Walking the streets of Shinjuku

 Thursday 22 June 2023

After a good nights rest, we were ready to get out and explore. We had a tourist pamphlet outlining key places to check out in the area, so with that and Google we were off. Our first spot was Hanazono-Jinga shrine. We climbed the stairs and walked out amongst the courtyard, taking in the buildings. We walked to the front of the shrine and participated in the praying ritual, bowing twice, throwing in your change and slow clapping twice, before ringing the bell. We checked out others words on wooden plaques, hung from a wooden structure and then left through the tori gate. 

Our next stop was Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This is a large green space that houses a greenhouse, Japanese garden and formal garden. There is a 500yen charge to enter and then you are free to enjoy the many trails. We wandered for about an hour enjoying what the park had to offer. 

From here we were heading towards the Tokyo Metropolitan government buildings for a free viewing platform on the 45th floor. We passed an art installation outside Shinjuku Station, opted to do a reccy  for tomorrows train and then made our way underground, following the signage all the way to the front doors. There was an info booth as we entered and a highly enthusiastic guide encouraging us to do the free 20min tour. Not knowing any different, we said yes and followed her around the 2 towers and the government assembly room, being fed information about the important parts of the place. With that complete, we made our way to the elevators and checked out the view of concrete and glass. 

Now hungry, we went in search of food. Paul was fading, so it was a quick spaghetti bolognaise in a local coffee chain. Hmm. With full bellies, we continued our walk to Shinjuku Central Park and Kumano-jinga shrine and then onto a couple of art works, Peace sign and Love, before following google home completely beat. 

We did venture out for dinner, by now the rain had set in and the brollys were needed. We found a sushi restaurant doing a set meal, with plenty of offerings, so made ourselves at home, watching the chef prepare our meals. It was all delicious. We briefly wandered the streets before returning for the night.