Frequented by avid shoppers and tourists worldwide, Tokyo’s Shinjuku is a holidaymaker’s paradise come true with a plethora of attractions which includes its own skyscraper district. As a sprawling business, retail and entertainment area in the city, it is no surprise that this bustling commercial epicentre also houses the busiest railway station in the modern world.
The must-see points of interest in Shinjuku include its tallest observation deck on the 243-meter tall Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office twin towers. Offering visitors stunning views from the 45th floor of both towers in the monumental skyscraper, the structure also contains offices of the Tokyo government as well as an assembly hall. Having been featured in the Oscar winning film ‘Lost in Translation”, the skyscraper district in Shinjuku is also well worth the visit for its impressive collection of sky piercing structures. Housing fantastic restaurants on their top most floors and retail outlets on the ground levels, these mega constructions are also some of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings.
Renowned for its shopping malls and larger than life department stores, shopaholics will also find plenty to seep through in Shinjuku. The 16-floored Odakyu Department Store, Lumine and the 11-floor Keio Department Store are some of the hot picks while the Takashimaya Mall is best known for its expansive Kinokuniya bookstore and Tokyu Hands outlets. Mylord offers seven shopping floors and three levels devoted to restaurants with the Flags mall housing Gap, Tower Records music and Oshman’s sports goods branches in addition to a variety of boutiques and cafes in its10-floors. Isetan is a hundred year old department store in the region with an illustrious past while the best electronic hot spots include Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores both of which are some of the country’s premier discounted electronics sellers.
Those in the mood to enjoy the natural splendour of Shinjuku on the other hand should head down to Shinjuku Gyoen which is one of Tokyo’s oldest and largest public parks. Popular as a scenic locale to view the iconic cherry blossoms in winter, this former imperial garden is only rivalled by Central Park which is another picturesque garden located behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government towers.
Travelers on the lookout for a luxury Tokyo apartment in the CBD will find no finer alternative to the stylish Somerset Roppongi complex. Ideally located within a few minutes of Roppongi Station and the city’s best commercial centres, this elegant rest provides some of the most conveniently located serviced apartments Tokyo has on offer.
