A walk in Tokyo

Shinjuku after dark

夜の新宿

Best from 6 pm

2.4 km, about 2 h, 6 stops from Tochōmae Station. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Tochōmae Station

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building東京都庁
Free observation decks 202 m up. After dark a free light show plays on the facade.
Omoide Yokochō思い出横丁
Tiny grill counters by the tracks, five or six seats each. Bring cash.
Godzilla Roadゴジラロード
Kabukichō's main street. Ignore touts and never follow anyone who stops you.
Godzilla Headゴジラヘッド
Godzilla looks over an 8th-floor terrace, 50 m up, its height in the 1954 film.
Hanazono Shrine花園神社
A red shrine hall right beside the Golden Gai lanes. A quiet minute away from the crowds.
Golden Gai新宿ゴールデン街
Six narrow alleys of tiny shopfronts, most open from 8 pm. Ask before any photo.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026