Shinjuku is likely the most popular among visitors to Tokyo’s 23 special wards or municipalities. After all, it has many major attractions, a wealth of dining and shopping options, and dazzling nightlife. Moreover, many of Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers and the world’s busiest railway station are in Shinjuku. Coupled with family-friendly attractions and cultural attractions, Shinjuku might be the first place you visit in the world’s largest city.
The Most Popular Attractions in Shinjuku
3D Cat
One of the more recent attractions in Shinjuku is the giant 3D calico cat display. Located near the east exit from Shinjuku Station, you shouldn’t have trouble finding this popular digital calico Cat. That’s because you’ll likely see a crowd of people pointing their smartphones upward to take photos and videos of him. Moreover, you will hear him meow, yawn, or even try to talk to people walking along the streets below. The Shinjuku Cat appears on the giant LED screen from the Cross Shinjuku Bijoun building all day. However, he makes more extended appearances between commercial advertisements every 15 minutes.
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The giant 3D Cat, a true early bird, awakens at or before 7 a.m. daily and keeps visitors entertained until 1 a.m. The screen remains dark between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., allowing the Cat to recharge for the next day’s performances. This Instagram-friendly feline has his own YouTube live feed and a presence on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Tokyo boasts four 3D billboards, with the 3D Cat taking the crown as the largest at a whopping 1664 square feet. Shibuya and Harajuku also have their own 3D billboards, but none can match the grandeur of the Shinjuku Cat.
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Godzilla Head
You must not miss this Shinjuku attraction if you love “kaiju” monster movies, notably Godzilla. Weighing 80 tons, the famous Godzilla head sits on the 164-foot-tall terrace of Hotel Gracery at the Shinjuku Toho Building. While the Godzilla head is usually inanimate, it comes alive every hour from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, his eyes light up, he breathes smoke and then lets out his world-famous roar. Most visitors will take pictures or videos from Godzilla Road. However, you can get a closer look by dining at Hotel Gracery’s namesake Lounge. If time permits, you can see a movie at the seven-story, 12-screen Toho Cinemas Shinjuku.
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Golden Gai
Golden Gai is one of Tokyo’s most famous and visited yokocho alleyways. A short walk from Shinjuku’s shopping district, Golden Gai is a group of six alleys featuring over 200 tiny bars and food joints. Each small business has only a handful of seats, and the owners often charge a small entrance fee. However, the dining and drinking experience is part of why these alleys are significant attractions in Tokyo. If you visit, please be mindful of taking pictures inside a business or other visitors in these alleyways. Lastly, bring cash, as many businesses don’t accept credit cards or cashless options.
Related: Exploring Tokyo’s Famous Yokocho Alleyways
Hanazono Shrine
If you visit the alleyways of Golden Gai, you should also make time to visit Hanazono Shrine. That’s because you might pass it on your way to the yokochos. A historic shrine dating to the 17th century, it’s best known for its festivals, notably its Grand Festival in May. However, other attractions exist, such as the giant torii gate and the torii gates at Itoku Inari Shrine. That’s not to mention the main shrine hall, which features an excellent example of Japanese architecture.
Kabukichō Entertainment District
The location for Tokyo’s highest concentration of neon lights, Kabukichō, is often known as “Sleepless Town.” That’s because many bars and restaurants stay open all night. On the other hand, Kabukichō is known as one of Tokyo’s red-light districts, with many host and hostess clubs for adults. In addition, you might see young adults who represent these clubs lined up outside in popular spots around Kabukichō. Then there are Tokyo’s famous love hotels, where you can rent a room for a few hours or the entire night. Despite its broader reputation, many of Shinjuku’s most popular attractions are within this area. This includes the giant 3D Cat, Godzilla head, and the Samurai Museum, which is currently closed.
Kabukichō Ichiban Gate
Once you see the red Ichiban Gate, you’ll know why it’s such a popular Shinjuku attraction—often considered the main entrance to Kabukichō. The gate sparkles with bright, flickering lights at night. These lights make Ichibangai a popular spot for Instagrammers and anyone who visits Kabukichō. While it’s certainly easier to spot at night, you can find Ichiban Gate just a few blocks from the 3D Cat.
Omoide Yokocho
Opposite Shinjuku Station from Golden Gai is yet another very famous yokocho. Although not as large as Golden Gai, Omoide is just as lively and colorful. A collection of about 60 bars and tiny eateries, it may be best known for its tasty yakitori grilled meats. However, many drink options exist and friendly hosts and visitors. You can find Omoide Yokocho, a short distance from the west exit of Shinjuku Station. Like Golden Gai, you should ask permission before you take photos of businesses and its owners.
Tokyo Kabukichō Tower
The newest major attraction in Shinjuku is Tokyo Kabukichō Tower, or simply Kabukichō Tower. Set in the heart of Kabukichō, a 48-story entertainment complex houses a cinema, an arcade, and several dining options. This includes the Kabuki Hall food court, which resembles colorful yokochos, and upscale dining at Jam17 restaurant and bar. In addition, Kabukichō Tower has an interactive attraction called Tokyo Matrix, a 900-seat theater, and a Starbucks. You will find two hotels on the upper levels, Bellustar Tokyo and Hotel Groove Shinjuku. Lastly, ZeroTokyo nightclub occupies four basement levels.Tokyo Metropolitan Building (Nishi Shinjuku).
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Further west of Kabukicho and Shinjuku Station is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Standing 800 feet tall, it’s the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and features two observatories. The two admission-free observatories make this a popular attraction for visitors. However, you should check the hours and days the observatories are closed in advance. Because there is no admission, it can get very crowded with other visitors. The building is illuminated in the evenings for Tokyo Night and Light, a light-projecting mapping display show held all year. You can check the event’s website for schedule information and more details.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Originally built as a private residence, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most significant gardens. It extends across Shinjuku and Shibuya wards and covers 144 acres. Within this enormous greenspace are three distinct areas, including a traditional Japanese garden. Other attractions include a 19th-century greenhouse, tea houses, and the Taiwan Pavilion. While visiting during cherry blossom season is particularly beautiful, Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular attraction year-round.
Shinjuku Station
Whether you use public transportation or not, Shinjuku Station is a popular attraction in Tokyo. That’s because it’s not only the busiest train station in Tokyo but also known as the world’s busiest, with about 3.6 million passengers daily. Moreover, this station covers over 200,000 square feet and has over 200 entrances and exits. With all that in mind, seeing all the people walking through this enormous station is fascinating. On the other hand, if you are using public transportation, you must ensure which exit or entrance you must use.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a member of Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW).