Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts – a place where glass towers rise above nostalgic alleyways, where expansive parks sit just steps from neon-lit streets, and where families can move between calm and excitement within minutes. For travelers exploring Tokyo with children, Shinjuku offers an ideal balance: inviting green spaces, playful visual experiences, excellent food, and plenty of spots to enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.

How to Get Around Shinjuku – and How Not to Get Lost in the World’s Busiest Station?

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s largest transportation hubs, connecting JR lines, metro lines, local buses, and intercity routes. Most travelers arrive through Shinjuku Station, while others may come via Tokyo Station, Ikebukuro, or the BUSTA Shinjuku bus terminal.

Shinjuku Station itself is massive, with hundreds of exits and several underground levels. Instead of searching for a specific exit, the most efficient approach is simply to head toward the nearest one and reorient yourself once you’re outside.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: If you’re traveling with children, choose a clearly visible meeting point outside the station. With so many exits, it’s easy for groups to become separated.

Should you rent a car in Shinjuku? Yes – absolutely.

Although Shinjuku is walkable, families often find a car far more convenient. It makes moving between districts easier, especially when carrying strollers, shopping bags, or snacks, and provides a more relaxed way to end a long day of exploring.

I stopped here longer than I planned – the 3D cat felt so alive! My kids couldn’t stop laughing each time it popped out of the screen.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Shinjuku?

• March-April: Cherry blossom season, especially inside Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden). On weekends, this park requires advance booking.
• Summer: Hot and humid, though Shinjuku’s parks offer shaded areas where families can cool down.
• Autumn: Beautiful foliage across parks and quiet walking paths.
• October: Mild daytime temperatures, cooler evenings, and occasional light rain.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: During cherry blossom season, arrive at Shinjuku Gyoen before 10:00. Lines grow quickly, especially on weekends.

Which Shinjuku Attractions Are Really Worth It for Families?

The 3D Cat (Cross Shinjuku Vision) – A Local Icon

Above the east exit, a giant curved screen displays a three-dimensional cat that stretches, jumps, and looks down at the street. Families often stay longer than expected just watching the animations. Kids connect with it instantly, and it’s one of the easiest photo stops in the district.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

This building offers one of Tokyo’s best free experiences: panoramic observation decks on the 45th floor. Open both day and night, it provides impressive skyline views without any cost. Some evenings also feature projection mapping shows on the façade.

Kabukicho – Tokyo’s “City That Never Sleeps”

Kabukicho is Shinjuku’s neon-filled entertainment zone, packed with restaurants, game centers, theaters, bars, and dazzling signs. For families, daytime is ideal – lively but calmer. After dark, the atmosphere becomes louder and more intense.

Godzilla Road and the Godzilla Head

A massive Godzilla head rises above the street from the Hotel Gracery building. The viewing terrace closed after an incident in 2023, so photos can currently be taken only from the street. Kids find it especially amusing in the evening when the lights illuminate the figure.

Golden Gai – A Tiny Maze of Micro Bars

Golden Gai is a network of narrow alleys with tiny bars, most seating just 6–10 people. Some welcome foreign guests, others cater mainly to locals. It’s not a family dining area, but parents may enjoy a short atmospheric walk.

Omoide Yokocho – Nostalgic Alleys and Mini Eateries

These narrow “Memory Lanes” are lined with small eateries serving grilled skewers and traditional dishes. Space is extremely limited, making the area challenging for families during peak hours.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Arrive before 17:00 if you want a real chance of finding available seating.

Where Can You Find Nature in Shinjuku – and Is It Worth the Detour?

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A large and beautifully designed garden featuring Japanese, English, and French-style landscapes. Wide lawns, cherry blossoms, shaded areas, and quiet walking paths make it ideal for families.

Entrance: 500 yen
Payment: Cash or IC card
Weekends during cherry blossom season: Advance reservation required

Shinjuku Chuo Park

A calm green space featuring a small waterfall, turtles, and shaded seating. An excellent spot for a break between busy streets.

Kumano Shrine

A small, peaceful shrine located next to Shinjuku Chuo Park. Less crowded than major temples, and suitable for a short cultural stop with children.

Kanda River and Meiji Jingu Gaien

Relaxed walking areas with seasonal foliage, especially beautiful in spring and autumn. These routes are perfect for families seeking quiet moments away from traffic and the fast-paced city streets.

What Family Activities Can You Do in Shinjuku?

Several family-friendly activities suitable for children of different ages.

• Picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen – the wide lawns are perfect for a relaxed break.
• Watching the 3D Cat – kids often stay mesmerized by the animations on the curved screen.
• Arcades in Kabukicho Tower – a fun stop for teens and older children.
• Batting Centers – simple, affordable entertainment for more active kids.
• Godzilla Road – a great place for lively evening photos.

