[Shinjuku Date] From gourmet to sightseeing! 15 Recommended Classic and Hidden Spots

Shinjuku, located in Shibuya and Ikebukuro, is one of Tokyo’s most popular entertainment districts and a favorite area among foreigners. The daily number of users at Shinjuku Station exceeds 2 million, and the area is used for a wide range of purposes, from business to sightseeing.

Recently, many people also visit Shinjuku as part of a pilgrimage to locations featured in Makoto Shinkai’s films, such as “Your Name,” “Weathering With You,” and “The Garden of Words.”

Although Shinjuku is known for its vibrant city center, it might not seem like a good place for a date. However, it actually has many surprisingly great date spots!

In this article, “TOKYO LOCAL” introduces must-visit date spots in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Please read until the end!

*The prices listed are based on the time the article was written.

Meeting Spot

Robert Indiana “LOVE”

A classic meeting spot featured in many dramas

The well-known “LOVE sculpture.” When it comes to meeting up in Shinjuku, this is the spot.

Since it has been featured in many dramas, many of you may already be familiar with it!

Even for those who frequently use Shinjuku, surprisingly few have actually used this spot for a meetup. While many might dream of meeting here, they often end up choosing a different location.

Although it’s just a place for meeting up, it adds a touch of color and freshness to your regular date.

Gourmet Date

cafe WALL

Half-private rooms and couple seating available! Café lunch is recommended

“cafe WALL” is a stylish café located just a minute’s walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station C6 exit. The warm wooden interior creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for a date!

One of the highlights is their commitment to homemade dishes. For example, their “Creamy Omelette Rice” (1,055 yen) served during lunch is absolutely delicious.

The omelette is wonderfully creamy, and the rich demi-glace sauce complements it perfectly. The butter rice is so delicious that you could easily enjoy it on its own!

They also offer Instagram-worthy items like the “Three Kinds of Indulgent Snack Plate” and the summer favorite “Cream Soda,” sure to make any girl’s eyes sparkle.

The restaurant has half-private rooms and couple seating, making it ideal for couples who want to spend some quiet time together.

Since it’s also great for Instagram photos, fashionable couples might want to stop by.

MOVE CAFE

A trendy café perfect for couples before they start dating!

“MOVE CAFE” is located in Shinjuku Sanchome.

It’s perfect for couples looking for a stylish café date.

The interior features wood paneling and has a cozy, fashionable vibe. It’s not as dark as a bar but is dimly lit, making it great for couples who aren’t yet in a serious relationship.

The café offers seasonal desserts and a rich lunch menu, making it a great spot for a lunch date too!

It’s a place where couples can get closer.

Kakurebo Shinjuku Store

Fantastic atmosphere! Private rooms for an intimate date

“Kakurebo Shinjuku” is a fully private room restaurant perfect for a date. The “kamakura”-style private rooms offer a great atmosphere, making it a highly recommended spot.

You can enjoy a quiet time with your partner without worrying about other people. They offer a lunch menu, but dinner is definitely the highlight. Here are some examples of their mouthwatering dishes!

The ambiance is wonderful, making it perfect to end the date.

You can also unwind after a movie and share your thoughts over a drink.

Ark Lounge Shinjuku West Exit Store

Reasonable private room Italian restaurant

“Ark Lounge” is a private room Italian restaurant that specializes in pizza.

The prices are reasonable, making it easy to combine with other date plans. Their course menu includes all-you-can-drink options.

Whether it’s a date, girls’ night out, or a group gathering, this place is great for various occasions. It’s perfect for couples looking to spend a wonderful time together.

They also offer surprise services, making it ideal for men who want to delight their girlfriend.

Yakiton Roji

A Stylish Shochu Bar Recommended for Rainy Day Dates

“Yakiton Rojii” is located a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit and Shinjuku Sanchome Station. With a budget of about 5,000–6,000 yen per person, you can enjoy delicious offal skewers in a stylish interior.

In terms of access, the restaurant is located just after exiting the underground passage near the Kinokuniya bookstore at Shinjuku Station East Exit, making it perfect for rainy day dates.

First, regarding the restaurant’s exterior and interior, it has an elegant ambiance with indirect lighting.

However, the sign at the front saying “営業中” (Open for Business) gives off a vibe similar to that of an inexpensive public izakaya, which slightly conflicts with the concept of the restaurant — this is the only unfortunate aspect.

