Shinjuku is known for being one of Tokyo's business and entertainment hubs, and it's also home to the world's busiest train station in the world – Shinjuku Station sees over 3.5 million passengers pass through it every day. Much of the area's architecture has a business focus, with some fun cultural and sporting gems thrown in for good measure. This guide covers five of the region's most eye-catching structures, each with their own unique charm.
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
Located just across from Shinjuku Station, the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower was designed by the Tange Associates firm, and their plan won from over 100 domestic and international submissions. The building is home to three educational facilities, and this served as part of the inspiration behind the cocoon concept. The idea from the designers was that the building should act like a cocoon, wrapping and protecting students before they enter the workforce. Very sweet, really!
1-7-3, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 160-0023
Yasuyo Building
The Yasuyo Building is a multi-purpose venue which has spaces that can be rented for meetings, seminars, and other events. The unique stacked-style appearance of the structure has been likened to a stack of haphazardly-positioned bolts, and although it has a very modern feel to it, it was actually completed back in 1969. If you get hungry while you're in the area, there's also a kaiseki restaurant inside.
3-37-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Sompo Japan Building
The Sompo Japan building has a design which was inspired by Mount Fuji, and that inspiration is clear to see when observing the building's steeply slanted sides. The 200 meter-high building is Tokyo's 28th tallest structure, and is home to offices of the Sompo Japan insurance company.
1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023
Waseda El Dorado
One of the area's most unique structures is the Waseda El Dorado building, which was designed by Japanese architect Von Jour Caux, also known as Toshiro Tanaka. The eclectic design pulls elements from Art Nouveau and Japanese culture, with interior wallpaper inspired by Edo woodblock prints, stained glass windows, and shimmery Mother-of-Pearl tiles.
517 Wasedatsurumakicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-0041
Japan National Stadium
The Japan National Stadium is the work of architectural icon Kengo Kuma, and it was unveiled in December of 2019. The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, plus a variety of track and field events. Part of Kuma's design strategy for the stadium was to have it blend in with the surrounding nature, since the stadium is right by the Meiji Jingu outer garden and close to Shinjuku Gyoen.
10-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0013
