This tranquil early morning walking tour takes you through the heart of Nishi-Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s leading business districts known for its impressive skyline of high-rise buildings. Famous for its transformation since the 1970s, Nishi-Shinjuku has evolved from an Edo-era post town into a center of commerce, culture, and modern city life. In this immersive video, viewers will experience the peaceful dawn hours around the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎), designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, before the city’s bustling workday begins.

Nishi-Shinjuku is home to numerous major corporations and foreign companies, demonstrating its status as an international business hub. Over recent decades, ongoing redevelopment has introduced new commercial complexes, luxury hotels such as Keio Plaza Hotel, Hilton Tokyo, and Park Hyatt Tokyo, as well as cultural destinations. This area is not just a financial center; it offers green spaces like Shinjuku Central Park (新宿中央公園), providing a natural oasis within the high-rise jungle. The park features spacious lawns, fountains, and walking paths that contrast with the urban surroundings.

The tour highlights Nishi-Shinjuku’s architectural diversity: from iconic towers like Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, Shinjuku Mitsui Building, Sumitomo Building, and Nomura Building, to newer structures elevated through ongoing smart city redevelopment projects. Cultural attractions are also spotlighted, including the SOMPO Museum of Art and the observation decks within the metropolitan government building, which provide panoramic views of Tokyo.

Nishi-Shinjuku’s journey from being the site of the Yodobashi Water Purification Plant to the epicenter of redevelopment is detailed in the narration. Since the 1991 relocation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government offices to the area, continuous investments and urban projects have kept this district at the forefront of Tokyo’s evolution. Whether you’re interested in architecture, city planning, green spaces, or the quiet moments before the metropolis stirs, this tour offers a comprehensive, on-the-ground look at one of Tokyo’s dynamic neighborhoods.