Update-date: Jan 20 2025
Categories:
Shinjuku
Japanese Cuisine
Located in the center of Tokyo, Shinjuku is an area packed with places for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Here is a carefully selected list of things to do and places to eat in Shinjuku!
1. Visit the Observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
The famed Japanese architect Kenzo Tange designed the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. Many people work in this multi-building complex, which is made up of the TMG No.1 Building , TMG No.2 Building, and the Assembly Building. It is popular as a sightseeing destination, as the interiors are open to visitors, with restaurants, shops, and promotional tourism booths for local areas across Japan. The observatory deck on the 45th floor of the TMG No.1 Building is particularly popular. From there you can get a panoramic view of Tokyo, and you can even see Mt. Fuji from December to February when the low temperatures allow for better visibility. Don't worry if you don't understand Japanese, as there is a viewing guide smartphone application that is available in 15 languages.
Observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
Open: 9:30 am - 11:00 pm (Last entry 10:30 pm)
*The South Observatory is currently closed for renovation, and will reopen in spring 2019
Closed: North Observatory closed every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month
*If that day is a national holiday, it will be open on that day and close the following day instead
*Both observatories are closed from December 29 - 31, and on building inspection days
*The South Observatory is closed until spring 2019
Average price: Free entry
Address: 2-8-1, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Official Homepage
*The South Observatory is currently closed for renovation, and will reopen in spring 2019
Closed: North Observatory closed every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month
*If that day is a national holiday, it will be open on that day and close the following day instead
*Both observatories are closed from December 29 - 31, and on building inspection days
*The South Observatory is closed until spring 2019
Average price: Free entry
Address: 2-8-1, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Official Homepage
Takuan Botantei
Takuan Botantei is famous for its high-quality A5-rank Japanese black beef dishes. The modern Japanese-style interior offers a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Popular dishes include "Miso Beef Nabe" and "Grilled Beef in Salt Crust," both highlighting the beef’s best flavors. The restaurant features private rooms of various sizes, perfect for business, special dinners, or celebrations. With a focus on quality ingredients, skilled techniques, and refined design, it provides an unforgettable dining experience for any occasion.
Takuan Botantei
Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:45 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shimizubashi Exit of Nishi-shinjuku-gochome Sstation on the Toei Oedo Line. 7-minute walk from Nishi-shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Address: 1F, Nishi-Shinjuku Park Heights, 4-15-1, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shimizubashi Exit of Nishi-shinjuku-gochome Sstation on the Toei Oedo Line. 7-minute walk from Nishi-shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Address: 1F, Nishi-Shinjuku Park Heights, 4-15-1, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Teppanyaki Fujita
Fujita offers teppanyaki with Kobe and Saga beef in a sophisticated atmosphere. Located in the Shinjuku Washington Hotel Annex, it’s an urban oasis just 8 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Ideal for business dinners, meetings, dates, or special occasions, guests enjoy a view of the illuminated courtyard and live cooking at the teppan counter. Fresh lobsters and abalones, prepared from a fish tank at the entrance, showcase incredible tenderness and texture, enhancing the dining experience.
Teppanyaki Fujita
Open: Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 18,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit E1 of Tochomae Station on Toei Oedo Line / 8-minute walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station on JR and other lines
Address: 1F, Shinjuku Washington Hotel ANNEX, 3-3-15, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinju-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 18,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit E1 of Tochomae Station on Toei Oedo Line / 8-minute walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station on JR and other lines
Address: 1F, Shinjuku Washington Hotel ANNEX, 3-3-15, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinju-ku, Tokyo Map
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Sushi Miyako
For over 40 years, Sushi Miyako in Nishi-Shinjuku has offered a blissful dining experience, welcoming both local and international guests. The menu features two monthly changing omakase courses, highlighting seasonal delicacies and Edomae sushi. Open Sundays and National Holidays from 12 pm to 7 pm, with a limited lunch course available. The restaurant offers counter seats and private rooms, ideal for personal or business gatherings. Conveniently located near prestigious hotels, it’s a perfect spot for sushi lovers during their stay in Tokyo.
