By sozoro walk
This in-depth walking tour video explores the western side of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most iconic neighborhoods. Filmed in June 2025, the tour provides viewers with a real-time look at the ongoing redevelopment project surrounding the West Exit (西口, Nishiguchi) of Shinjuku Station (新宿駅), a major transportation hub handling millions of passengers daily. The area is undergoing significant changes aimed at modernizing infrastructure and enhancing public space, which will shape the future landscape of Shinjuku.
The video starts at the first floor of Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku Main Store (紀伊国屋書店新宿本店), a cultural landmark for book lovers and a popular meeting spot. The walk proceeds down Musashino Street (武蔵野通り), offering a glimpse of local shops, bustling pedestrian traffic, and street activity. Notable stops include NEWoMan Shinjuku, a stylish department store popular for shopping and dining; JR Shinjuku Station, the epicenter of Tokyo’s railway network; Busta Shinjuku, the city’s main highway bus terminal; and major avenues such as Kokusai Dori, Ichibangai Dori, Chuo Dori, and Nibangai and Sanbangai Dori. Highlights also include the iconic Yodobashi Camera East Building (ヨドバシカメラ東館) and the historic Odakyu Department Store (小田急百貨店).
As you follow the walk, you will notice the dynamic blend of old and new architecture, abundant construction zones, and the constant energy that defines Shinjuku. The redevelopment aims to create more accessible, pedestrian-friendly environments, streamline transportation connections, and revitalize commercial facilities. Shinjuku’s west side has long attracted commuters, shoppers, and tourists thanks to its robust transportation links, entertainment, electronics megastores, and a mix of traditional and modern shops.
Several of the highlighted streets, such as Ichibangai Dori and Sanbangai Dori, are well-known for their variety of restaurants, izakayas, and small local businesses, making them perfect backdrops for anyone interested in Tokyo’s vibrant urban culture. Watching this tour is an excellent way for prospective visitors and Japan enthusiasts to see firsthand the evolving face of Shinjuku and to help plan future trips that will include its new urban landscapes and attractions.