Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi district offer a wealth of sightseeing, dining, lodging, activities, and souvenirs for a memorable visit. Here are recommendations to enhance your travel experience in the area:
Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit: Admire the iconic red-brick facade of Tokyo Station, especially beautiful during the evening illumination.
Imperial Palace East Gardens: Explore the historic East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, just a short walk from Tokyo Station.
Marunouchi Naka-dori Street: Stroll along this elegant shopping street, lined with high-end boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Kitte Building: Visit Kitte, a shopping and dining complex located near Tokyo Station, offering panoramic views from its rooftop garden.
Ramen Street (B1F Tokyo Station): Sample various styles of delicious ramen at this underground food street.
Yaesu Hatsufuji (Yaesu Chikagai, B1F Tokyo Station): Try their famous katsu curry (breaded and deep-fried cutlet with curry) for lunch.
Daimaru Tokyo (B1F Tokyo Station): Explore the extensive food hall for a variety of Japanese and international cuisine.
The Tokyo Station Hotel: Experience luxury and history at this classic hotel located inside Tokyo Station.
Marunouchi Hotel: A sophisticated hotel with excellent amenities, offering a comfortable stay in the heart of Marunouchi.
Marunouchi Building Observation Deck: Head to the observation deck on the 35th floor of the Marunouchi Building for panoramic views of Tokyo.
Art Galleries: Check out art exhibitions at galleries like the Tokyo Gallery and Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.
Tokyo Station Souvenir Shops: Find a variety of Tokyo and Japan-themed souvenirs, including character goods and local products.
Japanese Tea: Purchase high-quality Japanese green tea or tea sets as elegant souvenirs.
Character Goods: Explore Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station for anime and manga-themed merchandise.
Traditional Crafts: Look for traditional crafts like lacquerware, ceramics, and textiles.
Take a Stroll: Walk around the Marunouchi district to appreciate its blend of modernity and tradition, with historic buildings and contemporary architecture.
Cafes: Enjoy a cup of Japanese tea or coffee at one of the many cafes in the area, some with beautiful views.
Events: Check if there are any cultural events, exhibitions, or performances happening in Tokyo Station or Marunouchi during your visit.
Transportation Hub: Tokyo Station serves as a major transportation hub, making it convenient to explore other parts of Tokyo and beyond.
Tokyo Station and Marunouchi offer a unique mix of historical charm, modern sophistication, and cultural richness. Enjoy your visit to this dynamic area in the heart of Tokyo!
Shinjuku offers a wide variety of local foods, specialties, and dining options to explore. Here's a detailed guide to specialties, restaurants, and souvenirs:
Ramen: Shinjuku is known for its diverse ramen scene. Try classic tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, tsukemen (dipping noodles), or innovative variations.
Yakitori: Savor grilled chicken skewers at local izakayas or specialized yakitori restaurants.
Sushi: Enjoy fresh sushi at popular sushiya like Sushizanmai or Sushi Zanmai, which are open 24 hours.
Oden: Try this comforting Japanese winter dish with various ingredients like fishcakes and daikon radish simmered in a savory broth.
Soba: Shinjuku offers excellent soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurants. Sarashina Horii in Shinjuku is a renowned choice.
Kaiseki: For an upscale experience, indulge in a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal, often available at high-end ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants).
Ichiyama (Shinjuku Gyoen): Enjoy a Japanese breakfast with a view of the garden.
Fuunji (Shinjuku): Known for their rich and flavorful tsukemen (dipping ramen).
Shin Udon (Shinjuku): Delight in handmade udon noodles in a cozy atmosphere.
Narukiyo (Shinjuku): A popular izakaya for a variety of Japanese dishes and drinks.
Omoide Yokocho: Explore this nostalgic alley for street food, grilled meats, and casual dining.
Golden Gai: Discover tiny bars and eateries offering a unique nightlife experience.
Japanese Snacks: Find a wide range of Japanese sweets, snacks, and Kit Kats at Don Quijote and souvenir shops.
Local Sake: Purchase sake from Tokyo or nearby regions to take home as a souvenir. Look for sake specialty shops.
Japanese Kitchenware: Explore department stores like Isetan or specialty shops for high-quality knives, ceramics, and cooking utensils.
