Shinjuku is buzzing with new hotspots, each offering unique surprises and encounters waiting to be uncovered. In particular, we’ve put together a guide to some of the newest spots in town that are especially friendly for solo adventurers—so on a no-plans holiday, step out and explore the dynamic streets of Shinjuku!

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Enjoy Art at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

Just a 7-minute walk from any Shinjuku Station, you’ll come across the newly opened Tokyu Kabukicho Tower debuted in April 2023. While many might think of this facility primarily as a venue for live performances and theatrical shows, a growing number of visitors are drawn by the art sprinkled throughout its interior.

Inside, two standout artworks await your discovery: the installation titled “Bill Burger” is displayed at the Tower’s second-floor entrance, and “Aurora no Yume” graces the entrance of the first-floor hotel. You don’t need any special tickets to enjoy these pieces—just a spontaneous visit will do. Although these works are deeply connected to the history and culture of Kabukicho (a connection we intentionally won’t elaborate on here), you can find detailed information on them on a dedicated page. With a brochure or a quick online look-up in hand, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the hidden memories of Kabukicho as you wander through the Tower’s art-filled corridors.

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Savor Simple Luxury at Onigiri Manma

From Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, continue your adventure by walking about 10 minutes toward the Shinjuku 3-chome area. Here, you can treat yourself to a comforting early lunch at Onigiri Manma, an onigiri specialty store perfectly suited for solo diners thanks to its inviting counter seating.

At Onigiri Manma, simplicity meets luxury. The chefs skillfully shape Niigata-grown rice into fluffy, tender onigiri that allows you to savor the pure, natural flavor of rice. But the experience doesn’t stop there—delicious fillings like “sardine roe x salmon” and “egg yolk x minced meat” are generously offered, ensuring that every bite, right down to the last grain, delivers complete satisfaction. While the line might be long, the waiting time only heightens your anticipation, and if you prefer, you can reserve your order for takeout to enjoy your onigiri in a nearby park.

Onigiri Manma
〒160-0022, Mayabiru 1F, Shinjuku, Tokyo

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Clear Your Mind with a Workshop at CREA BASE

Nestled near Shinjuku Gyoen, CREA BASE is a unique art and craft experience designed to align mind and body. A variety of workshops await, each crafted to sharpen your senses and let your creativity flow.

Imagine a session where you recreate one of Van Gogh’s iconic masterpieces—armed with a refreshing drink and inspired by his dynamic brushstrokes, you can lose yourself in the act of painting. By the end of the session, you’ll find that your recent worries and stray thoughts have melted away, replaced by a serene sense of clarity. And if painting isn’t your cup of tea, there are also pottery workshops and other creative experiences that let you fully unleash your inner artist.

CREA BASE Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Store
〒160-0022, Shinjuku Naitobi 2F, Shinjuku, Tokyo

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Wrap Up Your Walk with a Drink at OPENBOOK Ha

No Shinjuku adventure is complete without a perfect ending—and what better way to wrap up your exploration than with a drink at N? Just a short 3-minute walk from CREA BASEn, this new branch of OPENBOOK, located in the heart of Golden Gai, embraces the concept of the “best, drinkable, and enjoyable lemon sour factory.”

Inside OPENBOOK Ha, you’ll find an on-site lemon sour can chuhai production facility, so you can grab freshly made beverages right on the spot. The atmosphere is relaxed, with just the right amount of space and a casual vibe that invites you to drop in anytime. While you’re there, be sure to try the tap cocktail—a novel take on cocktail service where pre-mixed drinks are dispensed from a tap much like draft beer. This innovative, almost “live” cocktail is the perfect way to reminisce about your day as you savor every sip.

OPENBOOK Ha
〒160-0022, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Discover New Encounters on Every Step

A walk through Shinjuku is so much more than a routine stroll—it’s a journey of new discoveries and unexpected encounters. While the familiar spots inside the station and your regular haunts are undeniably attractive, exploring different routes and venturing into less-trodden neighborhoods opens up a world of surprises that can truly invigorate your day.

So, on your next unplanned holiday, let your feet carry you through Shinjuku’s newest hotspots—from art installations at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower to the simple luxury of onigiri at Onigiri Manma, the soul-clearing workshops at CREA BASE, and the refreshing tap cocktails at OPENBOOK Ha. Each stop is an invitation to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Shinjuku, where every corner promises fresh encounters and delightful memories.

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International Hostess Bar Since 1993

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ORIGIN

・ International Hostess Bar since 1993
・ Japanese Hospitality with International Service
・ Diverse and Charming Floor Ladies
・Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo
・Transparent Pricing
・Easy Online Reservations‍‍

Visit ORIGIN Official Website