Shinjuku Walking Tour (Self Guided), Tokyo

Known as the best entertainment district in Tokyo, Shinjuku abounds in venues where visitors can play, eat, and shop to their hearts' content all day long. Besides the endless list of fun, shopping, and dining options available, the district also offers some truly amazing sightseeing opportunities which are often underrated.

One of its iconic landmarks is the two towers of the Metropolitan Government Office. The freely-accessed observation desks on top of the building offer stunning panoramic views of the city – a magnificent place to appreciate the sheer vastness and beauty of Tokyo.

For those seeking a taste of nostalgia and local street food, Omoide Yokocho, often referred to as "Piss Alley," is a must-visit. Don't be dissuaded by the name! Here, you can savor traditional Japanese dishes and experience the bustling atmosphere of a bygone era.

The Godzilla Head, perched atop the Toho Building, captures the attention of pop culture enthusiasts. It's a quirky sightseeing spot, especially at night when it is illuminated, making it a unique addition to your Shinjuku adventure.

History buffs will enjoy the Samurai Museum, where you can delve into Japan's rich samurai tradition through an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibitions.

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a maze of narrow alleyways lined with cozy, intimate bars and eateries. It's a fantastic place to experience the local nightlife and interact with fellow travelers and locals.

In contrast to the bustling urban atmosphere, the Hanazono Shrine provides a serene and spiritual experience. This peaceful oasis offers a quiet escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Nature lovers can explore the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a vast green space in the heart of the district. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or enjoying the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms or colorful foliage.

Visitors of all stripes can easily find something to their liking in Shinjuku. Whether you're exploring the past, embracing the present, or simply seeking relaxation, this dynamic part of Tokyo covers it all. So, pack your bags and embark on a memorable self-guided walking journey to Shinjuku, where you'll discover a fusion of tradition and modernity.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and nakashi.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Tokyo

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Shinjuku Walking Tour
Guide Location: Japan » Tokyo (See other walking tours in Tokyo)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Tokyo?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Tokyo Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Tokyo?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Tokyo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Tokyo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

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Ginza Shopping Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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