Top reasons to visit Shinjuku
- Vibrant Nightlife: Shinjuku is renowned for its lively nightlife, featuring bustling bars, izakayas, and neon-lit entertainment districts.
- Serene Parks: Enjoy the tranquillity of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, offering beautiful landscapes for relaxation and picnics.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore various shrines and art museums, enriching your visit with Japan's rich heritage.
- Diverse Shopping: Discover an array of shopping centres and retail areas catering to all tastes and budgets.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Shinjuku offers numerous attractions perfect for family outings and bonding moments.
Find great hotels in and around Shinjuku
Discover the vibrant heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, where a diverse array of hotels awaits to enhance your stay. From luxurious accommodations to welcoming hostels, there's something for every traveller. With a focus on shopping convenience and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA community, Shinjuku provides an ideal base for both business and leisure. Explore top-rated hotels and read reviews to find your perfect getaway in this bustling metropolis.
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: A remarkable 4-star hotel celebrated for its modern design and unique theme, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku boasts a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. Situated in the vibrant shopping district of Shinjuku, this hotel offers an exceptional experience for travellers seeking a shopping-oriented getaway. The hotel features spacious rooms equipped with contemporary amenities and offers a variety of dining options, ensuring a comfortable stay. Its prime location allows easy access to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it an ideal base for exploring the energetic atmosphere of Tokyo.
- APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower: This 3-star hotel, rated 8.4 out of 10 by guests, is nestled in the heart of Shinjuku’s bustling shopping district. APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower offers a distinctly modern aesthetic combined with essential amenities, catering to travellers looking for convenience and comfort. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms that feature sleek designs and modern conveniences. The hotel's location places visitors within walking distance of popular attractions, ensuring a rich shopping experience and easy access to Tokyo’s dynamic nightlife, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture.
- APA Hotel & Resort Nishishinjuku Gochome Ekimae Tower: Rated 8.8 out of 10, this 3-star property is ideal for those seeking a spa-themed retreat. Located just 1.6km from Shinjuku, APA Hotel & Resort Nishishinjuku Gochome Ekimae Tower offers guests a comprehensive wellness experience with a full-service spa and pool facilities, including a hot tub for ultimate relaxation. The hotel’s tranquil atmosphere and well-designed rooms provide a perfect escape after a day of exploring. Its proximity to Shinjuku ensures that guests can enjoy both relaxation and the vibrant local shopping scene, catering to diverse travel preferences.
Where to stay near Shinjuku
Shinjuku offers a vibrant blend of urban excitement and peaceful parks, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore the nearby districts of Shibuya and Shin Okubo, where you’ll encounter friendly locals and a bustling atmosphere. Don’t miss the serene beauty of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst stunning scenery. With a variety of experiences at your fingertips, Shinjuku is sure to leave you enchanted.
- Tokyo: As a vibrant metropolis, Tokyo offers a mix of ultra-modernity and traditional culture, making it a must-visit destination. Shinjuku, located within Tokyo, serves as a central hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining. Visitors can expect a bustling atmosphere, particularly during peak seasons from March to April and October. Popular attractions include expansive shopping malls and world-class theme parks, as well as serene mountain views and sports facilities. Tokyo is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in an energetic urban setting.
- Kabukicho: Just a short distance from Shinjuku, Kabukicho is known for its lively nightlife and entertainment offerings. This neighbourhood is a dynamic area that attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons occurring in March to April and September. Kabukicho is ideal for families and those seeking a city-themed adventure, featuring bustling shopping areas and vibrant squares. Noteworthy local landmarks include tourist precincts and exciting theme parks, providing a unique blend of experiences that cater to both thrill-seekers and casual explorers alike.
- Shinjuku Golden Gai: A stone's throw from Shinjuku, Shinjuku Golden Gai is a quaint neighbourhood famous for its narrow alleyways lined with tiny bars and eateries, each with its own unique charm. The area remains popular throughout the year, with peaks in March to April and October. It offers a family-friendly environment alongside a rich cultural scene, perfect for those interested in city life and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy shopping in nearby areas and explore historic landmarks, making it a delightful spot for a night out or a leisurely stroll.
Things to do near Shinjuku
Shopping
In Shinjuku, visit the bustling Shinjuku Takashimaya, a shopping haven with a wide range of brands and restaurants. Explore the vibrant streets around Shinjuku Nishiguchi, where you’ll find unique shops and souvenirs. Don't miss the lively atmosphere of the famous Omoide Yokocho for local snacks and gifts.
Recreation
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a tranquil retreat with its expansive lawns, traditional Japanese landscapes, and seasonal blossoms. For relaxation, try an onsen experience at a local spa, where soothing hot springs and therapeutic treatments provide a rejuvenating escape from the bustling city life.
Adventure
Experience breathtaking views on the Yokohama Air Cabin from Sakuragicho Station, located 27km from Shinjuku, offering an outdoor adventure. The Arimino Course, a thrilling zipline ropes course, is situated 26km away, providing an exhilarating outdoor experience for adventure enthusiasts. For a family-friendly outing, take the Mt. Takao Cable Car, located 40km from Shinjuku, and enjoy scenic landscapes.
Nightlife
In Shinjuku, the vibrant nightlife buzzes with energy. Visit Golden Gai for intimate bars and unique themes, or explore Omoide Yokocho for traditional izakayas. For a lively club scene, head to WOMB, known for its impressive sound system and eclectic music.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shinjuku
To save money on your trip to Shinjuku, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or August. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter your search by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, you can save further by bundling your hotel with flights and activities. Explore free attractions and utilise public transport for cost-effective travel around the city.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Shinjuku are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Shinjuku about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Shinjuku is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Shinjuku is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices in ascending order, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Shinjuku with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Shinjuku
Shinjuku offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and vibrant city experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including serene shrines, urban parks, and fascinating art museums, perfect for those seeking cultural enrichment and family bonding. The area's diverse points of interest ensure that every traveller discovers something memorable during their stay in this bustling neighbourhood of Tokyo.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This sprawling urban park offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, cherry blossoms in spring, and serene ponds, it’s an ideal spot for family picnics or leisurely strolls, immersing you in nature amidst the urban landscape.
- Tokyo Tower: A symbol of modern Japan, this iconic tower provides stunning panoramic views of the city. You can ascend to the observation deck to marvel at Tokyo's skyline and beyond, particularly enchanting at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle.
- Tokyo Imperial Palace: The historic residence of Japan's Imperial Family, this palace is surrounded by lush gardens and impressive moats. Visitors can explore the East Gardens, which are open to the public, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Shinjuku
Arriving in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is convenient with three major airports nearby. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) is located 18km from Shinjuku, offering excellent hotel options such as The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, Imperial Hotel, and Grand Hyatt Tokyo, all within 14km and providing various transportation services, including scheduled airport shuttles. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) is further at 63km, with nearby accommodations like Hotel Nikko Narita and Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport, ensuring easy access. Lastly, Ibaraki Airport (IBR), 84km away, features hotels like Mito Plaza Hotel and Hotel Route Inn Ishioka, catering to travellers seeking proximity to this airport.