This in-depth walking tour video from Walker Japan takes viewers around the heart of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest and best-known districts, to observe the significant redevelopment projects transforming the area. The tour covers iconic locations surrounding Shinjuku Station (新宿駅), the world’s busiest railway terminal, which serves over 3 million passengers a day. As a central hub for business, shopping, and entertainment, Shinjuku continues to be both a must-visit and a vital point of transit for Tokyo and the wider Kanto region.

The video details the substantial changes underway as major commercial buildings and popular landmarks undergo closure, demolition, and reconstruction. The former Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku Main Building (小田急百貨店 新宿店 本館) closed in October 2022, with a 48-story mixed-use skyscraper scheduled for construction on its site. This new building is expected to include retail spaces in its lower floors and offices above, with completion aimed for 2029. Nearby, the Shinjuku Mylord (新宿ミロード) mall has partially closed, and parts of it are scheduled for demolition as part of the larger redevelopment plan.

Other longstanding institutions such as Keio Department Store Shinjuku (京王百貨店 新宿店) and Lumine Shinjuku Lumine 1 (ルミネ新宿 ルミネ1) are also part of extensive rebuilding plans, with completion targets extending into the 2040s. A major community loss will be the closure of Shinjuku Alta (新宿アルタ) in February 2025, a landmark known since 1980. The redevelopment is attributed to aging buildings, high construction costs, and labor shortages, which have led to some projects being postponed indefinitely.

Despite these changes, Shinjuku remains a vibrant area known for its shopping, diverse dining options, and legendary nightlife. Highlights include the entertainment hub Kabukicho (歌舞伎町), Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho alleyways, Hanazono Shrine (花園神社), as well as major retailers like Isetan, Takashimaya, and large electronics stores. The district’s eclectic mix of traditional yakitori stalls and modern business towers makes it both a microcosm of urban Tokyo and a dynamic place to visit. This video provides an up-to-date look at the evolving cityscape, making it an essential resource for anyone planning to visit or revisit Shinjuku in the coming years.