Gentle early-morning stroll in Shinjuku Central Park to enjoy skyline views and beat the crowds; a calm way to start a long day. Great for photos with modern skyscrapers and greenery as light changes at sunrise.
Start with a hearty vegan-friendly breakfast/brunch: pancakes or a set with plant-based options at Ain Soph. Journey (Shinjuku branch). It’s a reliable local favorite for vegans and those seeking a gentle morning meal. Check current opening time (some branches open from 9:00) before you go.
Catch the Odakyu/local train from Shinjuku toward Gotokuji station (about 20–30 minutes on local services); travel early so you arrive while the temple is open and can buy a maneki-neko figurine. This ensures you visit during office hours (temple gates and souvenir stalls are typically open 9:00–17:00).
Explore the famed Gotokuji Temple (birthplace of the beckoning cat) and its thousands of maneki-neko figurines; buy a figurine from the temple shop while it’s open (temple hours are generally 9:00–17:00). A must for cat-luck souvenirs and quiet, photogenic temple grounds.
Return to Shinjuku, give yourself time for a coffee refill or a quick browse in the station shopping areas; this is a good moment to drop off purchases and reorient for the afternoon in central Shinjuku.
Enjoy lunchtime vegan ramen at T's TanTan (a highly regarded vegan ramen counter inside/near Shinjuku station area) — rich sesame/tantan-style broth and noodles prepared vegan for a satisfying local ramen experience. Popular at lunch; expect a short queue at peak times (open roughly 11:00–21:00; check current hours).
Spend a relaxing early-afternoon wandering Shinjuku Gyoen’s large landscaped gardens—serene ponds, seasonal flowers and wide lawns; entrances usually open 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00). Ideal for a calmer pace after a busy morning.
Visit the famous cat cafe in Kabukicho/Shinjuku where cats are most active and sociable in mid- to late-afternoon (roughly 3:00–6:00pm); spend time petting, playing and photographing friendly felines. Most cat cafes open from noon to night—aim for 3:30–5:00pm for the best cat energy and fewer morning naps.
Stroll around Kabukicho to find the famous 3D cat billboard and other neon photo spots (it’s near the Kabukicho/Toho Cinemas area). Pair this with the Godzilla head photo-op on the Toho Cinemas building — great golden-hour and early-evening urban photography.
Enjoy classic ramen at Menya Musashi, a Shinjuku institution beloved by locals for rich broths and quality noodles — great if you want the 'famous ramen' experience after a day of walking. Open typically from 11:00 to late evening; expect a short queue.
If you prefer another vegan ramen in the evening (or T's TanTan was busy at lunch), consider returning to or finding another vegan ramen stall near the station—ask staff locally for the current top vegan spot; many are within short walking distance of Shinjuku Station. Verify closing times (many ramen shops close between 21:00–23:00).
Wander Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for atmospheric narrow alleys, tiny yakitori stands and photo ops of old-school Tokyo in the glow of evening lights. Most stalls and tiny eateries are lively in the evening (roughly 17:00–23:00).
Head up to the free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (open 9:30–23:00) to see the city at night; on clear nights the Tokyo Tower is clearly visible in the skyline—ideal around 22:00 when the tower is illuminated and the city is glittering.
Begin bar hopping in Golden Gai’s tiny themed bars (many open from ~18:00 and stay open late — small cover/one-drink minimum per bar). Visit 3–5 bars to experience different atmospheres; bar owners are friendly and the area is iconic for night owls.
If you want a late-night snack after Golden Gai, local late-night ramen spots and izakayas near Shinjuku Station remain open into the early hours—perfect for a last bowl or small plates before returning to your hotel.
Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
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Plan Your Give me a full day tour of Shinjuku. Must include the famous cat cafe, 3d cat billboard and gotokuji temple. Include as much as possible, starting super early and finishing super late. Gotokuji temple must be during office hours so we can purchase a figurine. Include a vegan ramen stop such as Menya Musashi with a place that is walking distance and highly regarded by the locals.Include a night time viewing point for the tokyo tower. Include bar hopping through Golden Gai. Choose the best time for the cats at teh famous cat cafe. Trip