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How to spend a day in Shinjuku (Kabukicho, 3D Cat, Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai)

Last updated 2025. 7. 20.
Night Scene of Shinjuku 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 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, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan

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:

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)

1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
영업시간
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
웹사이트
shinjuku-omoide.com

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

11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
영업시간
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
전화번호
+81 3-3350-0151
웹사이트
www.env.go.jp

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:

Visit Golden Gai in the Evening

1 Chome-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
영업시간
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
전화번호
+81 3-3209-6418
웹사이트
goldengai.jp

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:

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)

    How to spend a day in Shinjuku - Trip To Japan