Seeing Godzilla appear between the buildings was such a fun moment – my kids screamed in excitement, not fear!

What and Where to Eat in Shinjuku?

Afuri Ramen

A light, citrus-forward ramen known for its refreshing yuzu flavor and vegan options. It’s one of the most accessible ramen shops for travelers – easy ordering, friendly atmosphere, and not too heavy for a full day of walking.

Honolu Ramen

A halal-friendly ramen restaurant offering rich, satisfying broth. Suitable for both lunch and dinner, and a good option for families looking for a flavorful but comforting meal.

Ohitsuzentanbo

A traditional Japanese restaurant with a calm, refined atmosphere. Slightly more expensive than average and accepts cash or PayPay only, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Shinjuku Dialogue

A vegan café with light dishes and desserts. Ideal for a midday break after visiting parks, shops, or quieter corners of the district.

Nabezo – High-Quality Shabu-Shabu

An excellent dining experience with particularly attentive service.

Lunch: 2,200–3,300 yen
Wagyu dinner: 5,000–6,500 yen

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Make a reservation for dinner. Walk-ins often wait more than 30 minutes, especially on weekends.

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Where to Shop in Shinjuku?

Don Quijote

A lively, colorful megastore packed with snacks, toys, souvenirs, and playful items for children. It’s crowded but fun, and a great stop for affordable gifts or last-minute finds.

Tokyu Hands

A multi-floor shop focused on crafts, stationery, gadgets, and creative materials. Families who enjoy DIY projects or unique Japanese design items will easily spend a long time browsing here.

Bic Camera / Yodobashi Camera

A top destination for electronics: cameras, gaming consoles, computers, accessories, and entertainment sections for kids. These stores offer a wide selection and plenty of opportunities to try products in-store.

Sekaido

A large art supply store with paints, brushes, notebooks, sketchpads, and drawing tools. It’s an excellent place for young artists to choose quality materials and bring home a creative souvenir.

How Much Does Shinjuku Cost?

• Shinjuku Gyoen: 500 yen
• Nabezo: 2,200–6,500 yen
• Kabukicho Batting Center: Inexpensive, no specific price provided
• Transportation: Station names listed; fare information not included

I loved wandering through these tiny neon streets – every corner felt like a different world, and the food smells were amazing.

Shinjuku – 4-Day Family Itinerary (10:00-18:00)

Day 1 – Nature and Calm Moments

Morning (10:00-13:00) – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Shinjuku Gyoen)
Walk 12-15 minutes from Shinjuku Station East Exit. Spend the morning exploring the Japanese, English, and French garden areas, taking photos, and relaxing on the wide lawns.
Visit time: 2.5-3 hours
Entrance: 500 yen (cash or IC)

Lunch (13:00-14:00)
Walk 5 minutes to Shinjuku Dialogue, a vegan café offering light meals and desserts.

Afternoon (14:00-17:00) – Hanazono Shrine + Sekaido
Walk 10 minutes to Hanazono Shrine for a quiet cultural stop, then continue 8 minutes to Sekaido, a multi-floor art store perfect for children who enjoy drawing or crafts.
Visit time: 1.5-2 hours

Day 2 – Neon, Godzilla and Urban Play

Morning (10:00-12:00) – 3D Cat + Godzilla Road
From Shinjuku Station East Exit, the 3D Cat display is right outside. After watching the animations, walk 3 minutes to Godzilla Road for fun family photos.
Visit time: 1-1.5 hours

Lunch (12:00-13:00)
Walk 5 minutes to Afuri Ramen for light yuzu ramen (vegan option available).

Afternoon (13:00-17:00) – Kabukicho Tower
Walk 7-8 minutes to Kabukicho Tower, where arcades, food stalls, and colorful visuals create a lively environment for families.
Visit time: 2-3 hours

Day 3 – Best Views and a Slow Afternoon in Nature

Morning (10:00-13:00) – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Walk 7 minutes from Tochomae Station to reach the free observation deck on the 45th floor. Enjoy panoramic skyline views without an entrance fee.
Visit time: 2-2.5 hours

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Morning light is clearer. I prefer arriving around 10:30 – fewer people and excellent visibility.

Lunch (13:00-14:00)
Walk 12 minutes to Ohitsuzentanbo, a traditional Japanese restaurant (cash and PayPay only).

