5 Best Things to do in Shinjuku – A Tokyo Adventure Like No Other!

When it comes to happening nightlife in Tokyo, the Kabukicho locale in Shinjuku is the hotspot to go to. As day turns to night, this area comes alive with bright lights, music and all manner of allures. There are plenty of pubs, bars, cabaret shows, pachinko parlours (features a type of mechanical arcade game) and karaoke venues for a fun time till the wee hours. Foodies can enjoy dining at one of the many Izakaya stalls and restaurants to be found here too. You can also head to the Golden Gai area which has over 300 small bars with limited seating and unique themes.

More famous for its dazzling shows than its cuisine, the Robot Restaurant is not to be missed. Around a two-minute walk from Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo, this popular venue which is also in Kabukicho has a distinctive robot-themed setting; the shows which take place three to four times a day showcase everything from laser beams and neon lights to lively music and Kawaii dancers in robot-like costumes. The performance is broken into different parts and includes traditional Japanese drumming, a futuristic battle between humans and robots and more. It's a dazzling light and sound extravaganza, to say the least!

To soak up some local culture, one can visit the Hanazono Shrine. For those staying at a Kabukicho hotel or service apartment Tokyo, Shinjuku and attractions like these are easy to explore. Dating back to the Edo period, this Shinto shrine is set in a charming area away from the hustle and bustle of the streets. There are smaller shrines at this site too such as the Geino Asama and Itoku Inari shrines. It is also a popular spot to see cherry blossoms in bloom in March / April and witness annual events like the Bird Festival in November.

Samurai culture is very much a part of Japan's rich history and one of the most interesting things to do in Shinjuku is to learn about this heritage at the Samurai Museum. This family-friendly attraction features an impressive collection of items, some of which date back 800 years ago and were used in battle. From various swords and kabuto helmets to armour and costumes, there is much to discover at this museum; they also have sword performances and Samurai costumes that you can wear to make for some memorable photos!

For foodies visiting Tokyo, it is a must to try authentic ramen dishes which come in different varieties. The best place to do this is Shinjuku which is considered Japan's most competitive ramen district with more than 300 restaurants to choose from! A good way to choose from the ramen restaurants or shops (known as ramen-ya) is to see which ones have the longest lines; this is a good indication of their popularity. From tsukemen-style ramen at Fuujin to Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo there are plenty of options.