Shinjuku is Tokyo’s premier entertainment district; an ever-bustling neighborhood famed for its skyscrapers, nightlife, and Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest train station. It’s an energetic place where business, shopping, entertainment, and everything in between meet.
This itinerary combines a handful of quintessential Shinjuku experiences: night views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories, a cutting-edge projection mapping show, the vibrant nightlife of Kabukicho, and a shrine offering a moment of tranquility amid the bustle. Get ready to enjoy a night that’s uniquely Shinjuku.
See the city from above at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
Start by heading to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, a true Shinjuku icon. Its two observatories, North and South, are located 202 meters above ground in Main Building No. 1. They’re free to enter and make an excellent spot for taking in panoramic views of Tokyo. The South Observatory is open until 9:30 PM. Be sure to arrive early, as you may have to wait to get in.
Around sunset, you can enjoy the dramatic spectacle of the sky turning orange while the city lights gradually come on. Take in the 360-degree panoramic view and see all of Tokyo’s famous landmarks from above.
Catch Tokyo Night & Light, one of the world’s largest permanent, open-air projection mapping displays
After descending from the observatory, take a look at the spectacular light show unfolding on the facade of the same building you just exited. The year-round Tokyo Night & Light show uses the entire building as its canvas, expressing diverse works of art through light and sound for approximately 15 minutes at a time.
The display changes depending on the season and time of day, ensuring a surprise every time you visit. Show times vary by season, so be sure to check the official website beforehand.
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Grab dinner at one of the shopping complexes on the west side of Shinjuku Station
You’ll find countless restaurants in the area around Shinjuku Station. If you’re having a hard time deciding where to go for dinner, a visit to the restaurant floor of a shopping center or department store might be in order. Stores such as Shinjuku West Exit HALC and Keio Department Store Shinjuku have a wide variety of restaurants serving Japanese, Western, and other cuisines, allowing you to pick and choose as you like.
What’s more, these places offer a calm atmosphere right in the midst of Shinjuku’s bustle, making them great spots to plan your evening over a meal.
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Encounter Godzilla and the Giant 3D Cat on the east side of the station
After dinner, head to the east side of Shinjuku Station. The first thing to catch your eye may very well be the “Shinjuku East Exit Cat” displayed on Cross Shinjuku Vision. This Giant 3D Cat, appearing to leap out of the screen, always makes many passers-by stop and look up.
Further away from the station, the head of Japan’s iconic king of the monsters, Godzilla (TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.), peeks out from the roof of the Shinjuku Toho Building. These are two iconic spots not to be missed.
Experience Kabukicho, one of Japan’s top entertainment districts
Bathed in the light of countless glittering neon signs, Kabukicho is synonymous with Tokyo at night. Numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, movie theaters, and gaming arcades line the streets of the district, bustling with travelers from around the world.
At the heart of Kabukicho stands the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. Opened in 2023, the complex encompasses 48 above-ground stories and five underground levels, bringing together restaurants, entertainment facilities, and a cinema multiplex. It embodies Shinjuku’s latest trends and attracts a diverse crowd.
Spend a quiet moment at Hanazono Shrine
Just a 5-minute walk from Kabukicho, the tranquil Hanazono Shrine feels a world away from the bustling entertainment district. It exudes quintessential Japanese charm through sights such as the bright red torii gates in front of the Itoku Inari Shrine within the precincts. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a moment of calm and a welcome respite from the commotion.
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Slurp up some late-night ramen
Nothing beats capping off a long night with ramen. Shinjuku is a ramen hotspot with many shops open late into the night—so many you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Sitting shoulder to shoulder with locals over a bowl of ramen, you’ll feel like you’ve blended into everyday life in Tokyo. Having rounded off your night in Shinjuku, you’ll return to your lodgings with both stomach and heart satisfied.
