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Tokyo Shopping Guide: Shinjuku

shinjuku- marcelinesmith

Shinjuku is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo and your classic snapshot of modern Japan – neon, skyscrapers, shopping malls and a convenience store on every corner. It’s also the location of many business and chain hotels so it’s quite likely you’ll be staying in this area. While there’s plenty of shops and restaurants, they’re spread over a large area with a huge train station in the middle so it can be difficult to navigate. It makes a great base for exploring Tokyo as you can get a lot of things ticked off here.

tokyu hands- marcelinesmith

Shopping in Shinjuku

Tokyu Hands
Your one stop shop for just about everything – art and craft supplies, homeware, stationery, party goods, luggage, cookware, furniture and DIY tools – and perfect for weird gifts and souvenirs. See my full post »

Okadaya
Huge craft store close to Shinjuku station with 6 floors of fabric and 7 floors of sewing supplies, craft books, kits and much more. See my full post »

Yuzawaya
Small branch of this much-loved craft store (visit the huge branch in Kichijoji if you can). You’ll find a good range of fabric, craft supplies and kits. See my full post »

Kit Kat Chocolatory
Fancy little boutiques dedicated to KitKats and selling exclusive flavours. Website »

Sekaido
Art supplies store with everything you could possibly need. The huge flagship store is near Shinjuku Gyoen. Website »

Kinokuniya
A haven for book, mook and magazine lovers, not to mention all the stationery. It would be easy to spend a few hours here, and no-one will mind if you do! There are two branches in Shinjuku. Website »

kitkat chocolatory- marcelinesmith

Where to Eat

Sweets Paradise
Pay your entry fee and you get 70-90 minutes to eat all the cake, desserts and pasta you can manage! They promise over 30 types of seasonal cakes and portions are tiny so you can try as much as possible before falling into a sugar coma. Website »

Muji Cafe & Meal
The Shinjuku branch of this famous minimalist lifestyle goods store also has a cafe serving deli lunches and desserts. You can pick up own-brand packaged foods. Website »

shinjuku gyoen- marcelinesmith

Art, Culture & More

Shinjuku Gyoen
For just ¥200 you can escape the madness of Shinjuku for this beautiful garden. The entrance fee means it’s better looked after and less crowded than the free parks and it has very photogenic ponds and lakes. It’s pretty big too so you can get some exercise or just put your feet up. Website »

Metropolitan Government Building
Head here for the tourist office (with English maps) and the free observation floor. Considering the prices charged for Mori Tower or Sunshine 60, this is well worth doing. It also has a pretty good gift shop for traditional and kawaii souvenirs. Website »

You can find just about anything in Shinjuku (including the red light district). There are many many shopping malls for fashion and beauty, lots of big brand and electronics stores and Studio Alta is great for teenage girls. There’s also plenty places to eat (try the restaurant floor at Times Square) and lots of little alleys to explore.

shinjuku- marcelinesmith

Getting Around

Shinjuku station is apparently the busiest train station in the world and it’s very easy to get lost in. Make sure you know which of the hundreds of exits is closest to your destination and follow the signs faithfully, otherwise you could end up on the wrong side of the railway lines.

The main East Exit will take you out to Studio Alta, Okadaya and lots of shops and restaurants. For Takashimaya Times Square, take the New South Exit or South Terrace exit. For Shinjuku Gyoen, you’re best to take the subway to Shinjuku-gyoemmae.

Last updated: 15 May 2017

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marceline

Hello! I’m Marceline Smith, the designer and owner of Asking For Trouble. I create illustrated stationery, accessories and gifts using my cute characters inspired by Japanese kawaii. This is my business and personal blog where I write about my creative doings, inspirations, travels, Japan trips and daily life. Read more »


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All text, photos and illustrations are © Marceline Smith 2007-2024 unless credited otherwise. You may repost my images with full credit and link. However, do not reproduce full posts without my permission or use my images or writing for commercial purposes. Thank you!

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