Shinjuku Subnade, an underground shopping mall directly connected to Shinjuku Station, is beloved by locals as an ideal spot for shopping and dining. With approximately 60 stores lined up offering everything from fashion to dining and general goods, it provides a comfortable shopping experience regardless of weather conditions.
Contents
What is Shinjuku Subnade?
Shinjuku Subnade is an underground mall stretching approximately 400 meters from Shinjuku Station’s East Exit. One of its main attractions is its excellent accessibility, with direct connections to Shinjuku Station, Higashi-Shinjuku Station, and Shinjuku-sanchome Station.
The underground mall houses about 100 shops, including fashion boutiques, general stores, restaurants, and service establishments, offering a comfortable environment even on rainy days. The bright, clean corridors are bustling with shoppers, and there’s always something new to discover on each visit.
History of Shinjuku Subnade
Shinjuku Subnade opened in 1970 and has continued to grow alongside Shinjuku’s development. Its underground location, directly accessible from Shinjuku Station’s Southeast Exit, offers high convenience and protection from sudden weather changes. It’s a space filled with unique charms characteristic of underground malls.
The Appeal of Shinjuku Subnade
The greatest appeal of Shinjuku Subnade lies in its diverse shopping and dining options. The underground mall features stores covering a wide range of categories, from fashion to general goods and daily necessities. Popular apparel shops, accessory stores, and shoe stores offer the latest trend items. There are also gift shops and bookstores, perfect for selecting souvenirs for friends and family.
The dining options are equally diverse, with Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine available. For instance, you can enjoy fresh sashimi and tempura at established Japanese restaurants or savor delicious coffee and sweets at cafes. With options ranging from fast food to formal restaurants, there’s no shortage of choices for lunch or dinner.
Furthermore, Shinjuku Subnade houses many service establishments, including hair salons, relaxation spas, and dry cleaners, making it convenient for daily life. The ability to find everything you need just by walking through the underground mall is a major advantage.
Tourist Attractions Around Shinjuku Subnade
When visiting Shinjuku Subnade, it’s recommended to explore the surrounding tourist spots as well. Shinjuku is an area packed with commercial facilities and entertainment venues that can be enjoyed throughout the day. First, there’s Shinjuku Central Park, a vast green space where you can relax away from the urban hustle. People can be seen enjoying picnics and jogging here.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck offers panoramic views of Shinjuku’s cityscape and Mount Fuji in the distance. As admission is free, it’s a popular spot among tourists. The area around Shinjuku Station is lined with numerous shopping malls and department stores.
At night, areas like Shinjuku Golden Gai and Kabukicho offer a lively nighttime experience. Particularly, Shinjuku Golden Gai, like Omoide Yokocho, is a drinking district that retains a Showa-era atmosphere, filled with small bars and eateries where visitors can enjoy unique ambiance, delicious food, and drinks.
Access to Shinjuku Subnade
Access to Shinjuku Subnade is very convenient. You can enter directly from JR Shinjuku Station’s Southeast Exit. It’s also close to Shinjuku-sanchome Station, accessible via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, and Toei Shinjuku Line. There are multiple entrances to the underground mall, making it easily accessible from any direction.
Experience a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide tour
After you enjoy the place, you can go to Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.
Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.
When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!
Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.
New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!