Living in Shinjuku
Guide to Shinjuku, a popular expat residential area in Tokyo.
The area around Shinjuku Station, JR Yamanote Line, the area around Tochomae Station, Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station, and Nishi-Shinjuku gochome Station, Toei Oedo Line, the area around Hatsudai Station, Keio-Shin Line and Sangubashi Station, Odakyu Line, and the area around Nishi-Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station, and Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Marunouchi Line.
Addresses included are: Shinjuku, Nishi-Shinjuku, Kita-Shinjuku, Hyakunincho, Kawadacho, and Arakicho in Shinjuku-ku, Honcho, Hatsudai, and Yoyogi in Shibuya-ku.
Shinjuku Area Overview
Shinjuku Station is a terminal station–connecting central Tokyo to the suburbs as well as some more remote cities–and is known as the busiest train station in the world. Many well-established department stores and dining spots are concentrated around the station. The nearby Kabukicho area is known as a busy entertainment and red-light district that never sleeps. The number of commuters using Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Higashi-Shinjuku Station, and Nishi-Shinjuku Station–all located one station over from JR Shinjuku Station–has greatly increased over the past several years. Major causes for this increase are the recent direct connection of the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Fukutoshin Line, recent condominium construction within the area, and other redevelopments.
Concentrated on the east side of Shinjuku Station are many well-established department stores and restaurants that receive a continuous flow of visitors day and night. At Shinjuku-Sanchome Station–where the Marunouchi, Toei Shinjuku , and Fukutoshin Lines intersect–department stores and restaurants on the ground level are connected by underpasses. In the south east end of the commercial area there is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where many people enjoy watching nature during the different seasons.
In the area spanning from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station to Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station, the construction of new condominiums have added to the quiet housing atmosphere of the area.
The south side of Shinjuku Station is a newly redeveloped area. Here, commercial buildings with a department store–such as Takashimaya Times Square–and building complexes with office floors and a hotel–such as the Southern Terrace–are lined up along the tiled sidewalks creating a cityscape with an airy open feel.
On the west side of Shinjuku Station is a skyscraper area with hotels and office buildings including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Shinjuku Central Park, in Nishi-Shinjuku, serves as a relaxing spot for busy business people. The residential properties around Nishi-Shinjuku are primarily high-rise apartments–such as La Tour Shinjuku and Nishi-Shinjuku Park Side Tower–providing hotel-like services and an incredible night view of Shinjuku.
Hatsudai is located a little ways away to the west of Shinjuku Station. In the middle of the Hatsudai area is Tokyo Opera City. A quiet residential area lies towards Yoyogi from there. There are many apartments for rent that are popular among foreigners in Shinjuku area.
