Guide to Tokyo’s wild energy: spotlighting Shinjuku’s most iconic spots
by Agustin (@agustintravel)
Sep 15, 2025
1. Komeraku
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Ochazuke (お茶漬け) is a Japanese dish where tea (or broth) is poured over rice topped with various ingredients. At Komeraku, you can enjoy a variety of toppings such as salmon, unagi, and tuna. The dish is light and flavorful, making it an easy and satisfying meal! 😋
Since it can get crowded, I went right at opening time and was able to get in without waiting.
👉 Recommended dishes:
✔️ Salmon and Ikura (salmon roe) Ochazuke 🐟
✔️ Karaage (fried chicken)
2. Hanazono Shrine
⏰ Open 24 hours
💰 Admission: Free
Located in the heart of Tokyo, this traditional shrine is small but exudes a serene atmosphere. Since it was New Year’s, the place was bustling with people!
✔️ Known for wishes of success and romantic fortune
✔️ A 5-minute walk from Shinjuku
3. Isetan Shinjuku🏬
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
One of Tokyo’s most prestigious department stores, especially famous for its food section. It’s a great place to buy traditional Japanese sweets and desserts. 🎁
To avoid getting overwhelmed, I checked the floor guide in advance to decide where to visit.
✔️ B1F Noix de Beurre (famous for financiers): Be prepared to wait; I waited about 20-30 minutes.
4. Shinjuku Gyoen
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
💰 Admission: Adults 500 yen, Students 250 yen, Children free (Welcome Suica accepted!)
A large park where you can enjoy nature in the middle of Tokyo! The Starbucks inside the park is also known for its great views.
✔️ Features a blend of Japanese, French, and English-style gardens
✔️ A must-visit during cherry blossom season (spring) or autumn foliage season
5. BEAMS Japan
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
If you’re looking for local Japanese brands, BEAMS Japan is the place to go! They offer Tokyo-exclusive goods and unique fashion items, making it a great spot for souvenirs.
✔️ Japanese-inspired street fashion & lifestyle items
✔️ A 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
6. Horumon Futago
⏰ Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM
If you’re a meat lover, you must try horumon (offal) in Shinjuku! ‘Horumon Futago’ is a popular spot among locals, offering fresh offal and various cuts of beef. 🥩
They have Korean menus and grill the meat for you, making it convenient and enjoyable. 👍👍
✔️ Recommended dishes:
✅ Horumon Platter (offal + tripe + heart)
✅ Thick-cut beef ribs
7. Omoide Yokocho
⏰ Most shops open from 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Known as ‘Memory Lane,’ this area is filled with retro vibes. Narrow alleys are packed with small izakayas, offering an authentic local experience. Even though I just walked into a random place with available seating, the food was amazing!
The shop I visited only accepted cash, so make sure to bring some just in case.
✔️ Recommended: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sake, and Asahi draft beer
✔️ Popular among local office workers for after-work drinks
Post by 보리도리 | Jun 28, 2025























