6 reasons Shinjuku is the most exciting area of Tokyo

If dinner in a skyscraper isn’t for you, don’t worry, you won’t go hungry in Shinjuku. Dotted around the area are exquisite eateries offering a diverse selection of food to suit every taste.

A particularly popular dish in Shinjuku is Ramen and the area is known for being one of Tokyo’s most competitive Ramen districts, with people forming long queues outside the area’s popular restaurants.

Omoide Yokocho (translating to ‘memory lane’ in English) can be found towards the northwest of the Shinjuku Station. It is made up of a selection of alleyways lit by red lanterns. Omoide Yokocho contains restaurants and market stalls offering a range of traditional Japanese food, including ramen, soba, sushi, kushiyaki and yakitori. It also makes for an excellent photography spot!

Takadanobaba is known for its affordable bars, cafes and restaurants, making it a popular area for students, particularly students from Waseda University which is only a twenty-minute walk away.

Koreatown in Shin-Okubo has an assortment of Korean shops and restaurants along its main road, selling K-Pop music and merchandise, Korean groceries and other Korean food.

Alongside the Korean town in Shin-Okubo, the Shinjuku Ni-chōme neighbourhood is a popular location for those looking to enjoy the area’s nightlife.

The Shinjuku Ni-chōme area is known for being particularly inclusive and LGBT friendly, with a blend of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The neighbourhood is known for its good food, drinks, and atmosphere. It’s estimated that the area contains around 300 LGBT bars and nightclubs.

If you’re looking for small bars and eateries, Golden Gai is the place for you. This small but atmospheric nightlife district has more than 200 restaurants and bars, many of which only seat a few customers at a time. Many have unique themes, making it a popular destination for students from nearby Waseda University.

If you feel like you need a break from the busyness of the city, Shinjuku contains many famous green spaces where you can unwind.

Shinjuku Gyoen is arguably one of the most famous parks in Tokyo and is known for being one of the city’s best places to view the gorgeous cherry blossom each year.

This relaxing haven is located in the center of the Shinjuku area, offering a mass of greenery and a calming atmosphere. Students from Waseda University enjoy coming to the park to unwind after a busy day in the city and take in the incredible views of the cityscape.

Meiji Shrine Outer Garden was created in 1926 as a memorial site for the Emperor Meiji. In its grounds is a picture gallery, depicting the culture and politics of the Meiji era, which students interested in the city’s history might want to visit. The garden was also the primary site of the Tokyo Olympic games in 1964.

Shunjuku Central Park is a mid-sized park located at the edge of the skyscraper district, behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Home to an artificial waterfall, the Kamano Shrine and plenty of sakura trees, the Central Park is the perfect place to calm down after a hectic day in the city.

Image credit: Waseda University

Shinjuku is home to Waseda University, a private research university. Ranking joint 189th in the QS World University Rankings 2021 and ninth in Japan, students at Waseda University benefit from Tokyo’s global prestige.

Waseda University is also one of Japan’s most global campuses, with more than 8,000 international students from 120 countries. This enables students to learn about different cultures and meet people from all around the world.

Additionally, students benefit from the university’s partnerships with more than 800 prominent institutions in more than 80 countries.

It’s undeniable, Shinjuku is a great place to be a student.