Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to spend a day in Shinjuku (Kabukicho, 3D Cat, Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai)
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most exciting areas. It has bright lights, small bars, old streets, fun shops, and cool surprises. Whether you love food, photos, or exploring city life, Shinjuku has something for you.
Let’s start your Shinjuku adventure!
Take a Train to Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku is one of the biggest train stations in the world. You can get there easily from almost anywhere in Tokyo.
Train Options:
JR Yamanote Line – Best if you’re coming from places like Shibuya, Ueno, or Tokyo Station
Chuo Line – Fast train from Tokyo Station or Kichijoji
Odakyu Line – Good if coming from west Tokyo
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line – Great for central areas like Ginza or Ikebukuro
Traveler’s Tip: Use the East Exit or Central East Exit to get to most sightseeing spots like Kabukicho, 3D Cat, and Omoide Yokocho.
See the Famous 3D Cat at Cross Shinjuku Vision
Walking Distance: 3 minutes from Shinjuku Station (East Exit)
Start your day by seeing the giant 3D cat billboard, located above the Cross Shinjuku Building. It looks like the cat is jumping out of the screen!
Best Time to See It:
Shows play every few minutes from morning to night
Fun and quick stop for a photo or video
Explore Kabukicho During the Day
Kabukicho is known as Shinjuku’s entertainment and nightlife district. During the day, it’s much quieter and safer to walk around.
What to Do:
✔ Take photos of neon signs and narrow alleys
✔ See the Godzilla Head on top of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (free photo spot)
✔ Visit Don Quijote – A huge discount store for snacks, gifts, and more
✔ Check out arcades, game centers, or themed stores like anime shops
Optional Activity:
Visit the Samurai Museum or Tokyo Mystery Circus if you have extra time
Take a Coffee or Snack Break
After some walking, enjoy a relaxing break at a nearby café.
Café Options:
Blue Bottle Coffee Shinjuku – Modern, minimalist café with strong coffee
Cafe AALIYA – Known for fluffy French toast and a cozy vibe
Excelsior or Tully’s Coffee – Easy and casual chains with snacks and drinks
Have Lunch Around Shinjuku
Shinjuku has many food choices for all diets and preferences. Here are a few you can pick from:
Lunch Options:
Menya Musashi – Popular ramen shop with bold flavors
T’s TanTan (Vegan-Friendly) – Delicious plant-based ramen and rice bowls
Ootoya – Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant
Nabezo – All-you-can-eat hotpot with meat, veggies, and tofu
Visit Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Shinjuku Station (West Exit)
After lunch, walk over to Omoide Yokocho, also called “Memory Lane” or “Piss Alley.” Don’t worry about the name—it’s a popular, nostalgic alley full of tiny food stalls and lanterns.
What to Do:
✔ Walk through the narrow streets
✔ Take photos of the lanterns and old-style shops
✔ Come back in the evening if you want to eat at a tiny yakitori bar
Tip: Most shops open in the evening, but the vibe during the day is quiet and perfect for photos.
Walk Around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Travel Time: 15 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station or 5 minutes by train (to Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station)
If you want a peaceful break from the city noise, visit Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful garden with lawns, ponds, and teahouses.
Entrance Fee: ¥500
✔ Great for cherry blossoms (spring) and fall colors (autumn)
✔ Sit under a tree or walk around the Japanese and French-style gardens
Take a Short Rest at a Late-Afternoon Café
Before heading into the nightlife part of Shinjuku, take a small break with a drink or dessert.
Café Options:
Reissue Café – Known for 3D latte art (cute animal foam on coffee)
Lumine Est Food Floor – A mix of cafés, bakeries, and dessert shops near Shinjuku Station
Visit Golden Gai in the Evening
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Kabukicho or Shinjuku Station (East Exit)
Golden Gai is a famous area with tiny bars, each with its own unique theme or style. Some have only 5–6 seats!
What to Do:
✔ Walk through the narrow alleys lined with colorful signs
✔ Take photos and enjoy the old-style atmosphere
✔ Choose a bar and enjoy a drink (many have English menus)
✔ Some bars charge a small “cover fee” (usually ¥500–¥1000)
Enjoy Dinner Around Kabukicho or Golden Gai
After exploring Golden Gai, grab dinner nearby. There are many restaurants, from casual to fancy.
Dinner Options:
Ichiran Ramen – Famous for solo booths and rich tonkotsu ramen
Gyukatsu Motomura – Crispy beef cutlet you cook yourself
Ain Soph. Journey (Vegan-Friendly) – Full vegan meals like burgers and curry
Torikizoku – Affordable yakitori chain, perfect for groups
Head Back to Your Hotel
From Shinjuku Station, you can return to any part of Tokyo via:
JR Yamanote Line
Chuo Line
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Odakyu and Keio Lines (to west Tokyo)
- See the Famous 3D Cat at Cross Shinjuku Vision
- Explore Kabukicho During the DayKabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
- Visit Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
- Walk Around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
- Visit Golden Gai in the EveningJapan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−1−６ あかるい花園 五番街