Sushi Miyako
Open: [Monday-Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) / [Sunday, National Holidays] 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm (L.O. 6:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on Tokyo Metro / 5-minute walk from Tochomae Station on Toei Subway / 12-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Address: Hilton Underground Shopping Arcade, 6-6-2, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on Tokyo Metro / 5-minute walk from Tochomae Station on Toei Subway / 12-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Address: Hilton Underground Shopping Arcade, 6-6-2, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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KOBE BEEF STEAK PANDORA TAKUMI
A sister store to PANDORA, which has been enhancing the gourmet scene in Nishi-Shinjuku since 1972, PANDORA TAKUMI focuses on A5-grade Kobe Beef, selecting only female beef for its exceptional flavor. Located on the fourth floor of the same building as the main branch, this luxurious counter-seating restaurant offers teppanyaki prepared by skilled head chef Minami, engaging all five senses. The "Pandora Course" and "Takumi Course" are recommended, with a wine selection unique to the store. It's the perfect spot for enjoying unforgettable flavors in a relaxing setting, whether with loved ones or important guests.
KOBE BEEF STEAK PANDORA TAKUMI
Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / [Weekdays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) Closed on January 1st / [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) *Please contact the restaurant directly for current hours of operation.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from West Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR Line
Address: 4F, Nishi-shin bldg., 1-13-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from West Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR Line
Address: 4F, Nishi-shin bldg., 1-13-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Sushi Akazu Kanayama
Based on recipes from documents dating back 200 years, this new restaurant in Nishi-Shinjuku recreates the Edo cuisine loved by the people of Edo (old Tokyo), embracing the concept of "Study the old to understand the new." The restaurant offers carefully prepared courses using seasonal ingredients, blending Edo-style sushi with traditional Edo cuisine. The head chef, trained at a starred sushi restaurant in Tokyo, brings his expertise to the menu. Guests can enjoy courses designed to pair perfectly with a variety of alcoholic beverages.
Sushi Akazu Kanayama
Open: [Monday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O.10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station West Exit / It is on the second floor of a building in an alley
Address: 2F, Daiichihoutoku Bldg.,1-4-17, Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station West Exit / It is on the second floor of a building in an alley
Address: 2F, Daiichihoutoku Bldg.,1-4-17, Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Hang out at bars in Golden Gai
Shinjuku's "Kabukicho" is the most prosperous street in the East. It has countless izakayas and is still very lively until late at night. Even if you don't go into the store, it's fun just walking around the street. In the gorgeous Kabukicho, there is a pub district called "Golden Gai" that exudes a unique atmosphere. The alleys are lined with small wooden shops on both sides, exuding the beautiful ancient style. In recent years, many trendy and easy-to-enter restaurants have been added, making it a popular bar-hopping destination.
Kobe Beef Dining Wagyu Tok
In a relaxed atmosphere that lets you forget the hustle and bustle of Kabukicho, you can indulge in Kobe beef, expertly prepared by chefs who use the best cooking methods for each cut. The menu features a variety of dishes, including perfectly cooked steaks like sirloin and fillet, tender Kobe Beef Roast Beef Oju (rice bowl), and luxurious Kobe beef sushi. With elegant chandeliers and a sophisticated interior, it’s the ideal setting for a special dinner. Savor the full flavor of Kobe Beef in this blissful dining experience.
Kobe Beef Dining Wagyu Tok
Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 64m from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
Address: 1F, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, 1-29-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 64m from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
Address: 1F, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, 1-29-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Ushikoi Shinjuku Branch
Ushikoi Shinjuku branch is a Yakiniku restaurant with a refined exterior and traditional lanterns, offering high-quality Wagyu beef in a relaxed, Japanese atmosphere. Guests can enjoy rare and valuable meats at reasonable prices, including the signature "Peace Beef," which highlights the deliciousness of lean meat. The restaurant is popular with celebrities and provides friendly service, with staff guiding first-time visitors on how to cook meat. A selection of over 80 alcoholic beverages is also available. It’s the perfect place to enjoy memorable Yakiniku moments with family, friends, or solo.
