Shinjuku is the most important of the 23 districts of Tokyo. Commercial and administrative center, as well as the site of the busiest railway junction in the world, the Shinjuku station. Nightlife is really present here, bars in Golden Gai are known in particular for musicians and artists. Many offices have their headquarters or Tokyo offices in this area, so you must visit this neighborhood. Then we change to Akihabara, the technology district. Check my 15 days itinerary in Japan to know everything about my Japanese trip.
HOW TO GET TO SHINJUKU
The central station of Shinjuku is the most used in the world for this is very easy to reach by means of transport, Shibuya is the second one. From Narita airport just takes the Narita Express, here you find all the info. Taxi is not convenient, even if they are only 8km and there are no direct buses.
With the Japan rail pass from Tokyo station, you can take the JR Yamanote Line (green) train line for 10 stops. While in the metro there are 8 stops and it is the Hanzomon line (violet) or with the Ginza line (yellow) they are 9. How to book the Japan Rail Pass?
WHAT TO SEE IN SHINJUKU
Shinjuku is the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, one of the tallest buildings in Tokyo, where Tokyo’s political and public administration is managed. It is one of the best views of Tokyo and is also famous for being free, you simply have to go to the 45th floor of the north or south tower. Admission from 8 to 11 pm also on Sunday.
Another point visited is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a beautiful park that is very reminiscent of Central Park in New York. Admission from 9 to 18, price 300 yen. It is a highly recommended park, especially during the cherry season.
Here you will find the Samurai Museum, for the most fanatical of the theme, open from 10.30 to 21, admission 300 yen. For me it is not a mandatory visit but if you want it’s a great way to find out more about this tradition.
WHAT TO SEE IN AKIHABARA
Akihabara gained the nickname Akihabara Electric Town shortly after World War II for being a major shopping center for electronic goods. There is no so much to see, but if you a game lover is perfect for some shopping. Akihabara is considered by many to be the center of modern Japanese popular culture and a major shopping district for video games, anime, and manga. One of the most famous? Super Potato shop.
WHERE TO EAT
This area is very famous for the places you can actually find the area is called Shinjuku Golden Gai. It is composed of a network of six narrow alleys, connected by even narrower passageways which are just about wide enough for a single person to pass through. Over 200 tiny shanty-style bars, clubs and eateries are squeezed into this area.
Bars in Golden Gai are known in particular for the artistic affinities of their patrons. Golden Gai is well known as a meeting place for musicians, artists. Another known place is the Robot restaurant, (book here) one of the attractions that tourists like most, the themed restaurants. If you want to know more about where to eat, read the “Tokyo food guide“. In this guide, you can find one of my favorite places in Akihabara the Roast Beef Ōno Akihabara, don’t miss it.