Guidebook for Shinjuku-ku
Sightseeing
The observation gallery is open to the public for free from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily (last admittance to the gallery is at 10:30 p.m.). At a height of 202m, the gallery offers a fabulous view of Tokyo, and just like Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, you will be able to see the majestic Mount Fuji from there, too! The gallery also has a cafe.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/40197.html
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The observation gallery is open to the public for free from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily (last admittance to the gallery is at 10:30 p.m.). At a height of 202m, the gallery offers a fabulous view of Tokyo, and just like Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, you will be able to see the majestic Mount Fuji from there, too! The gallery also has a cafe.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/40197.html
Hanazono Shrine has been the shrine of the Shinjuku district since before the start of the Edo Shogunate in 1603. The enshrined deity is called Ukanomitama, and is the god of agriculture, so if you’re looking to have some good food while your in Shinjuku, we why not come and visit the shrine? The shrine is located right in front of Exit E2 of the Shinjuku San-chome station or is a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku station’s East exit.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/s_745.html
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花園神社
5-chōme-17-3 ShinjukuHanazono Shrine has been the shrine of the Shinjuku district since before the start of the Edo Shogunate in 1603. The enshrined deity is called Ukanomitama, and is the god of agriculture, so if you’re looking to have some good food while your in Shinjuku, we why not come and visit the shrine? The shrine is located right in front of Exit E2 of the Shinjuku San-chome station or is a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku station’s East exit.
English page: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/s_745.html
Kabukicho, Tokyo’s entertainment district that never sleeps, has a wide variety of cabaret clubs, host and hostess clubs, adult entertainment shops, love hotels and pachinko parlors (a type of Japanese gambling). You would notice a lot of well-dressed hosts standing along the street in front of Don Quixote trying to attract patrons into their clubs. This unique scene can only be found in Kabukicho, Asia’s most interesting entertainment district. There are also batting and billiards centers for those opting for a more clean type of entertainment.
English homepage: http://www.kabukicho.or.jp/en/index.php
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Kabuki-chō Shopping Street Promotion Union
1-chōme-19-3 KabukichōKabukicho, Tokyo’s entertainment district that never sleeps, has a wide variety of cabaret clubs, host and hostess clubs, adult entertainment shops, love hotels and pachinko parlors (a type of Japanese gambling). You would notice a lot of well-dressed hosts standing along the street in front of Don Quixote trying to attract patrons into their clubs. This unique scene can only be found in Kabukicho, Asia’s most interesting entertainment district. There are also batting and billiards centers for those opting for a more clean type of entertainment.
English homepage: http://www.kabukicho.or.jp/en/index.php
With over 300 stores, Shinjuku Golden Gai is a well-known cultural street that writers, entertainers and people in the showbiz industry visit. Within these wooden building structures that have been around since the Showa era, you might be able to meet some really interesting bar owners. As most of the stores here are open from 9:00 p.m., you might want to come to this street after dinner and linger on till the wee hours of the morning.
English homepage: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/s_170.html
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Shinjuku Golden Gai
1-chōme-1-6 KabukichōWith over 300 stores, Shinjuku Golden Gai is a well-known cultural street that writers, entertainers and people in the showbiz industry visit. Within these wooden building structures that have been around since the Showa era, you might be able to meet some really interesting bar owners. As most of the stores here are open from 9:00 p.m., you might want to come to this street after dinner and linger on till the wee hours of the morning.
English homepage: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/s_170.html
Parks & Nature
The present garden used to be the residence of a feudal lord but in 1906, during the Edo period, the residence was developed as a garden for the imperial family. The 58.3 ha garden is decorated with rows of sycamore trees and there are also beautiful French-style gardens as well. Crowds of visitors will come to see the different blossoms during different seasons, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Do come and visit this garden especially since the entrance fee is only a mere ¥200!
English homepage: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
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新宿御苑
11 NaitōmachiThe present garden used to be the residence of a feudal lord but in 1906, during the Edo period, the residence was developed as a garden for the imperial family. The 58.3 ha garden is decorated with rows of sycamore trees and there are also beautiful French-style gardens as well. Crowds of visitors will come to see the different blossoms during different seasons, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Do come and visit this garden especially since the entrance fee is only a mere ¥200!
English homepage: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
This 88,000m² park, located among the many skyscrapers in Shinjuku is ideal for many occasions. You can enjoy a jog here early in the morning, or you can come here during lunch hours and enjoy your onigiris (rice balls) or sandwiches on the park benches. There is also a playground for children as well.
