10 Perfect Date Spots in Shinjuku: From Trendy to Hidden Gems

Discover Shinjuku's Best Date Locations

Shinjuku, a bustling Tokyo district with various tourist spots, offers many great locations for dates. This article presents 10 recommended spots to head out on a romantic date. We've selected places from various angles, including options for rainy days and dining opportunities.

Romantic Spots in Shijuku

Classic Date Spots in Shinjuku
1. Shinjuku Central Park
2. Shinjuku i-LAND Tower
3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
4. Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine
5. Shinjuku Golden Gai

Indoor and Hidden Date Spots in Shinjuku
6. Isetan Shinjuku Store
7. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
8. Shinjuku Copabowl
9. Shinjuku Wald 9
10. Tokyo Mystery Circus

1. Shinjuku Central Park

Located on the site of the former Yodobashi Water Purification Plant in Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Central Park is the largest urban park in Shinjuku City. It covers an area equivalent to the size of about two Tokyo Domes.

The park features artificial waterfalls and forests, providing a refreshing oasis amid towering skyscrapers.

The night views of landmarks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are beautiful, making it a great spot for couples to have conversations or take sunset strolls!

Inside the park, there is also a complex called SHUKNOVA, which opened in 2020 and includes Starbucks Coffee and various restaurants. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or just a quick break!

Shinjuku Central Park
Address: 2-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: https://shinjukuchuo-park.jp/en/

2. Shinjuku i-LAND Tower

Shinjuku i-LAND Tower is a 44-story skyscraper located in the Nishi-Shinjuku area of newly developed complexes in Shinjuku.

This multi-complex building houses shops, offices, and educational facilities. However, it is most notable for featuring public art by contemporary artists throughout the premises.

One particularly iconic piece is the LOVE sculpture, which serves as a symbol of this building, by American artist Robert Indiana! It is often used for filming TV shows and is a great spot for couples to meet up or take commemorative photos!

Shinjuku i-LAND Tower
Address: 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: https://shinjuku-i-land.com/

3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

The observation deck on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is open for free. Visitors will get to marvel at a stunning panoramic view of the city from a height of 202 meters.

To the northeast, you can see the Tokyo Skytree while the southeast is where you'll spot Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine. Then to the southwest is Shinjuku Park Tower, with all corners providing magnificent scenery.

On clear winter days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji to the west! Since it's open until 21:30, it's the perfect spot for couples to enjoy Tokyo's romantic night views together.

There are two observation decks, one to the south and one to the north. Each observation deck has different closed days, so please be aware before visiting!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Closed: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (South Observation Deck), 2nd and 4th Mondays (North Observation Deck) *Open on public holidays but closed the following day.
For year-end and new-year closures and other temporary closure dates, please check the annual calendar.
Official Website: https://www.yokoso.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/tenbou/index.html

4. Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono Shrine has been a guardian deity for Shinjuku since before the Edo Period (1603–1868).

The shrine enshrines three deities: Ukanomitama, Yamato Takeru, and Uke Mochi no Kami. All three are believed to provide various blessings such as good fortune, protection from calamities, matchmaking, and safe childbirth.

It's conveniently located just a minute's walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station. Moreover, the shrine office is open until 20:00, making it perfect for date nights after work.

During the Otori Matsuri held annually in November, many food stalls line the streets, making for a great food-themed date!

Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Shrine office generally 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (subject to change)
Official Website: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/ (Japanese)

5. Shinjuku Golden Gai

Behind Kabukicho and Hanazono Shrine lies Shinjuku Golden Gai, a vibrant nightlife district with around 300 bars and snack shops.

A maze of narrow alleys lined with unique establishments feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the Showa Era (1926-1989)! It’s a popular spot frequented by many international visitors.

Although it has a mysterious and somewhat intimidating atmosphere, recent renovations of signage have made it more approachable. It's also an excellent location for evening dates!

Shinjuku Golden Gai
Address: 1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Indoor and Hidden Date Spots in Shinjuku

Everyone wants to enjoy a fulfilling date, even on rainy days. Below, we'll introduce indoor facilities and hidden gem date spots that are less affected by the weather.

