Shinjuku Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by JNTO
Shinjuku
Shinjuku featuring a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture
Shinjuku featuring a city, skyline and a skyscraper
Photo provided by JNTO

One of Tokyo's most famous wards has world-class shopping and entertainment options galore.

Few visitors to Tokyo don't pass through Shinjuku at some point during their stay, whether it's making their way through the world's busiest train station which sees 2 million passengers daily, or to make the most of its restaurants, bars and shops.

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's 23 wards and it has everything, from historic geisha houses, a high concentration of skyscrapers, a large expat population, a prestigious university, up-market residential neighbourhoods, a large gay community and too many small restaurants and bars to mention.

For a free birds-eye view of Tokyo's skyscrapers, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. This building has two 202-metre high observation decks, which are open to the public from mid-morning to late at night. From the observation deck, you can't miss the striking Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower with its unusual oblong shape and crisscross-patterned exterior. The tower houses a fashion academy and two other schools. According to the architects Tange Associates, the design of the 50-level tower is meant to symbolise the nurturing of the students and transform them in order to compete in the Japanese workplace.

Shinjuku also has one of Tokyo's most pleasant parks, Shinjuku Gyoen. Considered one of the best places to see Japan's famed cherry blossoms, the park's 1,000 trees bloom from mid-March into April. The park is a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and is open from 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. (closed Mondays). There is a small admission charge.

When the sun sets, a good place to head for an evening out is Golden Gai, a small, atmospheric nightlife district with over 200 small bars and eateries. Most places are very small, seating only a few customers. If you don't speak a word of Japanese, look out for the bars and restaurants that have signs and menus in English posted outside.

Shinjuku is located in southwest Tokyo. Shunjuku station is a hub for multiple rail and subway lines.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Shinjuku Hotel Deals

Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main

Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main

4 out of 5
3-2-9 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is AU$193 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$193
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 15 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,283 reviews)
"The property was conveniently located near the train. The staff was friendly and helpful. My only gripe was the bathroom was small and the tub was very high to climb into."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

4 out of 5
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is AU$385 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$385
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,033 reviews)
"Amazing location, beautiful property. Only downside was bed was very hard."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku PREMIER

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku PREMIER

4 out of 5
6-12-39, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is AU$320 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$320
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,029 reviews)
"Great location, clean but too small kind of claustrophobic"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku PREMIER
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

4.5 out of 5
2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is AU$684 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$684
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 10 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,650 reviews)
"Breakfast excellent and service"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
Shinjuku Prince Hotel

Shinjuku Prince Hotel

4 out of 5
1-30-1 Kabuki-cho, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is AU$378 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$378
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,476 reviews)
"Good bathrooms. Good view"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Shinjuku Prince Hotel
THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku

THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku

3 out of 5
4-31-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$246 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$246
28 Oct - 29 Oct
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,810 reviews)
"Great overall experience! Loved the vibe in the lobby with the mellow music and then there was the amazing bakery!!! The rooms were well equipped and super clean! The staff was quiet and helpful. Location across the park was amazing. Beautiful walk through the park in the morning was to die ..."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Shinjuku

Shinjuku featuring a city

Kabukicho

Kabukicho is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Samurai Museum and Shinjuku Subnade, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tokyo.

Kabukicho
Harajuku which includes skyline, signage and a city

Harajuku

Harajuku is a destination travellers like for its shopping, and you might hop aboard the metro at Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station or Omote-sando Station to explore sights like Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku.

Harajuku
Default Image

Shibuya

5/5(173 area reviews)

Shibuya is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Shibuya Crossing and Yoyogi National Gymnasium. See more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Shibuya Station or Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station.

Shibuya
Default Image

Akasaka

4.5/5(84 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Tokyo Midtown and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Akasaka. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Nogizaka Station or Akasaka Station.

Akasaka
Roppongi featuring a city, signage and night scenes

Roppongi

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Travellers choose Roppongi for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Roppongi Station or Roppongi-itchome Station and check out top sights like National Art Center, Tokyo.

Roppongi
Akihabara Electric Town showing street scenes, shopping and a city

Chiyoda

4.5/5(206 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chiyoda. Tokyo Imperial Palace is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Kudanshita Station or Takebashi Station to see more of Tokyo.

Chiyoda


Shinjuku Travel Guide

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