Detailed explanation of the history and overview of Shinjuku

 

　table of contents

1. Overview of Shinjuku
2. History of Shinjuku
3. Must-go spots in Shinjuku
4. Restaurants and nightlife
5. Shinjuku events and festivals

Introduction

Shinjuku is a major downtown area located in the western part of Tokyo, and is a vibrant district that brings together business, shopping, and entertainment. Its charm lies in its fusion of old remnants and new culture, attracting tourists from all over the world. Shinjuku Station is known as one of the busiest stations in the world, with approximately 3.5 million users per day.

This district has many faces, including the high-rise business district of Nishi-Shinjuku, the shopping and entertainment district of Higashi-Shinjuku, and the historic buildings surrounding Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. There are also many international restaurants, where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines from Japan and abroad. Shinjuku offers endless possibilities and stimulation to all who visit, from the everyday to the extraordinary.

1. Overview of Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a special ward located in the center of Tokyo and is a vibrant commercial and administrative center. It is home to Shinjuku Station, the busiest station in the world, and is also known as a place where important administrative facilities such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are located. Shinjuku is a district with a variety of attractions, including Nishi-Shinjuku, which is lined with skyscrapers, Higashi-Shinjuku, which is rich in shopping and entertainment, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which is a traditional Japanese garden.

Nishi-Shinjuku is known for its grand architecture and includes landmarks such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower. There is also a large electronics store with the latest Japanese gadgets, and an express bus terminal that is an access point to Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps.

Higashi-Shinjuku, on the other hand, is a more casual, lively area filled with pachinko parlors, izakayas, and ramen shops. Home to historic department stores like Shinjuku Isetan, it's a great place to enjoy shopping.

Kabukicho is also famous as Shinjuku's entertainment district, with hostess clubs, bars, and movie theaters. Shinjuku's Golden Gai is also a unique dining district with over 300 small bars and unique drinking establishments, where you can enjoy the old-fashioned atmosphere.

2. History of Shinjuku

Shinjuku's history is a dynamic one, from its beginnings as a post town during the Edo period to its transformation into Tokyo's major commercial district. In 1634, the first post town was established in Shinjuku, and the surrounding area began to prosper from then on. In particular, Naito-Shinjuku developed as a post town in 1698, and continued to become a gathering place for many travelers and merchants. This is because it served as a key point on the Koshu Highway.

Shinjuku survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and established itself as a commercial center during its subsequent reconstruction. After the earthquake, many shops and companies moved to this area. In particular, from the 1920s to the 1930s, Western-style buildings were constructed one after another, transforming Shinjuku into a modern commercial district. After World War II, Shinjuku underwent major changes once again, and with the post-war reconstruction, a black market was formed, and it became known for the blossoming of various entertainment industries.

After the war, Shinjuku in particular served as a hub for diverse cultures and subcultures, and became a place loved by many young people and artists. This has established Shinjuku as one of Tokyo's most unique and vibrant districts. Today, Shinjuku continues to be a place that continues to attract many people due to its complex and diverse history.

3. Must-go spots in Shinjuku

■ Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a vast park located in the center of Tokyo, where you can enjoy a variety of landscapes including a Japanese garden, an English garden, and a French garden. It was originally established during the Edo period, and was later used as a garden for the imperial family. It was opened to the public after World War II and is now popular with local residents and tourists.

Inside the park, there are ponds and bridges of various sizes, and seasonal flowers attract visitors. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves are particularly spectacular, attracting many cherry blossom viewing visitors and nature lovers.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is easily accessible and is within walking distance from Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which continues to be loved by many as an oasis in the city, is a valuable place where you can feel nature in the center of Tokyo.

■ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a facility where the administrative functions of Tokyo are concentrated, and is located in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo. Officially called the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, it is famous for its distinctive twin tower shape. The building was completed in 1991 and at a height of 243 meters was at one time the tallest building in Tokyo.

