Shinjuku Practical Guide
Everything you need to know before visiting — money, etiquette, safety, and local customs.
Money in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is increasingly cashless, but cash is still king in many places. Here's what to know:
Cash is Essential For
- • Small Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai bars (many are cash-only)
- • Street food stalls and small izakayas
- • Temple and shrine offerings
- • Some vending machines and lockers
- • Small souvenir shops and traditional markets
- • Taxi fares (some accept cards, but cash is safer)
Cashless Accepted At
- • All major department stores and shopping malls
- • Chain restaurants and cafes
- • Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- • Major hotels and hostels
- • Most chain stores (Uniqlo, Muji, Don Quijote)
- • Contactless: Suica, Pasmo, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs accept most foreign cards and have English menus. Japan Post Bank ATMs also work with international cards. Most bank ATMs (like Mitsubishi UFJ) do NOT accept foreign cards.
Tipping Culture
Do not tip in Japan. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can actually be awkward or confusing. The price you see is the price you pay. Excellent service is expected as standard, not something that requires extra payment. This applies to restaurants, taxis, hotels, and all services.
Smoking Rules
Smoking is prohibited on most streets in Shinjuku. Designated smoking areas are marked with signs and ashtrays. Many restaurants and bars still allow smoking indoors, but the number of smoke-free establishments is increasing. If you're sensitive to smoke, check for "禁煙" (kin'en = no smoking) signs before entering. Some Golden Gai bars are very smoky by nature.
Safety in Shinjuku & Kabukicho
Kabukicho Safety Tips
Kabukicho is Japan's largest entertainment district and is generally safe, but tourists should be aware of a few things:
- Avoid touts: People inviting you into bars or clubs on the street may charge exorbitant cover fees. Politely decline and walk away.
- Check menus: Always check prices before entering a bar or club. If there's no clear menu outside, be cautious.
- Drink spiking: Extremely rare, but never leave your drink unattended. Stick to reputable establishments.
- Host clubs: These are expensive and not tourist-friendly. Avoid unless you understand the pricing system.
- Police box: The Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box (koban) is a safe point if you feel uncomfortable.
- General safety: Shinjuku is one of the safest districts in one of the world's safest cities. Violent crime is extremely rare. Common sense is sufficient.
Etiquette & Manners
On Trains & Buses
- • Keep conversations quiet or silent
- • Don't talk on the phone
- • Priority seats are for elderly, pregnant, disabled, and those with small children
- • Stand on the left side of escalators (except in Osaka where it's right)
- • Wait for passengers to exit before boarding
In Restaurants & Bars
- • Say "itadakimasu" before eating (optional but appreciated)
- • Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual)
- • Don't pass food directly chopstick-to-chopstick
- • Slurping noodles is perfectly acceptable and even polite
- • In small bars, chat with the owner — conversation is part of the experience
On the Street
- • Don't eat while walking (considered rude)
- • Trash cans are rare — carry your trash with you
- • Take off shoes when entering homes, temples, and some traditional restaurants
- • Bowing is appreciated but not mandatory for tourists
- • Queue orderly for trains, buses, and shops
Photography
- • Don't photograph people without permission
- • Some small bars and shops prohibit photos — look for signs
- • Temples and shrines generally allow photography, but not inside main halls
- • Be respectful when taking photos in residential areas
- • Drones require registration and are prohibited in most urban areas
Free WiFi
Free WiFi is available in many places in Shinjuku:
- Shinjuku Free WiFi: Available around the station and major tourist areas. Look for the "Shinjuku Free WiFi" network.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart offer free WiFi.
- Major stations: JR stations and Metro stations offer "JR-EAST Free WiFi" and "Metro_Free_Wi-Fi".
- Starbucks: Free WiFi with no purchase required (registration needed).
- Shopping malls: Most malls offer free WiFi.
- Pocket WiFi / eSIM: For reliable internet, rent a pocket WiFi device or buy an eSIM before your trip. Ubigi, Mobal, and Sakura Mobile are popular options.
Tax-Free Shopping
Tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping on purchases over ¥5,000 at participating stores. Look for the "Japan. Tax-free Shop" sign. You will need your passport. Tax is refunded immediately at the register (for consumables, the items are sealed in special bags and must leave Japan within 30 days). Department stores like Isetan, Takashimaya, and Don Quijote all offer tax-free service.
Disaster & Emergency Info
Japan is prone to earthquakes. Here's what to know:
- Earthquakes: If you feel shaking, protect your head and move under a sturdy table. Don't rush outside. Aftershocks may follow.
- Evacuation sites: Schools and parks are designated evacuation sites. Shinjuku Gyoen and Shinjuku Central Park are nearby options.
- Emergency apps: Download the "Safety tips" app (by JNTO) for earthquake and tsunami alerts in English.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 110, Fire/Ambulance: 119. English operators are available.
- Tourist info center: Located at the Busta Shinjuku bus terminal and inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Convenience Store ATMs & Services
7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are everywhere in Shinjuku and offer 24/7 services: ATMs (accepting international cards), ticket machines (for concerts, events, and transport), bill payment, photocopying, and surprisingly good food. The 7-Eleven ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.