Japanese homepage: http://parks.prfj.or.jp/shinjuku/
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am/pm 新宿中央公園店
This 88,000m² park, located among the many skyscrapers in Shinjuku is ideal for many occasions. You can enjoy a jog here early in the morning, or you can come here during lunch hours and enjoy your onigiris (rice balls) or sandwiches on the park benches. There is also a playground for children as well.
Japanese homepage: http://parks.prfj.or.jp/shinjuku/
Entertainment & Activities
Did you know that the karaoke boxes in Japan also offer English, Chinese and Korean songs as well? If you are ever in the mood for a bit of karaoke, head to Shinjuku’s entertainment district and you will be spoiled for choice. We recommend Pasela Resorts because the place is clean and the kitchen offers delicious menus. The honey toast is especially popular among their female patrons. If you are worried about the charges, head there during the day time for some good value karaoke plans!
English page: https://gurunavi.com/en/g466908/rst/?__ngt__=TT0a94f8eea002ac1e4a1036OovfEsJIt4sw5V14h4naZQ
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Pasela Shinjuku
1-chōme-3-16 KabukichōDid you know that the karaoke boxes in Japan also offer English, Chinese and Korean songs as well? If you are ever in the mood for a bit of karaoke, head to Shinjuku’s entertainment district and you will be spoiled for choice. We recommend Pasela Resorts because the place is clean and the kitchen offers delicious menus. The honey toast is especially popular among their female patrons. If you are worried about the charges, head there during the day time for some good value karaoke plans!
English page: https://gurunavi.com/en/g466908/rst/?__ngt__=TT0a94f8eea002ac1e4a1036OovfEsJIt4sw5V14h4naZQ
Play games till you drop here even if you don’t understand a word of Japanese with the wide range of games on offer, from shooting games with great Japanimation based CG, dance games or taiko rhythm games. You mustn’t miss out on the arcade games here because Japan is after all the land of games! This is a great alternative for those who do not have the money or time to go to an amusement park in Japan.
English homepage: http://www.taito.com/gc
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TAITO STATION Shinjuku GameWorld
3-chōme-35-8 ShinjukuPlay games till you drop here even if you don’t understand a word of Japanese with the wide range of games on offer, from shooting games with great Japanimation based CG, dance games or taiko rhythm games. You mustn’t miss out on the arcade games here because Japan is after all the land of games! This is a great alternative for those who do not have the money or time to go to an amusement park in Japan.
English homepage: http://www.taito.com/gc
東京迪士尼樂園
MaihamaThis unique restaurant not only serves great food but it provides a live 90-minute show with tanks, robots and live performances on horses and so forth.
English homepage: http://www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/?lng=en
For those that aren’t confident in their Japanese or in getting around Kabukicho, you might want to consider the guided tour in the link below that includes the live show from this ROBOT restaurant as part of its itinerary.
Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show
English homepage: http://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Tokyo-Robot-Evening-Cabaret-Show/d334-2142TYODIN1G
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Robot Restaurant
1-chōme-7-7 KabukichōThis unique restaurant not only serves great food but it provides a live 90-minute show with tanks, robots and live performances on horses and so forth.
English homepage: http://www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/?lng=en
For those that aren’t confident in their Japanese or in getting around Kabukicho, you might want to consider the guided tour in the link below that includes the live show from this ROBOT restaurant as part of its itinerary.
Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show
English homepage: http://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Tokyo-Robot-Evening-Cabaret-Show/d334-2142TYODIN1G
So you have seen enough of Tokyo, eaten enough and had enough of the huge crowds. What next? Well if you are experiencing travel stress or fatigue, you might want to consider hitting a few rounds at the batting center to release some of that tension! This place is great for families and there are some discounted plans for women too!
Japanese homepage: http://www.battingcenter.com/tokyo/3838/
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新宿打擊中心
2-chōme-21-13 KabukichōSo you have seen enough of Tokyo, eaten enough and had enough of the huge crowds. What next? Well if you are experiencing travel stress or fatigue, you might want to consider hitting a few rounds at the batting center to release some of that tension! This place is great for families and there are some discounted plans for women too!
Japanese homepage: http://www.battingcenter.com/tokyo/3838/
Arts & Culture
It is a photo studio catering for both men and women. Here you get to dress in courtesan costumes, traditional Japanese kimonos or Gothic and Lolita costumes and have your pictures taken. You can customize your shoot with a wide variety of costumes, accessories, knick-knacks and a number of backgrounds to choose from. You can also bring your own costume along! The photos taken will make quite a keepsake to remind you of your trip to Japan!
