Shinjuku Neon Lights
In the photo above, you see the beautiful Shinjuku neon lights, one of the must-see sights when visiting Tokyo. The incredible district is one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards, a major commercial and administrative centre, and home to one of the busiest train stations in the world, Shinjuku Station.
Shinjuku Neon Lights
Can you imagine two million people using the station daily and at least 12 different lines passing through here? One could easily get lost inside the station. Anyone and everyone visiting Tokyo will at least stop at this unique part of Japan, and as for me, the last time I explored this place was back in 1990. You can only imagine how it was back then.
Everything stayed the same on my last visit here in February 2011. Below are pictures I took while I explored this place on foot. I tried to attempt the Tokyo Blade Runner photography effect, but it was more casual. Please click on the images to see them in full size.
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| Shinjuku at night with all the neon lights. |
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| Neon lights up to 10 stories tall. |
Walking around at night is the best way to experience Shinjuku, especially along the main roads at Kabukicho, where you can get a good view of the neon lights that tantalize your eyes. Every nook and cranny was almost covered with all sorts of neon. Even walking past lanes, you could see lights leading all the way deep into the streets.
For some reason, the neon lights never seem to stop when you are in the core area of Shinjuku, and only when you go very deep inside do you see the lights starting to fade away. But as any tourist out there, you will stay within the lighted areas and not explore deeper inside.
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| Main Street Shinjuku and the multiple neon lights. |
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| Neon signs all over Shinjuku. |
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| Neon lights around Kabukicho. |
Overall, if you like vibrant nightlife, Shinjuku is a place worth exploring. It offers all kinds of shopping and entertainment, and luxury brand stores are also easily found around here.
There are some excellent places with great Japanese food, while speciality coffee cafes can be seen here too. Be careful of street promoters who approach you and offer you good deals at special clubs and bars. Once you are committed, you will most likely end up paying exorbitant prices.
Note that various subway lines stop here, but the train service stops at midnight, so if you plan to stay late, you must take a taxi back. Some of the best clubs in Tokyo are also found here.
You will also find various hotels, department stores, specialist electronic and camera shops, cinemas, amusement centres, restaurants, cafes and bars around Kabukicho in Shinjuku. You can also read about my walk around the famous Harajuku district and see my cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
Conclusion
For more recent updates on Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, please check out my other lifestyle blog, David Travels, as I have moved most of my photography and other non-travel-related topics there.
My recent trip to Japan was made with AirAsia X, as the budget long-haul airline flies to Haneda Airport, closer to Tokyo city. For those heading to Japan, spend one evening exploring Kabukicho to see the beautiful Shinjuku neon lights, which will dazzle you at night.
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