14 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku, Tokyo (2023)

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Shinjuku is a major business and entertainment district around Tokyo’s busiest train station. This is the Tokyo you dreamed of with towering skyscrapers, neon signs, and noisy arcades.

It’s bustling and vibrant, but it’s also possible to escape the crowds.

In this post, I share the best things to do in Shinjuku from weird shows and unique bars to peaceful parks and stunning views.

Although Shinjuku is most known for its nightlife and shopping, we’re not big fans of either of these, and we still love the area.

There are some fun family-friendly activities, too, where you can learn the ways of the samurai or ninja.

You can visit most of these Shinjuku attractions in a couple of days and the majority are within a 15-minute walk of Shinjuku Station—you’ll find a Shinjuku map at the end.

Contents

  • Video: Tokyo Inspiration
  • Best Things to Do in Shinjuku Japan
  • Map of Shinjuku Things to Do
  • Is Shinjuku Worth Visiting?
  • Tokyo Travel Tips

Video: Tokyo Inspiration

Watch this video for ideas on the best things to do in Tokyo.

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Best Things to Do in Shinjuku Japan

1) Picnic in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

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We usually stay a short walk from the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden as it’s such a peaceful retreat from the hectic city.

There are French and English gardens as well as Japanese gardens featuring ponds, pagodas, and a teahouse.

There are a few cafes where you can pick up a snack or a cone of matcha soft serve ice-cream. The large lawns are perfect for a picnic.

The spacious gardens are lovely at any time of year but are especially worthy of a visit in spring cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

When we visited in mid-April, we knew we’d missed the main cherry blossom season, so we were delighted to discover that the gardens have lots of late-blooming cherry blossoms.

These are a different variety than the classic five-petal somei yoshino—they are extravagantly puffy in vibrant pink and white—but are just as beautiful.

We ended up returning three times for picnics under the blooms.

Even though it was busy on a sunny weekend, there’s a relaxed atmosphere and there’s plenty of space for everyone.

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Shinjuku Gyoen is also my favourite place to run in the area. It’s best to arrive as soon as they open at 9am and stick to the quieter path around the edge of the park (one loop was around 2km).

Shinjuku Central Park (Chuo Park) is another green space in Shinjuku. It’s much smaller than Shinjuku Gyoen, but it’s free and is on the western side of Shinjuku train station, near the Park Hyatt and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Details: 500 yen ($3.50) entrance fee. Open 9am – 5.30pm. Closed on Mondays. If there are queues at the Shinjuku Gate, walk outside the park to the quieter southern gate.

2) Stroll Down Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho)

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(Video) Top 10 Things to DO in SHINJUKU Tokyo | WATCH BEFORE YOU GO

Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho in Japanese) is one of my favourite places to visit in Shinjuku at night.

As vegetarians we can’t eat in the many tiny yakitori restaurants down the narrow alleyways serving meat on skewers, but it’s an atmospheric place to wander.

The bars are decorated with paper lanterns and seasonal flora (autumn leaves or spring cherry blossoms) and smoke billows from the grills.

In the background, you’ll see the bright lights of Shinjuku’s billboards—the perfect contrast of old and new.

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It can get very busy, though—our visit on a rainy October weeknight was much more enjoyable than on an April Saturday.

The lane is very close to Shinjuku Station so there’s no reason not to wander through at least once and perhaps stop for a meal.

If you don’t feel confident stopping at the stalls, a great way to explore with a local is on this Shinjuku bar hopping tour, which includes various drink and food stops on Memory Lane and elsewhere. They can even cater for vegans.

Details: Food stalls open from 5pm to midnight.

3) Enjoy a Free View from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of the best places to go in Shinjuku for a view of the futuristic skyline—and it’s free!

You can visit by day or night—on a clear morning you might have a chance of seeing distant Mount Fuji from the South Tower, but I love seeing Tokyo lit up at night.

The North Tower is the best place to see the skyscrapers and highways, but it’s currently closed.

Details: Free. Open 9.30 am to 10 pm. North Observatory closed second and fourth Monday of the month. South Observatory closed first and third Tuesday of the month. 10-minute walk from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station.

If you want to explore beyond Shinjuku, check out our guide to the coolest things to do in Tokyo.

4) Experience Sensory Overload at the Robot Restaurant (CLOSED)

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Update: The Robot Restaurant has been closed since March 2020 and it doesn’t look like it will reopen. I will update this post if it does.

