It’s convenient to travel from Haneda or Narita airports to Shinjuku Station both by train and bus. You can go sightseeing in Shinjuku directly from the airport, or stay at a hotel near Shinjuku Station and use it as your base for sightseeing.

If you take a Limousine Bus from the airport, you can relax and get to Shinjuku without worrying about carrying around large luggage, but depending on the time of the day, you may get caught in traffic. As for the train, depending on the route, you may need to change lines, or you may find crowded cars, so weigh the advantages and disadvantages for both.

●Getting from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku
If you take the airport limousine bus to Shinjuku Station, you can get there directly. Buses leave every 30 minutes and they connect the airport with both Shinjuku Station West and East. There is also a Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, and buses that have stops by major hotels all around Shinjuku. The time required varies depending on the traffic conditions, but on average it will take around 40 minutes if it runs smoothly (from Haneda).

If you go by train, take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line (bound for Shibuya). It will take about 50 minutes. Don’t worry about having to wait for the train because both the Tokyo monorail and the JR Yamanote Line have trains every few minutes. There is also a route that goes to Shinagawa Station by Keihin Electric Express Railway, and then from there to the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station. The trip takes about 50 minutes, but the train will likely be crowded.

●Getting from Narita Airport to Shinjuku
Airport Limousine busses also arrive from Narita Airport. It’s a perfect way to travel if you want to forget about carrying your luggage immediately after leaving the lobby and sit down comfortably. The trip will take 90 minutes, depending on the traffic.

If you choose trains, we recommend the JR East Narita Express (N’EX), which connects Narita Airport and Shinjuku. The train leaves every 30 minutes to 1 hour and it arrives at Shinjuku Station in about 90 minutes.

Shinjuku, where many of the current hot trends are born, is full of the latest fashion and food, so it’s not an exaggeration to say that visiting the area will give you a glimpse of many Japanese trends.

Meanwhile, Shinjuku is characterized by many historical buildings, and well-established stores that have not changed since old times. From large department stores, to unique restaurants and izakaya, to popular entertainment facilities, from skyscrapers to historic gardens like the Shinjuku Gyoen and the Hanazono Shrine, many essential Tokyo sightseeing spots are tightly packed in Shinjuku.

Here, you can check out the latest fashion, the most advanced home appliances popular in Japan, enjoy the hottest entertainment, and walk around gardens and shrines, while enjoying nature in all seasons.

In addition, Shinjuku will reveal a different face during the day and at nighttime. Shinjuku is a family place during the day, but Shinjuku’s vibe at night is different, like in the area of Kabukicho, the “Sleepless Town.” Kabukicho, an entertainment district full of neon lights and signboards is very popular. In recent years, the number of foreigners who came in contact with regular customers at popular izakaya in Yokocho, and in golden Gai, where nostalgic narrow alleys are lined with lanterns, has increased.

Shinjuku offers a variety of faces, and in this way, it’s a unique city that fascinates every time you visit. Whether you are a young man, or woman, of any nationality, you will be able to see the reason why this area attracts so many people.

Shinjuku, with its diverse aspects, can be broadly divided into the West Exit area the East Exit area, the South Exit area, and the area around Shinjuku Sanchome Subway Station centering on the huge Shinjuku Station. There are different characteristics that make each area unique, so you should enjoy the sightseeing in Shinjuku after understanding a little of each. We will also talk about recommended sightseeing spots in each area.

The West exit area is a business district lined with skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Metropolitan government building, a symbol of Tokyo. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building has a free observatory, which overlooks the city from a height of 202 meters. On the other hand, you can also find the old-fashioned restaurant street “Omoide Yokocho”, right next to the skyscrapers. Here, there is also an Electric Town like in Akihabara, where you can find a number of electronics stores of all sizes.

The East exit area, is a shitamachi area with large commercial facilities, restaurants, apparel stores, specialty stores, and movie theatres, this area is also home to Kabukicho, one of the largest entertainment districts in Asia. The lively cityscape continues into the adjacent Shinjuku Sanchome area.

The South exit area is a hot-spot where redevelopment is progressing, and fun and convenience are increasing. “Busta Shinjuku,” a large commercial facility connected directly to the station and a bus terminal, has also been created. There is also a spacious deck and there are more and more families shopping.

Famous department stores like Isatan and Marui are gathered around Shinjuku-sanchome Station, where the subway runs, and it’s an area that continues from the East exit of Shinjuku Station. Here are also Shinjuku Gyoen and Hanazono Shrine, beautiful urban oasis.

Shinjuku Nichome, known as a LGBTQ district is also nearby with its unique bars.

There are many recommended spots around Shinjuku Station, where JR, private railways, subways and various lines are located. You can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, food, and entertainment without limit. Access is also very easy, making it a perfect base for your Tokyo trip.