Shinjuku Travel Guide

Shinjuku west of the station and Shinuku east of the station are probably as different as east and west Berlin once were. Nishi (West) is full of skyscrapers and other high rise buildings. From a distance it looks like an immensely big forest of trees without branches. East of the station is a lively quarter that revolves about one thing: party all night.

When you visit Shinjuku, it is advisable not to try and go there during rush hour. The station is the most busy in Tokyo - which means the most busy on the planet. It can take ages to get from one side to the other. Places to stock up on film and other technological gadgets are Sakuraya, Bic Camera and Yodobashi Cameras.

Places to shop abound in this popular area. A huge 100Yen shop can be found on the 7th floor of the department store above the Seibu train line Shinjuku station. A large collection of foreign language books can be found at Kinokuniya store, just head for Takashimaya department store, walk through Tokyu Hands and accross the above the street walkway from (possibly) level 5 of Tokyu Hands to Level 6 of Kinokuniya book store. Kinokuniya has a fabulous selection of books on Japan, including english anime. Tokyu Hands offers an array of quirky products, you can even get your own Japanese name stamp made for you, taking only one hour and about 600Yen.