Shinjuku Shopping District Tokyo
A bustling hub of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and endless shopping, from underground labyrinths to vibrant entertainment districts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience vibrant nightlife
Shinjuku Shopping District Tokyo
Best Time
Experience vibrant nightlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling hub of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and endless shopping, from underground labyrinths to vibrant entertainment districts.
"It's such a huge underground shopping mall. Lots of shops and lots of food. We got lost a few times."
🎯 Avoid Street Touts
Ignore unsolicited approaches in nightlife areas; they may lead to scams.
🗺️ Embrace the Underground
Shinjuku's underground malls are huge! Use maps and plan your route to navigate easily.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane)
Shinjuku
Atmospheric narrow alleys filled with tiny izakayas, offering a nostalgic glimpse into old Tokyo. Perfect for grilled skewers and drinks.

Kabukicho Entertainment District
Shinjuku
Tokyo's largest red-light district, buzzing with neon lights, bars, clubs, and unique entertainment. A vibrant, albeit sometimes intense, experience.

Shinjuku Station Underground Malls
Shinjuku Station
A vast network of interconnected shopping arcades and eateries beneath Shinjuku Station, offering everything from fashion to food.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Shinjuku
Free panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation decks. A great spot to grasp the city's immense scale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Underground Labyrinth
Beware of Shinjuku's Touts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Street Touts
Ignore unsolicited approaches in nightlife areas; they may lead to scams.
🗺️ Embrace the Underground
Shinjuku's underground malls are huge! Use maps and plan your route to navigate easily.
🍜 Halal Food Options
Discover Muslim-friendly eateries like Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku-Tei.
🛍️ Don Quijote Finds
Explore this discount store for unique souvenirs and Japanese goods.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Street Touts
Ignore unsolicited approaches in nightlife areas; they may lead to scams.
🗺️ Embrace the Underground
Shinjuku's underground malls are huge! Use maps and plan your route to navigate easily.
🍜 Halal Food Options
Discover Muslim-friendly eateries like Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku-Tei.
🛍️ Don Quijote Finds
Explore this discount store for unique souvenirs and Japanese goods.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the underground malls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shinjuku is a dynamic district offering endless shopping, dining, and entertainment, especially in its vast underground malls and vibrant nightlife areas like Kabukicho. Visitors praise the sheer variety and convenience, though some find the underground confusing and caution against touts in nightlife zones.
"Great fun. Lots to do and see in the surrounding area, not to mention the sub made shopping.
Zoff is also here if you’re looking to get your eyes tested and a new pair of glasses within the hour at a fraction of what you would pay in the US (even with insurance)."
Andrew Thomas
"Visited Daiso store there to check it out. Although its small in size but still packed with many interesting stuffs. Generally the shopping alleys is pretty quite with not many peeps. Nice though."
Tony Foo
"Have many nice store underground."
chilmar x
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shinjuku is a major transportation hub. You can easily reach it via the JR Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Odakyu Line, Keio Line, and multiple subway lines (Marunouchi, Toei Shinjuku, Toei Oedo). Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest in the world.
Yes, Shinjuku is extremely well-connected. It's a central point for many train and subway lines, making it simple to travel to and from other popular Tokyo districts like Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Station.
Shinjuku is best explored on foot, especially the shopping areas and entertainment districts. The extensive underground network also connects many points, but can be confusing. Taxis are available but can be expensive.
Yes, Limousine Buses from Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports directly serve Shinjuku. The Narita Express train is also a convenient option from Narita Airport.
Shinjuku Ni-chome, Tokyo's vibrant gay district, is accessible via Exit C8 from Shinjuku Station. Be prepared for a climb.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the shopping districts, streets, and public areas of Shinjuku are free to enter. You only pay for purchases or specific attractions/restaurants you visit.
Most department stores and shops in Shinjuku are open from around 10 AM to 8 PM or 9 PM. Smaller boutiques and eateries may have varied hours. Omoide Yokochō's izakayas typically open in the evening.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks are free to enter. Attractions like the Robot Restaurant (if still operating) or specific clubs in Kabukicho will have cover charges or ticket prices.
For popular clubs or shows in Kabukicho, it's sometimes possible to book in advance, but many venues allow walk-ins. It's advisable to check individual venue policies.
No, the underground malls are essentially extensions of the train station and public thoroughfares, so no tickets are required to walk through them.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Shinjuku boasts major department stores like Isetan, Takashimaya, and Lumine, alongside the vast underground shopping malls. Don Quijote is great for quirky souvenirs, and Ginzo offers pre-loved luxury goods.
Don Quijote is a treasure trove for unique and often humorous Japanese souvenirs. The underground malls and smaller boutiques also offer distinctive items.
Yes, many stores, especially larger department stores and shops selling electronics or cosmetics, offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Look for the 'Tax-Free' signs. Ginzo and Tokyo Brand offer tax-free pre-loved luxury items.
