Shinjuku

Shinjuku is an administrative district in the heart of Tokyo, covering approximately 18 square kilometers and encompassing residential, business, and entertainment areas. The train station at its center connects multiple railway lines and serves as a hub for the entire metropolitan region.

The area grew from a post station on the highway to Kōshū in 1698 into a busy destination for merchants and travelers. In 1947, three neighboring districts were merged into a new ward that has since become part of the administrative core of the capital.

The name comes from a post station that once served travelers along the old Kōshū road. Today you see at many corners the coexistence of traditional alleys and modern shopping arcades, both used equally by locals.

The area is continuously accessible during the day and serves as a starting point for explorations in all directions. Visitors on foot should prepare for crowds, especially during peak commuting hours in the morning and evening.

The western part of the ward holds Tokyo's highest concentration of skyscrapers, including the government building with freely accessible observation platforms. From there you can see Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days, surrounded by the endless cityscape.

Location: Tokyo

Inception: March 15, 1947

Reference: 131041

Part of: ward area of Tokyo, Tokyo

Shares border with: Chiyoda-ku, Minato, Bunkyo, Shibuya-ku, Nakano, Toshima-ku

Website: http://foreign.city.shinjuku.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.69389,139.70342

Latest update: December 12, 2025 01:13