Shinjuku is one of the favourite Tokyo destination for many tourists. It is generally slightly fancier and less dense than Shibuya, and there are generally more varieties of things to do for at a very low cost with a good balance of nature and shopping. While there are so many things to do in Shinjuku, here’s a list of things to do there that we really enjoyed. Shinjuku is a place for a nice day out if your time in Tokyo is limited, or you can choose a few of the places to visit at a time if you’re around for longer.
Chill in Shinjuku Gyoen
The Shinjuku Gyoen is an enormous green space with landscape gardens and a beautiful lake. It can be so tranquil and zen during certain period of the year you will not believe that it is located right in the middle of a bustling Shinjuku. Although it can also get quite crowded during peak period such as the Sakura season, but the place is still vast enough that it doesn't make you feel uncomfortable.
Created in the Edo Period, this beautiful garden was almost destroyed during the Second World War, then eventually rebuilt and open to the public in 1949.
There is a small entry fee to access the Shinjuku Gyoen (200 yen) and note that it closes at 16:30 (last entry at 16:00).
Prayers at Meiji Shrine
If you haven't had enough greenery at Shinjuku Gyoen, you should definitely head over to the Meiji Shrine. Established on November 1, 1920, this beautiful shrine is believed to hold the deity spirit of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It does not matter what religion you are, you are free to visit this Shrine and offer a prayer, as Shinto is more about gratitude and harmony with the nature.
Get a view of the city from Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Main reason you should visit this place is because you can get to see Tokyo city from high above, and on top of it for free! While Tokyo may look like a mess of concrete jungle from down below, you can actually feel that there is a quite a lot of planning going on in this vibrant city. We strongly recommend to do this in winter when the sky is clear, either at sunset and stay there till it gets dark as you see the city gradually transform into a sea of colour.
A glimpse of Godzilla
As you walk down the main road of Kabukicho towards Shidax Karaoke, you will be able to spot a 1992 Godzilla of 12-meter staring down from Toho Cinemas. Created as a mascot for the new Toho Cinema Kabukicho theater, it is now an iconic landmark for those visiting the area. If you are stay long enough, you will even hear Godzilla roars from time to time!
If you are a Godzilla fan, there is no way you can miss a stay in the Godzilla-view rooms offered by the next door Hotel Gracery! Waking up to a clear view of your favourite movie character of this size is definitely something that will add a chapter to your travel story in Japan.
Explore Golden Gai and Kabukicho
Golden Gai is a street that boasts over 200 bars packed into the smallest area available, so you could imagine how big each bar is. Although we will not recommend to enter bars as most of them carry a hefty cover charge, but the area is still fun to look around and there are plenty of great photo opportunities. Just beside Golden Gai is the infamous red light district of Kabukicho. This is a place best explored during the day if you are alone and does not want to be harassed by creepy touts, but if you are a couple or brave enough, things can get quite lively at night.
Korea in Tokyo - Shin-Okubo
After J-pop came K-pop, and the Korean culture has since made it way into the heart Tokyo teens. In the midst of Shinjuku J-pop, the invading K-pop and Korean pop culture commands as much popularity, and Shin-Okubo has become a favourite spot for the fans to hang out. If you are craving for some Korean food or require some of the quality cosmetics and fashion straight out of Korea, this will be the place to go.
Omoide Yokocho the memory lane
Compared to the overly priced and tourists infested Golden Gai, this part of Shinjuku is more reasonable. A small and cosy network of small streets dotted with bars and restaurants where you can sit down, grab a beer and some delicious yakitori (Japanese Grills). If you are not into drinking or food, it is still a nice place to stroll in the evening, the only thing is to watch out for drunken people along the way as this place is also otherwise known as the piss alley.
Shinjuku has so much to offer that you will not be able to fully cover it in a day and if you have time for another day, you can go shopping at Harajuku, Shinjuku Don Quijote, or visit more temple at Yasukuni Shrine, Hanazono Shrine, on top of that, there is also the Kinokuniya Bookshop if you are more into reading, or a cocktail at New York Bar from Lost in Translation. All-in-all, Shinjuku is such a vibrant and interesting place that even after going there for numerous times, you will find yourself discovering new places and things to do.
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