Shinjuku
In Shinjuku, all the characteristics that make Tokyo an interesting city are concentrated in a single, bustling district: luxury department stores, shopping at discount, dazzling neon signs, austere government offices, crowds huddled, giant screens in the streets, cafes to enjoy a bowl of noodles standing up, nights club with escorts, sanctuaries located in areas not visible and ambiguous positions striptease.
Shinjuku is a vast district of offices, shops and entertainment characterized by an irrepressible vivacity.
Every day, nearly three million people pass through his station, which is precisely why it is one of the busiest in the world.
On the west side of the station develops the highest concentration of skyscrapers in Tokyo, over which reigns the imposing bulk of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices of Kenzo Tange, a stunning complex of buildings very impressive.
In sharp contrast, the eastern side of the station is a labyrinthine succession of stores, restaurants, boutiques and neon lights, all accompanied by sordid activities which constitute the soft underbelly of Tokyo.
Kabukichō
The most famous red light district of Tokyo spread east of the Seibu Shinjuku station, north of Yasukuni-dori.
It is a very imaginative place, a glittering carousel of soaplands (massage center), love hotels ( hour hotels ), peep show, pink cabaret (“pink ” is the term used in Japanese to define daring shows ), cabins with porn and strip-tease performances involving the participation of the public.
The streets of the district are all a blaze of neon lights and people in the grip of alcohol fumes that wanders aimlessly, with a background of acute female vocals that invite customers to enter premises and freeter (young Japanese who work part-time or beneficially) who earn a few yen by distributing flyers of the different karaoke.
The foreigners are excluded from most activities taking place in the district, which still remains an interesting place for a walk.
Kabukicho is not all about sex-related attractions: you will also find normal places of entertainment, including cinemas and some good restaurants.
If you want to drink something, patrol the streets of the small and intriguing Golden Gai.
Hanazono-jinja
Among the skyscrapers of Shinjuku appears from nowhere this placid small temple.
The Hanazono-jinja is especially beautiful when illuminated at night, but it is also perfect for a quick escape from the squalor of Kabukicho.
On Sunday hosts a flea market (open from 8 to 16), good for hunting antique objects of various kinds.
Shinjuku Gyoen
It is one of the biggest and most pleasant parts of Tokyo and one of the best places to admire the cherry blossoms.
It was opened in 1949, after it was used as a garden for the imperial family since 1903.
Shinjuku Gyoen is a huge garden with an amazing variety of plants.
Even more beautiful if you arrive in time for the Hanami, which is the period of flowering cherry trees : your eyes will see an unique spectacle.
Not only it is recommended the Japanese garden, but also the western garden is to visit.
If Tokyo weakens you, I suggest you spend a morning here to regain your strength and relax a bit .
