14 Best Things to do in Shinjuku, Tokyo: Attractions & Experiences

Planning a trip to Tokyo and looking for the best things to do in Shinjuku? Shinjuku is an energetic district and one of Tokyo’s most popular areas known for its neon-lit streets, Godzilla head, shopping beautiful gardens, and so much more.

Shinjuku offers things to do for everyone like walking around Gyoen National Garde to experiencing the nightlife at Kabukicho. In this Shinjuku post, you’ll discover top attractions, some hidden gems, and must-visit spots.

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Summary

Why Shinjuku: If you like nightlife, beautiful city parks, food, and bar hopping, then Shinjuku is the perfect district in Tokyo for you.

Top Things to do Shinjuku:

Take photos of the Godzilla Head.
Eat and Drink at a local Izakaya at Golden Gai or Memory Lane.
Head up to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Where to Stay in Shinjuku: I am a fan of APA hotels in Japan, and this APA hotel is a great option.

When visiting Shinjuku, consider a walking food tour or Izakaya food crawl tour.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Shinjuku

In total, I’ve probably spent about a week in Shinjuku. I’ve walked the alley ways, dined at local izakaya’s, and shopped for vintage video games in Shinjuku. Every time I visit Tokyo, I get drawn to Shinjuku.

So why should you visit Shinjuku, Tokyo?

Shinjuku is that quintessential image of Tokyo that comes to mind. Modern, neon-lights, crowds of people, and plenty of drinking establishments. Shinjuku truly does offer something for everyone.

You can find incredible shopping, beautiful nature, free observation decks overlooking the city, and amazing Japanese food.

Shinjuku offers that perfect blend of entertainment, culture, nature, and unforgettable travel experiences.

Best Things to do in Shinjuku

Whether you are spending 24-hours in Shinjuku or multiple days, I’ve come up with this list of my recommendations and the best things to do in Shinjuku.

Please, if you have other recommendations and must-see or do things in Shinjuku leave a comment to share with myself and the rest of us.

Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station is considered to be the busiest train station in the world! Of course, if you are going to spend any time in Shinjuku, you’ll probably arrive via the train station.

Shinjuku Station is huge! You can easily get lost here. Trust me, I have on more then one occasion.

Shinjuku is an attraction in itself. You can literally spend an entire day here, especially if the weather is not ideal.

You can shop, dine, and just wander around Shinjuku Station.

The Giant 3D Cat

Upon exiting Shinjuku Station, you’ll probably notice a ton of people looking up pointing their phones at a building. Most likely, the Giant 3D Cat in Shinjuku is on the giant LED Screen.

If it is your first time in Shinjuku, make an effort to watch the 3D calico cat. Throughout the day, the cat does what cats do – Sleeps and wakes up, meows, and plays. It’s pretty realistic and just a joy to watch.

Kabukicho Main Gate

You have to start your Shinjuku trip at the famous Kabukicho Main Gate. It’s an iconic landmark welcoming everyone into Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.

Start here for your Shinjuku itinerary. Sure, take a photo of the gate then head through the streets behind it and start exploring Shinjuku.

Godzilla Head

Shinjuku’s Godzilla Head is perched atop the Toho Cinema Building looking down on visitors below.

The Godzilla Head in Tokyo peers over the skyline, roars, and lights up during scheduled times, don’t miss out! Visitors love to take photos here, so the area is always crowded.

You can visit the terrace for close-up photos. You can stay at the Hotel Gracery for Godzilla themed rooms and views of the Godzilla head.

Don Quijote

No visit to Japan is complete without stopping into a Don Quijote, there just so happens to be one in the heart of Shinjuku.

Don Quijote or just “Donki” is a discount store chain that sells basically everything. You can buy groceries, electronics, car stuff, houseware, clothing, and basically anything else you can think of.

In case you traveled to Japan and forgot something like an umbrella or just want to load up on snacks, don’t worry! Don Quijote has you covered.

Four Seasons Pathway

The Four Seasons Pathway in Shinjuku is a peaceful walking route that is meant to showcase Japan’s changing seasons.

