Shinjuku Ku (新宿区) – Things to Do, Hotels & Travel Info
Prefecture - Tokyo To / 東京都Shinjuku Ku Overview
Shinjuku , officially called Shinjuku City, is a special ward of Tokyo, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative center, housing the northern half of the busiest railway station in the world as well as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the administrative center of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. As of 2018, the ward has an estimated population of 346,235 and a population density of 18,232 people per km2. The total area is 18.23 km2. Since the end of World War II, Shinjuku has become a major secondary center of Tokyo (fukutoshin), rivaling the original city center in Marunouchi.
Shinjuku Ku Key Statistics
Population326309
Area18 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés619 / 114 / 1374
Practical Essentials for Shinjuku Ku
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Shinjuku Ku
Shinjuku Ku Main Station & Rail Lines
新大久保 (Shin-Ōkubo)
Train Travel to Shinjuku Ku
Shinjuku Ku is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Shinjuku Ku
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Shinjuku Ku
Cover Your Trip to Shinjuku Ku
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Shinjuku Ku
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Shinjuku Ku downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Shinjuku Ku.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Shinjuku Ku Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Shinjuku Ku.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Shinjuku Ku.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Shinjuku Ku
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Shinjuku Ku
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Shinjuku Ku
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Shinjuku Ku
When was Shinjuku Ku founded?
Shinjuku Ku was founded on March 15, 1947.
How old is Shinjuku Ku?
Shinjuku Ku is roughly 79 years old.
What is the population of Shinjuku Ku?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 326,309.
What is the land area of Shinjuku Ku?
Shinjuku Ku covers roughly 18 km².
What is the main railway station in Shinjuku Ku?
The primary hub is 新大久保 (Shin-Ōkubo).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Shinjuku Ku?
The city has roughly 619 parks, 114 museums and 1374 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Shinjuku Ku expensive to live?
Shinjuku Ku is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Shinjuku Ku?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Shinjuku Ku?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Shinjuku Ku has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Shinjuku Ku?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Shinjuku Ku?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Shinjuku Ku?
Shinjuku Ku hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Shinjuku Ku?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Shinjuku Ku?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Shinjuku Ku?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Shinjuku Ku?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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