Search Hotels by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a modern ward of Tokyo and home to the globe’s busiest railway station. The Nishi-Shinjuku zone has a large number of skyscrapers which housecountless business offices. Shinjuku is famed for its varied nightlife quarters as well as being the home of Waseda Universityplusone of the finest examples of traditional gardens in the city.

Shinjuku Gyoen Garden has three zones based on Japanese, English and French garden designs plus an old-style teahouse. The garden has a lot of sakura cherry trees and these are a major draw in spring when they are flowering. Yoyogi Park is an easy walk from Shinjuku Gyoen. This park is the location of the Meiji JinguTemple and an area of tall forest.

Fans of Japanese culture will love the unusual exhibits housed in the Bunka Gakuen Costume, the Japan Sword and the Samurai museums. The Samurai Museum houses everything connected to these ancient soldiers and this includes their swords, armour and helmets. For a small fee, visitors can have a photograph taken while they are wearing a full suit of sengoku armour.

Other Shinjuku temples are Taisoji and Chozenji. Taisoji has a number of interesting statues and religious pieces. One of these is a statue of Jizo. Shinjuku’s Okubo is the location of Tokyo’s Koreatown. Shinjuku Station is noted for its busking musicians and arriving passengers are treated to all kinds of music as they leave the station.

A night out in Shinjuku is an exciting experience. Specific areas are aimed at different kinds of customers. Those who wish to sample Korean nightlife and food will find Koreatown a great choice. Takadanobaba is around Waseda University and has lots of bars for younger people, while Golden Gai has lots of small pubs and cafés. Dining options range from McDonald’s and ramen noodle soup to Italian pasta and Indian curries.

Shinjuku-dori Street is a busy road with abundant shops selling clothing, shoes and electrical appliances. The Odakyu and Keio department stores are close to the exits of Shinjuku Station. There are three Yodobashi outlets which sell premium electrical and computer products.Tokyu Hands in the Takashimaya Times Square mall is a nice place to buy souvenirs and typical Japanese accessories.