Daikoku Drug Store and @cosme are popular choices for a wide range of Japanese cosmetics and skincare. Many department stores also have extensive beauty sections.
Shinjuku offers everything from high-end designer brands in department stores to trendy fashion in Lumine and other shopping complexes. For pre-loved luxury, check out Ginzo.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Shinjuku offers diverse culinary experiences. Try ramen at Ramen Tatsunoya or Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku-Tei, sushi at Sushi Kotama, or explore the izakayas in Omoide Yokochō for yakitori.
Yes, Shinjuku has several Muslim-friendly options, including Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku-Tei and Sensei Menkan (Chinese food). Sushi Restaurant FUJIYAMA TOKYO also offers a separate Muslim-friendly menu.
Ramen Tatsunoya and Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku-Tei are highly recommended for ramen lovers. Udon Shin is also a popular noodle spot.
Omoide Yokochō is famous for its atmospheric izakayas serving grilled skewers and drinks. Yata YATA Shinjukusanchometen is another option for a traditional izakaya experience.
Yes, the underground malls and areas like Don Quijote often have affordable eateries and snack stalls. Daiso also sells some food items. Look for standing sushi bars for budget-friendly sushi.
📸 📸 Photography & Sights
Capture the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho at night, the nostalgic alleys of Omoide Yokochō, and panoramic city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers free, stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
While Kabukicho is vibrant, be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit main streets and avoid venturing into extremely secluded alleys if you feel uncomfortable.
The sheer density of neon signs in Kabukicho, the retro charm of Omoide Yokochō, and the bustling crowds around Shinjuku Station offer unique photographic moments.
Golden hour before sunset offers beautiful light for the cityscapes, while after dark, the neon lights of Kabukicho come alive, creating a dramatic photographic scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique activity, the Shinjuku Batting Center offers a chance for older kids (and adults!) to try their hand at baseball in a fun, active setting. When dining, look for family-friendly restaurants or explore the food courts in department stores, which often have diverse options. Many ramen shops and sushi restaurants are also welcoming to children.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
Beyond Ni-chome, Shinjuku as a whole is generally considered a progressive and accepting area of Tokyo. While specific venues in Kabukicho might cater to different tastes, the overall atmosphere in Shinjuku is one of openness. Travelers can explore the shopping districts, enjoy the diverse dining options, and experience the city's energy with confidence.
💰 Budget Travelers
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers free panoramic views, saving you money on observation deck fees. For accommodation, consider capsule hotels like Anshin Oyado Premier Shinjuku, which offer a unique and cost-effective stay. While some nightlife venues can be expensive, exploring Omoide Yokochō for affordable izakaya fare is a great option.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Shinjuku's Underground
These underground malls offer a unique shopping experience, often shielded from the elements, making them a popular choice regardless of the weather. You can find everything from fashion and accessories to electronics, cosmetics, and souvenirs. The sheer scale means you could spend hours exploring without seeing everything. It's also a convenient way to move between different parts of Shinjuku without surfacing, connecting to various train lines and other shopping complexes.
For those seeking specific items, remember that stores like Daikoku Drug Store and @cosme have branches here, offering a wide selection of Japanese beauty products. Even if you don't plan to shop extensively, experiencing the sheer scale and activity of Shinjuku's underground is a quintessential Tokyo adventure. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking!
Experiencing Shinjuku's Nightlife
However, visitors should be aware of potential scams. Touts may approach you on the street, promising great deals or unique experiences, but these can sometimes lead to overpriced establishments. It's advisable to ignore unsolicited approaches and stick to reputable venues or those recommended by trusted sources. For a more traditional and atmospheric evening, Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane) offers a glimpse into Tokyo's past with its narrow alleys packed with tiny izakayas serving grilled skewers and drinks.
For those interested in specific nightlife scenes, Shinjuku Ni-chome is Tokyo's renowned gay district, offering a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere with numerous bars and clubs catering to the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're looking for high-energy clubs like ATOM TOKYO or a more relaxed izakaya experience, Shinjuku's nightlife has something for everyone, provided you navigate it with a bit of caution and awareness.
Culinary Delights in Shinjuku
The atmospheric Omoide Yokochō is a must-visit for experiencing authentic izakaya culture. Here, you can savor yakitori (grilled skewers) and other small dishes in a nostalgic setting, surrounded by the buzz of local life. For those seeking specific dietary accommodations, Shinjuku has made strides, with restaurants like Sushi Restaurant FUJIYAMA TOKYO offering completely separated Muslim-friendly menus, and Halal Chinese options available.
Beyond these highlights, the extensive underground shopping malls are dotted with countless eateries, cafes, and food stalls, offering everything from quick snacks to full meals at various price points. Don't forget to explore the basement levels of department stores, which often house incredible food halls (depachika) with a dazzling array of prepared foods and sweets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit