Family Travel Guide: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan – Family Adventures Itinerary
Stay Here, Do That is all about helping real families plan high impact trips without feeling overwhelmed. This Shinjuku guide is written as a full city base guide that just happens to be labeled a family travel guide so it feels friendly and easy to use.
Quick snapshot
- Best for: Families who want neon nights, big city energy, green parks, and easy train access to the rest of Tokyo.
- Ideal base: 4 to 7 nights in Shinjuku as your main Tokyo hub.
- Nearest stations: Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku Sanchome Station. Both connect you to almost everywhere.
- Vibe: Skyscrapers, department stores, quiet gardens, and kid friendly food tucked between all the lights.
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Why Shinjuku is such an easy family base
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s main city centers. It has the huge train station, the skyscraper district with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories , department stores, and an almost endless supply of places to eat. At the same time you have quiet pockets like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden where kids can run on the grass and everyone can breathe.
For families this means you can step out of your hotel and choose your own level of energy each day. Big city lights and arcades, or gardens and parks. It is also extremely well connected by train which makes day trips to places like Shibuya, Asakusa, Odaiba, and Disney easy to stack onto your Tokyo plan.
Where is Shinjuku and how do we get there
- Region: Shinjuku City, on the west side of central Tokyo.
- Approximate coordinates: 35.69° N, 139.70° E.
- Official local info: Shinjuku Convention and Visitors Bureau and YOKOSO Shinjuku travel guide.
- Japan wide planning: Japan National Tourism Organization.
Most international flights arrive at Haneda or Narita. From there you can connect by airport limousine bus, train, or private transfer directly to Shinjuku Station or one of the major hotels nearby.
Family friendly things to do in Shinjuku
1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – green space in the middle of everything
When the city starts to feel loud, walk over to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden . Wide lawns, ponds, and seasonal flowers give kids a safe place to roam while adults get classic Tokyo skyline views peeking over the trees.
- Pack a simple picnic or grab bentos and snacks before you enter.
- Use this as your arrival day reset or your jet lag morning walk.
2. Free city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Many families skip expensive towers and head straight to the free observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Nishi Shinjuku instead. On clear days you see across the whole city and sometimes all the way to Mount Fuji in the distance.
Go right when the decks open in the morning or around golden hour for softer light and fewer crowds.
3. Shinjuku Central Park and the skyscraper district
Just behind the government building is Shinjuku Central Park , a local park with playgrounds, open space, and a small shrine. It is a good spot for younger kids to move while adults enjoy the contrast of trees and glass towers.
4. Kid friendly culture and play spaces nearby
- Take a short hop to the Tokyo Toy Museum in Yotsuya for hands on wooden toys and calm indoor play. It is perfect for toddlers and younger kids.
- For a different cultural angle, visit Sainen ji Temple or Tokyo Mazu Temple in nearby areas of Shinjuku Ward for a quieter look at local history and spiritual life.
5. Neon nights without chaos
Shinjuku is famous for neon. With kids you can still enjoy that energy in a controlled way by walking the main streets early in the evening, before the night crowd fully wakes up.
- Wander past the entrance gate into Kabukicho for quick photos and atmosphere, then shift back toward the station for dessert or arcade time.
- Explore covered shopping areas and department store basements for snacks and treats instead of spending long in the nightlife zones.
6. Guided tours that simplify the city
If this is your first time in Tokyo, a half day guided tour can help everyone relax. You can look for options that start from Shinjuku or central Tokyo on family focused Tokyo tours on Viator .
Choose options that combine a couple of highlights with simple transport so you are not dragging kids around on a marathon.
Where to eat in Shinjuku without drama
Shinjuku has everything from convenience store snacks to fine dining. The key with kids is to keep choices simple and pick places that are used to families and travelers.
Breakfast and coffee
- Tully’s Coffee and similar chains inside station buildings for easy coffee and pastries before you jump on trains.
- Department store food halls such as the basement of Takashimaya Times Square or Odakyu for fresh bakery items, fruit, and bento style breakfasts.
Lunch and quick bites
- For noodles, look for family friendly branches of well known chains such as Ichiran Ramen or Sukiya gyudon where service is fast and menus usually have pictures.
- Inside station complexes like Lumine EST Shinjuku you will find family friendly cafes and casual restaurants with kid sized options.
Dinner ideas
- Look for family restaurants such as Jonathan’s or similar chains which have broad menus and relaxed seating.
- If you want something special with a view, explore restaurants inside larger hotels like Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku and book a simple set menu so the whole family can just sit and enjoy.
Where to stay in Shinjuku with kids
Shinjuku can feel huge and confusing on a map. For families, the main decision is how close you want to be to Shinjuku Station versus how quiet you want your street to be at night.
Featured stay: classic high rise hotel with views
For a classic Shinjuku experience with easy transport and on site dining, open your Booking affiliate link to a major high rise hotel near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building . You get quick access to the observatory, wide lobby spaces, and multiple restaurants under one roof.
- Family rooms and connecting options so everyone can sleep.
- Breakfast buffets that cover both Japanese and Western tastes.
- Airport limousine bus stops at or near many big hotels which keeps arrival day easy.
Alternative stay: family style apartments or suites
If you want more space and a kitchen, use your Booking affiliate map search for Shinjuku apartment hotels and suites . Filter for washing machines, kitchenettes, and walkable access to Shinjuku or nearby stations like Okubo.
Booking tip: For peak travel periods, lock in a refundable rate now and then check for better options about one month before your dates.
Sample 4 day Shinjuku based family itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival and soft landing in Shinjuku
- Arrive at Haneda or Narita and transfer into the city using train, airport bus, or pre booked transfer.
- Check into your Shinjuku hotel, let the kids explore the room, and keep plans flexible.
- Take a gentle evening walk around the station area and grab an easy dinner inside a department store restaurant floor.
- End with convenience store ice cream or snacks in the room and an early night.
Day 2 – Gardens, views, and city lights
- Breakfast near your hotel or in the station.
- Spend the morning at Shinjuku Gyoen with a simple picnic.
- After a rest back at the hotel, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory for sunset views.
- Walk through the skyscraper district and have dinner in a family friendly restaurant nearby.
Day 3 – Guided Tokyo highlights from your Shinjuku base
- Join a family focused Tokyo highlights tour booked through Viator that covers a mix of shrines, neighborhoods, and viewpoints.
- Use the evening in Shinjuku for souvenir shopping and dessert in one of the station complexes.
Day 4 – Free play, side trip, or travel onward
- Keep this as a flex day for whatever your family needs most.
- Repeat a favorite spot, visit the Tokyo Toy Museum , or take a short train ride to another neighborhood like Shibuya or Harajuku.
- When it is time to move on, head back through Shinjuku Station for trains to the airport or bullet trains for the rest of Japan.
Tokyo family tips that keep this smooth
- Practice tap cards: Get IC cards like Suica or PASMO for everyone old enough so train transfers are simple.
- Screenshot everything: Save hotel addresses, map pins, and booking confirmations offline before you leave Wi Fi zones.
- Use convenience stores: Places like 7 Eleven and FamilyMart become your secret weapon for snacks, drinks, and quick breakfasts.
- Stroller strategy: Lightweight strollers work fine but be ready for stairs in some stations. Baby carriers can be easier in rush periods.
- Quiet reset: Schedule a garden, park, or toy museum every day so kids can decompress between city sights.
Official tourism and planning links
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Use Shinjuku as one chapter in a bigger family travel story.
If you use this guide to plan your Tokyo trip, drop your tips in the blog comments so the next family can travel smarter too.
