Shinjuku at Night – a photo walkround

The first time I went to Shinjuku was in 1991. It was during the bubble period. I had a job interview at a school one afternoon. It was my first solo trip. Every other time had been with my girlfriend. I was a little apprehensive. The place was so big, would I get lost in all the alleys?

That’s a story for another time. Well, when I finished the interview, it was night. I walked out of the building and headed to Yasukuni-Dori to return to Shinjuku Keio station. On the way, I looked around and saw the neon lights. The street was a fantasy land.

It was easy to get excited. Everything was new to me. There were the izakayas, zillions of taxis, and so many shops. Brisbane would have closed by that time. Not Shinjuku. Everything was still open!

When I was younger, I thought I was immune to shopping. But, I was bedazzled by so many big brand shops like Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, and Chanelle, in one area. To be there was an experience. 1991 Tokyo was all glamour and glitz.

More than thirty years have passed. The bubble economy has gone, and the pandemic has been here for two years. Japan has become a little more pessimistic. But not Shinjuku. It is still the place to go in Tokyo for business or pleasure. Even on a Sunday night, it pulls people.

Night comes, and the people fill its streets. They go to Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho for something to eat and drink. Everyone searches for a good time. Even on a Sunday night, Shinjuku is busy. Well, it is missing the tourists in Kabukicho.

Shinjuku is still one of my favorite places in Tokyo, even after thirty years. Each part of it has its vibe. Where do I like in particular? I wish I could give you an answer, but I can’t as I enjoy them all. Walk around with a camera in hand, and there is so much to shoot. Eastside, west side, north or south. Anywhere you go, you’ll find something of interest.

When I went to Shinjuku for this article on May 16, 2022, I planned to get pictures from every area. That proved impossible, as I knew it would be. I tried hard, but even the area around the station is way too large with too many things to see. And I’m limited in how many photos I can place here.

Don’t worry.  I will be back there again.  Photography at night is fascinating and makes for beautiful photos.  Recently I went to Shibuya to do a similar thing.  Hopefully, this will become a regular thing for me; night walks in Tokyo.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. One last thing, if you are wondering about the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho, it seems to be gone.