Character Goods: Visit shops in Shinjuku for anime and manga-themed merchandise, including popular characters like Hello Kitty.
Traditional Crafts: Look for Japanese lacquerware, ceramics, and textiles at specialty shops.
Unique Apparel: Discover fashion boutiques in the area for unique clothing and accessories.
Bento Boxes: Pick up regional bento boxes from department store basements or train station ekiben shops.
Local Markets: Explore local markets for fresh produce, seafood, and snacks.
Japanese Whisky: If you're a whisky enthusiast, consider purchasing a bottle of Japanese whisky as a souvenir.
Tax-Free Shopping: Some stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists, so be sure to ask and bring your passport.
Shinjuku's diverse culinary scene and shopping options provide numerous opportunities to sample local flavors and find unique souvenirs. Don't hesitate to try different dishes and explore the bustling streets to make the most of your visit. Enjoy your time in Shinjuku!
Shinjuku, a bustling district in Tokyo, hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, along with its special features. Here's a list of notable festivals and events in each season:
Cherry Blossom Viewing: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a prime spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The park's cherry blossoms typically bloom in early April, and many locals and tourists gather for picnics under the sakura trees.
Shinjuku Eisa Festival: In May, you might catch the Shinjuku Eisa Festival, featuring traditional Okinawan dance performances, drumming, and colorful parades.
Shinjuku Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival): Enjoy summer festivals held at various locations in Shinjuku, featuring food stalls, music, dance performances, and traditional matsuri games.
Shinjuku Park Hyatt Tokyo Autumn Beer Garden: Experience a seasonal beer garden with an autumnal theme on the rooftop of Park Hyatt Tokyo, offering stunning views of the city.
Shinjuku Kabukicho Halloween Parade: Join the lively Halloween parade in the Kabukicho district, known for its creative costumes and festive atmosphere.
Shinjuku Minami-Lumi Illuminations: Shinjuku's streets and skyscrapers are adorned with dazzling winter illuminations during December and January, creating a magical atmosphere.
Shinjuku Eisa Festival (Winter Edition): Experience a winter version of the Eisa Festival in January, featuring Okinawan music and dance performances.
Skyscrapers and Observation Decks: Shinjuku is home to iconic skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you can enjoy free panoramic views of Tokyo.
Golden Gai: Explore the historic Golden Gai district, known for its tiny, eclectic bars and a unique nightlife experience.
Kabukicho: Tokyo's entertainment district offers vibrant nightlife, theaters, and dining options, including the famous Robot Restaurant.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This beautifully landscaped park provides a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, featuring traditional Japanese and Western-style gardens.
Shopping: Shinjuku boasts massive department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya, electronics shops like Yodobashi Camera, and the lively shopping street of Shinjuku-dori.
Culinary Diversity: Enjoy a wide range of dining options, from local izakayas and ramen shops to international cuisine in the Kabukicho area.
When planning your visit to Shinjuku, be sure to check the festival and event calendars for the specific dates of seasonal celebrations. Shinjuku's dynamic atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a captivating destination year-round.
Shinjuku, a vibrant district in Tokyo, experiences a diverse climate throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of the climate and temperature in each season:
Spring in Shinjuku is generally mild and pleasant.
Average temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in March to 20°C (68°F) in May.
Cherry blossom season, usually in early April, attracts many visitors to parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park.
Shinjuku, like the rest of Tokyo, experiences the "tsuyu" or rainy season during June and early July.
Expect frequent rain showers and high humidity.
Temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Summers in Shinjuku are hot and humid.
Average temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) to 31°C (88°F).
It's a great time for summer festivals and outdoor activities, but be prepared for the heat.
Autumn brings cooler and more comfortable weather.
Temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in September to 13°C (55°F) in November.
Fall foliage in parks like Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular attraction.
Winters in Shinjuku are relatively mild compared to other parts of Japan.
Average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in December to 5°C (41°F) in February.
While snowfall is infrequent, it can occur occasionally in January or February.
When planning your visit to Shinjuku, consider the season that aligns with your interests and preferences. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage, or the dynamic urban atmosphere, Shinjuku offers a wide range of experiences for travelers.