Shinjuku city view
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CITY GUIDE 02 · SHINJUKU

From quiet gardensto the city lights.

OASIS STAY LOCAL EDIT

Shinjuku contains several different cities in one. Begin with the calm of Shinjuku Gyoen, move to the open sky and towers of west Shinjuku, then experience the entertainment district after dark. Thinking by area makes this huge neighborhood much easier to enjoy.

  • Gardens
  • Free city views
  • Walking
  • Entertainment
  • Night scenery

FIRST, KNOW THE AREA

Think of three easy areas.

01

GARDENS & SHOPPING

East Shinjuku

Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku-sanchome and major department stores.
02

SKY & TOWERS

West Shinjuku

The Metropolitan Government Building, Central Park and the skyscraper district.
03

NIGHT & ENTERTAINMENT

Kabukicho

Cinema, theater, music and dining. Choose your destination and return route in advance.
Shinjuku skyline at night
Shinjuku’s towers and evening lightsPhoto: Olivier Van Aken / CC BY-SA 3.0
Japanese garden at Shinjuku Gyoen
A quiet garden in the center of ShinjukuPhoto: Fg2 / Public Domain

PLACES TO GO

Places to visit in Shinjuku.

01

GARDEN · FAMILY · SEASONS

Shinjuku Gyoen

Walk through Japanese and landscape gardens, seasonal plants, a greenhouse and museum in one of central Tokyo’s largest green spaces.

Hours vary by season and the garden is usually closed on Mondays. Advance reservations may apply during cherry blossom season.
Official information ↗
02

FREE · VIEW · ARCHITECTURE

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory

Look across Tokyo from the west Shinjuku towers, with a different atmosphere in daylight and after the city lights come on.

Admission is free, but closing days and queues vary. Check the official notice before leaving.
Official information ↗
03

PARK · KIDS · BREAK

Shinjuku Central Park

A spacious city park beneath the towers, useful for a family walk or a quiet break between sights.

Combine it with the observatory to keep transfers short.
Official information ↗
04

ENTERTAINMENT · NIGHT · ART

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

Cinema, theater, live music, dining and art bring together several evening options in one building.

Hours and age requirements vary by venue. Families should choose a destination before visiting.
Official information ↗

ONE DAY PLAN

One day in Shinjuku.

Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen

Use the calmer morning hours and leave around two hours for the gardens, greenhouse and rest areas.

Lunch in Shinjuku-sanchome

Choose from department stores and smaller streets according to the day’s mood.

West Shinjuku sky and greenery

Walk through Central Park and visit the observatory, changing the order with the weather.

Evening entertainment

Head toward Kabukicho with your return time and route decided in advance.

Opening hours, closing days, prices and booking conditions may change. Check each venue’s official website before visiting.

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