Our head and ears ached afterwards, but there’s no denying that the Robot Restaurant is one of the craziest Shinjuku activities.

It’s a highly energetic show, not a restaurant (don’t get food there), and features robots, dragons, ninjas, blue-haired dancers, creepy clowns, guitarists on swings, drums, a whole lot of neon lights, and really loud music. It’s full-on.

The Robot Restaurant is one of most popular things to do in Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment and red light district.

This is a slightly seedy but lively area with hostess bars, love hotels, and lots of bright lights.

We found it very safe to wander, but you might get ripped off in some of the bars (don’t go anywhere with a street tout luring you in).

Read Simon’s Robot Restaurant review to find out if the show is for you.

(Video) 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO

5) Drink in a Tiny Bar on the Golden Gai

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Like Memory Lane, the Golden Gai is another atmospheric network of narrow alleyways.

This area is focused on bars rather than food stalls and doesn’t get going until later at night (at 8pm it was still fairly quiet).

Many bars have cover charges and don’t allow foreigners, but you’ll see signs in English for the ones that are more welcoming.

As it’s a little intimidating, you might prefer to explore with a local. This Golden Gai Experience has excellent reviews and includes four food stops in the area plus a drink at one of the tiny Golden Gai bars.

Details: From 7pm or 8pm until early morning.

6) Recreate Lost in Translation at the New York Bar at Park Hyatt

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I highly recommend watching the Lost in Translation movie with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson before visiting Tokyo.

The characters stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel in Shinjuku and meet for the first time in the 52nd floor bar which has stunning views over the city.

We are not the only fans of the movie who wanted to recreate the scene. It’s one of the top Shinjuku tourist spots and hard to get in, but the views are superb.

There’s a 2750 yen ($19) cover charge from 6.30pm when live jazz is played. You could arrive earlier to avoid the charge.

We arrived at 6.15pm on a Saturday night and waited 30 minutes to get in. Unfortunately, we were then seated at the bar with our backs to the view.

I actually got better photos from the waiting area outside the bar as I didn’t feel comfortable standing next to people’s tables to take photos by the windows inside.

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Drink prices are high, as you’d expect (although the current weak yen makes it more affordable than a few years ago). A cocktail is 2400 yen ($17) and beer is 1300 yen ($9) and there’s 15% tax on top.

Food is also available.

If you’re on a tight budget, just enjoy the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building instead. If you do want the bar experience, arrive early to avoid the crowds and request a table by the window.

Keep your expectations realistic, but it can be one of the best things to do in Shinjuku at night.

The bar can be surprisingly hard to find within the massive building and requires a few different elevators. See the directions in this post on visiting the New York Bar.

For the ultimate experience, splurge on a stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo and then you don’t have to pay the cover charge and can even enjoy the view from your room.

Details: Open 5pm – 11pm (midnight on weekends). Shorts, beach sandals, and sportswear are not allowed.

7) Sing Karaoke in a Private Booth

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After our drink at the New York Bar, we walked to the neon heart of bustling Kabukicho for our first Japanese karaoke experience.

The Japanese absolutely love karaoke and visiting one of the many huge karaoke centres is one of the best things to do in Japan for a fun local experience.

We went to Karaoke no Tetsujin, an affordable karaoke chain.

(Video) The Ultimate 4 Day TOKYO Itinerary | Japan Travel Guide 2023

You rent a private booth with comfortable seating and a tablet where you can choose from plenty of English songs. Use the microphones to sing along with the laughably dated videos.

There are a bewildering array of packages available, but choose how long you’d like to sing for and the staff will help you out.

It’s cheaper on weekdays before 7pm but even on a Saturday night we thought it was reasonable—400 yen ($3) per person for 30 minutes including an alcoholic drink.

8) Spot Godzilla at Shinjuku Gracery Hotel

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Near Karaoke no Tetsujin is one of the most famous Shinjuku sights—a giant Godzilla head that towers above the Toho Building and the neon signs of Kabukicho.

The building also houses the Shinjuku Gracery Hotel and if you stay there you can see Godzilla up close in reception—it even roars!

9) Dress Up as a Samurai at the Samurai Museum

We still haven’t made it to the Samurai Museum, but it gets excellent reviews and is a fantastic family-friendly activity.

The small museum has a display of costumes, swords and other articles from these honour-bound warriors.

A guided tour is included in the price and is recommended to understand the samurai spirit and how it permeates into modern Japanese lives.

You can try on the costumes for a fun photo opportunity.

