Top 5 Attractions in Shinjuku Tokyo, Travel Guide
※updated on July 19 2025
Tokyo’s most deep and dynamic neighborhood 💥. Known for its electrifying nightlife and hidden gems, it's a place where government buildings and neon-lit bars coexist in perfect contradiction 💼🍸.
One of the most iconic spots is Golden Gai, a maze of tiny bars that's beloved by locals and visitors alike 🍻🌍. But that's just the beginning! With the towering Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building by day, and dazzling lights and sounds by night, Shinjuku is a city that wears many faces 😎🌙. Come explore the many layers of this unforgettable area!
1) “LOVE” monument, photogenic spot
The west side of Shinjuku Station is known as one of Tokyo’s unexpected art area. Its most iconic landmark is the “LOVE” sculpture by American artist Robert Indiana. Painted in a striking shade of red and sized to impress, this bold artwork has become a favorite photo spot for visitors. Some people pose in front of it for the perfect Instagram shot, while others use it as a popular meeting point.
What many may not realize is that this eye-catching sculpture is just one part of a larger urban art experience. Surrounding the LOVE monument, there are a total of 10 public art installations scattered throughout the area, transforming the streetscape into an open-air gallery. Whether you're an art lover or a curious explorer, the west side of Shinjuku offers a creative twist on city life that's worth discovering.
📍 Address: 5-1, Nishi-Shinjuku 6-chome, Shinjuku city
🕒 Opening Hours: 24 hours
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 9-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
2) Tokyo Metropolitan Gov Building Projection Mapping
Every night, this massive government building turns into a giant projection screen 🎆🌃! It's officially recognized by Guinness as the world's largest permanent projection mapping on a building 😲🌍.
Featuring themes from popular anime and games 🎮📺, the show combines lights and music to transform the night into something magical 💫.
And the best part? It’s totally free to watch 🆓!
🕐 Show Times:
18:30 / 19:00 / 19:30 / 20:00 / 20:30 / 21:00 / 21:30
※ May be canceled due to weather 🌧️
3) Shin-Okubo, Korea Town in Tokyo
In recent years, K-POP has become more and more visible through streaming platforms and on TV.🎶 With more Japanese members in K-POP groups, the genre’s popularity in Japan keeps rising. When people talk about Japan’s biggest Korean town, they’re talking about Shin-Okubo in Shinjuku. 🌆 The area offers a Korean-like atmosphere with its vibrant streets.
You’ll find delicious Korean food 🍜, K-POP goods 🎤, and trendy cosmetics 💄 all around. It truly feels like a slice of Seoul in the heart of Tokyo! The area is full of young people, especially students, not just on weekends but even on weekdays. 👫 It’s always buzzing with excitement and energy.
If you're curious about how Japan embraces Korean culture,👀 Shin-Okubo is the perfect place to experience it for yourself!
4) Kagurazaka
Just a few minutes' walk from JR Iidabashi Station or Tokyo Metro Kagurazaka Station, you'll find Kagurazaka—a charming neighborhood that blends old-world elegance with contemporary Tokyo life.
The name Kagurazaka originates from “Kagura” (神楽)—traditional Shinto music and dance offered to the gods. It's said that the sound of Kagura once echoed down the slope here, giving the area its name. 🎶
Historically, Kagurazaka was a thriving geisha district, or hanamachi, where performers entertained guests with music, dance, and refined hospitality. Today, you can still see traces of that elegant past in its stone-paved alleyways, narrow hidden lanes, and traditional buildings. 🏮
At the same time, Kagurazaka embraces modernity—with a variety of boutique shops, stylish izakayas, and upscale ryōtei (traditional Japanese restaurants) lining its streets. Whether you're craving refined kaiseki cuisine or a casual night out, Kagurazaka offers a cultural fusion experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
✨ For those seeking a taste of Tokyo's rich history infused with contemporary charm, Kagurazaka is an unmissable destination.
5) Kabukicho
Just a short walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station, Kabukicho is Japan’s largest entertainment district and a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Known as the “city that never sleeps,” Kabukicho dazzles with neon lights and a lively atmosphere that lasts until dawn. The streets are lined with izakayas, bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, and movie theaters, making it a hotspot for nightlife in Tokyo.
Famous for being one of Japan’s most deep and dynamic urban zones, the area is iconic for the massive Godzilla head atop the Shinjuku Toho Building, a popular photo spot for visitors. Nearby, the historic Golden Gai attracts international tourists who enjoy drinks and conversation in its tiny, atmospheric bars. Though you're in Japan, Golden Gai offers a uniquely international vibe, where travelers from across the globe connect and unwind.
Please look forward to a valuable experience in Shinjuku, the deepest city in Japan!
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