'''Shinjuku''' (_V_h) is a major district of Tokyo for work or play.
Understand
The west side of Shinjuku, a seismically stable area that escaped the last earthquake with nary a scratch, is Tokyo's skyscraper district featuring (among others) the gargantuan '''Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices'''. Microsoft has a major office (with an imposing sign) just across the street from the south exit of the station.
The east side of Shinjuku is devoted to shopping and nightlife, including Tokyo's largest red-light district '''Kabukicho''' (________) and gay nightlife central '''Shinjuku ni-chome''' (_V_h_Q____).
Nearby '''?kubo''' (___v__), one stop west of Shinjuku on the Chuo line (also Shin-?kubo, on the Yamanote), has many Korean-owned restaurants and grocery stores. '''Takadanobaba'''_@(___c_n__), another stop past Shin-Okubo, is popular with students from nearby Waseda University.
Get in
By train
Train is the obvious option for arrival, as '''Shinjuku Station''' is on the JR Yamanote, Chuo, Sobu, Saikyo, and Shonan-Shinjuku lines. Subway service is provided by the Tokyo Metro Marunochi and Fukutoshin Lines and the Toei Shinjuku and Oedo lines. The Keio, Odakyu and Seibu Shinjuku private railway lines operate terminus stations here as well. Most Narita Express trains from Narita Airport travel directly to Shinjuku (¥3,110, 85 min.), though lightly-loaded travelers can save money by riding a combination of the Keisei and Yamanote lines (¥1,190, 98 min. via limited express; ¥2,110, 83 min. via Skyliner; the Yamanote section is ''not'' suitable for large baggage at rush hour!). Passengers from Haneda Airport can take the Keikyu and Yamanote Lines, changing at Shinagawa (¥590, 50 min.).
By some measures this is ''the'' busiest railway station in the world; try to board the Marunouchi Line towards Tokyo Station at 8 AM on a Monday morning if you doubt this. The station is a sight in itself, effectively forming a giant multi-level warren of numerous shopping malls, restaurants, department stores, railway facilities and underground shopping malls which radiate out for miles under surrounding areas.
By bus
Keio, JR, and Odakyu operate highway buses from Shinjuku. There are also a large variety of night buses that arrive from all over the main island. JR buses are centred around the New South Exit. Odakyu buses arrive and depart in front of Odakyu Halc, and Keio buses arrive and depart in front of Yodobashi Camera. Various other tour buses stop near the Subaru building as well.
Airport limousine buses from Narita (¥3,100, roughly 100 min.) and Haneda (¥1,200) stop at the station and at all major hotels in Shinjuku, but are prone to traffic delays.
See
'''Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center''' (_s__ ''Toch?''). 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku (''Metro Toch?mae E-28''), [http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/TMG/observat.htm]. This giant hive of bureaucracy is an Orwellian architectural masterpiece designed by noted architect Kenzo Tange. The reason to come here, though, is the '''observatories''', at a height of 202 meters on the 45th floor, which have Tokyo's best views - and they're completely free. The North Observatory is open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM (closed second and fourth Mondays of each month), while the South Observatory is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (until 11:00 PM on the days the North Observatory is closed; closed on the first and third Tuesdays of each month). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
The gigantic tower resembling a granite Empire State Building, south of the station, is owned by '''NTT DoCoMo''', Japan's largest cell-phone carrier. The upper part of the building is a mobile communication base station. Some call the building '''DoCoMo Tower'''
'''Shinjuku Gyoen''' (_V_h____). [http://www.shinjukugyoen.go.jp/english/english-index.html]. A large public garden, and one of the most popular places for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. It has an English garden, a Taiwanese teahouse, and a botanical conservatory. It's a ten-minute walk east from JR Shinjuku station.
For people watching, the place to be is the large square in front of the station's Kabukicho entrance, next to the '''Studio Alta''' shopping center.
'''Hanazono Shrine''' (________). Kabukicho (''off Yasukuni-dori''). More remarkable for its location than its appearance, but it's a nice place to take a breather. There's often a flea market in the surrounding park on weekends.
'''Southern Terrace''' This walkway located across from the South Exit and next to the South Terrace exit offers a magnificent view of the Takashimaya department store and a bridge that offers the best views for watching the trains enter and exit Shinjuku Station.
'''Tokyo Opera City''' is a skyscraper with a shopping center and art museum that often has interesting multimedia exhibits. Take the Keio New Line subway to Hatsudai station. Note that the Keio New Line and Shinjuku Line run the same trains, but operate as seperate companies.
