The Best Way to Spend a Day in Shinjuku
If you want to experience Tokyo at full volume and speed, neon lights, buzzing backstreets, skyscrapers, quiet gardens, and food that blows your mind, Shinjuku is where you go.
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most iconic and complex districts, and spending at least a full day here lets you feel the city’s peace and pulse from morning until midnight.
During our stay in Tokyo our accommodation (book it here!) was just outside the central buzz of Shinuku but we felt the vibe every day. But we also spent one full day dedicated to Shinjuku to soak it all-in. Here is our take on how to spend the best possible day in Shinjuku: start slow, end strong, and let yourself get a little lost in the magic.
Morning calm: Coffee, brunch & Shinjuku Gyoen
Start your day early with a relaxed breakfast or brunch at one of the many cozy cafés around Shinjuku Station’s quieter east side. There is no shortage of good options, from Japanese-style toast sets and miso soup to Western avocado-on-toast affairs and great third-wave coffee.
Once you are fueled up, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful green spaces. This massive park is a mix of Japanese, English, and French garden styles, with ponds, teahouses, and even a greenhouse.
Entry fee: ¥500, which is a small amount for a walk through this beautiful Garden. Look here for great Tokyo offers that include Garden entry!
Tip: Especially in spring (hello cherry blossoms!) or autumn (hello red maple leaves!), this park is a peaceful start to a high-energy day.
A gentle walk to the skies
From Shinjuku Gyoen, take a leisurely walk northwest toward the towering skyscrapers of West Shinjuku. You will pass Shinjuku Station and get through some quieter business streets before reaching the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
This architectural beast offers one of Tokyo’s best free views from its 45th-floor observation decks. On a clear day, you can see Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and even Mount Fuji. Entry: Free, and there’s a small gift shop and café up top if you still want to spend some yen.
On the first floor of the building you will find the Japan Olympic Museum, a small but well-designed space with info and memorabilia from the 2020 or 2021 games. Great for a quick 30-minute visit (and indoor AC in summer).
Sushi lunch at Himawari
Time to eat! Head back toward Shinjuku Station and treat yourself to sushi at Himawari Sushi, a much-loved local spot just a few minutes from the south exit. It is conveyor belt sushi at its best: fresh, fast, and incredibly good value.
Our tip: Try the toro (fatty tuna), grilled eel, and egg sushi. And don’t skip the miso soup with clams. Yes, we skipped our vegan style every now and then in Japan.
Expect to pay around ¥150–¥300 per plate, depending on the color and the sushi.
Afternoon vibes: Kabukicho, shrines & skyscrapers
After lunch, head north into Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment and red-light district. It can feel chaotic, and yes, it has a reputation, but during the day, it is just a fascinating place to wander. And you can always come back at night.Keep an eye out for the Godzilla Head peeking over the Toho Cinema building. You can go up to the hotel terrace (if you are a guest or visit the café) to get a closer look.
Then stroll over to Hanazono Shrine, hidden between the buildings just off the main drag. This Shinto shrine dates back to the 17th century and offers a sudden dose of peace right in the city’s madness. Make a short detour past the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, one of Tokyo’s most futuristic buildings. It is actually a design school, and a bold piece of architecture in a sea of glass towers.
Finally, take a walk through Shinjuku Station around peak hour, one of the busiest transport hubs in the world. Over 3.5 million people pass through it every day! It’s chaotic but fascinating. If you are feeling brave, try navigating underground from the east to the west exit or vice versa, it is basically an urban maze.
The best way to spend 1 Day in Shinjuku
Catch the 3-D Neon Billboards
Sushi dinner at Kotobuki
After a bit of down time (and maybe a hotel nap), head out for dinner at Sushi Kotobuki, a hidden gem known for its fresh cuts, warm service, and intimate vibe.
Unlike the lunch rush at Himawari, Kotobuki is perfect for a slower, more refined sushi experience. You may not need a reservation if you go early, but you will want to linger. Tip: Ask for the chef’s recommendation or go for the seasonal special.
Night Lights: Golden Gai & Omoide Yokocho
Now comes the real magic: Shinjuku at night!
Start in Golden Gai, a tiny network of alleyways packed with over 200 micro-bars. Each bar seats maybe 5–10 people, and many have themes (punk rock, jazz, horror movies…). Some cater to locals only, but many welcome tourists.
Respect the rules: There is often a small cover charge, and photography is not always allowed inside.
Circle back through Kabukicho after dark to see it in full neon glory. Then duck into Omoide Yokocho (literally “Memory Lane”), a smoky alley filled with yakitori joints, beer taps, and stories. It is loud, cozy, and full of character. Get a drink (or two) somewhere and maybe another snack.
Take your time. Try a sake. Look up at the signs. Watch the people. This is what Shinjuku does best: chaos, charm, and cinematic atmosphere.
Shinjuku is many things: business district, shopping heaven, party zone, foodie paradise, and cultural melting pot. You could spend a week here and still not see it all, but one full day should be enough to get swept up in its energy.
The best advice? Let the day evolve. Start slow, build up, and finish with a neon-soaked bang.
And the best part? Tomorrow, another Tokyo neighborhood awaits.
Have tips or experiences to share? Drop us a message or find us on Instagram for more pictures of Shinjuku, we would love to hear from you!
The Booming Journey | 10 May 2025 | ©all rights reserved