Shinjuku Between Chaos and Serenity
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most fascinating contradictions...
A place where peaceful gardens, ancient shrines, neon chaos, and hidden backstreets all coexist within a few steps.
In this video, I take you on a full exploration of Shinjuku City. From quiet green spaces and spiritual landmarks to gritty nightlife areas and breathtaking skyline views, this walk reveals the many faces of one of Tokyo’s most intense districts.
- 🌿 Shinjuku gyoen – a green escape in the city
Just minutes from the world’s busiest station, Shinjuku Gyoen offers calm paths, seasonal landscapes, and a deep sense of history. A perfect place to slow down before diving back into the city’s energy.
- ⛩ Hanazono shrine – tradition beside neon lights
Hidden next to Kabukicho, Hanazono Shrine is a peaceful Shinto sanctuary surrounded by skyscrapers. A place where locals come to pray, reflect, and briefly escape the noise of Shinjuku.
- 🍶 Golden gai – old Tokyo day and night
Golden Gai is a maze of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars, wooden buildings, and decades of history. Calm during the day, vibrant at night, it feels like stepping into another era of Tokyo.
- 🦖 Kabukicho and Godzilla – raw and iconic
Kabukicho shows a rougher, more chaotic side of the city. Neon signs, nightlife, and unexpected surprises like the giant Godzilla overlooking the streets make this area impossible to forget.
- 🍢 Omoide yokocho – memory lane
With its smoky alleys and tiny eateries, Omoide Yokocho preserves the atmosphere of post-war Tokyo. A must-visit spot for food, nostalgia, and authentic local vibes.
- 🚉 Shinjuku station and hidden architecture
We cross through Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, before discovering unexpected places like the giant pendulum clock hidden inside the NS Building.
- 🌆 Tokyo metropolitan government building – views above Tokyo
To end the journey, we head up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Free observation decks offer stunning panoramic views over the city and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji.
⏰ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's timetable: HERE.
Thank you for exploring Shinjuku with me. This city never stops surprising, no matter how well you think you know it.
Mata ne. Sabrina.