From the observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Tokyo. Especially on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji as well as famous landmarks such as the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. Access to the observation deck is free and is a very popular spot for tourists.

■ Omoide Yokocho

This place, also known as Omoide Yokocho or ``Piss Alley,'' is located near the west exit of Shinjuku Station and is a restaurant district that retains a strong Showa-era atmosphere. It started just after World War II and originally functioned as a black market. Today, there are many small izakayas and eateries here, where you can enjoy a variety of Japanese home-cooked meals and drinks at reasonable prices.

This area is home to around 60 bars and restaurants lined up in narrow alleys, with charcoal-grilled dishes like yakitori and motsuyaki being especially popular. At night, the area becomes especially lively and crowded with visitors. The narrow alleys and retro atmosphere will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to Showa-era Tokyo, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Click here if you want to know more about Omoide Yokocho >>

■ Isetan Shinjuku store

Isetan Shinjuku store is one of Japan's leading department stores that carries a wide range of products from luxury brands to casual wear. Founded in 1886, Isetan has a long history, and its flagship store in Shinjuku is known as the origin of fashion trends. The store carries fashion items from top brands from around the world, as well as a wide selection of beauty products and food.

The underground food floor, Depachika, is lined with stores selling high-quality gourmet food, sweets, and traditional Japanese ingredients, and is a popular spot where you can enjoy delicious domestic and international cuisine. It is very convenient to access as it is only 1 minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station. There are staff members who can speak English, and the restaurant is popular among international tourists.

■ Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square

Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square is a large shopping center directly connected to the south exit of Shinjuku Station, offering a diverse shopping experience to all who visit. This facility has a collection of shops that handle a wide variety of products such as fashion, miscellaneous goods, and food. The facility is very easily accessible and is directly connected to Shinjuku Station, so you can enjoy shopping and dining comfortably even on rainy days.

■ Kabukicho

Kabukicho is known as Asia's largest entertainment district and is located in the center of Shinjuku Ward. It's a lively area filled with bars, clubs, restaurants and karaoke places for all-night entertainment. This district features neon-lit streets and offers a diverse nightlife experience.

Access to Kabukicho is very convenient as it is about a 7 minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Come experience its lively atmosphere and unique energy when you visit.

■ Golden Gai

Golden Gai is located in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district and is a unique area with around 200 small bars. These bars are unique and each has its own atmosphere. It is also known as a place where artists, musicians, students, and locals gather for creative exchange. In particular, this area, which has been around since the Showa era, has developed as the center of Tokyo's bohemian culture and art scene.

It's a small space that typically accommodates 6 to 8 people, providing an intimate experience for visitors. Each bar has a different theme, including a jazz club, a retro Showa bar, and a modern cocktail bar. This area is lively until late at night, with many shops staying open until the early morning.

Click here if you want to know more about Golden Gai >>

4. Restaurants and nightlife

Kabukicho and Golden Gai are located in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo and are known for their vibrant nightlife. Kabukicho is famous as Asia's largest entertainment district and is home to a variety of entertainment facilities.

■ Kabukicho

There are countless spots where you can enjoy the night all night, such as cabaret clubs, host clubs, clubs, and bars, providing a diverse and lively nightlife, making it an essential spot for enjoying Tokyo's nightlife. This area is known as Tokyo's famous red light district and offers a wide range of entertainment options, from traditional to modern entertainment.

A host club is a place where men entertain customers by offering them drinks and conversation. The guests, mostly women, enjoy spending time with the hosts. Cabaret clubs are similar, where women serve male customers in the same way. These places are especially common in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, and are crowded until late at night. However, please be aware that the fees may be higher when using this service.

The club is known for its state-of-the-art sound equipment and stunning lighting, and you can enjoy dance music all night long with local and international DJs. There is a wide variety of genres, and you can enjoy a variety of music styles such as electronic, hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Additionally, some clubs may host live performances or special events.

