⁃ Kabukicho（歌舞伎町）: one of the most-renowned neighborhoods in the world for its nightlife. The number of bars and izakayas is probably the highest in all of Japan. It is on the sketchier side of Tokyo, but then again, we are still talking about Japan. It is safer than Leicester Square. Kabukicho also has the huge Godzilla statue for anyone interested. I would recommend visiting Kabukicho at night to see Japanese “salarymen” in their natural environment.

⁃ Shinjuku-3-chome (新宿三丁目）: intersection with two flagships of Japan’s biggest department stores: Isetan and Marui. Isetan’s basement food-hall is one of my go-to locations to buy souvenirs; it is the quintessential Japanese “depachika” (デパ地下）. You will notice that most, if not all, Japanese department stores’ basement food-halls look like the one in Isetan.

⁃ Sompo Museum of Art （損保美術館）: art museum housing one of Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. The museum is located in West Shinjuku, in the business/public office district and away from the hustle and bustle of the above. I would recommend the museum if you particularly want to see the Sunflowers.

⁃ Shinjuku-Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑）: a large and tranquil garden, belonging originally to the imperial family. Now it is used to host state sakura and garden parties. Would recommend if you are in the area and want to lie down in the grass.

⁃ Shinjuku has a plethora of delicious ramen stores. I recommend going before their opening and if possible on a weekday, as they always have a large queue. Maybe go when there is a typhoon (trust me, there will still be a queue, just shorter).

⁃ Other than the izakayas (which have a very good vibe but not that good food), Shinjuku is not really an area to eat dinner in, I would suggest you head elsewhere (eg: Iidabashi (飯田橋）) easily accessible from Shinjuku. 


⁃ Some of you may have seen the memes of how difficult it is to navigate Shinjuku station. The memes are entirely correct. Even those that live in central Tokyo get lost trying to navigate the underground labyrinth that is Shinjuku station. Shinjuku consists of 8 stations that are “mostly” connected underground, making it confusing which exits are actually accessible from which station. To add on to the confusion, each station has multiple train line. My best advice – as someone who lived in Tokyo for 10+ years and still gets lost in Shinjuku – is to walk out your nearest exit and navigate yourself over-ground.

⁃ Do not think of driving to Shinjuku (even to go shopping). It is most likely the worst place to drive in Tokyo and the queues for parking lots are unreal. If you are going by non-public transport, take a cab. 


⁃ Shinjuku is not that known for its hotels; however, like any neighborhood, you can find random business hotels.

⁃ In terms of luxury hotels, there’s Park Hyatt which has stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline. Its bars are popular amongst our age for dates and meetings.