'''Shinjuku san-chome''' and related red-light districts to the east of the station. It is perfectly harmless to walk around these during the day and marvel at the photo billboards of various male and female escorts on offer as well as the live gangster-types acting shady. While walking around this area should probably not be done with children, for adults the result is far more "cultural interest" than sleaze.
Do
Karaokekan. arious locations. ne minute walk from Seibushinjuku Line, Seibushinjuku station. Or a 5 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station.. 3-5285-7007 Fax: 03-5285-7008. ttp://www.karaokekan.jp/. Karaokekan is a large chain of karaoke shops. They have rooms for 2 people up to a large party. All you can drink set menus are available.
Spas
Boy and Girl Mylord. ishi-Shinjuku 1-1-3 Mylord 4F. est exit of JR Shinjuku Station. 3-3349-5720. Boy and Girl is a hair salon where you can also get spa treatments.
Club on the Park Spa. ark Hyatt Tokyo Hotel, 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku. 3-5322-1234. eservation.phtokyo@hyattintl.com. ttp://tokyo.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/.
Movies
'''Cinem@rt''', 03-5369-2831, Shinjuku 3-13-3, Shinjuku Building 6,7F (one minute walk from "''''Shinjuku 3 chome station''''" of Tokyo Metro Marunochi line, Fukutoshin line, and the Toei Shinjuku line). 335 seats total. On Monday, men can watch movies for only 1.000 yen (called Men's Day). On Wednesday, ladies can watch movies for only 1.000 yen (called Ladies's day).
'''Kadokawa Cinema Shinjuku''', +81-03-5361-7878, Shinjuku 3-13-3,_@Shinjuku Culture Bldg. 4_E5F. [http://www.kadokawa-cinema.jp/]. Old culture history theater in Shinjuku.
Shinjuku Piccadilly. hinjuku 3-15-5. ocated North of exits B7 and B8 of the Tokyo Metro Underground walkway. ttp://www.shinjukupiccadilly.com/. 800. Shinjuku Piccadilly is the newest movie theatre in Shinjuku. Opening in August 2008, the theatre is obviously clean featuring stadium seating and "platinum" seating. Platinum seating ranges from a semi-private room, including a private lounge (5000 Yen per person) to a private room, including a relaxation room (30000 Yen for 2 people).
Wald 9. hinjuku 3-1-26. ocated in Marui's largest building next to Shinjuku Gyoen. 3-5369-4955. ttp://wald9.com/index.html. 800. Wald 9 is part of the new generation of movie theatres in Tokyo. It features stadium seating, a small gift shop, and clean theatres.
Buy
Department Stores
Isetan. hinjuku 3-14-1. xit B3, B4, & B5 from Shinjuku Sanchome Station. 3-3352-1111. ttps://www.isetan.co.jp/icm2/jsp/store/shinjuku/index.jsp. Isetan is one of the most popular department stores in Shinjuku. It caters to a broad 20+ age group. Located in Shinjuku Sanchome, it has a beatiful depachika that is a little expensive compared to other department stores in Shinjuku.
Keio. ishi-shinjuku 1-1-4. est Exit and Central West Exit from the JR Shinjuku Station. 3-3342-2111. ttp://info.keionet.com/foreign/index.html. Keio is similar to the Odakyu department store in terms of goods and services. The depachika is smaller and more cramped than Odakyu. Near the underground entrance is a small "fair room" that holds rotating shops that range in various local foods from around Japan, to furniture, to information about various projects around Tokyo.
Lumine. ishi-shinjuku 1-1-5. R Shinjuku Station. 3-3348-5211. ttp://www.lumine.ne.jp/shinjuku/. Lumine has 3 buildings around the JR Shinjuku Station. Lumine 1 and 2 cater to all ages with average priced goods. Both buildings are located at the South Exit. Lumine Est is located at the East Exit and Central East Exit. Lumine Est focuses more on haute fashion for younger women and famous restaurants.
Marui. hinjuku 3-1-26. arious locations located near Shinjuku Sanchome Station. 3-3354-0101. ttp://www.0101.co.jp/index.html. Marui is well known department store known for focusing on the 16-32 year age group. Spread out around Shinjuku Sanchome, the main building is located next to Shinjuku Gyoen. The men's building is located North of the main building and Marui Young is located West of Isetan.
Mitsukoshi ALCOTT. hinjuku 3-29-1. est of Shinjuku Sanchome Station. 3-3354-1111. ttp://www.alcott.jp/. Mitsukoshi ALCOTT is an upscale department store that caters more towards the upper class shoppers. However, they still have a variety of reasonably priced shops and a large book store occupying the top 3 floors.
