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To you who have been thrilled by the latest sweets and delicious deli foods at the Shinjuku Isetan depachika: “Where can I go to enjoy these delicious treats?” “What are the best places to visit before or after Isetan?” We have the perfect answer to your questions.
This article proposes a concrete and inspiring one-day model plan, from preparing for your adventure at the Shinjuku Isetan depachika, to a luxurious picnic in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden with the gourmet delights you’ve gathered, and even an afternoon experiencing Shinjuku’s deep culture. After reading this, your day in Shinjuku will transform from just a shopping trip into an unforgettable special experience.
Contents
[Conclusion] The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary to Conquer Shinjuku & Isetan
For those short on time, here’s the summary of the day. Follow this schedule, and a perfect day of strolling through Shinjuku is guaranteed!
- 10:00 AM: Shinjuku Isetan opens. First, head to the depachika to get your bento box, deli items, and sweets!
- 11:30 AM: With your goodies in hand, walk over to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (about a 5-minute walk).
- 12:00 PM: Enjoy a luxurious depachika picnic lunch on the vast lawn of Shinjuku Gyoen.
- 2:00 PM: Take a post-lunch stroll through the beautiful Japanese garden and greenhouse.
- 4:00 PM: Leave Shinjuku Gyoen and head to the culturally rich Suehiro-dori Street.
- 5:00 PM: Experience traditional Japanese comedy at the “Suehirotei” Yose theater, or watch a film at a mini-theater.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at an izakaya or bar in Shinjuku Sanchome.
Alcoholic beverages and play equipment are prohibited in Shinjuku Gyoen. Bringing a picnic blanket will make your picnic more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to purchase a cooler bag at the Isetan depachika.
Step 1: A Food Treasure Trove! Prepping for a Picnic at Shinjuku Isetan’s Depachika
First, head to the base camp for today’s adventure: the Shinjuku Isetan depachika. It’s relatively empty right after it opens around 10 AM, allowing you to browse slowly. With so many shops, it can be hard to choose, but the following categories are recommended for a picnic.
- Bento & Deli: A lineup of Japanese, Western, Chinese, and various other international deli foods. It’s fun to buy a little bit of everything to share! Bento boxes from famous restaurants are also popular.
- Bread: There’s a rich selection of bread from popular bakeries like “Andersen” and “RITUEL.” Sandwiches are also perfect for a picnic.
- Sweets: Dessert is a must! You can choose from high-end patisseries like Jean-Paul Hévin and Pierre Hermé to more casual cakes.
- Drinks: Don’t forget drinks to go with your meal, such as fresh juices or special Japanese teas.
It’s okay to come empty-handed. Isetan also sells stylish picnic blankets, cutlery, and cooler bags, so you can get everything you need right here.
Step 2: An Oasis in the Metropolis, a Luxurious Picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen
Once you’ve bought plenty of delicious food, it’s time for the picnic. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Isetan to the “Shinjuku Gate” of Shinjuku Gyoen. A lush green space unfolds, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Spread your picnic blanket on the vast lawn of the English Landscape Garden, and it becomes your own private restaurant. Enjoying the first-class flavors from the depachika against the backdrop of skyscrapers is a priceless, luxurious moment.
After lunch, be sure to take a stroll through the park. Shinjuku Gyoen has various styles of gardens.
- Japanese Traditional Garden: An area that condenses traditional Japanese aesthetics around a central pond.
- French Formal Garden: A beautifully symmetrical garden with stunning avenues of plane trees.
- Large Greenhouse: Home to about 2,700 species of rare tropical and subtropical plants.
Name: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Location: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Park closes at 4:30 PM) *Hours vary by season
Admission Fee: General 500 yen
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Isetan to the Shinjuku Gate
Step 3: Experience Deep Shinjuku on the Culturally Rich Suehiro-dori Street
After refreshing yourself at Shinjuku Gyoen, head to the “Suehiro-dori” area, located just behind Isetan. This place has a calm, cultural atmosphere that’s a little different from the image of Shinjuku with its large commercial buildings.
The symbol of this area is the “Shinjuku Suehirotei,” a *yose* theater that carries on the tradition of comedy from the Edo period. You can casually enjoy Japanese popular entertainment such as *rakugo* (comic storytelling) and *manzai* (stand-up comedy). Even if you don’t understand the language, just watching the atmosphere and the performers’ expressions can be an interesting experience. There are also mini-theaters in the vicinity where you can discover unique films.
Name: Shinjuku Suehirotei
Location: 3-6-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Fee: General Admission 3,000 yen (at the door)
Access: About a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Isetan
Summary
This walking plan, starting from the Shinjuku Isetan depachika, is the ultimate course for enjoying Tokyo’s “food,” “nature,” and “culture” all in one day. Choose what you love at the depachika, relax in the park, and experience Japanese traditional arts. Use this plan as a reference to create your own special day in Shinjuku. It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.
