Introduction
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, where you can experience a mix of modern culture and nostalgic charm. If you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a well-planned foodie adventure, this one-day model course will guide you through Shinjuku’s unique flavors: from breakfast at a café, lunch with ramen, an afternoon sweets break, and finally, an izakaya night in Omoide Yokocho.
STEP1: Morning Café from 7 AM
Beer & Café BERG
Located right inside JR Shinjuku Station’s East Exit, BERG is a beloved indie café that opens from 7 AM. Popular among commuters and early risers, it serves morning sets and hot dogs—perfect for starting your day in Shinjuku.
Café Veloce Shinjuku Sanchome
Just steps from Shinjuku Sanchome Station, this café also opens at 7 AM. With free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, it’s convenient for breakfast, remote work, or meeting up before sightseeing.
STEP2: Lunch with Ramen
Menya Sarusuberi
Located in Keio Frente Shinjuku underground floor, this ramen and tsukemen shop is a local favorite. Their signature “Niboshi Soba” (soy-sauce-based dried sardine ramen) and “Maze Soba” are especially popular. Order via the ticket machine for a quick and easy lunch.
STEP3: Japanese Sweets at 3 PM
Oiwake Dango Honpo Shinjuku Main Store
Established in 1948, this long-standing Japanese confectionery specializes in “Oiwake Dango,” skewered rice dumplings topped with rich and elegant sweet bean paste. Inside the café space, you can also enjoy matcha, zenzai, and seasonal wagashi. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves traditional Japanese sweets.
STEP4: Izakaya Night in Omoide Yokocho
Motsuyaki Ucchan Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
A legendary izakaya in Omoide Yokocho, Ucchan serves charcoal-grilled motsuyaki (grilled offal skewers). With its smoky aroma and lively atmosphere, it’s a classic place to enjoy sake or beer alongside locals and tourists.
Standing Izakaya Banpaiya Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
Known for its affordability, Banpaiya offers izakaya staples like stewed dishes, tempura, and seasonal side dishes. Standing-style and casual, it’s an easy spot to drop by for a drink, making it especially popular among foreign visitors.
Conclusion
This one-day course allows you to experience the best of Shinjuku’s food culture in just 24 hours. From a quick breakfast café to authentic ramen, a traditional sweets café, and lively izakaya drinking in Omoide Yokocho, it’s the perfect way to enjoy Shinjuku whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler.
🔗 Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku:
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/