Shinjuku Sightseeing Areas
The most popular sightseeing area in Shinjuku is the Shinjuku Imperial Gardens.
This is an oasis in the middle of an urban area. Also known as Shinjuku Gyoen, this area was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo era. Completed in 1906, the garden was re-designated as a national garden.
This garden is 144 acres in size and blends French formal, English landscape and traditional Japanese styles. It is considered one of the most important gardens of the Meiji era and houses 20,000 trees, cherry blossoms in the spring and horticultural work in several greenhouses.
Another big park is the Shinjuku Central Park located among the skyscrapers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It is a lovely spot for businessmen to take a break at during the day or for children to play on weekends. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building has been a symbol of the Shinjuku area. It has an observation deck on its 45th floor where one can see the Diet Building and the Tokyo Tower.
The Ogasawara House is another sightseeing spot. It is a Spanish style house built for Earl Ogasawara in 1927. It is now used as a private restaurant.
The Okuma auditoriums are a symbol and landmark for the Waseda University in the Shinjuku district.
For Museum goers, there is the Shoot-up anniversary museum in the outer gardens of the Meiji Shrine. It is the most outstanding building in the Outer Gardens of the Meiji Shrine. This area has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful in Tokyo.