Details: The Samurai Museum is temporarily closed due to Covid. Previously it was 1800 yen ($13) entry. Open 10.30am to 9pm.

10) Learn to be a Ninja at Ninja Trick House

Another good option if you are wondering what to do in Shinjuku with kids (big or small), is the Ninja Trick House. It’s also on our list for next time.

Here you can learn about the life of a ninja and try some of their skills yourself including throwing shurikens and swordplay.

The experience lasts for 30–45 minutes.

Details: 2000 yen ($14) entry (1000 yen for kids aged 1-3). Open 10am – 6pm (5pm final admission). Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reservations are highly recommended. Note there is no elevator.

11) Ride a Go-Kart Through the Streets

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One of the most fun things to do in Shinjuku is ride a go-kart on the real roads dressed as your favourite character!

You’ll need an international driving permit for this, so make sure you get one before leaving your home country.

You’ll drive past iconic destinations in Shinjuku and Shibuya, while passers-by wave and take your photo.

I found it a little scary at first but then just so much fun. It’s a unique way to see Shinjuku.

You can choose a day or night tour—around sunset is ideal to see the golden hour then neon lights after dark.

Details: This one-hourGo-Kart Tour with Monkey Kartcosts $137 including costume rental and photos. Each person drives their own kart. Make sure to book in advance and bring your international driving permit.

12) Visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum

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This contemporary art museum is a Shinjuku must see for fans of Yayoi Kusama’s art.

(Video) Top things to do in Shinjuku

It’s a small space with changing exhibitions featuring her signature vibrant colours, polka dots, and usually plenty of pumpkins.

The museum is further from Shinjuku Station than the other Shinjuku attractions on this list, but it can be reached by metro to Waseda or Ushigome-Yanagicho Stations in about 15 minutes.

Details: You must book in advance for a specific 90-minute time slot on the Yayoi Kusama Museum website. Entry is 1100 yen ($8) and it’s open Thursdays to Sundays and on National Holidays from 11am – 5.30pm. There’s no waiting area so don’t arrive before your allocated time.

13) Go Shopping

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s main shopping areas. Even though we’re not fans of shopping, we still always end up in some of the stores.

Here are just some of the shops to check out:

  • Uniqlo – Affordable but good quality basic clothing items. Ideal if you need some winter clothes. I love their Heattech base layers.
  • Bic Camera – A massive electronics store with everything tech you could possibly need. Take your passport and get more expensive items tax-free. I bought my Sony a7 III camera from the Kyoto store and got extra discounts and freebies. It’s also good for picking up a SIM card.
  • Bicqlo – This branch handily combines Uniqlo and Bic Camera in the same mammoth building.
  • Isetan and Takashimaya department stores – The food halls in Japanese department stores are not to be missed and these are two excellent ones. Whether you are looking for a picnic lunch, foodie gift, or just browsing, there’s a huge array of choice from bento boxes to beautifully packaged seasonal sweets, weird flavoured kitkats to $100 melons.
  • Tokyu Hands – Brilliant for stationery, household items, and creative souvenirs.
  • Don Quijote – A chaotic discount store perfect for cheap souvenirs.

Here’s a more detailed Shinjuku shopping guide.

14) Eat!

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Of course, one of the top things to do in Shinjuku (and all of Tokyo), is eat!

We’re vegetarian so our experience is a little different. Our favourites include Tsunahachi for tempura and Zen for okonomiyaki. Isetan also has a vegan bento box.

See my Tokyo vegetarian restaurant guide for more details.

If you do eat meat, check out this list of the best restaurants in Shinjuku from ramen to sushi.

You might also want to take this Shinjuku Food Tour where you’ll sample four dishes and visit a tiny Golden Gai bar. They can cater for vegetarians.

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Map of Shinjuku Things to Do

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Is Shinjuku Worth Visiting?

Yes, Shinjuku is absolutely worth visiting—perhaps more so than anywhere else in Tokyo.

Its neon lights, fun attractions, excellent food and shopping, and atmospheric bars make for a classic Tokyo experience.

The transport links are excellent if you decide to base yourself here (as we usually do). You can read my post on why I think Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo—it includes recommended accommodation options.

I hope this guide gives you some ideas of what to see in Shinjuku and helps you explore this vibrant neighbourhood.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any other recommendations of things to do in the area.