Afternoon (14:00-17:00) – Shinjuku Chuo Park
Walk 5 minutes to Shinjuku Chuo Park, a peaceful spot with a small waterfall and shaded benches.
Visit time: 1.5-2 hours

Day 4 – Food, Shopping and Old Tokyo Atmosphere

Morning (10:00-12:00) – Honolu Ramen + Shopping
Begin with Honolu Ramen, known for its rich halal broth. Then walk 4-6 minutes to Don Quijote and Tokyu Hands for relaxed and fun shopping.
Visit time: 2+ hours

Lunch (12:00-13:00)
Enjoy a quick meal inside Don Quijote’s food section or at nearby cafés.

Afternoon (13:00-17:00) – Bic Camera + Omoide Yokocho
Walk 5 minutes to Bic Camera/Yodobashi Camera for electronics and games. Then continue 7 minutes to Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley lined with tiny eateries.

Traveler Reviews of Shinjuku

Emma Collins – April 2019
I visited Shinjuku with my two kids, and the mix of neon streets and quiet parks felt incredible. Shinjuku Gyoen quickly became our morning escape, and the children loved having a small picnic there. Later, we spent hours in the arcades at Kabukicho Tower. The only challenge was navigating Shinjuku Station – it’s easy to get separated, so plan a meeting point in advance.

Michael Grant – October 2023
A rainy afternoon made the colors of Kabukicho even more dramatic. We stopped by the 3D Cat, and the entire family stood watching it in awe. Lunch at Afuri was just right – light and refreshing. One thing I learned: if you want to eat in Omoide Yokocho, go before 5 pm. By the time we arrived, every tiny restaurant was full.

Sarah Mitchell – June 2018
Shinjuku overwhelmed me at first, especially moving through the station. But once outside, everything felt manageable. The kids loved Godzilla Road, and I enjoyed wandering through Tokyu Hands for fun stationery and crafts. The free view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was a highlight. We ended the day resting in Chuo Park, which was surprisingly calm.

Daniel Foster – March 2024
We visited during cherry blossom season, and while Shinjuku Gyoen was busy, it was absolutely worth it. Arriving early helped us find a quiet corner under the blooming trees. Later we tried the halal ramen at Honolu, which was rich and filling. In the evening, the neon lights of Kabukicho were a huge hit with my teenagers.

Olivia Adams – December 2021
Winter in Shinjuku was cold but magical. The lights around Godzilla Road made the whole place feel like a movie set. Dinner at Ohitsuzentanbo was a bit expensive, but the atmosphere felt warm and intimate. The kids loved the art supplies we picked up at Sekaido. Some restaurants in Omoide Yokocho were too small for families, so plan accordingly.

Ethan Parker – May 2022
My teenagers could not get enough of the arcades inside Kabukicho Tower. I preferred the quieter parts of the neighbourhood, especially Chuo Park and the alleys near Omoide Yokocho. We ended the day with shabu-shabu at Nabezo – service was excellent, but I would book in advance next time to avoid long waits.

Laura Bennett – November 2024
We spent a full day exploring Shinjuku and found the perfect balance between nature and modern city life. The kids watched the 3D Cat animation at least three times. Hanazono Shrine was a peaceful pause between busier areas, and we finished with shopping at Don Quijote, which felt endless but fun.

Jason Meyer – July 2019
It was humid, but the shade inside Shinjuku Gyoen made walking easy. The kids tried every game console in Bic Camera, and we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Kabukicho Tower – it genuinely feels like entering a different world. The only difficulty was dealing with the evening crowds near the station.

Standing here made me feel so small – the view from the top was even better, and we could see half of Tokyo on a clear day.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

