Shinjuku新宿区
Tokyo's busiest hub — entertainment, transit, and endless energy.
Overview
Shinjuku is the beating heart of Tokyo — home to the world's busiest train station, the iconic Kabukicho entertainment district, and a massive concentration of offices, restaurants, and shops. The ward attracts a diverse international community with its vibrant nightlife, excellent transit connections, and wide range of housing options from modern high-rises to quieter residential pockets.
Best For
Young professionals, nightlife lovers, and anyone who wants to be at the center of everything.
Living Costs
Rent Prices (Monthly)
- Studio / 1R: ¥85,000–¥140,000
- Family (2LDK+): ¥180,000–¥300,000
- Prices are for average locations; station-front apartments cost 10-20% more
- Key money and deposit typically 1-2 months each
Monthly Budget Estimate
- Utilities: ¥8,000–¥15,000 (electricity, gas, water)
- Internet: ¥4,000–¥5,000
- Groceries: ¥30,000–¥50,000
- Transport: ¥5,000–¥15,000 (commuter pass varies)
Transit Access
Train lines and travel times from Shinjuku.
Available Lines
| Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku | 0 min (you're here) |
| Shibuya | 5 min (JR Yamanote) |
| Tokyo Station | 15 min (JR Chuo Rapid) |
Expat Life
Community
- Large international community, especially around Shin-Okubo (Koreatown) and Takadanobaba (student area). Many international restaurants and bars in Kabukicho and Golden Gai.
English Services
- Shinjuku Ward Office has multilingual support (English, Chinese, Korean). Tokyo Medical University Hospital and JCHO Shinjuku have English-speaking staff.
International Shopping
- Shin-Okubo is a treasure trove of Korean, Southeast Asian, Indian, and Halal grocery stores. Kaldi and import food shops in Lumine and Takashimaya.
- Full supermarket guide →
Ward Office
- Address: 1-4-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
- Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali
- Handle resident registration, health insurance, My Number, and more
- ID documents guide →
Neighborhood Highlights
The best spots and areas in Shinjuku.
Kabukicho & Golden Gai
Tokyo's entertainment epicenter — neon-lit streets, bars, restaurants, and nightlife that never sleeps.
Shinjuku Gyoen
One of Tokyo's most beautiful parks with Japanese, English, and French gardens. Perfect for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
Takadanobaba
Student-friendly area with affordable eats, izakayas, and a relaxed vibe near Waseda University.
Nishi-Shinjuku
Skyscraper district with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observation deck) and modern apartments.
Practical Info
Garbage & Recycling
- Each ward has its own garbage collection schedule
- Sort into: burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and oversized items
- Collection days vary by neighborhood within the ward
- Complete garbage sorting guide →
Safety & Preparedness
- Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world
- Register for ward disaster alerts (available in English)
- Know your nearest evacuation center (listed at ward office)
- Keep an emergency kit ready (see home centers guide)