The Best Things to Do and See in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Heading to Shinjuku for the first time? Tokyo’s colourful district is well-known for its shopping and intimate nightlife, but the busy district has something for every type of traveller. These are the top things to do and see in Tokyo‘s Shinjuku district.
Home to the busiest train station in the world, the technicolour Robot Restaurant, and a myriad of great bars and eateries, Shinjuku has become one of the most popular neighbourhoods for nightlife in the city. It’s certainly a popular destination for the city’s young professionals looking to hunker down with a drink, but it’s also a tried-and-true hotspot for tourists hoping to uncover the beating heart of the city.
The centre of the ward can be found just outside Shinjuku Station and can easily be explored entirely on foot. We’ve put together a guide to help you make the most of your time in this unforgettable neighbourhood.
1. Ascend to the top of the Park Hyatt Tokyo for drinks in the sky
Suite Hotel
The architecture of the Park Hyatt Tokyo is in and of itself a sight to see – but take a series of lifts to the 52nd floor and you’ll find floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer some of the most breathtaking views in all of Tokyo. While you might recognise the New York Bar from Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, the creative cocktails and vast array of wines alone are worth a visit.
3. Sing your heart out at one of the district's many karaoke bars
Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub, Japanese
4. Enjoy a live jazz show at Shinjuku Pit Inn
Music Venue
This world-class venue is widely regarded as Japan’s most important jazz club – and for good reason. The original Pit Inn opened in 1966 and has been hosting local and international jazz musicians ever since. Unlike most modern jazz clubs, this subterranean spot zeros in on the music by facing all bar stools and chairs toward the stage – to encourage patrons to enjoy the show rather than making conversation.
5. Get lost in the organised chaos of Don Quijote
Store
6. Mull over fine art, science and history at one of Shinjuku's world-class museums
Art Gallery, Museum, Shop
While Shinjuku may not be widely known as an arts and culture district, it’s actually home to a handful of renowned museums and galleries. A visit to the Yayoi Kusama Museum is a must – but make sure to book, as the contemporary art gallery usually sells out weeks in advance. The Samurai Museum is also worth ducking into – at the intersection of historic and interactive, here you’ll learn all about the ancient military nobles while engaging in workshops and even sword battles.
7. Spend the evening getting lost in the narrow passageways of Golden Gai
Architectural Landmark
8. Rediscover nature at Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku National Garden)
Park
9. Explore the technicolour whimsy of the Kabukicho entertainment district
Store
10. Commute to Shin-Okubo for shopping, K-pop and Korean barbecue
Market
11. Take in the views at the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Building
12. Spend the day at Toyama Park – the city’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spot
Park
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
- Post ID: 1323187
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload