In this Shinjuku Tokyo travel guide, we’re sharing the best things to do & eat in this busy city district! We share how you can spend an exciting day full of attractions and delicious food exploring Japanese culinary favorites! This is everything we did and ate in Shinjuku Tokyo. These five activities only cost us $43 USD for 2 people!
Things To Do In Shinjuku Tokyo Japan -Google Maps
#1 Eat at a Conveyor Belt Sushi Bar
Himawari Sushi Shintoshin - Shinjuku Tokyo
You have to try Himawari Sushi, one of the best sushi conveyor belt restaurants in Shinjuku Tokyo at an affordable price! This place is so cozy inside with only 16 seats situated around a rectangle conveyor belt table. We enjoyed watching the chefs prepare sushi right in front of us. This restaurant does not accept reservations and operates on a first come basis! If you love sushi you might want to check out the most popular sushi conveyor belt chain Kura. The largest sushi conveyor belt restaurant in the world is located in Tokyo.
Price: ~15 USD Per Person (Depending on how much you eat).
Location: 1 Chome-15-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Hours: 6 days from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 5–10 p.m (Closed Tuesday)
The plates moving around the conveyor belt are color-coded which determine the price per plate. The grey plates are 150 yen, green 200 yen, gold 250 yen, blue 400 yen, and black 500 yen. Therefore, each plate varies between $0.99 USD and $3.33 USD per plate.
We loved how local this experience felt and of course how delicious the sushi was making this one of our favorite things to do in Shinjuku Tokyo Japan!
Get the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo to get discounts on major attractions in Tokyo.
#2 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Panoramic Views of Tokyo's Skyline, All for Free
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a must-visit for anyone exploring the vibrant heart of Shinjuku Tokyo. It’s identifiable by its iconic twin towers architecture. You can see 360-degree panoramic city views from over 600 ft in the sky.
This is one of the most popular Shinjuku attractions because, well it’s free!
Price: Free
Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (Closed Saturday & Sunday)
Make your way up 45 floors to the indoor observation area, it’s completely free! There was even a cool piano in the middle of the floor, where talented pianists could line up to play music, we loved it!
If you love observatories there are so many amazing ones in Tokyo and it’s some of the top things to do in this busy city. Check out our guide on the 12 Best Things to do in Tokyo to get the whole scoop beyond Shinjuku.
#3 Spot 3D Billboard & Godzilla Head
Shinjuku Tokyo Marvels: Explore the Famous Billboard Attraction
As you walk through vibrant streets of Shinjinku Tokyo, observe the stunning 3D billboard of a giant realistic-looking calico cat. Japanese calico cats, or “Mike-Neko,” are symbols of luck and balance. Their tricolor coats believed to bring good fortune and protect against evil spirits in Japan.
The 4K screen wraps around a building overlooking the intersection in front of Shinjuku Station’s east gate. This is where you will be able to snap a great picture.
3D Billboard in Shinjuku Tokyo
Address: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−23−18 RF 東新宿ビル クロス
From the 3D calico cat billboard, walk 5 minutes to spot the iconic 80-ton Godzilla head statue. It sits on the 8th floor of the Toho building at Hotel Gracery, you can’t miss it! This tribute to the city’s favorite monster is a must-see attraction.
Giant Godzilla Head
Address: Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−19−1, Shinjuku Toho Building, ３階
#4 Taste The Iconic Japanese Street Food Snack
Takoyaki: Where sizzling octopus, fluffy batter, and savory sauce dance together
When you visit Japan, you will see a very popular street food snack called Takoyaki! You are probably wondering why add this to my Shinjuku itinerary? Well it’s absolutely delicious and an iconic Japanese street food. When you come to Japan, you should try things outside of your comfort zone.
Takoyaki is savory octopus-filled dough balls. It’s grilled, and topped with a flavorful combination of sauces, bonito flakes, and seaweed flakes. It has a rich umami flavor with a tangy sauce, dough is not too sweet.
Price: ~¥1,000 ($6.75 USD)
Address: Gindaco- Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−19−1, Shinjuku Toho Building, 店
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
#5 Omoide Yokochō
Where Tokyo's Culinary Kaleidoscope and Timeless Charm Collide!
What are things to do in Shinjuku at night? Well you must visit Omoide Yokochō, often known as “Memory Lane,” is a charming alleyway known for its quaint restaurants and delectable street food in Shinjuku Tokyo. It is located near the west exit of Shinjuku Station (Shinjuku Nishiguchi).
From its rich culinary legacy and exciting nightlife to its handy position close to Shinjuku Station. We loved how adorable the restaurants known as Izakayas. Izakayas are like cozy Japanese pubs where you can eat small dishes and have drinks in a relaxed, social setting. Highly recommend visiting here when exploring Shinjuku Tokyo!
Price: Omoide Yokochō (Free)
Kameya Soba Noodle Shop (Shinjuku Tokyo) ¥460 ($3.10 USD)
Address: 1 Chome-2-10 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Kameya Noodle Shop (Closed Sundays)