Odakyu. ishi-shinuku 1-1-3. est Exit of the JR Shinjuku Station. 3-3342-1111. ttp://www.odakyu-dept.co.jp/shinjuku/index.html. Odakyu is the largest department store on the West side of Shinjuku Station. It caters to the 30+ age group and has various buildings. Mylord is located behind the Keio Department Store and caters to a younger age group. Halc is located South of the West Bus Loop and focuses on sports clothing and electronics (Bic Camera's largest Shinjuku location is within Halc).
Takashimaya. endagaya 5-24-2. ew South Exit and the Southern Terrace Exit from the JR Shinjuku Station. 3-5361-1111. ttp://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjuku/index.html. Takashimaya is the Southern most department store in Shinjuku located between the JR Shinjuku and JR Yoyogi stations. This department store caters towards the mid-20s and up, along with families. The depachika is comparable to Isetan, but not as famous. Look for Tokyu Hands and Books Kinokuniya at the Southern end of the department store.
Books
Bookoff. arious Locations. o south from the JR Shinjuku Southern Terrace Exit and head down the stairs at the end of Southern Terrace. Cross the Odakyu train tracks. Alternatively, head out of the North Exit of the JR Yoyogi Station and turn right.. 0AM-11PM. Bookoff is a well known second hand book store. They also offer various albums, games, and movies. The closest branch to Shinjuku Station is South of Southern Terrace. Alternatively, (Nishi-shinjuku 7-7-29) you can head North from the West Exit, or (Shinjuku 5-2-1) North of Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi Line.
Books Kinokuniya. he Main Branch is located between Shinjuku Sanchome and Shinjuku Stations. The South Branch is located South of Takeshimaya close to Yoyogi Station. ttp://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/. Books Kinokuniya is the best book store for Foreign Language books. The Main Branch is the older of the 2, however, the Southern Branch is bigger and has a greater selection of Foreign Language books.
Junkudo. hinjuku 3-29-1. loors 6-8 of Mitsukoshi ALCOTT. 3-5363-1300. ttp://www.junkudo.co.jp/. Junkudo is a major book store that carries a lot of Japanese language books. Their specialty is carrying hard to find books.
Electronics
Major discount '''camera stores''' are concentrated on both sides of Shinjuku station, although there is a particularly large cluster just outside the West Exit. The undisputed king '''Yodobashi''' has branches on practically every block; note that the branches specialize, so you may have to look for the right branch to find what interests you (digital cameras, video cameras, medium-format photography...?). The other major names are '''Sakuraya''' and '''Bic'''. These stores have been transformed by computers and the Internet, and their '''computer''' departments match Akihabara in volume, price, and selection.
Bic Camera. ishi-shinjuku 1-5-1. ocated inside Odakyu Halc just outside the JR Shinjuku West Exit. 3-5326-1111. ttp://www.biccamera.co.jp/shoplist/index_english.html. ours: 1000-2100. Bic Camera is the second largest Electronics shop in Shinjuku. While not as big as Yodobashi Camera, prices and product range is roughly the same. The East side shop, located near Mitsukoshi ALCOTT, next to Books Kinokuniya, is bigger than Yodobashi's East side shop, but still smaller than the West side location.
Sakuraya. hinjuku 3-26-10. cross from Lumine EST from the JR Shinjuku East Exit. 3-3352-4711. ttp://www.sakuraya.co.jp/. ours: 1000-2200. Sakuraya is mainly located on the East side of Shinjuku station. Their West side location, next to Odakyu department store, is relatively small. They also have a regular branch located within Shinjuku Sanchome, along with a watch shop on Shinjuku-dori and a large Hobby shop behind Shinjuku Piccadilly
Yodobashi Camera. ishi-shinjuku 1-11-1. minutes West of the JR Shinjuku West Exit. Look South-West at the bus stop.. 3-3346-1010. ttp://www.yodobashi.com/enjoy/more/index/index.html. ours: 0930-2200. Yodobashi is the largest electronics retailer in Shinjuku. The main building is their multimedia centre. They also have a dedicated Games building, Camera building, and Watch building among others. Yodobashi also has a branch on the East side of Shinjuku, across from Lumine EST.
Variety Goods
'''Don Quijote''', 1-16-5 Kabuki-cho (''on Yasukuni-Dori''), [http://www.donki.com/]. A hectic 24-hour discount store that sells just about everything that you would never imagine needing at three in the morning but might just pick up anyway, such as clothing, bicycles, electronics, jewelry, and gag gifts.
