See the best places in Shinjuku during 8 active hours. Don’t miss photo spots and enjoy a leisure walk through Shiki-no-michi Street that is a comfortable path full of greenery.
Suehirotai
Built in 1946, this yose theatre is a place for performances of rakugo (traditional verbal entertainment) and manzai (a Japanese version of a stand-up comedy usually involving two performers) held on a regular basis. This quaint wooden building has tatami seats and chair seats. The program and casts for the performances change every ten days.
Hanzono Shrine
Located close to Kabukicho, this shrine has been watching over Shinjuku since mid-17th century. “The Otori Festival” (Shinjuku Tori no Ichi fair) is held in November every year. During the festival, in addition to food stalls, many stalls selling kumade, a good luck charm in the shape of a rake for business prosperity, are set up on the grounds, attracting many visitors.
Kabukicho
As one of the biggest entertainment districts in Japan, Kabukicho has many restaurants, bars, Theatres, movie theatres, and amusement arcades. The Godzilla Head, which appears on the top of the SHINJUKU TOHO BUILDING, at the end of “Kabukicho Ichibangai”, has become a symbol of the town.
Tokyo Kabukicho Tower
Opened on April 14, 2023, this entertainment facility in Kabukicho has two hotels, a movie theater, a live music venue, a night club and the theme festival, attracting many visitors.
Shinjuku Chuo Park
Located in Nishi-Shinjuku with Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, high-rise office buildings, and hotels, this park serves as an oasis in an urban area, attracting many people especially during the cherry blossom season. The park has a restaurant, café, and a terrace open to everyone for a rest.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
Even in Shinjuku, which is crowded with numerous skyscrapers, these are one of the best observation spots. From the observatory on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, which is admission free, you can enjoy a great view from 202 meters above ground.
Opening hours
South Observatory 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (admission until 9:30 PM)
North Observatory 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (admission until 5:00 PM)
South Observatory is closed on the first and third Tuesday of every month.
North Observatory is closed on the second and fourth Monday of every month.
Shinjuku Nishiguchi Omoide Yokocho (Memories Alley)
With a history of more than 70 years, this eating and drinking area has an impressive retro scene. Lined with unique izakayas and restaurants, the alley is always crowded with visitors.
Itinerary
- Start your route at Shinjuku-sanchome Station. After a short 1-minute walk you will reach Suehirotai
- Then after another 5 minetes visit Hanazono Shrine.
- From Hanazono Shrine enjoy a 15-minutes leisure walk through Shiki-no-michi Street to get to Kabukicho.
- Make a short walk around the area and admire Tokyo Kabukicho Tower.
- Then make a longer stroll for about 20 minutes to get to the Shinjuku Chuo Park where you will relax in the greenery.
- Shinjuku Chuo Park is in a close distance to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building where on the 45th floor located are free Observation Decks.
- Finally, walk for another 15 minutes to finish your day in Shinjuku Nishiguchi Omoide Yokocho
Date: 2025-04-25
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