Inside, the lighting is dim, creating an ideal atmosphere for a date with a partner.

The restaurant spans from B1F to 3F, offering 96 seats. There are various seating options, including semi-private rooms, partitioned seats, and counter seats, so if you have a preference, it’s best to contact the restaurant in advance for a smoother experience!

Meals

Meals Before the meal, a serving of green juice is offered.

Known for its effectiveness against hangovers, the green juice is also good for health, helping to prepare the body before the meal. It’s a thoughtful touch.

The main offering, “Yakiton” (grilled pork skewers), is accompanied by a variety of other menu items, such as “Peking Duck Caesar Salad,” “Homemade Spicy Garlic Oil Tofu,” and “Beef Tenderloin Steak.”

The meat is juicy and tender, and to bring out the umami, it’s seasoned with a secret sauce and grilled to a fragrant perfection.

Although I couldn’t try it due to a dislike of cheese, it is likely delicious.

This dish combines soft tofu with spicy garlic oil in an exquisite balance.

The homemade spicy garlic oil tofu could be enjoyed not just as a snack but also with rice!

The rich and flavorful sauce beautifully enhanced the taste of both the steak and the romaine lettuce.

“Yakiton Rojii” is perfect for various occasions such as dates or girls’ nights out. Be sure to visit!

Sousai Dining Unoya Nishi Shinjuku Nomura Building Store

If You’re Unsure About Dinner, Come Here for “Creative Dishes to Eat with Chopsticks”

“Sousai Dining Unoya” is a restaurant where you can enjoy creative dishes at a reasonable price. The concept is “creative dishes to eat with chopsticks.”

You can have a wonderful time while enjoying the view from the 49th floor of the Nishi Shinjuku Nomura Building.

In an expensive area like Shinjuku, it’s rare to find a place that combines “delicious × stylish × great cost performance,” but this place is recommended not only for its great location but also for the quality of its food.

If you’re unsure about where to take your partner for dinner, this place is a great choice!

Shinjuku Aquarium Dining JeMare

A Romantic Atmosphere Surrounded by Aquariums

“Shinjuku Aquarium Dining JeMare” has quickly gained popularity through word-of-mouth as the go-to place for dinner dates. Surrounded by aquariums, it offers a fantastical and mysterious ambiance. The restaurant is designed by one of Japan’s top designers, and it’s truly captivating.

The aquariums house 1,500 fish, and the ambiance evokes the feeling of a night cruise.

For couples, the semi-private seating options allow you to enjoy the meal while sipping champagne in a romantic setting.

Dinner at JeMare includes champagne served in Swarovski-adorned glasses, making it even more special for a date.

Play & Sightseeing Date

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

A Tower Combining a Large Hotel and Entertainment Facilities!

The Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, which opened on April 14, 2023, is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and is the “largest hotel × entertainment complex tower in Japan.”

The 48-story building (with 5 underground floors) reaches a height of 225 meters and houses a hotel, movie theaters, theaters, restaurants, and more.

Examples include:

• “Shinjuku Kabuki Hall – Kabuki Yokocho,” a space where food, music, videos, and live performances based on “festivals from all over Japan” merge.
• The 17th-floor observation deck offering a panoramic view of Shinjuku (free entry).
• “Namco TOKYO,” a game center with the theme “Asober, Nomer, Tsunagareru” (connected through fun and games).
• Additionally, the complex includes 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku, dining bars, and many other entertainment options. If you’re planning a date in Shinjuku, it’s worth visiting this place for a variety of fun and exciting activities.

Additionally, the complex includes 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku, dining bars, and many other entertainment options.

If you’re planning a date in Shinjuku, it’s worth visiting this place for a variety of fun and exciting activities.

Shinjuku Copa Bowl

A Moody, Neon-Lit Atmosphere Perfect for Dates

For a great date spot in Shinjuku, I recommend “Shinjuku Copa Bowl,” especially for couples in their 20s to 30s.

When you peek inside, you’ll notice the dimly lit, neon-style, moody atmosphere!

The biggest reason to recommend it to couples is the “Fantasy Lane” on the third floor. With its design reminiscent of a stylish club, the black lights and mirror ball reflections create an atmosphere similar to night art.

The drink corner on the same floor also complements this fantasy lane, maintaining the same atmosphere with a carefully crafted design.

Additionally, the venue offers a variety of activities such as table tennis and darts, making it an ideal hidden gem for a Shinjuku date. The atmosphere at Shinjuku Copa Bowl will surely help you and your partner enjoy some intimate time together.

Shinjuku Piccadilly (movie theater)

Featuring Pair Seats and Private Rooms!

The “Shinjuku Piccadilly” captivates visitors with its sophisticated white-colored lobby.

Among many movie theaters, I confidently recommend Shinjuku Piccadilly as a date spot because it’s perfectly suited for couples, both in terms of atmosphere and content!

First of all, the entire venue is unified with a chic and stylish space. And most notably, the Platinum Seats are a must-mention.

These Platinum Seats incorporate high-end furniture from Cassina, allowing you to enjoy the movie while basking in a sense of exclusivity and superiority.

Moreover, pair seats designed for couples are available, making it perfect for a date with your special someone.

Additionally, the lounge is available for use, and a welcome drink service is provided, helping to bring you and your partner closer together, strengthening your bond.

If your budget allows, don’t forget to check out the private “Platinum Room” for a more intimate experience!

Shinjuku Balt 9

Watch Movies for Only 1,200 Yen on the First of Every Month!

“Shinjuku Balt 9” is a movie theater located at the South Exit of JR Shinjuku Station.

If you’re planning a movie date in Shinjuku, I recommend either Shinjuku Piccadilly or Shinjuku Balt 9. While other theaters like TOHO Cinemas are available, I strongly recommend Shinjuku Balt 9 for those who don’t like the busy atmosphere of Kabukicho.

On Wednesdays and the 1st of every month (excluding December), tickets are only 1,200 yen, making it ideal for student dates who don’t want to spend too much!

Also, on “Movie Day” (December 1st), tickets are available for just 1,000 yen!

Enjoy the night view from the glass-enclosed escalators, which is a great feature too!

After watching the movie, how about discussing it over a meal?

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

A Fantastical Panorama from 202m Above the Ground

Located on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the city from 202 meters above ground.

The panoramic view from this height is fantastical, with sights in every direction.

The observation deck opens from 9:30 AM, so it’s perfect for daytime dates as well, but I highly recommend visiting at night.

The deck is split into South and North areas, with the North deck open until 11:00 PM, offering a view of Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and even Roppongi Hills.

As a public facility, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck is free to enter, which is a huge advantage.

Tokyo Shinjuku Shrine, Hanazono Shrine

A Classic Spot for Bonding Through Love and Fortune

The “Tokyo Shinjuku Shrine, Hanazono Shrine” features a towering torii gate, a remarkable landmark.

Located in the garden of the Owari Domain’s former residence, one of the three Tokugawa clans, it’s said to have once showcased a variety of flowers, hence the name “Hanazono” (flower garden).

The shrine has 13 spots worth visiting, including the entertainment Asama Shrine where you can see offerings related to songs and plays.

Additionally, you can find a stone monument to Keiko Fujimura, the mother of Utada Hikaru, which adds a unique charm to the location.

Various lucky charms are sold at the shrine office, including ones that are perfect for couples. The “enmusubi” (love-binding) charm is particularly popular and can be purchased at a very reasonable price.

For first dates, you can also find lighter charms, such as ones that ensure good relationships or successful work, making this a great place to check out.

Shinjuku Central Park

Recommended for a Casual, Relaxed Date

“Shinjuku Central Park” is a great daytime date spot that many people may not know about.

In July 2020, SHUKUNOVA, a cafe-restaurant and fitness area, was added, turning the park into a versatile spot where couples can enjoy various activities.

Not only is it a healing spot, but it has also become a place that couples recommend for its culinary offerings.

In March 2021, “View Forest,” where you can enjoy a healing moment with a scenic view, also opened. It has benches made of wood, and since there is no direct confrontation, it’s said to be a comfortable place for even a first date without any tension.

On the other hand, “Shinjuku Niagara Falls,” which seems to embody the healing power of water, is also worth seeing. It’s accessible from the A5 exit near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, so make sure to visit Shinjuku Central Park, blending greenery and water.

Summary

These are the recommended classic and hidden date spots in Shinjuku. Have you decided which places you want to visit?

In addition to Shinjuku Central Park, which is ideal for a relaxed date, there are many other spots perfect for a romantic outing, such as movie theaters, shrines, and facilities known for stunning views of the night sky. These spots are attractive both during the day and at night.

I hope you enjoy a memorable date that brings you closer together.