Shinjuku | A local’s guide

Shinjuku | A local’s guide

Veronica
The best places to see, eat & drink!
Updated ago
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Shinjuku is known for its entertainment district—Kabukicho, though there are many restaurants & pubs elsewhere in Shinjuku that are worth visiting.

Here are just a few of my personal recommendations; tried, tested & would go back again and again!

Izakaya

Restaurant-bar type known for drinking and eating little plates of snacks served to accompany the alcoholic drinks.

Robatasho
@veronicaflores
A hidden gem 💎 The best food ever in an izakaya!!! Sashimi is served as a welcome starter, what?! You can order wagyu, deer meat, grilled fish, several veggie & rice options. Also a fun staff. Highly recommend for a dinner or night out!
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zekkocho teppen
@veronicaflores
Another fun izakaya!
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Bars

Watering Hole
@veronicaflores
Great selection of Japanese craft draft beers!
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86
@veronicaflores
Worth the visit for the view and craft cocktails.
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Bar Benfiddich
@veronicaflores
Named #37 out of 50 best bars of the world. Really nice atmosphere, and if absinthe interests you, you gotta try this bar out!
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Dug Jazz Cafe & Bar
@veronicaflores
A jazz bar opened in 1961, somewhat divey and hidden in a basement of a busy street. Smoking is allowed in the bar.
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NEW YORK BAR
@veronicaflores
If you’ve ever watched Lost in Translation the movie, this is the bar that Scarlett Johansen & Bill Murray met. It’s also a fancy restaurant but you can just come for a drink!
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Restaurants

Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku South exit Store
@veronicaflores
Wagyu tonkatsu, popular spot for both locals & tourist so expect a line, but so worth it.
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USHIGORO S. SHINJUKU
@veronicaflores
Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). A chain, but one of my favorites in Tokyo! High quality wagyu, affordable and please try sake Akabu!
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Ichiran Shinjuku Kabuki-cho
@veronicaflores
Probably the most popular & iconic ramen chain in Japan. Tourist flock here and some wonder if it’s overrated. Personally, I would recommend this to any friend coming to Japan for the first time.
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Sushi Zanmai Shinjuku Higashiguchi
@veronicaflores
€10 for sashimi bowl or 12 pieces of sushi?! This place surprised me. The quality you get for the price…would definitely go back. Quick and cheap!
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Cafes

Blue Bottle Coffee - Shinjuku Cafe
@veronicaflores
Conveniently located for a nice cup of coffee. At the station and near big department store called Takashimaya!
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All Seasons Coffee
@veronicaflores
Cheesecake, buttery croissant with coffee…..
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Double Tall Coffee Shinjuku Gyoen Mae
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Paul Bassett Shinjuku
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Must-visit!

Omoide Yokocho
@veronicaflores
An alleyway filled with little bars & izakaya. Try coming in the evening when all the lantern lights are turned on, it’s a vibe!
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
@veronicaflores
It’s Sakura season 🌸 and this is the best & largest park in Shinjuku to view them! There’s also a beautiful Starbucks to sit and admire the serenity of this park.
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Shinjuku Golden Gai
@veronicaflores
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Shinjuku Chuo Park
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HANDS Shinjuku Store
@veronicaflores
6 floors of goodies. From kitchen supplies to diy materials, this store is so much fun just to wander and get a sense of how truly amazing Japanese shopping is. Tip: great store to get souvenirs!
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I hope you enjoy your visit! Please dont hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want more recommendations in other parts of Tokyo!

Check out my guide on some delicious cheap eats in Tokyo!

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