English homepage: http://en.trans-formation.me/
Studio REI
It is a photo studio catering for both men and women. Here you get to dress in courtesan costumes, traditional Japanese kimonos or Gothic and Lolita costumes and have your pictures taken. You can customize your shoot with a wide variety of costumes, accessories, knick-knacks and a number of backgrounds to choose from. You can also bring your own costume along! The photos taken will make quite a keepsake to remind you of your trip to Japan!
English homepage: http://en.trans-formation.me/
esNAIL is a nail salon that equipped with reclining chairs for you to relax in while you have your nails pampered. They also have a branch in Beverly HIlls. While you can find nail salons all over the world, why not treat yourself to great customer service and the high level of skill of the Japanese nails artists, and go back home to show your beautiful nails to your friends? And as this is Japan, kawaii nail styling is ok!
English homepage: http://es-nail.jp/brand/english
Bershka 渋谷店
16-16-9 宇田川町esNAIL is a nail salon that equipped with reclining chairs for you to relax in while you have your nails pampered. They also have a branch in Beverly HIlls. While you can find nail salons all over the world, why not treat yourself to great customer service and the high level of skill of the Japanese nails artists, and go back home to show your beautiful nails to your friends? And as this is Japan, kawaii nail styling is ok!
English homepage: http://es-nail.jp/brand/english
Shopping
Out of all the many department stores in Tokyo, none can offer you as glamorous a shopping experience as Isetan. Here, you will be spoiled for choice, not only in the fashion department but also in the food court in the basement, where you can enjoy trendy deli food and desserts! You’re sure to be amazed at the beautiful window displays, too!
English homepage: http://isetan.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/translation/english.html
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Isetan Shinjuku Store
3-chōme-14-1 ShinjukuOut of all the many department stores in Tokyo, none can offer you as glamorous a shopping experience as Isetan. Here, you will be spoiled for choice, not only in the fashion department but also in the food court in the basement, where you can enjoy trendy deli food and desserts! You’re sure to be amazed at the beautiful window displays, too!
English homepage: http://isetan.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/translation/english.html
Shinjuku also has a lot of electronics stores but none as unique as BICQLO, which is a combined Bic Camera (electronics store) and Uniqlo (clothes store). So while dad and the boys are busy deciding which SONY television to buy, mum and the girls can have some fun at Uniqlo.
English homepage: http://www.biccamera.co.jp.e.lj.hp.transer.com/shoplist/shop-116.html
Japanese homepage: http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/community/store_news/store.php?poi=10101424 (UNIQLO)
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BICQLO
3-chōme-29-1 ShinjukuShinjuku also has a lot of electronics stores but none as unique as BICQLO, which is a combined Bic Camera (electronics store) and Uniqlo (clothes store). So while dad and the boys are busy deciding which SONY television to buy, mum and the girls can have some fun at Uniqlo.
English homepage: http://www.biccamera.co.jp.e.lj.hp.transer.com/shoplist/shop-116.html
Japanese homepage: http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/community/store_news/store.php?poi=10101424 (UNIQLO)
For those who think that the prices in Japan are too high, have you ever heard of Daiso? At Daiso, every item is priced at ¥108. You can find pretty much anything there, from stationery, to kitchen utensils, to cosmetics and lifestyle goods. You will definitely be able to find some great value for money items here!
English page: http://www.subnade.co.jp/access/en/
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The Daisō Union Shinjuku Bldg.
6-chōme-27-12 ShinjukuFor those who think that the prices in Japan are too high, have you ever heard of Daiso? At Daiso, every item is priced at ¥108. You can find pretty much anything there, from stationery, to kitchen utensils, to cosmetics and lifestyle goods. You will definitely be able to find some great value for money items here!
English page: http://www.subnade.co.jp/access/en/
One out of every two tourists who visit Japan will definitely have stepped foot into Don Quixote! This is a big convenient discount store that sells electronics, daily goods, food, watches, fashion items, sports, leisure goods and more! You will come out satisfied with all the bargains you can find in this store!
English homepage: http://www.donki.com/search/shop_detail_en.php?st_store_id=29
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Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho
1-chōme-16-5 KabukichōOne out of every two tourists who visit Japan will definitely have stepped foot into Don Quixote! This is a big convenient discount store that sells electronics, daily goods, food, watches, fashion items, sports, leisure goods and more! You will come out satisfied with all the bargains you can find in this store!
