Yes—Shinjuku is one of the best bases for families with children visiting Tokyo. I’ll tell you why a local like me think in this way.
I’m a Tokyo local who’s been raising two kids here for over 20 years. (See our full profile here.) Here’s what works (and what doesn’t) about Shinjuku for families.
Find Family Hotels in Shinjuku →
Why Shinjuku is Perfect for Families: 4 Key Reasons
1. Everything You Need Without Moving Around
This is probably the biggest advantage. Shinjuku has:
- Countless restaurants and shops
- Department stores
- Convenience stores every block
- Multiple pharmacies
- Huge Park!
Shinjuku is known as one of the biggest commercial districts in Tokyo, but more than that! It has a lot. And I think these traits are especially suitable for family travelers, who cannot move one place to another quickly because of our lovable kids.
Last year 2024, we traveled with our kids to Seoul, Korea and stayed at The Westin Josun Seoul, in the heart of Myeongdong, and we were amazed by the convenience there as well. (That’s why I felt I needed to write this post btw!) Since Myeongdong has similar traits to Shinjuku, everything was within walking distance, and my wife and I could each go shopping after the kids slept.
2. Close to Major Tokyo Attractions
Shinjuku is very close to the places that would be in your itinerary.
- Shibuya Crossing & Harajuku
- Ikebukuro
- Meiji Shrine
I expect you and your family come to Tokyo with a full of bucket list right?😊 Then moving from place to place is necessary to enjoy them all. Shinjuku station is huge and has variety of train lines and bus terminals, so moving is easy and convenient.
3. Easy Access to Tokyo Day Trips
Interestingly, Shinjuku can also be ideal location for day trips.
- Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko
- Hakone hot springs
- Nikko (Tochigi)
- Kamakura
Actually, all four places listed above is much easier to visit, when comparing to staying in different districts in Tokyo. Shinjuku has active train and bus network, so everything stops and even departs from Shinjuku.
4. Simple Airport & Intercity Connections
For airport access, if you take bus or train, Shinjuku is so easy to get there. You and your family will get less stress if you stay in Shinjuku.
- Narita Airport – 80 min by bus or train
- Haneda Airport – 60 min by bus or train
- Tokyo Station – 15 min by train
- Shinagawa Station – 20 min by train
Now you know Shinjuku is a wise choice to stay after all for traveling with kids, I’d like to mention some important downsides.
What to Watch Out For: Downside
1. Some Areas Get Loud and Chaotic at Night
Japan is very safe and Shinjuku is too but just you need to be careful when traveling with kids.
❌ Areas to AVOID for family accommodation:
- Kabukicho
- East Shinjuku
- Shinjuku 2-chome
Kabukicho is Tokyo’s largest red-light district, north of the station. Not like DANGEROUS, just not where you want your kids walking around at night.
East Shinjuku is best avoided because its many bars and izakayas make the area noisy at night, and many abukicho workers live nearby.
Shinjuku 2-chome is Tokyo’s main LGBTQ nightlife district, so it’s not really a family-friendly area. 😊
We’ve listed up our recommended family hotels in Shinjuku, so please have a look.
Best Family Friendly Hotels in Shinjuku →
Our Top 3 Family Hotels in Shinjuku
If you stay in Shinjuku with kids, below are the hotels we think best match for family trip.
1. ＆Here Shinjuku
Opened in September 2025, Brand new family hotel
🗼Area: Shinjuku
⭐Review Score: 9.3 (Wonderful)
😊Family Room: Suite, Bunk bed, Triple, max 6ppl
🧒Kids Stay Free: 0-6 yrs
👚Laundry: Yes
How to Book Here?
You can book here with Booking.com or Klook.
2. Keio Plaza Hotel
Classic Shinjuku Stay with Reliable Baby Amenities
🗼Area: Shinjuku
⭐Review Score: 8.7 (Excellent)
😊Family Room: Connecting, max 5ppl
🧒Kids Stay Free: 0-6 yrs
👚Laundry: Yes
How to Book Here?
You can book here with Agoda or Booking.com.
3. Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower
Right by Shinjuku Station, giving families fast access to everywhere in Tokyo.
🗼Area: Shinjuku
⭐Review Score: 8.9 (Excellent)
😊Family Room: Connecting, Suite, Bunk bed, Triple, max 6ppl
🧒Kids Stay Free: 0-11 yrs
👚Laundry: Serviced one only
How to Book Here?
You can book here with Agoda or Booking.com.
What to Do with Kids in Shinjuku
Beyond using Shinjuku as your base, there are a few spots right in the neighborhood worth visiting with kids:
🌳 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Why we go: It’s one of the few places in central Tokyo where kids can actually run around freely. No cars, wide open spaces, lots of trees. We’re here all the time—spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for the leaves, summer just because it’s green.
What to know:
- Entry: ¥500 adults, ¥250 for ages 15-17, free for younger kids
- Opens 9am, closes around 4:30pm (varies by season)
- Closed Mondays
- Bring a picnic blanket if you want to hang out—lawns are great for lunch
Skip the ticket line—book Shinjuku Gyoen tickets on Klook →
🎮 Yodobashi Camera – Hobby & Toy Floors
Why we go (or avoid): Massive toy selection. Gashapon machines, Pokémon cards, character goods, model kits, video games—it’s overwhelming in the best way. We’ve spent way too much money here over the years.
Fair warning: Your kids will want everything. Our strategy now is to set a budget before going in and stick to it, otherwise it’s a battle. But it’s still fun to look around even if you’re not buying.
Location: West Shinjuku, 3 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station West Exit.
🎁 Isetan Department Store – 5th Floor Kids’ Section
Why we like it: Isetan is one of Tokyo’s fanciest department stores, and the kids’ floor has high-quality toys, books, and clothing. It’s pricier than Yodobashi, but the stuff is nice.
The real gem: The rooftop “I.GARDEN” on the 8th floor. It’s a small rooftop garden with plants, seating, and seasonal decorations. Great spot to rest when everyone needs a break. There’s a café nearby if parents need coffee to survive.
We end up at Isetan fairly often—sometimes for the kids’ section, sometimes just to walk around and use the rooftop as a breather.
Location: Shinjuku-sanchome Station (connected underground), or 7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku East Exit.
Should YOU Stay in Shinjuku?
Shinjuku by Kids’ Age:
👶 Toddlers (0-3 years): ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Good for convenience—everything you need is close. But the crowds and noise can be a lot. If you can, stay near Shinjuku Gyoen for easier access to outdoor space.
🧒 Young Kids (4-8 years): ★★★★★ (5/5)
This is the sweet spot. They can handle the walking and crowds, they’ll enjoy the toy stores and activities, and the transport connections make day trips manageable.
👦 Tweens & Teens (9+ years): ★★★★★ (5/5)
Perfect age. They’ll appreciate the energy, enjoy the shopping and food variety, and won’t complain about navigating stations.
Conclusion
Shinjuku is the best home base for most families visiting Tokyo, especially first-timers or shorter trips. The transport convenience alone saves so much stress. Having food, shops, and supplies always nearby? Makes everything easier.
Just be smart about hotel location—avoid Kabukicho and East Shinjuku at night. If possible, stay near Shinjuku Gyoen to balance the urban chaos with some green space.
Hope this helps with your planning. Enjoy Tokyo! 🗼👨👩👧👦
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