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Shinjuku

Tokyo

Skyscrapers, tiny bars and the world's busiest station. The easiest base for first-timers, with trains to everywhere, including day trips to Mount Fuji.

Best for First visit · Nightlife · Budget

Transport
5/5
Sights
4/5
Value
4/5
Quiet
1/5
Food
5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$145/night · 15 min to Tokyo Station

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Shinjuku on the map

Why stay here

  • Trains to every part of the city and beyond
  • Endless food and nightlife
  • Hotels at every price

Who should stay here

  • First-time visitors
  • Night owls
  • Travellers planning day trips to Hakone or Mount Fuji

Not ideal if…

  • You want calm streets
  • Huge stations stress you out
  • You want a traditional, old-Tokyo atmosphere

What it's like

Shinjuku has everything at once: the neon of Kabukicho, the tiny bars of Golden Gai, yakitori alleys under the tracks, department stores and a huge garden. West Shinjuku is a calmer district of hotel towers.

Shinjuku Station connects to the Yamanote line, the Chuo line and trains to Hakone and Mount Fuji. The station is a maze at first; pick a hotel with a clear exit nearby.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • West Shinjuku

    Business district with big hotels, calmer at night.

  • Kabukicho

    Entertainment district: neon, bars and clubs. Lively, a little seedy.

  • Shinjuku-sanchome

    Department stores, restaurants and easy access to the garden.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Shinjuku Station (JR Yamanote and Chuo lines, Marunouchi and Oedo subway lines, private lines to Hakone).
To Tokyo Station
About 15 minutes
From Haneda
About 45 minutes: Airport limousine bus direct, or Keikyu and JR lines via Shinagawa.

Nearby attractions

  • Golden Gai & Omoide Yokocho

    Tiny bars and yakitori stalls in narrow alleys.

  • Shinjuku Gyoen

    Large garden, best in cherry blossom season.

  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

    Free observation decks with Fuji views on clear days.

Where to eat and drink

  • Omoide Yokocho

    Yakitori and beer under the train tracks.

  • Fuunji

    Popular tsukemen (dipping ramen) shop.

  • Golden Gai bars

    Over 200 bars, most seating fewer than ten people.

Where to stay in Shinjuku

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Best value

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Why we like it: The hotel with Godzilla on the roof, in Kabukicho.

Typical mid-range rate in Shinjuku: ~$145/night

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Boutique pick

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel

Why we like it: Design hotel above the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.

Typical mid-range rate in Shinjuku: ~$145/night

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Luxury pick

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Why we like it: Big tower hotel in West Shinjuku with city views.

Typical luxury rate in Shinjuku: ~$400/night

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Hotels in ShinjukuMid-range from ~$145/night

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