Tokyu Hands. endagaya 5-24-2. ocated within Takashimaya near the JR Shinjuku New South Exit. 3-5361-3111. ttp://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/shinjuku.htm. This is a large variety goods shop, and if "large" doesn't impress you, you have probably never faced the dilemma which kind of sand to use for your model railway. Because here, you can choose from a dozen kinds of sand alone - from yellow Sahara sand to reddish Nullarbor sand, everything in handy plastic packets. This shop is the best proof that in a rich mega city, there is a clientele for anything. You can buy almost anything you want.
Music
'''Nishi-Shinjuku 7-chome''', to the northwest of the JR station, is packed with music shops specializing in various genres such as punk and heavy metal. Many sell nothing but bootlegs and collectibles.
Disc Union. hinjuku 3-31-4. ain Branch is located near Shinjuku Sanchome Station. 3-3352-2697. ttp://diskunion.net/. You can get music, movies, and music books. They have a large selection of used goods with over 10 locations. Aside from the main branch, other branches specialize in specific genres or goods. This shop is great for music enthusiasts.
HMV. endagaya 5-24-2. akashimaya Times Square 12F. 3-5361-3060. ttp://www.hmv.co.jp/index.asp?lang=en. HMV is one of the bigger record stores in Japan with a good selection of music and movies. HMV has 2 locations in Shinjuku. One in Takashimaya department store, and one in Lumine Est. Beware that the shop in Lumine Est is being renovated and will re-open in September.
Tower Records. hinjuku 3-37-1. outh-east Exit of the JR Shinjuku Station. 3-5360-7811. ttp://www.towerrecords.co.jp/sitemap/SiteManager.jsp. Tower Records is one of the biggest record stores in Japan. They have any CD or DVD you can imagine, and if not, you can probably order or reserve it.
Tsutaya. hinjuku 3-26-14. ast of the JR Shinjuku East Exit. Across from Books Kinokuniya on Shinjuku-dori.. 3-5269-6969 Fax: 03-5269-6990. ttp://www.tsutaya.co.jp/index.zhtml. ours: 1000-0200. Tsutaya is a major video/music rental store but the Shinjuku shop sells a large variety of music, games, and videos. They also have a decent variety of used products at reduced prices.
Eat
Budget
The '''Lumine''' and '''MyLord''' department stores atop the south side of the JR station both have inexpensive restaurant arcades on their upper floors.
'''Keuwjai''', Lumine 1, B2F. A good place for Thai street-stall style food. It's always packed and hectic for lunch, with attendants hollering to attract customers.
'''Café Haïti''',Nishi-Shinjuku 1-19-2 B1F, +81-3-3346-2389. Strong coffee and spicy curry.
'''Christon Cafe''', Oriental Wave Bldg 8F, 5-17-13 Shinjuku, tel. +81-3-5287-2426, [http://www.ug-gu.co.jp/restaurant/shop/christon.htm]. A great atmosphere for those looking to lounge around on a leather couch surrounded by cathedral lighting, gargoyles, and an array of Christian decor. First class service with price that is hard to believe considering how great the food is, with most mains well under ¥1000. "Amuse" charge of 300 yen pp on top. Very very nice place for somebody on a tight budget that would like to indulge in a top class establishment.
'''Doner Kebab Stand''' 11AM-11:30 PM. Take New South Exit from Shinjuku St. Will be straight ahead and towards the left side, on the opposite side of the road. Across the street from Gap. 500 yen Doner Kebabs.
'''Takoyaki Stand''' Take the East exits from the station and walk straight ahead. Nearby the McDonald's and Wendy's you'll see a small cart selling this strange but delicious snack: small pieces of octopus mixed into a sort of pancake batter and fried in small spheres. Watch as the elderly vendor liberally applies sauces, scallions and fish flakes. You get six for only 500 yen and it's a terrific snack after a night of sake and beer. Unfortunately there's no seats but no one will fault you for standing there and chowing down.
'''Saam-Rot THAI&VIETNAM Cafe Restaurant''' 1-1-2-19 shinjuku-ku Kabushigi-chou Sankei Bl.2F Tel. +81-03-3205-0148 Add:__160-0021 Original Thai & Vietnamese food . Open : Daily [http://www.saamrot.com/ Link to saamrot web.]
'''Bruma-re''', 3-28-9 shinjuku, shinjuku lion kaikan 3F, Tel. 03-3352-6606
All-you-can-eat, Italian and gratin, curry, hamburger, sweets. Dinner \1,200
''''''''Sansyoku-Sansunn-Bashi(_O___O____)'''''''' 1-1-5 nishi-shinjuku, shinjuku Lumine1 7F. 03-5909-5123 Lunch time \1800 All-you-can-eat Japanese food restaurant.
