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Shinjuku East And West

Shinjuku East and all its other districts makes up one of the biggest, if not the biggest hub on the Yamanote Line that circles Tokyo.

There is something for almost everyone in this part of the city!

Shinjuku East Exit

Shinjuku East exit brings you out to Studio Alta. It's straight across the road in front of you and is easily recognizable by the big video screen that's above the main entrance. This is a popular meeting spot so, just like Hachiko in Shibuya, it's often teeming with people.

If you look right up the street past Studio Alta you'll see a long straight road in front of you. If you fancy a shopping spree away from Times Square this is another good location. Major shops include Isetan and Mitsukoshi department stores, again with lots of smaller shops inbetween to keep your interest.

To the left and behind Studio Alta running up this road is the Kabukicho district, commonly regarded as the "red light" area of Shinjuku.

If you go here at night expect to be invited - (read hustled) - to view some of the seedier sides of life. Don't get stressed - its all part of life in the Shinjuku East district. If you're not interested just keep on walking.

Staying Out Of Trouble

This is advice from a couple of Japanese guys I know. If they can end up in this situation (admittedly they'e already been drinking when this occurred) then the same can happen to you.

If you're invited into a bar or venue, make sure to establish any cover charges and cost of drinks etc. before going in. If the guys trying to win your custom won't give you a printed price list that you can take with you, don't go for it! Without printed evidence of the prices quoted to you your word is just hearsay. No-one, including the police, will argue with the guys who run these operations.

The guys I know ended up paying a hefty ¥30,000 per head for a couple of drinks and a few snacks! Don't make the same mistake.

West Exit

The West area of Shinjuku paints a very different picture from the East. Here you'll find the business end of things with modern buildings and skyscrapers to set the tone.

This side of the station is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices. This is where you can enter for free and get some amazing views of the city. Just follow the link for more information.

To add to the score sheet for shopaholics, there's an Odakyu and Keio department store on this side of the station as well as Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera electrical stores. It gets busy during peak commute times and again at 12:00 - 13:00 when everyone seems to descend on the local restaurants for their lunchtime sustenance.

Shinjuku Underground

Don't worry! This isn't as dodgy as it sounds : )

As well as everthing you can find above ground, there is also an enormous labyrinth of underground shops that extends from the station outwards - Shinjuku East, West and South. Be warned, a sense of direction is required as its easy to get lost down here.

The subnade not only has shops but it also connects the main station to surrounding subway stations so you really can end up in a completely different area of town than you intended. Its a little like Hansel and Gretel. Make sure you can backtrack where you came from... just in case!