Shinjuku Trip: A Neighborhood That Captures Both Day and Night in Tokyo

Shinjuku feels like the most "Tokyo-like" place in Tokyo. In the morning, it's bustling with people heading to work, noisy with tourists during the day, and at night it transforms into a completely different world filled with lights and music.

I arrived in the morning and first stopped by Shinjuku Gyoen. I still remember the moment when the green grass and city noise disappeared, and all I could hear was the sound of the wind. People sitting on benches eating lunch and others sketching looked so relaxed.

For lunch, I went to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant near Shinjuku Station. The prices were a bit high, but the freshness was definitely worth it. It was also fun to watch the sushi go around right in front of me.

In the afternoon, I went up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck. It’s free and offers the best value with a full view of Tokyo. The weather was clear, so I could even see the silhouette of Mt. Fuji.

At night, I explored Kabukicho! Although I’d heard it was scary, there were actually many tourists and thanks to the lights, it felt safer than I expected. I lost track of time chatting with some Japanese people at the next table in an izakaya where I went for a drink.

Shinjuku’s day and night sides are so different that it felt like I traveled twice in one day. If you’re visiting Tokyo, Shinjuku is a must-visit.

#TokyoShinjuku

Post by momozzang | Jul 30, 2025