Shinjuku City (Shinjuku-ku, or Shinjuku Ward in Japanese) is a cosmopolitan city located at the center of Tokyo, 23 city (wards). It has Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest station, entertainment districts including the famous Kabukicho, and one of the most prosperous commercial areas in Japan around the station, all of which attract visitors from all over the world. Meanwhile, simply by making a little side trip from Shinjuku Station, you can visit Shinjuku neighborhoods that have many diverse and distinctive aspects as well as experience Japan-style charms. Here we feature the Shinjuku West Exit area with its skyscraper buildings, as well as lots of information on night-time entertainment.
Shinjuku West Exit Area
Access
5 min. from JR Shinjuku Sta. 1 min. from Shinjuku Sta. (get off at Tochomae Sta. on the Toei Oedo Line) 2 min. from Shinjuku Sta. (get off at Nishi-shinjuku Sta. on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
Get a panoramic view of sparkling Tok
On the 45th floor, at the height of 202 meters, of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, one of the major landmarks of Tokyo, there are two observation decks, the South and North Observation Decks (free). You can get a great view of Tokyo and, on a clear winter day, you may be able to see Mount Fuji. The daytime view is wonderful, but the night one is especially recommended. You can see clearly major landmarks, including the sparkling buildings, Tokyo Tower, Roppoingi Hills, and TOKYO SKYTREE.
The South Observation Deck, re-opened in April 2019, accommodates a piano with a special decoration supervised by Yayoi Kusama, a world-famous artist, which is available to visitors for playing.
While the Shinjuku West Exit area filled with skyscrapers is a bustling business district during the day, there are lots of restaurants and bars on upper floors of office buildings and hotels where you can eat while enjoying a night view. There are many popular places with a relaxed atmosphere, which are recommended for your date.
If you want to enjoy nightlife in Tokyo without spending much money, you should visit “Omoide yokocho.” Located just outside the Shinjuku Station West Exit, the narrow alley is lined on both sides with small izakaya pubs and restaurants. Have a glass of highball or lemon sour along with some yakitori, and you will be just like one of Shinjuku’s “salarymen”!
To be Held in Late Sep. 2019 Spreading out behind the cluster of high-rise buildings, Shinjuku Central Park is a leafy area. This park will host a free outdoor movie festival. You can enjoy movies under the theme of diversity, which is a perfect theme for Shinjuku, comfortable under the open sky with a feeling of freedom. Could it be your new way of enjoying a Tokyo night?
Walking in the Shinjuku West Exit area, you are likely to come cross various public art works. It is said that public art started with the intention to bring a comfort to people working in business areas. You can find here and there various art items, including a “LOVE” sculpture by American artist Robert Indiana and a “Hand of Peace” statue by Japanese artist Keimu Kamata.
Access and detailed information about these places are available at Shinjuku Tourist Information (at South East Gate of JR Shinjuku Station)!
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