Shinjuku, the world’s No. 1 terminal station which is full of fun places, sightseeing spots and gourmet. There is also a place where you can feel the nature and enjoy the view of Tokyo in Shinjuku.

Want to enjoy the charm of Shinjuku, but don’t know where should go…
No problem!! Here are the 8 best spots in Shinjuku where you must-visit!

1. Shinjuku Gyoen

The city’s oasis “Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)” is a popular spot for many foreign tourists as well as local Japanese people who come to seek healing.
Shinjuku Gyoen was completed in 1906, originally it built as a garden for the Imperial family. Later the gardens were opened to the public as a National Park, becoming “Shinjuku Imperial Gardens. With a total area of 58.3 ha, there are three distinct styles of garden, varying from French, English and Japanese styles. Read more

Cherry blossoms of Shinjuku Gyoen

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2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observation Deck

The observation room is on the 45th floor of the Main Building No.1, which is divided into the South Observation deck and the North Observation deck. Since it is free of charge, those who have time must go and visit both decks. Read more

Night view from Tokyo Metropolitan Government

3. Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono shrine (花園神社) is a historical shrine that dates back to the 17th Century (1603-1868) from the Edo Period of Japan. It is considered the Guardian God of the Shinjiku area, and was once part of the Imperial Palace Gardens, hosting several Japanese Shinto Gods. Read more

Hanazono Shrine seen from the front

4. Samurai Museum

As well as exhibits of Samurai swords, armor and other weapons, here you can touch the real “Samurai Spirits” and can also experience Samurai cosplay while staying in the Shinjuku. Ever since the museum opened (in 20th Sep. 2015), it became very popular among foreign tourists, especially from Europe and America. Read more

Powerful Armor

5. Shinjuku Golden Gai

There is an area where small counter snack and bars are gathered in the small and narrow streets between Hanazono Shrine and Shinjuku promenade.
This area is called Golden Street (ゴールデン街) and has been known for a long time as a place where cultural people, editors, theater related people, writers come to convene in a unique and social atmosphere. Read more

Shinjuku Golden Gai

6. Omide Yokocho

In omoide yokocho (思い出横丁), you can enjoy the Yakitori or Motsuyaki and also a majority of small restaurants with counters facing both sides of a narrow alley. It is also a popular spot among foreigners as a drinking town, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Showa era. Read more

Omide Yokocho

7. Shinjuku Chuo Park

Shinjuku Chuo Park is a lush park located behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It was opened as a municipal park in 1968, in the place where it was once a Yodobashi Purification Plant. There is also a “Fountain square” and “Nagara Fall” in the center of the park. Read more

Shinjuku Chuo Park

8. Shinjuku Historical Museum

The Shinjuku Historical Museum is a modern and imaginative presentation of the history of Shinjuku ward. You can also see the garden view from the stairs, while going down to the exhibition area on basement first floor. Read more

History of Shinjuku

(YOKOSO Shinjuku Editorial Department )