station’s west exit, this electronics mega-complex has separate buildings for multimedia, travel gear, cameras, smartphones, watches, office supplies, games, and more. Staff are seriously knowledgeable, and prices are competitive. Bonus: they sell over 1,500 kinds of booze in the basement of the smartphone building.
- Address: 1-11-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:30–22:00
- Closed: Open daily
19. CAFE AALIYA
French toast so good it practically has a fan club.
Right near the Shinjuku Sanchome crossing, this café is known for its fluffy French toast served with toppings like vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce — plus seasonal specials. Pair it with their house-roasted specialty coffee for the full experience. A chill spot that feels like a hidden gem despite its central location.
- Address: B1F Yamamoto Bldg, 3-1-17 Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Sun–Thu: 10:00–22:30 (L.O. 22:00)
- Fri: 10:00–23:00 (L.O. 22:30)
- Budget: ¥3,001–5,000
20. SANAGI SHINJUKU
Asian street food vibes under the highway — with flair.
Located under Route 20, this massive 900m² space is part Asian night market, part café, part event hall. The “Sanagi Shokudo” food court has four stalls: rotisserie & satay, dim sum & noodles, oden & sushi rolls, and sake snacks with veggies. Lunch is casual and quick; dinner is for slow eats, drinks, and good vibes. Wildly colorful and super photogenic.
- Address: Under Route 20 Viaduct, 3-35-6 Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00–23:00 (note: current hours may vary)
- Closed: Irregular (follows NEWoMan schedule)
- Budget: ¥1,001–3,000
21. Shinjuku Marui Main Building
Fashion, sweets, and a secret garden in the sky.
This stylish department store goes beyond just shopping. It offers fashion, lifestyle goods, interior decor, cafés, and even community-focused experiences. On the rooftop, you’ll find “Q-COURT,” a proper English-style garden with seasonal flowers — a peaceful little retreat above the city buzz.
- Address: 3-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00–20:00 (some stores vary)
- Closed: Irregular
22. Shinjuku CopaBowl
Bowling, darts, ping pong, and late-night fun.
Right next to CineCity Square in Kabukicho, this bowling alley has 31 glow-in-the-dark lanes, plus darts and table tennis. It’s open crazy late (6:30 a.m.), so it’s a go-to for all-nighters or a spontaneous game after karaoke. Regular deals and events make it even more tempting.
- Address: 3–4F, Humax Pavilion, 1-20-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00–6:30 a.m. (last game 6:00 a.m.)
- Closed: Open daily
23. JR Shinjuku Miraina Tower
Futuristic offices meet fashion, food, and one epic bus terminal.
Built where the old south entrance used to be, this 32-story tower houses both the upscale shopping hub NEWoMan and offices for top Japanese companies. It’s also connected to Busta Shinjuku, the largest bus terminal in the country. Whether you’re traveling, shopping, or commuting, this building’s got you covered.
- Address: 4-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours / Closed Days: Varies by store
24. Shinjuku Marui Men
A men’s fashion hub with serious streetwear and events.
This specialty Marui store is all about men’s style — from designer to casual, and from trendy young brands to timeless classics. It’s also home to quirky pop-ups and idol events on the rooftop. A hidden gem for fashionistas and collectors alike.
- Address: 5-16-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Stores: 11:00–20:00
- Drone School (yes, really): 10:00–21:00
25. SAMURAI MUSEUM
Armor, swords, and samurai spirit — all under one roof.
Dedicated to Japan’s warrior class, this museum in Kabukicho showcases samurai armor and blades from various periods. You can try on full sets of armor for a photo op, attend swordplay performances, or take part in calligraphy and sword classes. They even sell replica gear for the hardcore fans.
- Address: 2-25-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Sun–Fri: 10:30–21:00 (Last entry 20:30)
- Sat: Until 20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
- Gift shop open until 21:00 daily
- Admission:
- Adults: ¥1,900
- Kids under 12: ¥800
- Under 3: Free
- Note: Temporarily closed as of May 2025
26. Buffet Dining Prince Marche
All-day buffet with seasonal dishes and live cooking.
Located in the basement of Shinjuku Prince Hotel, this cozy wooden-themed restaurant offers a variety of seasonal dishes — from rotisserie chicken to colorful desserts. It’s casual, family-friendly, and perfect for buffet lovers. Live kitchen stations keep things fresh and delicious.
- Address: B2F, Shinjuku Prince Hotel, 1-30-1 Kabukicho
- Hours:
- Breakfast: 6:30–10:00
- Lunch: 11:30–15:00 (L.O. 14:30)
- Dinner: 17:00–21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
- Closed: Open daily
- Note: 13% service charge added to bill
27. Nakamuraya Building
Curry, cream buns, and a surprising mix of culture and design.
Just 2 minutes from the east exit of Shinjuku Station, this multipurpose building offers shopping, dining, beauty salons, and even an art museum. The basement’s “Sweets & Delica Bonna” serves iconic items like mooncakes and curry buns — along with chef-made deli dishes. Don’t miss their cult-favorite fermented butter madeleines.
- Address: 3-26-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours / Closed Days: Varies by store
28. Sky Lounge Aurora
Sip cocktails 160 meters above Tokyo with a view to die for.
On the 45th floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel, this elegant lounge serves high-end cuisine and drinks with unbeatable skyline views. Afternoon tea is the star during the day, while evenings are perfect for date-night cocktails under glittering city lights.
- Address: 45F, Keio Plaza Hotel Main Building, 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku
- Hours:
- Mon & Fri: 17:00–23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Sat: 13:00–23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Sundays
- Budget:
- Day: ¥5,001–10,000
- Night: ¥5,001–10,000 / ¥10,000+
29. Takashimaya Times Square
Shopping, dining, and art — all in one mega complex.
This huge Takashimaya facility stretches 14 floors above ground and two below, connected directly to JR Shinjuku Station’s new south gate. You’ll find everything from fashion and gourmet food to interior goods, toys, and art galleries. The 11th floor hosts exhibitions and pop-ups, while restaurants on the upper floors offer something for every taste.
- Address: 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours:
- Takashimaya: 10:30–19:30
- Specialty stores: 10:00–21:00
- Restaurants: 11:00–23:00
- Closed: Jan 1–2, plus select dates
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