Mid-range
'''Okonomiyaki Wahaha''' (___D______ ________________),This `s the Osaka style of Okonomiyaki restaurent. Original test of Osaka stye. Exit from east JR Shinjuku station ,then walk about 5 minutes. Or From Marunouchi subway line,B3 exit of Shinjuku 3 choume station. Then walk 1 minutes.Can take seviece coupon from here [http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a331102/map1.htm] [http://www.wahaha-fugetsu.jp/ Wahaha Okonomiyaki web]
Botejyu. okyo, Shinjuku-ku, Kabukicho 1, Subnade B1. 3-3348-5322. ww.botejyu.co.jp. 1am-10:30pm (Last Order 10pm). Botejyu is an okonomiyaki shop that sells a variety of okonomiyaki. They also have various yaki-soba dishes. Beware that at times, this restaurant can be busy with wait times of up to 30 minutes.
'''Juttoku''' (_\__), New Sentora Bldg B1F, 1-5-12 Nishi-Shinjuku. +81-3-3342-0339, [http://www.juttoku.com/]. Open 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, until 4:00 AM on Sun. This izakaya has an excellent selection of sake.
'''The Lockup''', Kabuki-cho 1-16-3, Shinjuku Square Bldg. 6-7F, tel. +81-3-5272-7055. A Shinjuku original that has since spawned several branches elsewhere in Tokyo. It has a hybrid prison/dungeon/horror movie theme: customers are led to tables inside stone cells by waitresses in plastic-miniskirt police uniforms, where they are "locked up" and given menus filled with bizarre drinks (the most well-known of which consists of a rack of test tubes filled with flavored syrups, a flask full of alcohol, and a beaker to mix everything in) and relatively normal food. Twice every night, a "jailbreak" is staged in which the lights go out and costumed hoodlums scare the living daylights out of random patrons. Open 5 PM-5 AM.
'''Kapp? Nakajima''' (___B ____), Shinjuku 3-32-5 basement (Southeast exit, in the narrow street east of Ohtsuka Furniture), closed Sundays. Specializes in sardine dishes. ''Yanagawa teishoku'' is deep-fried sardines with scrambled eggs on rice. (Tastes better than it sounds.)
'''Shunka Shuto''' (_t___H__), 53rd floor of Tokyo Opera City (see above), +81-3-5353-7111. Enjoy the view while dining on seafood and other specialties of Hokkaido.
'''Yanbaru''' (________), Shinjuku 3-23-6 (''north of Kabukicho exit''). +81-3-3353-2028. There's nothing pretentious about this restaurant specializing in Okinawan food, which emphasizes pork and vegetables that are unusual even to Honshu Japanese. Recommend is ''beni imo'' (¥450), tempura-style sweet potato; and ''hechima misoni'' (¥600), an eggplant-like vegetable served in a strongly fermented miso sauce. A picture menu is available.
There's a cluster of interesting ethnic restaurants on the south side of Koshu-Kaido-dori, to the west of the station.
*'''Rose de Sahara''' (+81-3-3379-6427) offers fried alligator and other '''African''' foods.
*'''España''' (+81-3-3379-1159), in the same building, has good ''paella''.
*A few buildings away on the ground floor, '''Court Lodge''' (+81-3-3376-7733) serves spicy dishes of Sri Lanka.
'''Bosphorus Hasan''' (''+81-3-3354-7947, Shinjuku 3-chome'') has authentic '''Turkish''' food.
'''Din Tai Fung''' Sendagaya 5-24-2, Takashimaya 10F, 03-5361-1381. 10 AM-7:30 PM, closed W. Tokyo branch of the renowned Taiwan dim sum restaurant, speciality are the dumplings.
Splurge
'''Torafugu-Tei''' (__________), Kabukicho 2-11-7 Metro Bldg. B1F. Specializing in the infamous ''fugu'' (blowfish), it's one of the huge number of seafood restaurants in Kabukicho (see below). Set dinners go for around ¥5000, featuring fugu prepared five or six ways, fresh from the tank.
Drink
The '''Kabukich?''' (________) district, to the northeast of JR Shinjuku station, is Tokyo's most notorious red-light district - although during the daytime you might not even notice, especially if you can't decode the elaborate Japanese codewords on the billboards. At night it's a different story though, as sharkskin-suited junior ''yakuza'' gangsters hustle and girls in miniskirts beckon customers amid the adults-only vending machines. Night or day, it's always packed with people, and though outsiders are generally not involved, quite a bit of gangland violence goes on in the vicinity. In addition, the closely-packed mah-jongg and strip clubs are fire hazards that rival Hong Kong high-rises.