Kabukicho is a lively area until late at night, and as a result, crimes such as pickpocketing and fraud have been reported in some areas. In particular, be wary of sweet talk from touts and suspicious promoters who approach you on street corners. It is also recommended to walk in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic. Also, at clubs, bars, cabaret clubs, and host clubs, you may encounter unexpectedly high charges, so it is important to check prices and service details in advance.

■ Golden Gai

This area has a unique atmosphere dating back to the Showa era, with over 200 small bars lined up in narrow alleys. Each bar is unique and attracts tourists and locals from all over the world to experience Japan's traditional drinking culture.

Bars typically only seat 6 to 8 and feature a very intimate space. Customers can enjoy direct conversation with bartenders, and that interaction is one of the great attractions of visiting Golden Gai. Many bars require a cover charge upon entry, but the drinks and snacks each bar offers are often reasonably priced.

The area was once known as the Black Market, and today its historic charm draws visitors to the area. The narrow alleyways and retro atmosphere give visitors the feeling of traveling back in time to Showa-era Tokyo, making for an unforgettable night.

Click here if you want to know more about Golden Gai >>

■ Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho is also known as a lively night spot that stays until late at night. It is located right next to the west exit of Shinjuku Station, and is home to many small restaurants. These stores offer traditional Japanese izakaya menu such as yakitori and offal stew to customers in a friendly atmosphere with counter seats packed tightly into small spaces.

At night, the store is crowded with local office workers and tourists, and the store is characterized by its friendly atmosphere, where you can enjoy socializing. At many of the restaurants, you can enjoy homemade dishes and a wide variety of sake and shochu. It is also a friendly place for foreign tourists as you can enjoy talking with the shop owner.

5. Shinjuku events and festivals

■ Tori no Ichi

Tori no Ichi is a traditional festival held at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, where you can buy ``kumade'' in hopes of prospering your business. This festival is held several times every November on specific Rooster Days, with many stalls set up and a lively atmosphere to enjoy.

This is a historic festival that has been going on since the Edo period, and worshipers purchase kumade (kumade) to wish for business prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. A rake is a decorated bamboo rake that is said to be an item used to "rake up" good fortune. At the festival, kumade of various sizes are sold, and you can choose the one that suits you best.

Additionally, during the festival, the area around Hanazono Shrine is decorated with lanterns and lanterns, creating a gorgeous atmosphere. It is popular not only with locals but also tourists, and is a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.

■ Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden autumn leaves illumination

Held every year from mid-November to early December, this is an event where you can enjoy the colorful autumn leaves against the backdrop of the vast gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. During this period, the park is bathed in autumn colors, and visitors are treated to the vivid fall colors of the various trees within the park.

To highlight the beauty of the autumn leaves, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden also holds light-up events, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves in a magical atmosphere at night. There are also various stalls and live performances, so you can feel the arrival of autumn while enjoying food, music, and dance performances.

■ Shinjuku Kabuki Town Bon Odori

It is a traditional summer event held every August at Cine City Plaza in Shinjuku. The festival combines traditional Japanese Bon dance with modern pop songs, providing a fun atmosphere for people of all ages to participate. Participants will also receive instruction on how to dance easily, so even beginners can easily enjoy the dance.

A special feature of the festival is the drum performance by Tokyo Otome Taiko, whose powerful performance further enlivens the atmosphere of Bon Odori. Additionally, the event is free to attend and is held from dusk to night, so you can avoid the heat of the day and enjoy it during the cooler hours.

Finally

Shinjuku's diverse charm and historical background make it an essential destination for travelers visiting Tokyo. It continues to attract many people not only as a center of business and entertainment, but also as a place where you can experience Japanese culture and history. The tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the spectacular views from the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and the retro atmosphere of Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai embody the area's versatility.

Additionally, the various events and festivals held throughout the year provide visitors with the opportunity to experience Shinjuku's local culture and learn more about its charms. Shinjuku is a dynamic city where Japanese tradition and modern culture merge.