Top 9 Things to Do in Shinjuku, Tokyo – From Hidden Alleys to Iconic Views

1. Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building

Start your Shinjuku sightseeing from above. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers free observation decks on the 45th floor, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Tokyo’s skyline. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

More than just a photo op, the building itself—designed by architect Kenzo Tange—is a postmodern marvel. It’s also a quieter alternative to crowded observation points like Tokyo Tower or Skytree, making it perfect for early-morning visits.

📍 Location: Nishi-Shinjuku
🎟 Entry: Free
🕒 Tip: Go just before sunset for golden-hour views and city lights.

2. Omoide Yokocho

Just steps from Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho ("Memory Lane") feels like a time capsule. This narrow alleyway, also known as “Piss Alley,” is packed with tiny eateries serving yakitori, ramen, and sake in smoky, lantern-lit spaces that haven’t changed in decades.

Perfect for adventurous eaters and photographers alike, Omoide Yokocho offers a taste of post-war Tokyo charm. Pull up a stool beside locals and salarymen, order a skewer or two, and soak in the ambiance.

📍 Location: West Exit, Shinjuku Station
🍢 Must Try: Grilled chicken hearts, cold sake, or seasonal oden
🕒 Best Time: Evenings, when the lanterns glow

3. Golden Gai

Ask any nightlife-savvy traveler what to do in Shinjuku at night, and they’ll likely mention Golden Gai. This labyrinth of six narrow alleys is lined with over 200 pint-sized bars, each uniquely themed—from jazz and punk to Showa-era film noir.

Some bars welcome foreign tourists openly, while others cater to regulars, adding to the mystique. Golden Gai is not about clubbing—it’s about intimate conversations, moody music, and sipping whiskey in a place where time feels suspended.

📍 Location: Kabukicho, near Hanazono Shrine
🍸 Insider Tip: Look for English menus and cover charges posted at the door
🕒 Best Time: 8 PM onwards

4. Godzilla Head

A surprising yet iconic Shinjuku attraction is the Godzilla Head perched atop Hotel Gracery. Towering above Kabukicho’s skyline, this enormous sculpture of Japan’s most famous monster even roars and lights up at certain times of day.

It’s kitschy, it’s quirky, and it’s peak Tokyo. You can view it from the street or get up close by visiting the hotel’s 8th floor terrace—especially fun for families or film buffs.

📍 Location: Hotel Gracery, Kabukicho
📸 Photo Tip: Snap it at dusk for dramatic lighting
🕒 Roars hourly from 12 PM to 8 PM

5. Kabukicho

No list of things to do in Shinjuku would be complete without Kabukicho, Tokyo’s infamous entertainment district. Known for its vibrant signage, host clubs, arcades, and late-night eats, Kabukicho is wild, colorful, and always awake.

While it once had a grittier reputation, Kabukicho today is relatively safe and endlessly fascinating. Come for a sensory overload, people-watch, or dive into unique spots like VR parks and horror-themed bars.

📍 Location: Northeast Shinjuku
🍜 Don’t Miss: Ichiran Ramen or 24-hour izakayas
🕒 Best Time: Nightfall, when everything lights up

6. Shinjuku Cat Screen

Blurring the line between street art and technology, the Shinjuku Cat Screen is a must-see for anyone interested in futuristic Tokyo. This massive 3D digital billboard features a hyper-realistic cat that stretches, naps, and reacts to passersby—all in lifelike motion.

It's a quick stop, but one of the coolest examples of Tokyo's innovative spirit. Great for a short detour between shopping or sightseeing.

📍 Location: East Exit, Shinjuku Station (Cross Shinjuku Vision)
📱 Tip: Videos go viral—have your phone ready
🕒 Runs daily from 7 AM to 1 AM

7. Samurai Restaurant Time

For a truly unique dining experience, head to Samurai Restaurant Time, where historical storytelling meets culinary performance. Guests enjoy a course meal while actors in full armor perform sword fights, dances, and samurai rituals.

It’s dinner theater with a distinctly Japanese twist—touristy, yes, but unforgettable. Reserve ahead, as it fills quickly.

📍 Location: Kabukicho
🍽 Cuisine: Japanese set course (vegetarian options available)
🕒 Tip: Book via their website for English support and package deals

8. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Need a break from the neon buzz? Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful green spaces, offering 144 acres of traditional Japanese gardens, French formal landscaping, and English-style lawns.

Whether you're picnicking under cherry blossoms in spring or strolling through vibrant leaves in autumn, it’s a tranquil oasis just minutes from the chaos of the station area.

📍 Location: Near Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station
🎟 Entry: ¥500 (about $3.50)
🕒 Best Time: Morning or weekday afternoons

9. Hanazono Shrine

Tucked behind Kabukicho’s flashing signs is Hanazono Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine with deep historical roots. Beloved by locals for centuries, it’s known for its red torii gates, traditional festivals, and strong ties to geisha and entertainers.

If you’re looking for a spiritual moment or simply a photogenic pause, Hanazono offers a striking juxtaposition to the nightlife just around the corner.

📍 Location: Near Golden Gai
🌸 Don’t Miss: Tori-no-Ichi festival (November)
🕒 Open 24/7; illuminated at night

Conclusion: Shinjuku Awaits – From Sky High to Street Level

Shinjuku is more than just a train station or shopping district—it’s a living mosaic of old and new, quiet and chaotic, refined and raw. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another round of adventure, the best places to visit in Shinjuku offer something fresh every time.

From Shinjuku sightseeing to nightlife to cultural immersion, every alley and observation deck has a story to tell. And if you're ready to explore it all with ease, Wabisabi Trips is here to help you unlock Tokyo’s most exciting neighborhood, one unforgettable stop at a time.

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