Bustling Shinjuku is home to Japan's tallest skyscrapers, a giant Godzilla head, and a giant train station that serves more passengers per day than any other train station in the world. Find out why tourists love Tokyo's Shinjuku area, what to see and how to have fun.
In the 17th and 19th centuries, Shinjuku was a small town. It was located near the post office on the road that led west towards Kofu. In 1923, there was a strong earthquake. Paradoxically, the destruction played a positive role in the development of the area. Shinjuku was quickly rebuilt, and within two years a new station was opened.
Today, the main administrative center of Tokyo has an area of 18.23 square meters. km. More lives here. 370 thousand people. During the day, the streets of Shinjuku are full of office workers, and at night, Japanese vacationers and tourists gather in the brightly lit area.
What to see in Shinjuku
The railroad divides the area into Nishi-Shinjuku and Higashi-Shinjuku. The busiest train station in the world - Shinjuku Station - has 60 exits and handles 3.64 million passengers daily. Be careful! It's easy to get lost in such a huge terminal!
Why is Shinjuku area interesting for tourists? People come here to admire the skyscrapers soaring into the sky, do shopping, dine in traditional Japanese restaurants and take a walk in a beautiful quiet park.
Near JR Shinjuku Station lies Kabuki-cho district... There are more than 3,000 entertainment venues for residents and visitors of Tokyo, including strip clubs and love hotels. There is also the curious Gracery Shinjuku hotel, on the roof of which the frightening Godzilla head is installed. In terms of crime, the red-light district is not a very safe place, so tourists are usually not advised to look there. Just be a little more alert in the area in the evenings!
The western part of Nishi-Shinjuku is famous for its modern skyscrapers. Be sure to see Tokyo from the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government - it's free! Across the street from it there is a pretty Shinjuku Chuo Park with a Shinto shrine. There is zero crime in this part of the city. Walk for fun! Don't miss the main street - Chuo-dori - and walk to the cocoon-shaped Cocoon Tower.
To the east, in Higashi-Shinjuku, are the expensive Mitsukoshi and Isetan department stores. Nearby is Flower Garden Sanctuary - Hanazono Jinja, the same age as the distant Edo era. Another attraction - "Golden Quarter" - are loved by connoisseurs of cheap bars and inexpensive alcohol.
Luxurious Shinjuku Gyoen Park (Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden) in Tokyo deserves special attention! The largest green zone in the capital covers an area of 53.8 hectares and is divided between three districts of the city. Walk through the regular park, the Japanese Garden, and admire the graceful bridges that connect the islands in the ponds.
Tripster and Sputnik8 - excursions in Tokyo.
