You’ve made it to Shinjuku! Let me tell you, this place is an absolute madhouse—in the best possible way. But don’t worry, we, your expert local guides at Flip Japan, are here to show you how to properly do Shinjuku.
Forget following the crowds or dropping a fortune. We’ll show you how to find the perfect mix of iconic spots, hidden gems, and all the free or cheap stuff that’ll still make you feel like a Tokyo pro.
Ready? Let’s crack on with the best day out in Shinjuku!
Morning: Nature, Calm, and Culture (Yes, It Exists Here)
8:30 AM: Start at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Right, first things first—you’re in Shinjuku, and you need a bit of calm before it gets wild. Get yourself over to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
It’s ¥500 to get in, but trust me, it’s worth every yen. You’ll find huge lawns, a Japanese traditional garden, and even a little tea house where you can sip matcha while pretending you’ve got your life together.
Cherry blossoms in spring? Absolute dream. It’s the best spot to start your day without having to wrestle with crowds of tourists.
10:00 AM: Experience Tranquility at Hanazono Shrine
Now that you’ve had your bit of zen, wander over to Hanazono Shrine, which is tucked away in the middle of all the madness.
It’s a Shinto shrine, so you’ll get a taste of traditional Japan without even having to leave central Shinjuku. Bonus points: It’s free!
Take a few snaps, soak up the atmosphere, and carry on—you’ve got a full day ahead of you, mate.
Mid-Morning: Shopping and Snacking (You’ll Thank Me Later)
11:00 AM: AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū
Next stop, let’s add a little culture with some window shopping at AKOMEYA TOKYO.
This place is a treasure trove of beautifully made Japanese kitchenware, posh rice (yes, that’s a thing), and cool little souvenirs.
You don’t have to buy anything—unless you’re really into home goods—but just wandering through and seeing all the handcrafted stuff is an experience in itself.
Fancy a bargain? Maybe not, but it’s free to browse, and the aesthetics are top-notch.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Omoide Yokocho
Alright, you must be starving by now, so let’s head over to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane).
This place is pure Tokyo: tiny alleyways, old-school eateries, and the smell of grilled yakitori (chicken skewers) everywhere.
Grab a seat at one of the teeny little spots, order up some noodles or yakitori, and watch the world go by. It’s cheap, delicious, and about as authentic as it gets. You’re welcome.
Early Afternoon: Iconic Sights Without the Price Tag
1:00 PM: Spot Godzilla at the Toho Building
After lunch, head over to the Shinjuku Toho Building and prepare to meet Shinjuku’s very own Godzilla.
Just look up, and you’ll spot his enormous head perched on top of the building, casually watching over the city. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and let’s be honest, you’re not going to want to miss it.
Occasionally, Godzilla roars and lights up, just to remind everyone who’s boss. If you’re a film buff, the building also has a cinema, but honestly, even just seeing Godzilla up close is enough to tick off a major Shinjuku must-see.
From there, you can take a short walk over to the Cross Shinjuku Vision 3D billboards near Shinjuku Station. These massive digital screens display high-tech, mind-bending ads, with animations that seem to leap out into the streets.
The 3D cat that often appears has become a viral sensation, but you never know what eye-popping visuals will be playing when you pass by.
It’s completely free and a great way to experience how cutting-edge tech mixes with everyday life in Shinjuku. Plus, it’s a prime spot to feel the energy of the city.
1:30 PM: Take a Breather in Shinjuku Central Park
Next up, take a short walk to Shinjuku Central Park, a quieter green space nestled between Shinjuku’s skyscrapers.
It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon break, and a nice spot to relax by the fountains or sit on a bench with a coffee.
This is another free stop that lets you unwind a bit before jumping back into the action.
Mid-Afternoon: Discover Some Local Secrets
2:30 PM: Wander Around Golden Gai (During the Day)
Golden Gai is Shinjuku’s infamous nightlife area, but here’s a little secret: it’s also pretty cool during the day.
The narrow alleyways are lined with these quirky, old bars that only fit about five people each, and in the daylight, it’s quiet and kind of charming. Perfect for a bit of exploring, free of charge.
It’s like stepping back in time, and you can check it out without all the late-night craziness. Plus, fewer people means better photos.
3:00 PM: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Now, for one of the best free activities in the whole of Tokyo: the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck.
You get killer views of the entire city from the 45th floor, and did I mention it’s free? Yeah, this is a must.
On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. It’s a great way to see just how massive Tokyo is without having to shell out for one of those pricey observation decks.
Late Afternoon: Shopping and Snacks
4:00 PM: Shopping at NEWoMan Shinjuku
Let’s be honest, you’ve probably still got a bit of shopping in you. NEWoMan Shinjuku is attached to Shinjuku Station, and it’s got loads of trendy shops, cafes, and lifestyle stores.
No matter if you’re into fashion or just want to grab a coffee and people-watch, this is the spot. The building itself is sleek and modern, and even just browsing here feels a bit fancy.
Window shopping? Totally free. A cheeky little coffee? A few hundred yen. Either way, it’s a nice little stop before dinner.
Evening: Dinner and Lights
6:00 PM: Dinner in Shin-Okubo Koreatown
For dinner, you’re off to Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s Koreatown. This place is buzzing with life and full of cheap and tasty eats. Korean BBQ, bibimbap, spicy rice cakes—whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here.
It’s affordable, the portions are massive, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. Shin-Okubo is a brilliant place to experience something a bit different, and the food? You’ll be talking about it for days.
7:30 PM: Shinjuku Southern Terrace Stroll
After stuffing your face, you’ll want a nice walk to digest all that Korean goodness. Stroll through Shinjuku Southern Terrace, which is lit up with pretty lights and has a totally chill vibe in the evening.
It’s just across from Shinjuku Station, so it’s convenient and a lovely way to wind down after a busy day. Trust me, after all the running around, this is exactly what you need.
Late Evening: Nightlife or Views? Why Not Both?
8:30 PM: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Nighttime)
Fancy another go at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building? Go for it! It’s open late, and the city views at night are next level.
The lights of Tokyo stretch as far as the eye can see, and again—it’s free. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this one.
9:00 PM: Kabukicho or Golden Gai for Drinks
Now, if you’re still up for more fun, you’ve got two choices: head over to Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s wild and neon-drenched nightlife district, or dip back into Golden Gai for a nightcap.
Kabukicho is full of bars, clubs, and all sorts of shenanigans, but if you want something a bit more low-key, grab a drink in one of Golden Gai’s tiny bars. Either way, you’re in for a memorable night.
Shinjuku Done Like a Local
There you go—one day in Shinjuku, done properly. You’ve had nature, shopping, culture, food, and a bit of nightlife, all while keeping things affordable.
You’ve seen the iconic spots and discovered a few hidden gems, and now you’re basically an expert on how to do Shinjuku the right way.
Now, go enjoy Tokyo like a proper local (or at least look like one).
