The first sensation you may feel as soon as you get to Shinjuku station may simply be being overwhelmed. Commonly recognized as the busiest train station in the world, it is easy to get lost in between the insane amount of people passing through it, all of whom seem to know exactly where they’re going and exactly which path they’re taking. Nonetheless, do not be scared to indulge in this chaos and explore the station: although every major station in Tokyo has stores and eateries, the area around Shinjuku is like no other.
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Once you’ve decided to step out, you’ll be confronted with the view that you probably thought of when you set yourself on visiting Tokyo. There are going to be lit signs everywhere promoting places from arcades and restaurants to love hotels and host cafés. With this view in front of your eyes, you’ll start walking around the streets, and you’ll probably be mesmerized by the number of stores and well-dressed people you’ll see. While areas of Tokyo like Harajuku are known for the number of boutiques they house and areas like Omotesandō are known for their high-end fashion, Shinjuku is known for both. You’ll find all kinds of stores there, and they are often found inside buildings that, although may have the appearance of an apartment complex in an expensive neighborhood, are some kind of shopping mall.
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Shopping is not the only thing you’ll be able to do there: the amount of restaurants is also immense, and most of them offer delicious food. Omoide Yokocho is one of those must-visit streets located in Shinjuku. With many different yakitori restaurants and izakayas lined up on this street, it is a great place to find something cheap to eat or meet new people that are also entranced by all the lights surrounding them.
Now, if we’re talking about neon lights, we have to talk about Kabukicho. Although it’s famous for its adult entertainment spots, Kabukicho is also a good place to simply spend a good night at a bar or izakaya. In Kabukicho you’ll find the Golden Gai, an area composed of around six streets that are all extremely narrow and all lined up with various izakaya and small restaurants. It has a very unique ambiance, which is why we highly recommend visiting it and going into one of the small izakayas to have a beer or two.
Photo credits: minube.net
Aside from all the busy street life, you’ll also be able to find the Shinjuku Gyoen in between the streets of the area. A famous place for cherry blossom and autumn tree viewing, it’s a garden that, although located in one of Tokyo’s most hectic areas, has a very tranquil and family-friendly environment. It is the perfect place to have a relaxed picnic after hours of walking through the streets of Shinjuku. The Samurai Museum is also a kid-friendly activity to do in Shinjuku, given that the viewers are even able to try a samurai costume while watching the exhibition. If you wish to have a good bird’s-eye view of the city without paying the fare for Shibuya Sky or Skytree, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, which even allow you to have a nice view of Mount Fuji.
Photo credits: nippon.com
Now, Shinjuku was not always known for being this bustling center of city life. Although it has been a well-regarded center for business for centuries, at first it didn’t have a specific reason to set it apart from other commercial areas. Nonetheless, after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, it gained importance given that it was mostly left unscathed. Some of the businesses built around this time still prevail today, like the Kinokuniya bookstore and Nakamuraya bakery. During the 60s Shinjuku was also well-known for being a center for counter-culture, having jazz and classical music cafes where young people gathered to discuss politics. Over the years it has grown immensely to become the social center it is today, as malls, restaurants, and bars opened their doors all around the area.
Photo credits: brooklynparlor.co.jp
Now, there are certain restaurants and cafes we consider a must-try in the area. Brooklyn Parlor is an underground café that offers lunch options as well. What’s most compelling about this place is its cozy, dark ambiance, showcasing books around the area and featuring dim yellow lighting. Nihonshu Genka Sakagura is the perfect place for those who love or want to learn more about sake and want food to accompany it as well. Now, if what you’re in for is a nice cup of ramen, Fūunji is the best place in the area for that. The creamy and thick soup in which the noodles are dipped is one of the best out there.
All in all, although it may seem a tad intimidating, Shinjuku is famous for a reason. It is one of Tokyo’s emblematic neighborhoods, so be sure to enjoy its restaurants and shopping malls whenever you visit!
Feature photo credit byPema Lama onUnsplash
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