English homepage: http://www.donki.com/search/shop_detail_en.php?st_store_id=29
I am sure you know Hello Kitty, Japan’s Superstar. This is the first Hello Kitty gift store in Japan and just like the other Sanrio shops in Japan, there is a big Hello Kitty statue at the entrance, which makes for a great photo opportunity! Inside the store, you will find all sorts of cute Sanrio items to buy as souvenirs!
English homepage: http://www.sanrio.co.jp/english/store/sh1129000/
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Sanrio
3-chōme-15-11 ShinjukuI am sure you know Hello Kitty, Japan’s Superstar. This is the first Hello Kitty gift store in Japan and just like the other Sanrio shops in Japan, there is a big Hello Kitty statue at the entrance, which makes for a great photo opportunity! Inside the store, you will find all sorts of cute Sanrio items to buy as souvenirs!
English homepage: http://www.sanrio.co.jp/english/store/sh1129000/
Food Scene
The owner, known as the King of Maguro, is dedicated to gathering the best sushi ingredients from all over the world and selling them at a great price at his restaurants. The ingredients are transported fresh directly from Tsukiji market daily, and as the restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can savor the fresh Tsukiji whenever you want all year round. It is a 3-minute walk from Exit A1 of Higashi Shinjuku Station or a 7-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku station.
Japanese homepage: http://www.kiyomura.co.jp/shops/detail/22
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tsukji kiyomura
1-chōme-1-15 ŌkuboThe owner, known as the King of Maguro, is dedicated to gathering the best sushi ingredients from all over the world and selling them at a great price at his restaurants. The ingredients are transported fresh directly from Tsukiji market daily, and as the restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can savor the fresh Tsukiji whenever you want all year round. It is a 3-minute walk from Exit A1 of Higashi Shinjuku Station or a 7-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku station.
Japanese homepage: http://www.kiyomura.co.jp/shops/detail/22
The French sommelier industry has been around for a long time and they are not only well-known but also well-respected. Recently, a whole new sommelier trend has started; Japanese sake. At Ushi no Yotare, you will get to taste Japanese sake from around the nation while enjoying dishes made right in front of you on a traditional Japanese charcoal pit. The interior also sports traditional lamps that creates the right ambience. (The tasting set starts off at ¥1600 and it comes with some appetizers)
English homepage: http://www.yotare.com/e/yotare.html
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牛のよたれ
The French sommelier industry has been around for a long time and they are not only well-known but also well-respected. Recently, a whole new sommelier trend has started; Japanese sake. At Ushi no Yotare, you will get to taste Japanese sake from around the nation while enjoying dishes made right in front of you on a traditional Japanese charcoal pit. The interior also sports traditional lamps that creates the right ambience. (The tasting set starts off at ¥1600 and it comes with some appetizers)
English homepage: http://www.yotare.com/e/yotare.html
Yamachan is a Japanese-style bar serves the all famous and tasty Nagoya chicken wings. Besides branches around Japan, you can also find Yamachan in Hong Kong and in Thailand. What makes Yamachan’s chicken wings so good is their spicy peppery marinade. Unlike other typical Japanese-style bars, Yamachan does not charge their patrons an amuse-bouche charge. The store at Seibu Shinjuku area is in the Hygeia Building, across from the Okubo Hospital.
Japanese homepage: http://www.yamachan.co.jp/shop/shop_detail.php?area=tokyo&name=seibushinjyuku
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Hamachan
1-chōme-12-1 TakadanobabaYamachan is a Japanese-style bar serves the all famous and tasty Nagoya chicken wings. Besides branches around Japan, you can also find Yamachan in Hong Kong and in Thailand. What makes Yamachan’s chicken wings so good is their spicy peppery marinade. Unlike other typical Japanese-style bars, Yamachan does not charge their patrons an amuse-bouche charge. The store at Seibu Shinjuku area is in the Hygeia Building, across from the Okubo Hospital.
Japanese homepage: http://www.yamachan.co.jp/shop/shop_detail.php?area=tokyo&name=seibushinjyuku
Takoyaki is a famous Osaka street food that is served hot and drizzled with a type of Japanese sauce and mayonaisse. You can walk around while eating it because it is made into bite-sized portions and you can easily eat it with bamboo skewers or toothpicks. Walking around while eating some Gindaco takoyaki is great way to enjoy Shinjuku.
