Hotels near Shinjuku

Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest train station - 3.6 million daily passengers across 36 platforms. The surrounding ward is Tokyo's most concentrated business and entertainment district, split into distinct sub-zones: West Shinjuku (skyscrapers including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building), East Shinjuku (department stores and Kabukicho red-light district), and South Shinjuku (Takashimaya Times Square and Shinjuku Gyoen park).

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck on the 45th floor (202 m, free) offers one of Tokyo's best free viewpoints. Omoide Yokocho alley behind the station houses tiny post-war yakitori shops from the 1940s - the most atmospheric quick dinner in central Tokyo. Golden Gai (200 tiny bars in a 2-block grid) is the legendary post-1945 drinking warren. Allow 4 hours minimum for an evening exploration.

Pro Tip: The free Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation deck stays open until 22:00 and is significantly less crowded than paid alternatives. Visit at 19:30 for sunset and the start of the neon city below.