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Tokyo Travel Tips

Read our other Tokyo posts to help you make the most of your time in this amazing city:

  • 23 Cool Things to Do in Tokyo
  • 12 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo
  • 14 Best Tokyo DisneySea Rides for Adults
  • 14 Best Disneyland Tokyo Rides for Adults
  • Planning a Trip to Japan: Dos and Don’ts

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(Video) 9 Things you MUST Know SHINJUKU Tokyo | Watch This Before You Go

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FAQs

What is Shinjuku best known for? ›

Shinjuku (新宿) is one of the 23 city wards of Tokyo, but the name commonly refers to just the large entertainment, business and shopping area around Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest railway station, handling more than two million passengers every day.

What is the most recommended activity to try in Tokyo? ›

Top Attractions in Tokyo
  1. Senso-ji Temple. 9,353. Religious Sites. ...
  2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. 6,165. Gardens. ...
  3. Meiji Jingu Shrine. 8,213. Points of Interest & Landmarks. ...
  4. Asakusa. 6,110. Neighbourhoods. ...
  5. Tokyo Skytree. 8,010. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings. ...
  6. Ueno Park. 5,256. ...
  7. Tokyo Tower. 8,267. ...
  8. Akihabara. 4,439.

What is a fun fact about Shinjuku? ›

Shinjuku is the busiest train station in the world

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Shinjuku station is officially the busiest train station in the world, where every day 3.4 million passengers utilize six different train companies operating across 12 different lines.

What are 3 things Tokyo is famous for? ›

Tokyo is famous for Anime, electronics, manga, and video games. Akihabara is the epicenter if it all. It becomes a jungle of electric lights and colors at night, providing a sensory overload for visitors. Getting lost, window shopping, and photography are top activities here.

Why is Shinjuku so popular? ›

Shinjuku is one of the must-visit areas in Tokyo, best known as the best entertainments districts in the city. The district offers lavish nightlife decorated with flashy neon lights and it's considered as the biggest red light district in Tokyo.

How much money do you need in Tokyo per day? ›

A Realistic Daily Budget for a Tokyo Trip

Factoring in accommodations, meal fees, transportation, entry fees, souvenir prices, the average tourist will spend around 20,000-25,000 yen for a day in Tokyo.

What is the famous crossing in Shinjuku? ›

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, with as many as 3,000 people crossing at a time. Tokyo-based architecture professor Shane Flynn has said Shibuya Crossing is "a great example of what Tokyo does best when it's not trying."

How much yen do you need per day in Japan? ›

Sample daily budgets
Single TravelerTwo Travelers
Low Budget3,500 - 7,800 yen7,000 - 15,600 yen
Medium Budget8,800 - 18,500 yen13,600 - 28,000 yen
High Budgetover 18,500 yenover 28,000 yen
Dec 3, 2022

What is the number one thing to do in Japan? ›

See the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

It's a complex of buildings, and it's surrounded by a hundred thousand trees that were planted after the shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. Today, it is one of the most popular things to see in Japan, and it sees over 3 million visitors per year.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Japan? ›

1. Mount Fuji. Without a doubt Japan's most recognizable landmark, majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the country's highest mountain peak.

What is Tokyo's best kept secret? ›

This guide to finding Tokyo hidden gems will cover:

Gotoku-ji Temple, Setagaya. Shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory, Setagaya. Café Ron Ron, Harajuku. Shibuya Sky Observatory, Shibuya Station.

What does Shinjuku mean in English? ›

Since the end of the Second World War, Shinjuku has been a major secondary center of Tokyo (fukutoshin), rivaling to the original city center in Marunouchi and Ginza. It literally means "New Inn Ward".

Which area of Shinjuku is best? ›

The 5 best areas to stay in Shinjuku
  1. Near Shinjuku Station - Excellent access to Tokyo and incredible shopping. ...
  2. Kabukicho and Golden Gai Area - Discover the wilder side of Tokyo. ...
  3. Tochomae Area - Quieter area of town; Limousine Bus area. ...
  4. Shinjuku Gyoen Area - Great access to the cherry blossoms.
Dec 18, 2022

Why Tokyo is a must visit? ›

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations for the region. Japan maintains a strong sense of traditional and cultural history while also being a world leader in innovative technology and fashion. Tokyo, in particular, is an exciting and bustling city that boasts a wide range of activities.

Is it better to stay in Tokyo or Shinjuku? ›

Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo for first-time tourists due to its prime location. This central neighborhood offers great nightlife, shopping, and easy access to other parts of the city with public transport. It is better to stay in Shinjuku than in Shibuya if you prefer a more nightlife scene.

