Tokyo · Shinjuku
Shinjuku Central Park
The whole skyscraper district of West Shinjuku, including the Metropolitan Government Building itself, was built on land that until the 60s was the Yodobashi water purification plant. When the plant was dismantled, the park was part of the plan from the start: it opened in 1968 as a metropolitan park, and passed to the management of Shinjuku Ward in 1975.
At about 88,000 square meters it is the largest park managed by the ward. Its centerpiece is the 'Water Plaza', an open square facing an artificial waterfall fondly nicknamed 'the Niagara Falls of Shinjuku', where flea markets and occasional events are also held.
Good to know
- There is a playground and open lawns for a picnic, and entry is free, unlike Shinjuku Gyoen.
- The diner inside the park opens at 07:00, and it is a place for breakfast before the observatory at the Metropolitan Government Building.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Shinjuku Central Park.
- HereShinjuku Central Park
- ~2 min
Musashino no Mori Diner Cafe
An American-style diner inside the park itself, open from 07:00. The souffle pancake is the item people ask for.
- ~8 min
New York Bar, Park Hyatt Tokyo More to see
The bar from 'Lost in Translation', on floor 52 of Shinjuku Park Tower. The cover charge is ¥3,300 per person, and there is no cover charge between 17:00 and 18:30.
- ~8 min
TMG Staff Cafeteria (32F) Food
An in-house cafeteria that is also open to visitors, a view of Shinjuku at a civil servant's price. The daily dish is ¥630.
- ~8 min
Shinjuku NS Building Food
An office tower with a huge atrium, and its top floor, 29, is devoted to restaurants with a view.
- ~10 min
Uogashi Nihon Ichi Shinjuku Nishiguchi Food
A standing sushi bar, about 50 to 60 kinds of fish, priced per piece from ¥75.