Here are 10 things to do in Tokyo (Shinjuku).

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi bestowed upon Tokugawa Ieyasu the present Kanto region, and he entrusted part of the area to his trusted retainers for military purposes, such as guarding the intersecting roads and the surrounding area. This later became Shinjuku Gyoen.

The highlight is the Japanese garden. It is a typical Japanese garden called the "chisen kaiyu style" garden, with garden paths built around a pond. In the spring, 1,100 cherry trees of 65 varieties are planted, and are open to the public free of charge during this time. In the fall, there is a "chrysanthemum flower exhibition," where you can enjoy the garden together with the chrysanthemums.

Hanazono Shrine

It was founded before the Edo period when gods were summoned from Yamato Yoshinoyama (Nara Prefecture). From 1624 to 1644, it was located about 250 meters south of its current location (near the Isetan department store). Even though it is in the middle of Shinjuku, it is a place where you can feel a traditional Japanese atmosphere. In spring, the harmony of the cherry blossoms and the red color of the shrine is very beautiful. The lion-dog statues are also distinctive, so be sure to check them out.

Kabukicho

Kabukicho is one of the busiest areas in Shinjuku at night. The neon lights of cabaret clubs, host clubs, and girls' bars shine brightly, and it attracts many tourists from overseas as well as Japanese people. There are also gaming facilities such as pachinko parlors, game centers, and batting cages, so you can have fun all night long. Many people think of neon towns when they think of Tokyo, so why not take a photo shoot in Kabukicho?

Shinjuku Golden Gai

More than 200 restaurants are lined up in a small area. After the end of the war on August 15, 1945, the black market that was located near Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku 2-chome moved to the current Golden Gai area. It still retains its postwar charm. There are many narrow streets and a unique atmosphere. There are a variety of shops, from long-established establishments to unique new generation shops, and many cultural figures and media personnel are regular customers. Enjoy a drink while visiting several places.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the administrative center of Tokyo and consists of three buildings: the First Main Building, the Second Main Building, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Building. The observation deck is on the 45th floor of the First Main Building, and can be accessed from the first floor by a special elevator. After a minute of riding the special elevator, you will arrive at a height of 202m above ground. You can enjoy the view of Tokyo. You can also see Tokyo Tower and Skytree, the landmarks of Tokyo. And at night, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo's nightscape.

Kabukicho Tower

It is a hotel and entertainment facility complex. It has a hotel, a movie theater, a theater, and a live music hall, and opened on April 14, 2023. We recommend "Shinjuku Kabuki Hall Kabuki Yokocho." A yokocho is a place where small restaurants and izakayas gather. There are 10 shops here, lined up like food stalls, where you can enjoy cuisine from various regions of Japan, such as Hokkaido and Okinawa. It is also photogenic with an atmosphere that combines neon and a traditional yokocho.

Jusansha Kumano Shrine

Founded in 1403, it is said that the builder enshrined the Jusansho Gongen deity of Kumano Sanzan at this shrine because his business was successful thanks to it. The former place name "Junisha" also originated from this shrine. The shrine is famous for being a blessing in competitions, such as when the Japanese women's soccer team (Nadeshiko Japan) won the World Cup after visiting this shrine.

Shuriken Dojo Shinjuku Ninja Trick House

You can experience ninja training such as throwing shuriken and swordsmanship. A ninja guide will guide you. You can have fun while throwing shuriken and using a sword, and you will be taught ninja techniques. You can also take commemorative photos, so it's perfect for those who want to become a ninja.

Samurai Restaurant

Samurai Restaurant is a place where you can enjoy a meal while watching an entertainment show. On a stage lit up with neon lights, you can see scenes that mimic Japanese culture, such as demons, samurai, and mikoshi (portable shrines). It is divided into three parts; the first part is a dance stage featuring dancers and monsters in vivid costumes, the second part is a demon story centered around acts, and the third part is a festival stage featuring Japanese drums and mikoshi (portable shrines). Be sure to check out this stage that combines innovation with Japanese culture.

Kagurazaka

The town was established before Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo, and was bustling as one of Tokyo's leading entertainment and entertainment districts. There is the main Kagurazaka Street, as well as Hyogo Yokocho and Kakurenbo Yokocho, where the old entertainment districts remain. There are also the modern Akagi Shrine and Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, both designed by Kengo Kuma. It is a town with an adult atmosphere. It is also recommended for meals, as there are many famous Japanese restaurants.

summary

We introduced "Shinjuku," which became the Guinness World Record for the number one daily ridership in the world in 2022. There are many places to visit, from the famous "Kabukicho" that appears in movies and dramas, to "Shinjuku Gyoen," which is full of Japanese natural atmosphere while being in the city, and "Kagurazaka," an adult town. Shinjuku is also known as the "city that never sleeps," and there are many night spots that are open until late at night, so it is a place where you can have fun all day long. Please enjoy it.