Useful information about Tokyo Shinjuku
Information about Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo
Shinjuku Ward (also known as Shinjuku City) is one of the 23 Special Wards of Tokyo. It has a population of around 350,000 people and an area of around 18 km², making it a very densely populated area. Along with Chiyoda Ward, Minato Ward, Chuo Ward, and Shibuya Ward, it is one of the five central wards of Tokyo, which is known for having some of the highest land prices in Japan.
Shinjuku is considered one of the three major urban centers of Tokyo, alongside Shibuya and Ikebukuro. Besides being a popular place for shopping, dining, and entertainment, it is also a prominent business district with many high-rise office buildings. Shinjuku is also home to many universities, including Waseda University, Keio University, Tokyo University of Science, and Tokyo Medical University.
Shinjuku Station is the busiest station in Japan in terms of passenger traffic. To the east of the station is Kabukicho, Tokyo's most famous entertainment and red light district. Towards the south is Shinjuku Gyo-en and the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden, two places of rich greenery. To the north is the Ochiai area, a mainly residential area that has seen rapid development in recent years.
With commercial and residential districts, historic universities and hospitals, an entertainment district with an international atmosphere, and a bustling terminal for trains and buses, Shinjuku Ward is like a microcosm of the Tokyo metropolis.
Foreign Residents in Shinjuku Ward
Shinjuku Ward is the municipality with the most number of foreign residents in Tokyo. As of September 2021, there are 34,876 foreign residents living in Shinjuku, with 17,938 males and 16,938 females. In terms of nationality, Chinese nationals are the most in number, with a population of 11,970. Next come Koreans with 8,742 residents, followed by Nepalese, Vietnamese, Burmese, Taiwanese, Americans, Filipinos, and so on.
Data source: Shinjuku City Government, Foreigners in the Basic Resident Register, as of 1 September 2021.
Popular Residential Areas in Shinjuku Ward
Shinjuku Ward is known for its skyscrapers and large commercial centers, but it is also a much sought-after residential area. One popular area is Nishi-Shinjuku, which features many high-rise apartments with relatively expensive rents. A room on a high floor offers a great view of the city, especially at night. There are also many parks nearby, giving the area a relaxing environment.
Other popular areas include Hatsudai and Yoyogi, which have some quiet but convenient residential areas. They are located not too far away from Shinjuku Station, which has plenty of options for shopping and dining, some of which are open 24 hours a day.
Transportation in Shinjuku Ward
Shinjuku Ward has an extensive railway network covering many stations across different districts, but its biggest and most important station is Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Station is served by major JR lines such as the Yamanote Line, the Saikyo Line, the Chuo Line, and the Sobu Line, as well as subway lines including the Marunouchi Line and the Toei Shinjuku Line. There are also several private railway operators such as Keio and Odakyu. Other major stations in Shinjuku Ward include Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Seibu Shinjuku Station, and Iidabashi Station.
Shinjuku Ward also has a network of buses that support the transportation needs of its residents. The main bus operators are Toei Bus, Kanto Bus, Keio Bus, Seibu Bus, and Odakyu Bus. They operate several local routes as well as long-distance express buses that interconnect the ward with other areas.
Expressways also play an important part in the transportation of Shinjuku Ward. One important expressway in the ward is the Shuto Expressway Route 4 (also known as the Shinjuku Route), which connects at the western end to the Chuo Expressway. Another important route is the Central Circular Route.
Recommended Spots in Shinjuku Ward
Shinjuku is one of the most prominent commercial districts in Tokyo, and it is home to many popular attractions. One popular spot is Shinjuku Gyo-en, a national garden that has been called an oasis in the city. It becomes crowded with hanami visitors during spring.
Kabukicho is one of the most famous entertainment districts in Tokyo, popular with both locals and tourists. It features plenty of shops and restaurants, and has a different atmosphere in the daytime versus at night.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is popular for its observation deck. Located on the 45th floor at a height of 202 meters, it offers a panoramic view of the Tokyo metropolis.