Many people have asked us where the center of Tokyo nightlife is. To us, the answer is always Shinjuku! Not only because Shinjuku has the busiest train station in the whole world, but there are all kinds of facilities such as shopping, dining, hotel, nightlife, office, cinemas, and parks. For people who come to travel in Japan, Shinjuku area is definitely one of the best options for visiting. 

Last weekend, we spent a whole day in Shinjuku and want to share our experiences with you!

 

The Dancing Crab

The Dancing Crab is a spicy seafood restaurant with a laid back vibe.

Dining in Dancing Crab does not require using any utensils, which explains the hand washing stations. We have been to some similar restaurants in LA and Hawaii, every time we had to line up for the tiny bathroom in order to wash our hands. What's great about the Dancing Crab Tokyo is that there is a huge sink in the middle of the restaurant!

During the weekends, there is a lunch set which includes all of their signature dishes for around 3,000 yen (around $25) per person. 

This 3,000 lunch combo includes one order of caesar salad, soup of the day, french fries, crab cake, and a seafood combo plate.

Everyone will also get a small tool like this for opening crab shells.  

This is the seafoood combo, which includes sweet corn, crab, shrimp, vegetables, octopus and more. There are also a few sauces to choose from. We ordered the mild spicy flavor, and it ended up tasting a little too spicy for me. If you are not very good with spicy food, I recommend the pepper cheese flavor.

DANCING CRAB
http://dancingcrab.jp/
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−37−12, 新宿NOWAビル2F
Phone:03-6380-5151
Hours: 11:30-15:30(LO15:00) 17:00-23:30（LO22:30）

 

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Japan's most iconic parks. It originated during the Edo Period (1603-1867) and originally belonged to the Imperial family. Now it is open to public, and has become a popular spot for dating and family gatherings in Tokyo. It is only a few minutes walk from the Shinjuku Station.

The garden has three parts -a traditional Japanese landscape garden, a formal French garden, and an English landscape garden. What is so amazing about Shinjuku Gyoen is that it is different but yet beautiful in all four seasons. It reat place to view cherry blossoms in spring, and colorful leaves in fall.

Shinjuku Gyoen 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014
Hours:9:00-16:00 (Gates close at 16:30)

 

Robot Restaurant

 

In Shinjuku, there are countless izakaya and bars, but if you're still looking for something to do, we highly recommend the Robot Restaurant for night entertainment. It is a must to see event in Tokyo. Prepare to be overwhelmed by exciting dance performances, crazy robot fighting, flashy cabarets!  There are three or four shows shows everyday.

We checked in about 45 minutes before the show and were brought into a giant waiting room surrounded by huge TV screens. There were live music provided by awesome “robot men”, and there was a small bar counter that sells snacks and beverages. We actually ended up really enjoying the wait. 

The seating the restaurant is formed by three rows of seats on each side, which makes the show space look like a parade. Of course, seats in the middle would have been preferable, but even from the side I could see the performance very clearly.