Shinjuku

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Shinjuku (新宿) (Shinjyuku) is a city of Tokyo, Japan located in the center of the eastern territory. A population of approximately 305,352 was reported in 2005. It is also stated that Shinjuku is home to more foreign residents than any other city of the Tokyo Metropolis.

Shinjuku's main train station, Shinjuku Station, is known as Japans most popular transportation center with millions traveling through and to, every single day. It is often said that Shinjuku Station is the busiest train station in the entire world.

Shinjuku Station also divides Shinjuku City into two distinct districts, West Shinjuku (Nishi), which is known for its skyscrapers, and East Shinjuku (Higashi), which is known as one of the top shopping and entertainment districts in all of Japan.

The name Shinjuku was given to the city in 1947 due to its popular Shinjuku Station. Since Japan recognized the name quite well, and the station was essentially the center and primary reason for the areas existence, they found the name appropriate. Since this time the city has been referred to as Shinjuku City and the station as simply Shinjuku. The main industries of Shinjuku are commercial business, services, and agricultural development.

History of Shinjuku

Throughout history the city of Shinjuku has had many challenges, as countless devastating events seemed to threaten its ability to succeed. The one thing that has remained the same since its earliest days is its dedication to prevail no matter what tragedies it may face.

The earliest documentation of the city is during the Edo Period (1600’s) when it became the primary location of many temples and shrines developed for the Edo Castle. Not long after being established a major highway was constructed making the city a central location for safe travel.

The Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed much of the original city in 1923. While this natural disaster did affect a large portion of the city there was quite a bit of the inner city left intact allowing the earliest skyscrapers to remain standing tall.

Shinjuku Station and its surroundings were mostly destroyed during World War II due to spreading fires, caused by the allied bombings, all over Japan. This event took the lives of many and left everyone confused about where the city would go next. Though there were tremendous challenges, the city of Shinjuku was able to pick up the pieces and move forward.

In late March of 1947, Yotsuya, Ushigome, and Yodobashi combined into Shinjuku creating the new Shinjuku city of Tokyo, Japan. At this time the areas were rezoned and many expansions of industries took place. Following the merge the city population became 5 times what it was prior and the government began working magic with developments.

Points of Interest

Museums: The city of Shinjuku is home to many museums all offering spectacular exhibits representing the history of the area, the unique and traditional culture of the citizens, as well as artistic sculptures and pieces dating back to over 100 years ago.

Sports Centers: The most popular sports center in Shinjuku is the Shinjuku Cosmic Sports Center located near the station. The sports center has a heated pool, large traditional pool, child’s activity center, martial arts classes, and weight training sessions.

Shinjuku Skyscraper District: Shinjuku is home to many of the tallest buildings in all of Tokyo with a few even challenging the height of skyscrapers around the world. The Shinjuku Skyscraper District is magnificent with rows and rows of beautifully designed buildings.

Shinjuku Shopping: Many tourists travel to Shinjuku for one reason, the shopping. With literally hundreds of wonderful shops and department stores to choose from it is almost certain you will find the perfect store for you. Designer clothes, electronics, computer gadgets; you name it Shinjuku has it.