Things to Do in Shinjuku | Best Hotels, Bars & Attractions | MK Travel

Shinjuku is the buzzing core of Tokyo, home to the busiest train station in the world, where over 3.6 million people pass through daily. Salarymen in pressed suits, students in sailor uniforms, and a growing influx of foreign travelers all gather here, creating a district that embodies Tokyo in its purest form—a neon-lit blend of entertainment, dining, shopping, and nightlife.

This is where back-alley yokochō serve as living Blade Runner fantasies, where highballs and skewered meats are enjoyed beneath paper lanterns. It’s also where the city’s Gothic, computer-chip-inspired cathedral—the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building—looms over the skyline. Additionally, Kabukichō reveals a grittier side of Japan, while Golden Gai condenses nightlife into a cluster of micro-bars with distinctive character. Shinjuku embodies everything Tokyo is imagined to be: chaotic, cinematic, and vibrant with energy—the beating heart that pulses through the capital’s sprawling cityscape.

Yet amid the skyscrapers and flashing billboards, Shinjuku also has surprising quiet spots. The well-kept lawns of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden provide a peaceful green space, while the smaller neighborhoods of Arakichō and Yotsuya offer intimacy and elegance that visitors often miss. This blend of spectacle and subtlety is what makes Shinjuku worth more than just a quick visit.

Through MK’s expert perspective, we look beyond the obvious—highlighting not only the iconic landmarks but also the local favorites cherished by residents. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s five central wards, alongside the glitz of Minato, the authority of Chiyoda, the commerce of Chūō, and the youthful energy of Shibuya. Here, everything comes together: skyscrapers and gardens, shopping trips and bar crawls, family outings and sleepless nights.

Strap in—this is Shinjuku as it truly is, seen through MK’s perspective.

What are the top attractions in Shinjuku?

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – A sprawling national garden blending Japanese, English, and French landscape styles, famous for spring cherry blossoms.

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – A twin-towered landmark with free observation decks offering panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline.

• Omoide Yokocho – A nostalgic postwar alleyway packed with smoky yakitori joints, narrow stools, and the scent of grilled memory.

• Shin-Okubo Korea Town – A neon-drenched enclave of Korean food, music, and cosmetics—Tokyo’s Korea Town pulses with flavor and fandom.

• Ōkuma Garden – A historic Japanese garden with ties to the Ii family and Matsudaira clan, now part of Waseda University.

• Meiji Memorial Museum – A tribute to Emperor Meiji’s legacy through art and history, housed in an Important Cultural Property.

• Beams Japan Flagship – A curated flagship store for Japanese fashion, design, and lifestyle goods.

• Isetan Shinjuku – Tokyo’s premier department store for luxury shopping and gourmet dining.

Where should I eat in Shinjuku?

• Soba House Konjiki Hototogisu – A Michelin-starred ramen shop serving creative, flavorful bowls of ramen made with homemade noodles in a cozy, no-frills setting.

• Menya Kaijin Shinjuku Ten – A ramen bar known for its crystal-clear fish-based shio broth, thin noodles, and grilled onigiri finish.

• Honolu Shinjukugyoenmae Halal Ramen – A no-pork, no-alcohol ramen shop with full halal certification, serving rich chicken-based bowls.

• Mughal Halal Indian Restaurant – A dependable halal Indian spot near Waseda serving North Indian staples.

• CHIKYU MASALA – A cozy Shinjuku restaurant offering flavorful curries and vegetarian-friendly dishes made with fresh, natural ingredients.

• Kan Coffee Fujifuji – A charming Arakichō hideaway that combines the comfort of a café with the lively vibe of a neighborhood izakaya.

• Ubuka – A hidden seafood-focused omakase in Arakichō where the daily catch sets the tone for each curated meal.

• Terunari – A seasonal kappo kitchen near Yotsuya blending classical technique with quiet experimentation.

• Kagurazaka Ishikawa – Exquisite kaiseki dining in a serene, minimalist setting.

• Restaurant Bambi – A cozy restaurant serving classic Yoshoku (Japanese-Western) dishes.

• Fishing Restaurant Zauo Shinjuku – A one-of-a-kind dining experience where guests catch their own dinner aboard a wooden boat.

• Brooklyn Parlor Shinjuku – A spacious, music-infused café-bar where burgers, craft beer, and books blend with live performances.

Where are the best bars in Shinjuku?

• Bar Benfiddich – A world-famous cocktail bar where Hiroyasu Kayama creates botanical drinks with alchemical flair.

• C-Shell – A refined Arakichō hideout pairing expertly crafted cocktails and premium whiskies with a warm, vinyl-spun jazz soundtrack.

• ACE’S MUSIC SALON – A relaxed Golden Gai bar serving Japanese spirits, beer, and a welcoming vibe for casual nights out.

• Brooklyn Parlor Shinjuku – Doubles as both café and nightlife hub with music, drinks, and social atmosphere.

What are the top hotels in Shinjuku?

• Park Hyatt Tokyo – A serene oasis of luxury in the bustling heart of Shinjuku.

• BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel – An exclusive luxury retreat high above Shinjuku’s vibrant streets.

• Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo – A New York-inspired lifestyle hotel fusing design, hospitality, and creativity with bold urban energy.

• The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku – A stylish boutique hotel blending urban culture with modern comforts.

• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo – A prestigious luxury hotel in Shinjuku, renowned for its exceptional service and city views.

• Hilton Tokyo – A luxury hotel offering modern amenities, fine dining, and exceptional service.

• RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo – A renowned hotel blending tradition and modernity near Waseda.

• Hundred Stay Tokyo – A modern serviced apartment hotel offering comfort and convenience.

• JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku – A stylish business hotel with modern amenities and a prime location near major transport links.

The MK Take

Shinjuku is more than Tokyo’s busiest station—it’s a layered city within a city, where skyscrapers cast shadows over hidden alleys and gardens blossom between glass towers. It’s a place where visitors can experience every side of Tokyo at once: the refined and the raw, the nostalgic and the futuristic.

MK’s curated listings serve as your guide not only to what’s obvious but also to what’s genuine. Whether you’re here for a single night or a week of exploring, Shinjuku will reveal to you the true essence of Tokyo.

Let MK be your guide through Tokyo’s beating heart.

Image Credits

• Franck Michel from Antibes, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Sergey Galyonkin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Official website of Soba House Konjiki Hototogisu

• Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Courtesy of Park Hyatt Tokyo