1 Day Itinerary in Tokyo: SHINJUKU

Shinjuku is the busiest and one of the most popular districts in Tokyo! Enjoy shopping, eating, sightseeing, and nightlife all day long in the city that never sleeps! Plan your trip with my one-day itinerary with a model route in Shinjuku!

For a general overview of the Shinjuku area, don’t miss our All-in-One Guide to Shinjuku!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Why Visit Shinjuku?

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most dynamic districts, packed with a mix of high-rise business towers, sprawling department stores, neon-lit nightlife, and quiet pockets of green. It’s where Tokyo’s contradictions collide: ultramodern skyscrapers a short walk from traditional alleyways and izakaya bars.

Home to one of the busiest train stations in the world, it’s a key transport hub, making it a convenient base or stopover. Shinjuku also delivers some of the city’s best views from observation decks, late-night eats, and shopping that runs from high fashion to budget-friendly gadgets. For a snapshot of Tokyo’s energy, Shinjuku rarely disappoints.

Shinjuku Itinerary for a Day

1. Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen (30–60 mins)

Just a short stroll from the lively Shinjuku Station (south-east gate), Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is a delightful oasis, contrasting the district’s chaotic vibe! Covering an impressive 58.3 hectares, this beautiful garden seamlessly integrates three distinct styles: the traditional Japanese garden with its meticulously arranged landscapes and teahouses; the English landscape garden featuring expansive lawns; and the French formal garden known for its symmetrical design and seasonal flower beds.

This lovely park really shines during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons! In spring, over 1,000 cherry trees bloom in succession, providing an extended hanami experience. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

More details and practical info: Shinjuku Gyoen: the National Garden and Park in Tokyo

2. Mid-morning: Hanazono Shrine (30 mins)

A 15-minute walk north from Shinjuku Gyoen brings you to Hanazono Shrine (花園神社), a prominent Shinto shrine located in the heart of Shinjuku. Dedicated to Inari, the deity of prosperity and success, it’s a favored spot for local businesspeople seeking blessings for their ventures.

Despite its central location amidst the busy cityscape, the shrine offers a tranquil atmosphere with its vibrant red torii gates and traditional architecture. Throughout the year, Hanazono Shrine hosts various festivals, attracting both locals and visitors.

For more detailed information on its history, festivals, and visiting tips, please refer to our dedicated article: Hanazono Shrine: A Large Shinto Shrine in Shinjuku.

Lunch Suggestion: Eat Ramen (30–60 mins)

The Shinjuku area is known for its highly competitive ramen scene, featuring hundreds of ramen restaurants. Be prepared to wait in line for up to 30 minutes at popular shops during lunchtime.

Check our curated list of suggestions for some of the best ramen in the area:

Would you prefer to have something else for lunch instead? We got you!

After Lunch Shopping (60–120 mins)

After a satisfying lunch, resist the urge to nap by diving into Shinjuku’s fun shopping scene! As one of Tokyo’s premier retail districts, Shinjuku offers an eclectic mix of department stores, electronics retailers, and specialty shops, all within walking distance. It is indeed one of the best places to shop in Tokyo!

There are not just clothing stores, but also electronic and souvenir shops! Whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion trends, cutting-edge gadgets, or unique souvenirs, let me assure you Shinjuku has you covered.

More info: Shinjuku Shopping Guide: Best Shops in Shinjuku

Recommended department stores:

• Isetan Shinjuku: A flagship store renowned for its extensive selection of international and Japanese fashion brands, as well as a gourmet food hall featuring delicacies from across Japan.

• Takashimaya Times Square: A sprawling complex that combines high-end fashion, lifestyle goods, and a variety of restaurants, making it a one-stop destination for shoppers.

• Lumine: Popular among younger shoppers, Lumine offers a curated selection of trendy apparel, accessories, and cosmetics, with several branches connected directly to Shinjuku Station.

Recommended Electronics Stores:

• Yodobashi Camera: One of Japan’s largest electronics retailers, Yodobashi’s Shinjuku store spans multiple buildings, offering everything from cameras and computers to household appliances.

