Shinjuku Area Guide & 10 Great Gourmet Spots

Shinjuku - Tokyo's sleepless city composed of offices, shopping malls, and neon lights. Stepping out of the Shinjuku Station towards different quarters of the city, you will notice in no time that Shinjuku cannot be summarized in one sentence. With 4 very different areas, each with its own style of attractiveness, you will find different landmarks and restaurants to visit. Southern Shinjuku Area

Photo Source: getnews.jp Outside the South Exit of Shinjuku Station, you will find fashion malls such as Lumine, Takashiyama, and NEWoMan. This is where you can catch up on latest fashion trends. Since its Grand Opening this spring, NEWoMan is currently the hottest landmark in this area. Approximately 80% of its shops and restaraunts are new to Shinjuku, including many food spots that has made its first launch in Japan! See below for recommended Southern Shinjuku gourmet spots↓↓↓ Fuunji Restaurant

Popular in the highly competitive area for ramen, Fuunji is famous for its tsukemen.

Photo Source: RETRIP

JANICE WONG DESSERT BAR Restaurant

Winning Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award in 2013 and 2014, this is a Dessert Bar by Singaporean Pastry Chef Janice Wong. Try Casis Plum inspired by Japan's spring season, and Strawberry Caprese which can only be eaten here. Aside from dessert, they serve great course dishes which come with perfectly matching alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

Photo Source: TimeOutTokyo

Western Shinjuku Area

Photo Source: Wikipedia In the West of Shinjuku you will find skyscrapers such as the 48-storey Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and 52-storey Shinjuku Sumitomo Building. This area also consists of high grade hotels inlcuding the Park Hyatt Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel, and Hilton Tokyo. On the other hand, you will find that outside the station's West Exit, electronic retail stores and retro izakayas allign to form the local Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho. See below for recommended Western Shinjuku gourmet spots↓↓↓ Takamaru Sengyo Store Nigoukan Restaurant

Serving fresh fish for a reasonable price, Takamaru Sengyo serves lunch until 4 PM. We reccomend Takamaru Teishoku, as this set offers thick slices of filling sashimi.

Photo Source: FOOD STADIUM

Le Monde Restaurant

Famous for its cheap and delicious steaks, its most popular menu Sirloin Steak Set is its signature dish. During lunchtime, 150g of Sirloin is served for just a little over 1,000JPY!

Soniaさん(@hungrynyc)が投稿した写真 - 2016 10月 4 7:03午前 PDT

**Visit HERE for drinks at Omoide Yokocho** Motsuyaki Uchan Restaurant

Opening at 4 PM, this Motsuyaki Shop (broiled pork organs shop) is a compact restaraunt with 27 counter seats, usually filled at time of opening. Especially popular are 'brenz' (pork brain) and liver. Challenge it with a cup of sherbert sake 'Shari-kin Hoppy'!

Photo Source: TimeOutTokyo

Shinjuku Sanchome Area

Photo Source: Odekake Guide The green environment at Shinjuku Gyoen, and shopping heaven at Isetan, both lie in the Shinjuku Sanchome Area. The Shinjuku Gyoen was originally a private mansion built in the Edo era, and an imperial garden in the Meiji era. With 58.3 ha(144 acres) in size, it blends three distinct gardens - French, English and Japanese. This is one of the most popular places for Sakura viewing in Tokyo. On the other hand, Shinjuku Sanchome is known for secret gourmet spots. Here are our recommendations↓↓↓ Brooklyn Parlor Restaurant

Stylish cafe Brooklyn Parlor's concept is Brooklyn, New York. Its interior is designed to display approximately 2,500 books across its walls (all books are available for sale). If you need a break from walking around the city, stop over here for a Hamburger Lunch.

Photo Source: HOME'S

Kanae

A classic izakaya, Kanae has been around in Shinjuku Sanchome for over 40 years. Menus consist of fresh seasonal fish and vegetables, served in all sorts of manner. Our recommended dish are the Sashimi Platter and domestic sake.

Photo Source: Dodeshow Blog

Eastern Shinjuku Area

Photo Source: MATCHA As the center of night entertainment, Eastern Shinjuku includes the Kabukicho area - a red-light district with night clubs, restaurants, movie theatres and host/hostess clubs. In April 2015, the Shinjuku Toho Building opened in the center of Kabukicho. From the roof of this 12m high building outlooks Godzilla, which roars every 7PM. For Godzilla fans, we strongly encourage to stay over at the Gracery Shinjuku Hotel's Godzilla concept themed room where you can see Godzilla outside your windows, throughout your stay! Another area in Eastern Shinjuku is the Shinjuku Golden Gai (“Golden District”) . This is a small area packed with tiny bars and izakayas, with a retro atmosphere that makes you wonder if you've slipped back in time. Other attractions of Eastern Shinjuku include the Hanazono Shrine and recently established Samurai Museum - which can be enjoyed during the day! Here are some Eastern Shinjuku gourmet recommendations↓↓↓ Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi

Located in Golden Gai, the only menu served here is 'Sugoi! Niboshi Ramen'. Open 24 hours!

Photo Source: RETRIP

Iwamoto Q Kabukicho Store

Serving authentic soba noodles for a reasonable price, Iwamoto Q is a stand-up soba restaurant open 24-7. Its popular dish is the Tempura Set, which can be enjoyed for just 580JPY!

Photo Source: korekarayukkurikangaL

Takano Fruit Parlor Main Store Restaurant

This is the famous Fruit Shop Takano's Fruit Parlor using fresh fruits. Serves a range of fruity desserts including fruit parfaits.

Photo Source: TAKANO