Shinjuku is contemporary Tokyo, concentrated in an espresso coffee shot. It is home to a number of sub-cultures, with more than 3 million people passing through this area every day. It can be daunting for the uninitiated, so here are my recommendations to make the most of this district that never sleeps.
10:00 Shinjuku West Gate Ground floor (Exchange, Information center)
Start your day at the information center, where the English speaking staff can help you with tips and directions. You can find the JR ticket office, Travel agency and an foreign currency exchange kiosk on this floor. The Odakyu Line railway station is also here, being the terminus for the Romance car which leaves for Hakone, a famous hot springs resort.
10:30 Browsing and shopping on Shinjuku-Dori ( Kinokuni-ya Book store/ Isetan Department store/ BICQLO)
This street has several well known department stores in each category. Kinokuni-ya is one of the biggest book store chains where you can purchase Japanese and a limited number of English language books. Isetan is a standout with its high quality items. I love the basement which is filled with an amazing variety of food and confectionery. BICQLO is new hot spot in Shinjuku that is collaborated between Bic Camera, an electronics shop and Uniqlo, a casual clothing shop. You can also find Matsumoto Kiyoshi pharmacy, Sekaidou stationery shop, Muji which sells simple and modern-looking household and consumer goods on the same street.
12:30 Lunch at Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran Ramen is located behind BICQLO. This is a world famous ramen restaurant which serves only Tonkotsu Ramen made with pork bone stock.
13:00 Shopping at Marui Annex
Marui is a casual department store especially for young adult. There is a movie theatre in the same building. This time, I picked some eclectic stores such as the Village Vanguard, Animega and Lolita costume shop. You can also find some casual clothes and even Kimonos. There are a few branches in the same area such as Marui Honkan( Main building), Marui Mens.
14:00 Taking a walk at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is located just next to Marui Annex. Originally part of the Lord Naito's private parklands in 1772, this now features a number of gardens landscaped in the English, French and Japanese styles.
17:30 Dinner at Tsunahachi Tempura restaurant
Tsunahachi is a traditional Tempura restaurant founded in 1923. There are many branches in Japan and even a few in Shinjuku area. The main shop is near Bicqlo and is open from 11:00 to 22:30. Main Courses start from JPY 5,400.
19:30 Karaoke at One-Kara
This is a new style Karaoke store, featuring tiny rooms but with a professional sound system for individual rather than group use. This is located near the D5 exit of Shinjuku Nishiguchi station on the Toei Oedo line. It is open 24 hours and costs JPY500 for 30min.
21:00 A drink at Omoide-Yokochou alley
Omoide Yokochou is well known as a Yakitori alley and was founded in 1946. It has a quaint yet welcoming atmosphere, frequented by tourists from around the world at night.
There are many more places to visit in Shinjuku! Explore and create your own adventure.