Japanese homepage: http://www.gindaco.com/highball/#storeInfo
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Gindaco
4-chōme-10-6 RoppongiTakoyaki is a famous Osaka street food that is served hot and drizzled with a type of Japanese sauce and mayonaisse. You can walk around while eating it because it is made into bite-sized portions and you can easily eat it with bamboo skewers or toothpicks. Walking around while eating some Gindaco takoyaki is great way to enjoy Shinjuku.
Japanese homepage: http://www.gindaco.com/highball/#storeInfo
Yoshinoya Shinjuku Hyakunincho
24 hours open Beef bowl shop
Ikinari Steak Shinjuku 2 Chome
2-chōme-5-11 ShinjukuEveryone loves teriyaki. In Japan, you can enjoy teriyaki even in fast food chains. One particular recommendation is the teriyaki burger at MOS Burger. The sweet-spicy sauce made of miso and soy sauce goes well with the mayonnaise. It’s a deliciousness you can’t eat in any other country.
HP: mos.jp/menu/detail/010330/1/ (Japanese Only)
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Mos Burger Shinjuku West Exit
7-chōme-1-8 NishishinjukuEveryone loves teriyaki. In Japan, you can enjoy teriyaki even in fast food chains. One particular recommendation is the teriyaki burger at MOS Burger. The sweet-spicy sauce made of miso and soy sauce goes well with the mayonnaise. It’s a deliciousness you can’t eat in any other country.
HP: mos.jp/menu/detail/010330/1/ (Japanese Only)
There are many travelers who comes to Japan wanting to eat ramen, but have you ever had abura soba? Abura soba is ramen that isn’t in soup, but is flavored with condiments such as ra-yu chili sauce or soy sauce and eaten as-is.
Tokyo Abura Soba Shinjuku Branch
1-chōme-13-6 NishishinjukuThere are many travelers who comes to Japan wanting to eat ramen, but have you ever had abura soba? Abura soba is ramen that isn’t in soup, but is flavored with condiments such as ra-yu chili sauce or soy sauce and eaten as-is.
There are many travelers who comes to Japan wanting to eat ramen, but have you ever had abura soba? Abura soba is ramen that isn’t in soup, but is flavored with condiments such as ra-yu chili sauce or soy sauce and eaten as-is.
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BEEFst Roast Beef Oiled Ramen Noodles
There are many travelers who comes to Japan wanting to eat ramen, but have you ever had abura soba? Abura soba is ramen that isn’t in soup, but is flavored with condiments such as ra-yu chili sauce or soy sauce and eaten as-is.
This simple matcha latte is made with nothing but Japanese matcha and milk. The sweetness comes from the brown sugar syrup from the Okinawan island Hateruma. Its richness makes the fragrance of the matcha powder stand out even more. The renovated 2-story building was originally an apartment building, so the store interior is also very stylish and calming.
HP: www.saryo.jp/kagurazaka.html (Japanese Only)
Address: 5-9 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
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Kagurazaka Walleteria Yamatou
5-chōme-9 KagurazakaThis simple matcha latte is made with nothing but Japanese matcha and milk. The sweetness comes from the brown sugar syrup from the Okinawan island Hateruma. Its richness makes the fragrance of the matcha powder stand out even more. The renovated 2-story building was originally an apartment building, so the store interior is also very stylish and calming.
HP: www.saryo.jp/kagurazaka.html (Japanese Only)
Address: 5-9 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Jonathan's
1-chōme-9-1 KanamechōFamily type restaurant ( Open 24 hours )
McDonald's
2-chōme-12-8 KitazawaMy Basket Okubo
2-chōme-27-7-27 HyakuninchōBeef bowl shop ( Open 24 hours )
Drinks & Nightlife
One of the must-go-to places for a view of Shinjuku’s nightscape is the Park Hyatt’s New York Bar on the 52nd floor. Together with the spectacular view, the bar offers you great cocktails, which may make you think of Manhattan city and its skyscrapers.
If you are in town on a Sunday, don’t miss out on their live jazz sessions.
English homepage: http://tokyo.park.hyatt.jp/en/hotel/dining/newyorkbarunplugged.html
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Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7 西新宿One of the must-go-to places for a view of Shinjuku’s nightscape is the Park Hyatt’s New York Bar on the 52nd floor. Together with the spectacular view, the bar offers you great cocktails, which may make you think of Manhattan city and its skyscrapers.
If you are in town on a Sunday, don’t miss out on their live jazz sessions.
English homepage: http://tokyo.park.hyatt.jp/en/hotel/dining/newyorkbarunplugged.html