Lost in Shinjuku Station

SNA Travel (Tokyo) — Shinjuku Station is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations–and for good reason! From its bustling streets to its many entertainment options, the Shinjuku Station area has something for everyone, though perhaps not much peace and quiet.

Shinjuku Station is not only an important transportation hub right on the main Yamanote loop line, but also a destination of its own due to its large number of restaurants, shops, and other points of interest. Five railway companies possess lines that meet at Shinjuku, but the most notable, as always, is JR East.

But any new visitor to Tokyo (as well as a good many veterans of Japanese life) needs to understand that the station itself is a maze. For example, there are over two hundred entrances and exits.

Experienced hands know that the best way to avoid becoming hopelessly lost is to decide exactly where they want to go from the outset and then keep a keen eye out for the overhead signboards and colored floor lines to help them get there.

It is by far the world’s busiest train station, with more than 3.5 million people flowing through it on an average day. Navigation can sometimes be a challenge even for those who know what they are doing.

With so many people, there are also so many businesses crowded both within and without the station. Whether in the mood for a quick bite or searching for something more unusual, Shinjuku Station and its environs has many options for eating, shopping, and fun.

Those who get lost (as many surely will), Shinjuku Station also has helpful English-speaking staff scattered around the facility who provide directions and recommendations for sightseeing in the area.

Those wanting to explore the surrounding neighborhoods should first decide which exit best suits their needs.

At the South Exit are Takashimaya, a major department store, and the Shinjuku Bus Terminal. As revitalization efforts have progressed, this area has become a hotspot.

East Exit is where visitors will find two other department stores, Isetan and Alta. Isetan is upscale and features artistic window displays by renowned designers, selling high quality food, clothing, and household goods. The trendsetting community at Studio Alta has gained international attention. Also from the East Exit are found the most popular nightlife areas, Kabukicho and Golden Gai.

The West Exit, also crowded with restaurants, shops, and hotels, leads to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Even those who spend an entire day in and around Shinjuku Station and won’t come close to exhausting its possibilities.