This short yet scenic pathway has cherry blossoms during the spring season, lush greenery during the summer, fall foliage during autumn, and beautiful winter landscapes.

I always enjoy walking the Four Seasons Pathway, it’s a nice escape from the crowds. It’s both safe and clean.

Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai in is one of the most conic nightlife districts. Golden Gai is known for its narrow alleys that are lined with small bars and Izakaya’s.

Apparently there are about 200 tiny bars and eateries packed into six alleyways. It can become crowded during busy times of day. I recommend trying a few of the local bars in the area.

Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane

Omoide Yokocho also known as Memory Lane is another spot like Golden Gai filled with narrow alleyways packed with tiny yakitori stalls, izakaya’s, and eateries.

Memory Lane is right by Shinjuku Station and is one of Shinjuku’s best areas to experience nightlife.

Like Golden Gai, because of its location and popularity, Memory Lane can become quite crammed, it’s still a great time no matter what.

Shin-Okubo, Korea Town

Shin-Okubo, also known as Tokyo’s Korea Town is a vibrant hotspot and must visit place in Shinjuku for food lovers.

This neighborhood is packed with authentic Korean restaurants like Korea BBQ, fried chicken, and places that sell street food like Tteokbokki and hotteok.

Not only can you find amazing Korean food in Shinjuku but there are also trendy shops selling fun stuff you can find in Korea.

Food, Food, Food

The main reason I travel to Shinjuku is because of the food and fun places to eat. In Tokyo’s Shinjuku, you can find Michelin-star restaurants, local Izakaya’s, late night ramen shops, and everything else imaginable.

For local experiences, try an Izakaya at the famous Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai. But you can find amazing dining options anywhere in Shinjuku really.

** Book a Shinjuku Food Tour to experience local dishes in hidden eateries via Get Your Guide.

Cafes & Desserts

Some of the best cafes and dessert shops in Tokyo, I’ve found in Shinjuku. If you are looking for coffee shops, ice cream parlors, bakeries, or just a small vendor selling treats, chances are you’ll find it in Shinjuku.

Two of my favorite and highly recommend places for dessert and fun drinks/cakes are Macapresso Tokyo and Oyoppi Coffee.

If you like Macaroons, Macapresso Tokyo has some of the best I’ve ever had! They are gigantic and sell a wide variety of traditional and experimental flavors.

For a unique cafe experience, try Oyoppi Coffee. I highly recommend trying their cakes, coffee, and apple tea. The apple tea is very unique, you have to see it for yourself.

** Try a unique Japan experience and participate in this Matcha Kimono Tea Ceremony, tickets can be purchased online via Get Your Guide.

Shopping

Besides food and nightlife, most visitors come to Shinjuku to go shopping. You can find everything here from massive department stores to specialty shops.

I stumbled inside a huge department store and on the top floor there was a huge store selling vintage video games, some were not cheap!

In general, Shinjuku is a convenient location for shopping with a diverse range of stores.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of my favorite places in Shinjuku. I find Tokyo to be a very green city with many large parks scattered throughout the city. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of my favorites.

The garden is huge with many beautiful themes, it’s both a nature and photographers paradise, in the heart of Tokyo.

The Old Goryo-tei (Taiwan Pavilion) is one of my favorite attractions at Gyoen National Garden.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

If you are looking for free things to do in Shinjuku or free attractions in Tokyo, I highly recommend paying a visit to the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

It seems that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building gets overlooked since Tokyo Tower and Skytree are so famous and on everyone’s Tokyo bucket list. Honestly, this free observation deck is just as good, if not better.

It’s free to enter the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and you get stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, you can even see Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

I visited and there was only a short line at the entrance, no crowds plus the observation deck was near empty.

Conclusion

When visiting Tokyo, especially for the first time, you have to visit Shinjuku. I’d even recommend staying in Shinjuku to experience the nightlife and culture.

For being one of Tokyo’s districts, Shinjuku has so much to offer. Find peace at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, get some of the best views of Tokyo at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and sample local Japanese delights.

Have other recommendations and things to do in Shinjuku? Leave a comment so I can check it out next time. Safe travels!

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Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵

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Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁

Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.

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