• Bic Camera: Located near Shinjuku Station’s east exit, Bic Camera provides a wide range of electronics, often featuring competitive prices and tax-free shopping for tourists.

• Yamada Denki: Another major electronics chain, Yamada Denki’s Shinjuku outlet offers a vast selection of gadgets and home appliances, catering to both tech enthusiasts and casual shoppers.

3. Evening: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings (60 mins)

A short walk from the west side of Shinjuku Station, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings (東京都庁) is the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and an iconic building of Shinjuku. It’s a really popular place to visit as their observation decks are situated on the 45th floor are FREE to enter!

The superb views overlooking the city can be enjoyed without any admission fees. The surrounding area is often called “Shinjuku’s Skyscrapers Area” since numerous tall buildings are located.

Also, don’t miss the projection mapping show every 30 minutes every day at night!

More details in our dedicated article: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

4. Dinner: Omoide Yokocho (60 mins)

So let’s start your “Night in Shinjuku” with one of the famous Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) alleys. Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁) is a narrow street where over 70 small Izakayas are crammed in, located by the railway on the west side of the station.

The smoky street with nostalgic red lanterns is extremely popular nowadays, as it represents Japan’s old times. Let’s have 1–2 drinks at Omoide Yokocho, but don’t get drunk, coz the night in Shinjuku is long!

5. Night: Kabukicho (60–120 mins)

Let’s move on to the east side of the station. Kabukicho (歌舞伎町) is the biggest red-light district in Tokyo, where millions of bars, pubs, and clubs are located and are famous for the streets with neon lights.

One of the top-visited sites among tourists in Tokyo, Samurai Restaurant (formerly known as Robot Restaurant) is also located in the Kabukicho area.

Avoid getting lost in Kabukicho with our survival guide!

6. Late-night: Golden Gai (60 mins)

If you thought you had enough with Kabukicho, think again: here is another small drinking den called Golden Gai (ゴールデン街) where countless tiny bars are lined, most of them with only a few seats, and some of them only accepting regulars (worry not! There’s plenty to choose from!). It boasts a true local atmosphere, and guests sit and drink real close to strangers and bar owners.

Itinerary Map

Here you can check at a glance the main spots highlighted in the route:

Hotels in Shinjuku

Staying in Shinjuku puts you at the center of Tokyo’s action, with easy train access to just about everywhere. You’re within walking distance of nightlife, shopping, and restaurants, but also close to quieter areas like Shinjuku Gyoen. It’s practical, well-connected, and packed with options, ideal for both first-timers and frequent visitors. Check our dedicated article for some hotel recommendations!

FAQs About Shinjuku

1. Is Shinjuku safe for tourists?
Yes, Shinjuku is generally very safe, even at night. Like anywhere, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the Kabukicho nightlife area.

2. Is Shinjuku Station really that confusing?
Yes. It’s famously chaotic—it serves over 3.5 million passengers daily. That said, signage is good, and using smartphone apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel by Navitime helps a lot.

3. What’s the difference between Shinjuku and Shibuya?
Shibuya is younger and trendier, famous for fashion and the scramble crossing. Shinjuku is larger, more diverse, and has a broader mix of business, shopping, nightlife, and green space.

4. What’s open late in Shinjuku?
Plenty. Karaoke bars, izakayas, convenience stores, and many restaurants stay open well past midnight. Kabukicho is the main late-night zone, though it’s more adult-oriented.

5. Is Shinjuku a good base for sightseeing in Tokyo?
Absolutely. With connections to multiple train lines, it’s easy to reach places like Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and beyond.

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Thank you for reading! Shinjuku is one of the most captivating areas in Tokyo, so be sure not to miss its top highlights during your visit.

Don’t miss the city essentials with our 1-day itineraries:

HARAJUKU and SHIBUYA: 1 Day Itinerary in Tokyo

1 Day Itinerary in Tokyo: ASAKUSA+UENO

1 Day Itinerary in Tokyo: AKIHABARA

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For additional information about exploring Shinjuku and its surrounding areas, here are some more articles for you to check out. Enjoy!