Shinjuku: Tokyo

Although it straddles Tokyo's western fringes, Shinjuku can in many ways be considered the city's center. The busiest train station in the world is here, as is a plethora of the finest restaurants, hotels, and bars to be found. Shinjuku gyoen (garden) is arguably the most beautiful in Tokyo, as are the neighborhood's men and women dressed for a night on the town. Nightlife is plentiful here, and done in a decidedly Japanese style, especially if you head to the more traditional Kabukicho and Golden Gai areas.

Shinjuku is home to the highest percentage of foreign nationals living in Tokyo, and it shows in its patchwork of diverse areas. Indeed, Shinjuku offers a little bit of everything Tokyo has to offer, and it's easy to find places catering to very specialized groups. Shinjuku ni-chome is Asia's largest and possibly most lively gay district. Nishi-Ogikubo, north of Shinjuku's border, is Tokyo's Korea town, with plenty of authentic and cheap barbecue on offer. Nishi-Shinjuku is the business district, populated with professionals and the high-class hotels and restaurants they demand.

There's plenty to keep people busy in Shinjuku, day or night, but perhaps the best option is to join the frenetic crowds packing the streets around the station, gazing at the hypnotizing clusters of neon lights and jam-packed high-rises, extending into the horizon. Navigating cavernous Shinjuku station can be a challenge even for seasoned Edo-ko (child of Edo; Tokyo native), but may be a delight for the visitor with time on their hands who wishes to catch a glimpse of the future.
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