Why is Shinjuku the busiest neighbourhood in Tokyo

Shinjuku is a district in the most populated city in the world, Tokyo. The location is synonymous with entertainment, business, food and endless shopping. Another aspect that makes Shinjuku special is the train station. the district has the busiest railway station in the world, with a daily commute of over three million passengers. Keep reading to learn more about Shinjuku and the best places to visit.

Shinjuku Station 

This is the home of the world's busiest railway station, with a daily average of 3.6 million passengers running by its turnstiles each day. The majority of businesses around the railway station are there to cater to the commuters. You will encounter a range of low to mid-range eating spots offering all kinds of tasty portable treats. Omoide-yokocho also called Memory Lane is one of the many famous backstreets near the station, and used to sell many black market goodies. It is now one of the last remaining traditional alleyways (yokocho) filled with many smoky food stalls. While there you can head to the Albatross, a tiny three-storied space that can accommodate around 30 diners. Below the Istean Department store, you will encounter depachika which is a cave-like food hall located at a basement level complex. Here, you can find many food items from muskmelons, a type of cantaloupe to exclusive teas. Simultaneously, while there you can stock up on some omiyage which are beautifully crafted edible souvenirs to take back home.

Nishi-Shinjuku

Nishi-Shinjuku is built amid sprawling corporate buildings. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is among the megalopolis’ most famous attractions. This twin-towered building has a lofty observatory with incredible bird's eye views of Tokyo. If the weather is clear, you can spot  Mount Fuji from a distance. This neighbourhood of Shinjuku contains some of the best bars in Japan, like the New York Bar, The Peak Lounge, Ben Fidditch, and  Sunface. If you are looking for serviced apartments in Shinjuku, the likes of Oakwood Apartments in Nishi Shinjuku Tokyo can be a good option to base your stay while you discover the rest of Shinjuku.

Kabuki Cho

Kabuki Cho is Tokyo's red light district and a place where the Japanese mafia (yakuza) runs free. An interesting fact is that the name is derived from the Kabuki Theatre! Despite all the lively happenings in this neighbourhood, it is very safe for travellers and a popular site for many visitors to Tokyo. Kabuki Cho is a smorgasbord of neon lights, billboards, and vast pedestrian crossings. The sheer luminosity of the place is overwhelming, to say the least. The neighbourhood has some amazing museums like the Samurai Museum going back almost 700 years of samurai history, with an impressive collection of samurai swords, that will leave you wanting to see and learn more about Samurai culture.

Meanwhile, the massive statue of Godzilla is another fan-favourite and is one of the most snapped locations in the district. While there, don't forget to visit the largest and most futuristic nightclub in Tokyo, Warp Shinjuku, its sheer vastness will blow your mind for sure. 

Golden Gai

Located in Kabuki Cho, Golden Gai is a small atmospheric neighbourhood filled with a thriving nightlife of bars, clubs and restaurants. You can find over 200 quaint eateries selling all kinds of delights. Most restaurants are very small and can accommodate only a few guests at a time. At one time foreigners were not allowed inside these restaurants, however, over time most establishments have now become more welcoming of tourists. Those who support tourists will usually have a sign outside their tiny restaurants. A word of caution, finding seats can be tough as most will feature a few tables and chairs. But if you manage to snag a chair and table you're in for a one-of-a-kind experience.