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Guide to Shinjuku | MATOKA's Japan Travel Guide
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items Shinjuku has a special place in my heart and is probably one of the most exciting areas in Tokyo. It has it all; from entertainment like movie theaters and arcades to great restaurants and bars as well as a great nightlife, there is so much to do. An...
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What to do
Where to eat
Where to shop
What to do
If small, intimate bars where you can meet people or talk to the bartender are your style, you definitely have to check out Golden Gai! While there may be a language barrier and some bars have a cover charge, you're bound to have fun and meet people,...
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku station is the second biggest station in Japan, so it's good to note which exit you should take to get to where you want to go. I made a short video about this, check it out!
Guide to Shinjuku Station
My first tour on Viator was a food tour of the old Tsukiji Fish Market and it was such a great experience. I know that Viator tours are pretty great, so why not check out some of the Shinjuku tours that they offer! From food tours to walking excursio...
Tickets & Tours - Shinjuku, Tokyo
Catch a movie while seeing the famous Godzilla in Kabukicho! With restaurants and arcades surrounding the theater, there's so much to do in this area!
TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku
Want to live your Terrace House dating dreams? Why not try a batting cage - an iconic date activity (as long as you're decent)
Shinjuku Batting Center
You can find temples even in the middle of bustling cities! This Shinjuku temple is iconic and if you visit at the right time, you might be able to catch some of the festivities (especially if you're visiting in the late summer)
Hanazono Shrine
FREE TOUR ALERT! Tours are a great way to learn about local restaurants and hotspots, so if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, check out this nighttime tour or some of the other tours in this section!
Shinjuku Night FREE Walking Tour
One of the biggest national parks in Tokyo, this is a great place to visit, especially during cherry blossom season for pictures! There is an entrance fee but it is worth it!
Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku
Shinjuku's red light district offering arcades, movie theaters, bars and restaurants, and host and hostess clubs.
Kabukicho
openmic subculture anime music sessionbar ROCINANTE
Best place to see Ginko Trees, especially during the fall! Great for pictures and to take aesthetic walks
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginko Forest
If you're not into the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku and want a more calm, neighborhood style area, check out Shinjuku Gyoenmae and the surrounding area. Some of the best eateries are here, it borders Shinjuku Gyoen National Park and there are great ...
Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station
Where to eat
Food tours are a great way to become familiar with an area and find restaurants that you normally wouldn't dine in! Arigato Japan not only has Shinjuku food tours available, but also in many other locations, like Shibuya, Asakusa, Harajuku and more!
Best of Shinjuku Food Tour
Like Shabu Shabu, Dim Sum and AYCE? This has all three - all you can eat shabu shabu and dim sum or you can choose one or the other!
MK Restaurants Shinjuku
I know burgers are an American thing, but this restaurant is special! Burgers are great, fries and thin and crispy and the atmosphere is really nice. It's a small restaurant, but well worth the wait!
burger kitchen CHATTY CHATTY
This tsukemen restaurant specializes in a unique shrimp broth! Tsukemen is a dipping noodle with a stronger broth, so if you aren't into seafood, this might not be for you. But for everyone else, it's a must!
Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho Shinjuku
My personal favorite place for tsukemen, with the variety of broths and sizes, it's a great location for people who are new to tsukemen but want to be adventurous. Seating is limited so come early!
Fūunji
TONKATSU! This is the place to go! A higher end dining experience on the top floor of Takashimaya Mall, they offer many types of tonkatsu and a special seasonal teishoku!
Katsukura Shinjuku Takashimaya
Yes, this is a chain restaurant, but it also has my favorite ramen. It specializes in citrus broth and charcoal-bbqed pork, but my fav is the shio ramen!
Afuri Shinjuku Lumine
Your go to michelin star meal that won't break the bank, as long as you go for their lunchtime teishoku! Choose from 3 different set meals and you'll get a taste of their famous anchovy menu without breaking the wallet!
Shinjuku Kappo NAKAJIMA
Popular dessert shop featuring skewered sweet dumplings, mochi & other confections, plus coffee.
Oiwake Dango
The most famous ramen in Japan with multiple locations - but if you still have an appetite after trying out all the other restaurants, you have to try it!
Ichiran Shinjuku Kabuki-cho
Unassuming Japanese curry hole in the wall. I love to try places off the beaten path, just like this curry place. Japanese curry has been my obsession as of late, so can't wait to go back here!
Kelala
People rave over this gyoza, as you can tell when you see the line out the door. I don't remember a time where I didn't have to wait, but if you're down to wait it will be worth it
Gyoza no Fukuho
Upscale Shabu Shabu restaurant with many offerings including wagyu beef, specialty broths and more
Momo Paradise Shinjuku Higashi-guchi
Square Enix cafe featuring some of your favorite characters from Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and more!
ARTNIA Square Enix
Where to shop
For the avid readers out there, check out one of the biggest Kinokuniyas for books, stationary, and more!
Books Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store
Started as a kimono store in 1886, this famous destination is now known for high fashion shopping.
Isetan Shinjuku
Probably one of the most fashion-foward stores you can visit while in Shinjuku. Men's, women's & children's clothing with a pop art-inspired look from a modern flagship store.
Beams Japan
For Stationary lovers, you can find some great deals in the 7-floor stationary store
Sekaido Shinjuku
Upscale department store with a focus on men's fashion, accessories & lifestyle goods.
Shinjuku Marui Men
Shinjuku station is connected to multiple different malls, including Lumine. You could probably spend a whole day exploring the station and the malls around it.
Lumine Shinjuku