<!-- List Kabukicho bars here, please! -->
To the south of Kabuki-cho is '''Shinjuku ni-chome''' (_V_h_Q____), Tokyo's largest '''gay''' district.
<!-- List ni-chome bars here, please! -->
'''Golden Gai''' (_S_[___f___X) is the name given to a few narrow alleys in a block on the east edge of Kabukicho. It's packed with tiny aging "hole-in-the-wall" bars and started as a red light district some decades ago; morphing into some sort of a subversive hangout; and finally now into an odd assortment of tiny bars some up very steep steps. The irony of the place is that while it has become somewhat of a tourist attraction, many of the bars rely on regulars, so strangers wandering in may receive either a frosty reception, cover charge or both. If the door is open and you get a smile go in, it's an experience not to be had anywhere else. Many of the bars have Karaoke and ancient mama-sans, while one has an old man who speaks Spanish and plays flamenco videos on a tiny black & white TV, and who occasionally plays guitar; one of the least friendly has a great collection of Jazz CDs. Some places charge for Karaoke with coin machines while others like Bar K have free, but a small karaoke surcharge is sometimes added. Be aware that photography in some parts of Goldengai is prohibited without a permit.
Araku. olden Gai St #2, 2nd floor. 3-5272-1651. ttp://www.arakubar.jp. Australian-run, considerably larger and can be less intimidating than many Goldengai places.
'''Bia&Dosousaku Dining ISAO''' Variety of drinks. Japanese sake,Europe alcohol,Cocktail. ect. A safe place to drink alone while waiting for your group. Exit West from JR shinjuku station or walk from seibu shinjku station about 1 min.
Bar K. Always welcoming of foreigners with beers for 1000 yen a mini long neck.
Rock Bar: Mother. Has an extensive collection of Punk and Metal CDs for those looking for some alternative rock.
Champions. oin Bar. ust before the Golden Gai entrance slightly west as you head back towards Kabuki-cho. Sells all drinks for 500 yen and is staffed mostly by Filipinas who speak excellent English.
On the west side of the Yamanote tracks, '''Omoide Yokoch?''' (_v___o____, "Memory Lane") is a small alley filled with ''yakitori'' joints. The tunnel under the tracks near the entrance of Omoide Yokocho is nicknamed ''gokiburi yokoch?'' (cockroach lane) or ''sh?ben yokoch?'' (piss lane). No prizes for guessing why.
Clubs
Oddly, there are few nightclubs left in Shinjuku. '''Liquid Room''', once one of the Tokyo's best-known party places, decamped to Ebisu several years ago.
Loft/Plus One. __t_g_v___X____. iyashi Bldg B2F, Kabukicho 1-14-7. ff Chuo-dori opp. Koma Theatre. hows at 2 PM, 7:30 PM and midnight. Performance art space meets bar run with a simple concept: different people and groups rent a block of time and do whatever they want to. The end result runs from stand-up comedy and lectures to porn star photo shoots and incredibly violent live S&M. Tickets ¥1000-6000 (discounts for advance purchase), erotic shows 18+ only (ID required).
Cafes
'''Bun The world of coffee'''Specialty coffee store ` feeling. 15 countries of coffee styles. Expecially, You can test about Original style ` Bun Coffee .___P_U_O_|_O_O_Q_Q_@Shijuku-ku Shinjuku _R_|_P_T_|_P_V Isetan Bl.1F Tel: _O_R_|_R_R_T_S_|_V_Q_Q_U
Canal Cafe. -9 Kagurazaka. idabashi station, JR west exit or subway exit B2A. 81-3-3260-8068. 81-3-3260-8052. ttp://www.canalcafe.jp/. 1:30 AM to 9:30 PM, until 11PM on weekend. Closed Mon, or the day following a holiday. With views remarkable for Tokyo, Canal Cafe consists of a separate restaurant and cafe situated alongside a canal. The open-air cafe has great ambiance. At the restaurant figure ¥6000-9000 for dinner, but at the cafe, which is a long patio-like dock, drinks and snacks are purchased at the bar and can be quite reasonable.
Doutor. arious locations. ttp://www.doutor.co.jp/dcs/. 200~450 for drinks. Doutor is a relatively "salary man" coffee shop. You will see lots of business men within this shop. Expect most shops to be all smoking, or only 2-3 seats for a non-smoking section.