What is the most trendy area in Tokyo? ›

Shibuya – Tokyo's Trendiest Neighborhood

Harajuku might be Tokyo's fashion capital, but most of the hottest trends in fashion start in Shibuya. It's also where many young people in Tokyo hang out, which is why it's also known as Japan's “youth capital.”

Where is the red light district in Shinjuku? ›

Kabukicho is a district located in Shinjuku ward, in the West of Tokyo. While the whole family can visit it throughout day time, there is a strong "adult" atmosphere once the moon has risen.

Is $100 a day enough for Japan? ›

Yes, this is definitely enough, if you're not planning to go to expensive attractions like theme parks. Temples and museums charge between 500 and 1000 yen admission, and some are free. Breakfast can be got for 500 yen, lunch for 1000-1500 and dinner for 1000-2000 quite comfortably.

Is $5,000 dollars enough to travel to Japan? ›

Depends on how long, from where, and what comfort level you want to be in when going there. $5000 is more than enough for one person for at comfortable two-week trip after an economy airfare from the USA and economy to mid-range hotel reservations are arranged in advance. I moved to Japan with less than that!

Is $2000 dollars enough for a week in Japan? ›

For most people it is more than enough. Japan is no longer that expensive.

What is the most busy crossing in Tokyo? ›

The busiest crossing in Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo's most recognizable sights, pictured in countless films, magazines and blogs. During its busiest times, an estimated 1,000 to 2,500 people forge their way across this intersection every two minutes, enough to quickly fill up a football stadium.

Is Shinjuku good for tourists? ›

The best areas to stay in Tokyo for tourists are Shinjuku and Ginza. Other good places to stay in Tokyo are Tokyo Station, Shibuya and Asakusa. It is best to stay near JR Yamanote train line or any subway line for easy access to Tokyo tourist sites.

Is $1000 dollars enough in Japan? ›

Is 1000 dollars enough for a week in Japan? In short, I think you will be absolutely fine since your flight and hotels are paid for already. $1000 should be sufficient, but you must be strict with yourself.

Should I bring cash to Japan? ›

While credit cards are become more widely accepted in Japan, cash is still king in Japan. Don't assume that you can use a credit card in small stores, restaurants and accommodations, particularly “mom and pop” places. Always carry sufficient Japanese cash as a backup.

How much cash can I bring to Japan? ›

Currency. If you are carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding 1 million yen (*0.1 million JPY in a case that you are bound for North Korea), you are required to declare to Customs. Please ask a Customs officer at a seaport/ airport for a blank form.

What is the best month to go to Japan? ›

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery.

What are things you can only do in Japan? ›

  • Soak Naked in Japan's Onsen Hot Spring Spas. ...
  • Stay at a Traditional Japanese Ryokan. ...
  • Make Mochi from Scratch. ...
  • See Frost Flowers Bloom at Lake Akan. ...
  • Take a Dunk Amid the Drift Ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. ...
  • Visit a Cat Island. ...
  • Take a Shinkansen Bullet Train. ...
  • Get Your Fortune at Shrines and Temples.
Oct 30, 2019

What is the most beautiful thing in Japan? ›

Mt Fuji, Yamanashi

Japan's crown jewel and arguably the most beautiful place in the country, Mt Fuji is a must for any visitor. There are plenty of places to see the grand mountain, but the views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, which boasts the majestic Chureito Pagoda, and from Lake Kawaguchi best capture its beauty.

Where do the rich vacation in Japan? ›

Karuizawa. A wealthy summer holiday home town in Nagano Prefecture. Karuizawa, for example, saw government-assessed residential land values increase by 11.2% in 2022, and in 2021 saw a 16-fold increase in the annual transactions of houses priced over 80 million Yen.

What is the secret cafe in Tokyo? ›

84 Cafe or Hashi Cafe is a private bar in Tokyo's Shibuya ward, owned by Toru Hashimoto, a former engineer at Kyoto-based video game company Nintendo. 84 Cafe opened in 2021 under specific conditions and for a limited time of use.

Where is top secret Japan? ›

Chiba Prefecture

What is the secret underground bar in Tokyo? ›

Bar Trench Annex

But few know about the bar's secret pop-up, the Trench Annex. A bar within a bar, the annex's entrance is via Bar Trench's sister establishment, Bar Triad, where a door inside the bar reveals a secret staircase leading to the floor above.

