Shinjuku is a bustling and active district in metropolitan Tokyo which houses a mix of commercial, business, and entertainment establishments. The JR Shinjuku station, the world's busiest train station, and a common stop for changing trains and riding buses is also situated in Shinjuku. This makes nearby commercial centers a convenient shopping destination for businessmen and students on-the-go.
Shopping, entertainment, and attractions
To tend to all your daily shopping needs, a wide range of department stores can be found in Shinjuku such as Isetan, Takashimaya, Odakyu, Keio, and Lumine. Big electronic stores such as Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera have also opened in Shinjuku which makes access to electronic goods more convenient for those who have less time to go all the way to Akihabara. Several record stores such as Tower Records, Tsutaya, and HMV are also situated in the area.
Entertainment hubs such as pachinko centers, karaoke places, game centers, restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, and pubs are also prominent in the area. Shinjuku dazzles with bright lights and illuminated sign boards with Japanese characters at night!
Shinjuku is also known for the infamous red light district of Tokyo, Kabukicho, and the largest gay district in Tokyo, Shinjuku Ni-chome.
Photo from marcandrephoto.deviantart.com
Photo from randomwire.com
Presence of schools, universities, government and corporate centers
You can see a lot of high school and college students loafing in the busy streets of Shinjuku due to the presence of schools and universities. Some of the most popular universities in Shinjuku ward include Waseda University, Keio University, and Chuo University.
The east side of Shinjuku station is concentrated with shopping malls and centers, whereas the west side is more of corporate buildings and office spaces. One of the prominent buildings situated on the west side of the Shinjuku ward is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building where the center of Tokyo administration lies.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Photo from muza-chan.net
Peace in the middle of the city
If you want to take a break from the noisy streets of Shinjuku, then worry not, because there is a beautiful and breathtaking green garden complex right within the borders of Shinjuku. The garden complex is called the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. You can come in and look through the elevated windows of the Taiwan Pavilion, enjoy the traditional scenery of the Japanese garden, and experience other cultural gardens such as the English Landscape or French Formal. Viewing the garden while it's green is already a nice experience in itself, but you can enjoy the garden more when visiting it in spring where cherry blossoms bloom.
