For the second day itinerary, we will be exploring the famed Shinjuku! Shinjuku, located in the west of Tokyo, is known for its large entertainment, business, and shopping area around Shinjuku Station. There are so many things to see and do that you might need a second day or more!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Building

At 9:00am, take the JR Yamanote Line and alight at Shinjuku Station, exit from the west and then walk ~10 minutes to reach the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Building. Then, head to the free observation decks 200 meters above ground to view the panoramic Tokyo from up above.

Do note that this place is a skyscraper district, so do come on a weekday instead of a weekend as most shops are probably closed.

The panoramic view from above – the Central Park was having some kind of food fair on the day.

Central Park

Directly behind the TMG Building lies the Central Park. If you are lucky, there may be a fair held at the park. Otherwise, walk around the small park and watch some free performance by the skilled skateboarders! For lunch, choose a restaurant within the TMG Building. They are very affordable and most of them have a good reputation!

After lunch, walk towards the Shinjuku station and shop around the districts. If you are not into shopping, walk around the places to experience the vibrant Shinjuku. Either way, you will be amazed by the Japanese culture!

Shinjuku Gyoen

Towards Takashimaya, walk to the Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest park. You’d be surprise that the place is so tranquil and serene, despite it being located within the bustling Shinjuku. If you are coming here during the Cherry Blossom season, be sure to bring along a picnic matt to enjoy the cherry blossom here. The view was simply spectacular!

Omoide Yokocho

For dinner, walk towards Omoide Yokocho (aka Piss Alley) and check out its hundreds of bars and eateries along the small narrow lanes. From ramen noodles to kushiyaki (grilled sticks), many restaurants have just one counter with some chairs. But hey, what’s a better way to have an authentic Japanese experience?

Kabukicho

After dinner, walk towards Kabukicho and experience Japan’s largest red light district with countless restaurants, bars, clubs, love hotels. In addition, a wide variety of red light establishments for all sexes! You’d think that the targets are males, but upon seeing almost all signboards filled with posters of cute Japanese men, you know there is an option for everyone. Explore with caution, though, as there may be exorbitant cover fees and drinks when you try any of the establishments.

As we were tired of all the walking, we chose a Kushiyaki bar and sat there to chill for the night. To our surprise, the waiters were so friendly and the manager/boss (I think) was very, very good looking.

The late night supper of Kushiyaki wrapped up my entire day at the Shinjuku districts – nothing beats a couple of grilled poultry with sake after a long day! Be sure to check out my other Tokyo Itineraries for more fun stuff to do in Tokyo!

Details of the places for today:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 東京都庁

Hours:
North Observatory: 9:30am to 11:00pm
South Observatory: 9:30am to 5:30pm (until 11:00pm when North Observatory is closed)
Last entry stops 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed:
North Observatory: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (next day if national holiday)
South Observatory: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (next day if national holiday)
Both Observatories: 29th December to 3rd January (except 1st January)
Fees: Free

Central Park

Hours: Always open
Fees: Free

Shinjuku Gyoen 新宿御苑

Hours: 9:00am to 4:30pm (last entry until 4:00pm)
Closed: Mondays, 29th December to 3rd January. No closing days during the cherry blossom season (late March to late April) and the Chrysanthemum Exhibition (first half of November).
Fees: ¥200

Omoide Yokocho 思い出横丁

Hours: ~5:00pm to 12:00am
Fees: Free

Kabukicho 歌舞伎町

Hours: ~11:00am to 12:00am (Some bars are 24 hours, some from ~7:00pm to next day)
Fees: Free