What's unique about Tokyo? ›

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world. The city is renowned for its modern architecture, food culture, and vibrant nightlife. Tokyo is also home to a number of historical sites and cultural attractions.

What are 20 fun facts about Japan? ›

Unusual facts about Japan
  • Late-night dancing was illegal until 2015. ...
  • Nearly all smartphones sold are waterproof because people use them even in the bath. ...
  • The world's oldest company was from Japan. ...
  • Japan consists of 6852 islands. ...
  • Japan has a festival dedicated to the phallus. ...
  • Taking a power nap at work is socially acceptable.
Jun 11, 2020

How do you say OK in Tokyo? ›

Wakarimashita / wakatta

Wakarimashita (分かりました / わかりました) is one of the best ways to say okay in Japanese.

What does yes mean in Tokyo? ›

'Yes' in Japanese is はい (hai), but you often hear わかりました (wakarimashita) which literally means 'I understand' or 'OK, I agree. ' However, in informal situations, it is also acceptable to say OK です (it's OK) and, particularly amongst friends, you can utter ええ (ee).

How expensive is Shinjuku? ›

Average cost by ward
Tokyo WardsAverage cost per month by Japanese apartment size
Shibuya97,100206,000
Shinagawa78,800138,600
Shinjuku77,300144,000
Suginami59,900100,400
20 more rows
Mar 8, 2021

Where is the best place for Americans to stay in Tokyo? ›

Shinjuku – The Best Area To Stay In Tokyo For Tourists & First-Time Visitors. Shinjuku is the best district to stay in Tokyo if you are visiting Tokyo for the first time. There are lots of options for accommodation, entertainment, and shopping here, as well as plenty of delicious street food.

What is Shinjuku most famous street? ›

Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Tokyo is littered with little alleyways known as yokocho, filled with narrow eateries and drink stalls, but none are quite as iconic as Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho.

Is the red-light district in Shinjuku? ›

Kabukicho is a district located in Shinjuku ward, in the West of Tokyo. While the whole family can visit it throughout day time, there is a strong "adult" atmosphere once the moon has risen.

Is Shinjuku the heart of Tokyo? ›

Since the end of the Second World War, Shinjuku has been a major secondary center of Tokyo (fukutoshin), rivaling to the original city center in Marunouchi and Ginza. It literally means "New Inn Ward".

What is the prettiest street in Japan? ›

In first place is the famous “Philosopher's Walk” in Kyôto, Japan.

What is the richest street in Tokyo? ›

Ginza is long known as the most expensive spot in Japan. The first Starbucks started here and many other brands would open their first Japan outlet here. The road is a pedestrian heaven on weekends where they block off the roads and allow people to walk on the roads between the buildings.

What is a love hotel used for? ›

As the name suggests, the main purpose of love hotels is to provide couples with a room to spend some undisturbed time together. The rooms are equipped according to their purpose with large double beds, a television offering erotic programs, a nice bathroom, etc.

Is Uber available in Tokyo? ›

Tokyo: Get a ride. Travel. Explore. Planning a trip is easy with Uber.

Where to find girls in Shinjuku? ›

If you've been to Kabukicho in Shinjuku—Tokyo's red-light district—you'll almost certainly have come across girls bars, which are bars tended by women. Men visit girls bars and pay not just for the drinks but for the company of the girl bartenders who will talk to them throughout the night.

Which is better Shibuya or Shinjuku? ›

Shinjuku and Shibuya are both the best place to stay in Tokyo for first-timers. It offers easy access to the train station. It is better to stay in Shinjuku than in Shibuya if you prefer more nightlife scene. It is better to stay in Shibuya than in Shinjuku if you prefer more shopping scene.

What part of Tokyo is best to stay? ›

The best places to stay are Shinjuku, the Tokyo Station Area, Ginza/Hibiya, Shibuya or Roppongi. Other decent places to stay include Nihombashi, Shinagawa, Hamamatsucho and Shiodome. Try to stay near a Yamanote Line (Tokyo loop line) station. If you can't do that, be sure you're near a subway station.

Where should I stay in Japan for the first time? ›

As a first-timer in Japan, you should definitely visit the main tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and/or Osaka. In addition, you can also visit some isolated areas such as some beautiful islands like Hokkaido and Okinawa!

What is the red-light district of Tokyo? ›

Kabukichō is the biggest red-light district in Tokyo, where you can “buy” girls on an iPad, see Godzilla, or spend the night in a love hotel, so embrace the seediness and head on in…

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