Excelsior Caffe. arious locations. ttp://www.doutor.co.jp/exc/. 280~460 for drinks. Excelsior Caffe and Doutor are the same company, however Excelsior Caffe caters to a younger crowd, more feminine crowd. Most shops tend to have a better non-smoking section, however smoking still occupies the majority of the cafe's seating area. Thankfully, bigger shops have smoking and non-smoking on different floors.
Pronto. arious, see website. ttp://www.pronto.co.jp/pronto/index.shtml. ote that this is a cafe/bar. The cafe is open around 7am and closes around 5-5:30pm. The bar is usually opened within minutes.. 200~400 for drinks. Pronto is a very relaxed cafe/bar that is a cafe during the day. They offer premium style drinks. Click on "_X_____X_g" to find store locations.
Segafredo ZANETTI. locations near Shinjuku Station. ttp://www.segafredo.jp/home/our/our_0606.html. 280~500 for drinks. Segafredo is a somewhat upscale style cafe that has various locations near Shinjuku. Segafredo tends to have a darker atmosphere akin to Pronto.
Starbucks Coffee. hinjuku has 22 Starbucks Coffee shops.. ttp://www.starbucks.co.jp/en/.
*'''Shinjuku Dianne Building''' - Shinjuku 3-36-6, Shinjuku Taian Building 1F 03-3353-4775 Location: One minute from Shinjuku station by walk, 8 minutes from Seibu-shinjuku station by walk. Starbucks is between OIOIcity and Flags.
*'''Shinjuku Green Tower''' - Nishi-shinjuku 6-14-1, Shinjuku Shinjuku Green Tower 03-3342-7737. Location: 4 minutes from Nishi-shinjuku station by walk, 6 minutes from Tochomae station by walk, 10 minutes from Shinjuku station by walk. Starbucks is near the Hilton Hotel.
Pubs and taverns
'''The Dubliners''', Shinjuku 3-28-9, 03-3352-6606 (''Two minutes from JR east exit''). Down a pint of Guinness and mingle with the local expats.
'''The Hub''', [http://www.pub-hub.com]. Popular chain of English pubs. Have some fish and chips with your pint at one of four Shinjuku locations.
* 1-6-1 Kabukicho, Shirou Building B1, 03 5155 2622.
* 1-22-8 Kabukicho, Kojimaya Building B1, 03-3208-1462.
* 1-3-17 Nishi-Shinjuku, Aoi Building B1, 03 3345 5310.
* 3-36-15 Shinjuku, Uchino building B1 & 6F, 03 5379 1949.
'''Tokyo Loose''', 2-37-3 Kabuki-cho, Marutomo Bldg. B1, 03-3207-5677, [http://www.tokyoloose.com/]. Small friendly international darts bar. It's not easy to find, so call for directions.
'''Marone''' Unfortunately the address (in English) is incredibly difficult to find, but luckily it's only a few doors down from the famous restaurant Tsunahachi (east of the station). Look for their chalkboard outside a non-descript building and then go up to the 2nd floor. Tucked away in this tiny cubbyhole of a space is one of the most interesting small bars in Tokyo. A country western theme with Chet Baker and Nat King Cole pouring from the stereo. The food is cheap and superbly done (think chili nachos and the like); beer and spirits are also available. The place is tiny but it attracts a great mix of young groups of friends and office workers. Be forewarned though: some nights Marone puts on live music and cover charges are upwards of 4000 yen! The older couple who run the bar are terrifically friendly but their English is minimal.
Vagabond. -4-20 Nishi Shinjuku. In west Shinjuku, in the 2nd alley behind (north of) Odakyu Halc, Shinjuku. 03/3348-9109. ery reasonable. great little pub with two layers, the first floor is a little more private while the top floor is a very cozy jazz bar with live music and a good selection of finger foods cooked right at the bar for you. caution to taller travelers it's a little cramped at the bar
Sleep
Budget
Manboo Internet & Comic Cafe. yen;1,800. Internet cafe that has small, private rooms to crash out in. Rooms have a comfortable reclining chair, Internet, TV and headphones. There's also a shower room/toilet and toiletries on sale. Good as a last resort.
'''Tama Ryokan''', 1-25-33 Takadanobaba. Tel: +81 (3) 3209-8062, Fax: +81 (3) 3209-8068. [http://www.tamaryokan.com] Prices for one person no higher than ¥4,500, and the prices drop if more than 1 person stays per room. There is a lounge for relaxing and internet access. Three-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station.
'''Ten Ten Guesthouse''', Takadanobaba [http://www.tokyo-guesthouse.com/] Tel. 070-5652-8628 The cheapest youth hostel in Tokyo. Price for a dorm bed starts with ¥1,200(per day for 1 month stay), ¥ 1,400(per day/1 week stay) up to ¥ 1,600 (2-6 nights). Don't expect too much for this price. The manager manages 6 of these guesthouses, all the same price, same style. [http://www.guest-house-tokyo.com/].