• Arrive at Shinjuku Gyoen early
  I always enter Shinjuku Gyoen around 09:00, especially during cherry blossom season. Arriving early means quieter lawns, cooler weather, and better photo opportunities without waiting in long lines.
• Don’t search for the “correct” exit at Shinjuku Station
  From my experience, Shinjuku Station can feel like a maze. Instead of hunting for one specific exit, I simply take the nearest one and re-orient myself outside. It saves time and reduces stress when traveling with kids.
• Visit Kabukicho Tower during the day
  When I travel with families, I always go to Kabukicho Tower in the daytime. It’s colourful and lively but noticeably calmer, and the arcades are far less crowded.
• Go to Omoide Yokocho before 17:00
  The alleys of Omoide Yokocho are extremely narrow. When I arrived before 5 pm, I easily found a seat. After that time, most small restaurants were already full and difficult for families to enter.
• Choose the Yuzu Ramen at Afuri
  I recommend the Yuzu Ramen at Afuri because it’s light and refreshing. When you still have hours of walking ahead, heavy meals can make the day harder – especially for kids.
• Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on a clear morning
  The free observatory is excellent any time, but mornings offer sharper visibility. On clear days, I arrive around 10:30 – fewer people, great lighting, and a calm start to the day.
• Photograph Godzilla from the middle of Godzilla Road
  Since the viewing terrace is closed, the best angle for the Godzilla Head is from the center of Godzilla Road. Standing slightly farther back captures both the monster and the neon signs in one frame.
• Use Shinjuku Chuo Park as a reset point
  Whenever kids feel overstimulated, we head to Shinjuku Chuo Park. The small waterfall, shade, and quiet atmosphere help everyone recharge before returning to the busy streets.
• Reserve Nabezo in advance
  Every time I tried walking into Nabezo without a reservation, the wait exceeded 30 minutes. Booking ahead makes dinner smoother – especially when children are tired in the evening.
• Split your shopping between Don Quijote and Tokyu Hands
  I never try to do both in a single stop. Don Quijote is perfect for snacks and fun items, while Tokyu Hands is better for crafts and gadgets. Splitting them keeps the outing enjoyable instead of exhausting.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I last visited Shinjuku in autumn 2023, and every time I return, the district manages to surprise me. When traveling with families, I’ve learned how important it is to balance Shinjuku’s intensity with its quieter corners. One of my favourite ways to start the day is inside Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Shinjuku Gyoen). Even though it’s a popular destination, I can almost always find a peaceful spot where kids can run freely and adults can relax before diving into the busy streets.

Over the years, I’ve also learned to respect the challenge of Shinjuku Station. After getting lost more times than I’d like to admit, I stopped trying to find the “perfect” exit. Now I simply leave through the closest one and re-orient myself outside. This small change has made navigating Shinjuku far more efficient – especially when guiding families with young children.

Some of my best family moments happened in places I didn’t expect: watching my kids laugh at the animations of the 3D Cat (Cross Shinjuku Vision), or walking together along Godzilla Road, where the giant Godzilla head towers over the street and creates a mix of excitement and humour. Still, there are challenges. Omoide Yokocho can be too tight for families unless you arrive early, and the arcades inside Kabukicho Tower fill up quickly in the evening.

What I appreciate most about Shinjuku is its range. Few city districts combine so much variety – peaceful parks, bright neon streets, traditional food, playful attractions, and nature hidden between skyscrapers. Families can enjoy calm mornings, energetic afternoons, and colourful evenings without ever leaving the area.

If Shinjuku is part of your travel plans, I’d be glad to help you build a personalised itinerary that fits your family’s rhythm and highlights the best experiences Tokyo has to offer.

Price Table

Walking through Omoide Yokocho felt like stepping into old Tokyo – narrow, warm, and full of tiny restaurants with incredible character.

FAQ – Shinjuku

Is Shinjuku suitable for families with children?
Yes. Shinjuku offers large green spaces such as Shinjuku Gyoen, fun arcades in Kabukicho Tower, and quiet areas like Chuo Park. It’s one of the easiest Tokyo districts for families to explore.

What are the opening hours and entrance fee for Shinjuku Gyoen?
Shinjuku Gyoen opens at 09:00, with closing times varying by season (16:30-18:00). The entrance fee is 500 yen. During cherry blossom weekends, families must reserve a visit in advance.

Are there age restrictions in Kabukicho?
Yes. Certain venues – including themed adult entertainment – are restricted to 18+. Arcades and family-friendly areas in Kabukicho Tower are open to all ages.

What’s the best time to visit Omoide Yokocho with children?
Before 17:00. The alleys are extremely narrow, and most eateries seat only 6-8 people. Early afternoon is much more comfortable for families.

Is it easy to get lost in Shinjuku Station? (first-person)
Absolutely. I’ve taken the wrong turn many times. Now I simply exit through the nearest door and re-orient myself at street level – it’s quicker and far less stressful, especially when traveling with kids.

When is the best season for families to enjoy Shinjuku?
Spring (March-April) is ideal for cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen, while autumn offers colourful foliage. Summer is humid, but the parks provide shaded areas for cooling down.

How much time should a family plan for Kabukicho Tower?
Around 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on how long you stay in the arcades or explore the food floors.

Is the 3D Cat running all day?
Yes. The 3D Cat animation appears frequently throughout the day at the east side of Shinjuku Station. It’s a quick and fun stop for families.

Are there quiet nature spots in Shinjuku? (first-person)
Yes. Chuo Park is my favourite break point during a busy day. The waterfall, trees, and turtles always help the kids reset after the neon and crowds.

Is Shinjuku safe to walk with kids?
Yes. Daytime is very family-friendly. Even Kabukicho is safe to walk during the day, though evenings are louder and more crowded, so earlier visits are recommended for younger children.

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