6. Isetan Shinjuku Store

Isetan Shinjuku Store has been a longstanding department store since its opening in 1933, always incorporating the latest trends.

In addition to its main building, which is designated as a historical building in Tokyo and features Gothic and Art Deco styles. It also has separate buildings like the Men's Building and Isetan Kaikan. It’s nice to explore all three buildings, each showcasing its unique character.

Furthermore, on the rooftop of the main building, there is the I-GARDEN, a grassy area that anyone can easily access. How about spending a relaxing time while enjoying the scenery of the seasonal gardens with your date?

Isetan Shinjuku Store
Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (7th floor restaurant area: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
Official Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/shinjuku.html

7. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

The Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is a massive multi-complex facility boasting 47 floors above ground and 4 basement levels, which opened in 2023.

Operating behind the concept of "Mastering What You Love," it houses about 15 various facilities, including hotels, cinemas, theaters, restaurants, live houses, clubs, and experiential content.

If couples want to enjoy delicious food, it's recommended to check out the food corner Shinjuku Kabuki Hall-Kabukicho Yokocho, inspired by the atmosphere of Kabukicho Yokocho! You can find ten regional food shops from Hokkaido, Kyushu, Okinawa, and other regions.

Even if you are not yet officially dating, you are sure to have a great time!

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Address: 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www-tokyu-kabukicho-tower-jp-e.athp.transer.com/

8. Shinjuku Copabowl

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Shinjuku Copabowl, located about a 5-minute walk from the eastern exit of Shinjuku Station, is the only bowling alley in Shinjuku! In addition to bowling, you can enjoy various games like darts and table tennis.

It's open until 6 AM the next morning. Therefore, you can easily grab a bite at the food court, making it a great place to have fun all night long.

On the 3rd floor, the "Fantasy Lanes" features disco balls and blacklight effects, making it a popular choice for couples!

If you want to enjoy a more luxurious experience, there is also the "Royal Room," which offers a high-end bowling experience in a private room.

Shinjuku Copabowl
Address: 1-20-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, HUMAX Pavilion Shinjuku Kabukicho, 3rd and 4th floors
Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:30 AM the next day
Official Website: https://copa-shinjuku.com/ (Japanese)

9. Shinjuku Wald 9

Picture courtesy of Shinjuku Marui Annex

Shinjuku Wald 9 is a cinema complex located about a 5-minute walk from the south exit of Shinjuku Station.

It screens a wide range of entertainment works, including movies, sports, and stage performances.

This theater was the first in Shinjuku to introduce Dolby Cinema, which emphasizes video, sound, and theater design. You'll get an intense cinematic experience.

There is also a cafe inside the facility that offers collaboration menus with the films being screened, making it a perfect place to spend your waiting time.

Shinjuku Wald 9
Address: 9F Shinjuku Sanchome East Building, 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: https://tjoy.jp/shinjuku_wald9 (Japanese)

10. Tokyo Mystery Circus

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Tokyo Mystery Circus, located in Kabukicho, is a unique theme park focused on mysteries, where you can enjoy puzzle-solving and interactive games.

Using the all-encompassing app LINE for puzzles and collaborating on fieldwork challenges can naturally bring two people closer together.

Inside the facility, there is a cafe where you can purchase themed collaboration menus and a sales corner for related goods.

Since it's located right in front of the aforementioned Tokyo Kabukicho Tower, a plan to explore the mystery-solving experience and food court together is highly recommended!

Tokyo Mystery Circus
Address: 1-27-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Weekends and Holidays 9:20 AM - 10:00 PM
Official Website: https://mysterycircus.jp/en/

Unforgettable Dates in Shinjuku: A Mix of Famous and Cozy Gems!

Shinjuku offers a plethora of date spots, from the classic Shinjuku Central Park and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory to numerous hidden gems.

There are many indoor locations, such as high-rise buildings, so you won't run out of places to go—even on rainy days.