'''Tokyo International Hostel''', 1-1 Kagurakashi. Tel: ''+81'' 3-3235-1107, Fax: ''+81'' 3-3267-4000, [http://www.tokyo-ih.jp/en/index.html]. Located on the 18th and 19th floors of a high-rise in Shinjuku, with great views over the city (including a hot tub and baths overlooking the lights and skyscrapers of Shinjuku) and comfortable rooms.
Mid-range
'''Shinjuku Prince Hotel ''' Includes restaurants, a bakery, and salon. TEL _F+81-03-3205-1111. Add:__160-8487 shinjuku-ku Kabushigi-chou1-30-1 Tokyo,Japan. [http://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinjuku/index.html Shinjuku Prince Hotel]
'''Tokyu Stay Yotsuya''' 2-1 Yotsuya. Tel 03-3354-0109, fax 03-3354-0191, [http://www.tokyustay.co.jp/e/hotel/YOT/index.html]. Part of the Tokyu Stay chain, these hotels are popular with business travelers. The small kitchenettes, washer/dryers, and free LAN access in all rooms makes these a good value. Singles start at ¥9,450- doubles at ¥17,850 per night. Slight discounts are offered for extended stays.
'''Hotel Sunlite Shinjuku''', tel 03-3356-0391, fax 03-3356-1223, [http://www.sunlite.co.jp/index-e.htm]. Singles start at ¥8,715- doubles at ¥12,075 per night. Discounts are offered if you refer to their web page.
'''New City Shinjuku''', 4-31-1 Nishi-shinjuku, 66 3 836 4700. Located in a tranquil spot across Shinjuku Central Park from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, this hotel has clean rooms with nice views of the skyscraper district, two decent onsite restaurants for the truly lazy, and a free shuttle bus to and from Shinjuku station. Singles start at ¥9500.
Splurge
The western side of Shinjuku has a notable concentration of luxury hotels.
'''Park Hyatt Tokyo''', 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, tel. 5322 1234, [http://www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com/]. Towering above the rest literally and figuratively, this hotel is best known for featuring prominently in the hit movie ''Lost in Translation'' [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0335266/]. Service and amenities are superlative, but rates are astronomical even by Japanese standards with singles starting at ¥50,000.
'''Keio Plaza Hotel''', 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, tel. 3344-0111, [http://www.keioplaza.com]. Less than 10 minutes by foot from Shinjuku Station.
'''Four Seasons Tokyo'''. With only 57 rooms, some them the largest in the city, plus a stunning gym with amazing views. It's no wonder why it's Tokyo's most expensive hotel.
Hyatt Regency Tokyo"
address="2-7-2 Nishi-Shinjuku"
directions="close to Shinjuku Station"
phone="+81 3 3348 1234"
email="reservation@centuryhyatt.co.jp"
checkin="01:00pm"
checkout="11:00am"
url="http://tokyo.regency.hyatt.com"
>Views of Mount Fuji and Shinjuku Central Park. Has a pool on the roof and a health spa.</sleep>
Rentals
If you plan on staying in Tokyo for a month or more you might want to check out '''Sakura House''' [http://www.sakura-house.com/], Nishi-Shinjuku K-1 Bldg. 2F, 7-2-6, +81-3-5330-5250, [mailto:info@sakura-house.com info@sakura-house.com].
Get Out
'''Shibuya''' is located 3 stations South of Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line. [http://wikitravel.org/en/Shibuya]
'''Ikebukuro''' is located 3 stations North of Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line. [http://wikitravel.org/en/Ikebukuro]
'''Mitaka''' is located West along the Chuo Line. It is the home of the Ghibli Museum. [http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/]
'''Hachioji''' is suburban city of Tokyo located West of Shinjuku along the Keio Line and Chuo Line. [http://wikitravel.org/en/Hachioji]
'''Takao-san''' is a popular mountain for hiking located just West of Hachioji along the Keio Line. It offers a great escape from the busy urban life of central Tokyo. [http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index.htm]
'''Hakone''' is a popular area for onsens and easily accessible by the Odakyu Line. [http://wikitravel.org/en/Hakone]
Contact
The '''[http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/public/tokyo_tocho.html Tokyo Tourist Information Center]''', a good source of information on not just Tokyo but all of Japan, is now located on the 1st floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 1. This office is geared for foreign visitors, so all materials are in languages other than Japanese and all staff speak English. Open 9:30 AM to 6 PM daily.