Ushikoi Shinjuku Branch
Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. Food/Drink 1:30 pm), Dinner 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. Food 10:20 pm, Drink 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: Located in front of the north exit of Seibu-Shinjuku Station. 1-minute walk from the Seibu Exit of Seibu Shinjuku Station. 7-minute walk from the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
Address: 2-45-8, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: Located in front of the north exit of Seibu-Shinjuku Station. 1-minute walk from the Seibu Exit of Seibu Shinjuku Station. 7-minute walk from the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
Address: 2-45-8, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Sushi JIN-E
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower was opened in spring 2023 as a new landmark in Shinjuku. Sushi JIN-E is located on its 45th floor, and was founded at the same time as the tower itself. In this hideout-like place away from the bustle on the ground, a skilled sushi artisan shows off the ultimate in nigirizushi and seasonal dishes, charming foodies from Japan and overseas. The view overlooking Tokyo, the dignified atmosphere, and the relaxing interior design and eating ware are all big parts of the restaurant's appeal. Here, 9 special counter seats await guests in the sky. Don't miss out on the freshest Tokyo gourmet cuisine in this restaurant!
Sushi JIN-E
Open: [Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm) / [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 40,000 JPY / [Lunch] 20,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station. 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Located on the 45th floor of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
Address: 45F, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, 1-29-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 40,000 JPY / [Lunch] 20,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station. 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Located on the 45th floor of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
Address: 45F, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, 1-29-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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3. Have a Picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a large public park measuring 580,000 sq.m. in the area. It is full of nature to the extent that you forget you're in the middle of a city and is beloved by Tokyoites as a spot for rest and relaxation. There are many things to see within the park, such as the expertly arranged French Formal Garden, Japanese Traditional Garden, and English Landscape Garden, as well as a collection of valuable buildings carrying on the legacy of the Imperial family. Cherry blossom season is from mid-February to late April, and autumn foliage season is from early November to early December. This is a popular spot to get a seasonal landscape view with skyscrapers in the background.
Open: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (last entry 4:00 pm, park closes at 4:30 pm)
Closed: Monday (open if it is a national holiday, and closed the following day), Beginning and end of the year (December 29 - January 3)
Average price: Entrance fee: (General) 200 JPY, (Elementary and middle school students) 50 JPY, (Pre-school and younger) Free
Address: 11, Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: Official Homepage (Japanese only)
Closed: Monday (open if it is a national holiday, and closed the following day), Beginning and end of the year (December 29 - January 3)
Average price: Entrance fee: (General) 200 JPY, (Elementary and middle school students) 50 JPY, (Pre-school and younger) Free
Address: 11, Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: Official Homepage (Japanese only)
Yurakucho Kakida
Kakida Yurakucho offers an all-inclusive course with unlimited sushi, drinks, and desserts using the finest ingredients from across Japan. The owner, Mr. Kakida, personally selects the best fish daily from Toyosu Market. In addition to seasonal sushi, the "SAMURAI Course" includes luxurious dishes like teppanyaki black beef and king crab. Located on the 19th floor, just 3 minutes from Shinjuku Station, the relaxed atmosphere includes chef interactions and photo opportunities. A new 20-seat bar counter for alcoholic beverages was added in December 2023, creating lasting memories for diners.
Yurakucho Kakida
Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 14,000 JPY / [Lunch] 11,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR, Odakyu, Keio, and other lines
Address: 19F, Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower, 2-2-1, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 14,000 JPY / [Lunch] 11,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR, Odakyu, Keio, and other lines
Address: 19F, Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower, 2-2-1, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
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J.S. BURGERS CAFE Shinjuku Branch
J.S. BURGERS CAFE Shinjuku Branch, opened in 2000, is a pioneer of gourmet hamburgers. The exclusive Deep Burger, created for a national competition, is available only at this location. The all-you-can-drink plan, perfect for friends and couples, and various party-friendly course menus suit many occasions. The modern American-style interior offers a sophisticated atmosphere, with terrace seating popular on sunny days. Large groups can comfortably enjoy a meal while taking in the Shinjuku townscape.
J.S. BURGERS CAFE Shinjuku Branch
Open: [Weekdays] 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm), [Saturday] 10:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm), [Sunday] 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on JR Odakyu, and Keio lines. It is located on the 3rd floor of the building opposite Takashimaya.
Address: 3F, 4-1-7, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on JR Odakyu, and Keio lines. It is located on the 3rd floor of the building opposite Takashimaya.
Address: 3F, 4-1-7, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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If you're thinking about going sightseeing in Shinjuku, feel free to use this list as a reference!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
