Content Roundup: Spring in Shinjuku

Have you gotten to know Arakicho yet? We've been showcasing Arakicho, Shinjuku, for three months and have produced nearly a dozen articles. We've covered everything from cozy cafés to a bar run by Buddhist monks. Check out a few highlights below (click on the headings to view the full article).

Vowz Bar: Spirits for the Spirit

"Tokyo is famous for its themed restaurants and bars. From ninjas to zombies, this city offers up dining experiences beyond your wildest dreams (or nightmares). Vowz Bar, however, is much more than a bar with a theme—it’s owned and operated by actual Buddhist monks. In addition to an eclectic selection of colorful drinks and “light snacks based on Zen cuisine,” Vowz Bar also offers many of the same services you’d find at your local temple or shrine." 

The Goshuincho: A Necessity for Japan Travel Enthusiasts

"If you are planning on visiting Japan, do yourself a favor and pick up a goshuincho at the first shrine or temple that you visit. A goshuincho can be the perfect memento for your travels and an elegant record of the many beautiful shrines and temples that you’ll see in Japan."

Shinjuku Gyoen through the Seasons

The beauty and tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen make it a must-see location on any Tokyo traveler’s to-do list. However, it’s also important to note just how convenient this park is. Although you wouldn’t realize it looking from the inside out, Shinjuku Gyoen is surrounded by a dense array of urban convenience and entertainment. The park is only a stone’s throw away from Shinjuku station, Japan’s largest public transit hub. Therefore, no matter the season, there’s no excuse for missing out on this oasis of greenery nestled among Tokyo’s endless urban sprawl.

A Hidden Refuge Deep Within Arakicho

"Mi Refugio, which means 'my refuge' in English, lives up to its namesake. Once you manage to find this cozy hideaway, deep within the Shinjuku neighborhood of Araki-Cho, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world."

From Araki-Cho to Tocho: Shinjuku’s Most Famous Attractions in One Run

"As you jog west, you’ll notice your surroundings start to change as you enter Shinjuku-sanchome, one of Tokyo’s most famous shopping and entertainment districts. As you jog past department stores and movie theaters, keep glancing to the right. You don’t want to miss the famous Godzilla statue, perched atop the Toho Cinema complex in Kabukicho."

Learn Even More About Arakicho and Shinjuku

Visit Tadaima Japan for even more of our articles on Arakicho, Shinjuku. Like what you see? Keep checking back for quarterly content roundups.