Shinjuku
The City That Never Sleeps
Shinjuku is Tokyo at maximum volume. The east side is Kabukicho - entertainment district, love hotels, Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho - and the west side is gleaming skyscrapers and business hotels. It's not a neighborhood you'd describe as charming, but the energy is unlike anywhere else. If you want to experience Tokyo's controlled chaos, Shinjuku is it. Best in the evening when the neon kicks in.
We are Shibuya > Shinjuku people and don't love Shinjuku as a base, but it's worth spending an evening here. Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho are very unique and worth doing once. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the best parks in Tokyo - most people walk past it.
Stay here if
You want to be in the thick of it - neon lights, department stores, night life, and every kind of food within walking distance.
Skip It If
You want a quiet, local neighborhood. Shinjuku is stimulating in a way that can tip into exhausting quickly.
Top Picks
Explore all places in Shinjuku →All Places in Shinjuku
Coffee Swamp
Coffee ShopHip coffee shop hidden in the alleys west of Shinjuku station. Great coffee and records playing. If you can get a seat its the perfect reprieve from the chaos of Shinjuku.
Don't MissGreat vinyl being played and our favorite coffee in Shinjuku.
Skip It IfYou don’t want to wait in line - it can get crowded.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Lemon-Sha Shinjuku Store
Shop / RetailCamera store with a massive selection of used film cameras. There are a bunch of great camera stores in this area so wander around.
Don't MissThe used film cameras.
Skip It IfYou have no interest in photography.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Omoide Yokocho
BarA narrow alley of tiny yakitori stalls behind Shinjuku station.
Don't MissSit at any counter that has a free stool. Order yakitori and a beer. The atmosphere is the point.
Skip It IfYou want a quiet, local experience. This is touristy but worth doing once if you’re in the area at night.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Sushiro
RestaurantFun conveyor belt chain sushi. Inexpensive, essentially all-you-can-eat. They’re throughout the city but this one is our favorite. There can be a line so put your name in ahead online.
Don't MissPlaying the games on the screen at your booth.
Skip It IfYou want a traditional sushi experience.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)