Tokyo is a true mega city. Each of its areas or ‘wards’ has its own, distinctive character, and the most eclectic and international of these is Shinjuku. In a vibrant area of 18 square kilometres, historic geisha houses and winding alleyways stand next to a world-class university, fashionable residential areas and many small restaurants and bars. Shinjuku also has the greatest concentration of skyscrapers in Tokyo. The nature-inspired Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower stands out in the busy skyline, its crisscross-patterned exterior hiding an inner building of glass like a chrysalis protecting a growing butterfly. Completed in 2008, it houses a fashion school, a technology college and a medical school. Tokyo’s architects have found inspiration in so many different places and built this into their skyline – from the tiny details of nature to a computer chip. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, a vast structure taking up three blocks, is modelled on just that. The two towers of its main building have popular observation decks which stay open late into the night. There’s little time to stop and stare at Shinjuku’s train station, though. With at least 2 million passengers coming through the station every day and more from the long-distance buses, Shinjuku boasts Tokyo’s busiest train station. In fact, it’s possibly the busiest transport hub in the world. However, life in Shinjuku isn’t all bustle, buildings and business – a trip to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden will show you just how much beauty there is here. In springtime, over a thousand cherry blossom trees bloom in this city oasis. It’s one of the best parks in the whole of Tokyo to experience the tranquillity and simplicity of the flowering trees with a hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) picnic. At other times of year, you can wander through thousands of trees and take in the exotic fragrances and colours in the greenhouses. Originally built for royalty in the early twentieth-century, the gardens combine traditional Japanese landscapes with English and French formal planting which blaze with colour throughout the seaons.
Shinjuku Travel Guide
Popular places to visit
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A stroll through this peaceful, colorful garden is the highlight of a trip to Tokyo at any time of year. It is especially popular for the cherry blossoms of spring.
Waseda University
Explore the campus of Waseda University as part of your travels around Tokyo. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
National Stadium
Catch an event at National Stadium during your trip to Tokyo. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Meiji Jingu Stadium
Catch an event at Meiji Jingu Stadium during your trip to Tokyo. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and temples in this vibrant area.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
After visiting Tokyo Metropolitan Government, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Tokyo. Visit the notable monuments and shops in this vibrant area.
Shinjuku Central Park
Explore the great outdoors at Shinjuku Central Park, a lovely green space in Tokyo. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.
Activities
Full-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour in Tokyo with Cruise
Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour
From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour
Tokyo Cyberpunk Street Photo Tour
Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class
Tokyo Walking Tour with Licensed Guide Shinjuku
Our pick of the best Shinjuku Hotel Deals
Reviewed on 27 May 2024
Reviewed on 28 May 2024
Reviewed on 26 May 2024
Reviewed on 26 May 2024
Reviewed on 27 May 2024
Reviewed on 21 May 2024
Other neighbourhoods around Shinjuku
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Samurai Museum and Ninja Trick House In Tokyo, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tokyo.
Shibuya
Shibuya is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Jingu Shrine. See more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Shibuya Station or Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station.
Akasaka
Consider a visit to Tokyo Midtown and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Akasaka. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Nogizaka Station or Akasaka Station.
Roppongi
Travellers choose Roppongi for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Roppongi Station or Roppongi-itchome Station and check out top sights like National Art Center, Tokyo.
Chiyoda
Enjoy the popular shops in Chiyoda. Nippon Budokan is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Kudanshita Station or Takebashi Station to see more of Tokyo.
Ikebukuro
You might appreciate the shopping and restaurants in Ikebukuro, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space and Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre are just a few notable stops.
- Places of interest
- What kind of hotels are in Shinjuku?
- Hotels Near Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture
- Which hotel chains are in Shinjuku?
- More holiday ideas
What kind of hotels are in Shinjuku?
- Adventure Sport Hotels (16)
- Boutique Hotels (3)
- Business Hotels (49)
- Casino Hotels (1)
- Cheap Hotels (54)
- Family Hotels (52)
- Golf Hotels (34)
- Green Hotels (1)
- Historic Hotels (61)
- Hotels with Parking (31)
- Hotels with Pool (9)
- LGBT Welcoming Hotels (1)
- Luxury Hotels (31)
- Pet Friendly Hotels (2)
- Romantic Hotels (13)
- Spa Hotels (63)
Are there hotels near Shinjuku?
- Shibuya Hotels
- Minato Hotels
- Chiyoda Hotels
- Kabukicho Hotels
- Harajuku Hotels
- Nishi-Shinjuku Hotels
- Toshima Hotels
- Yoyogi Hotels
- Bunkyo Hotels
- Sendagaya Hotels
- Nakano Hotels
- Jingumae Hotels
- Takadanobaba Hotels
- Okubo Hotels
- Iidabashi Hotels
- Hyakunincho Hotels
- Korakuen Hotels
- Yotsuya Hotels
- Kagurazaka Hotels
- Kojimachi Hotels