Recommended Spots in Shinjuku

A large general hospital near Iidabashi with comprehensive departments including internal medicine, surgery, and obstetrics. Interpretation services available for foreign patients upon request.

A major university hospital in the Nishi-Shinjuku business district with advanced medical care and specialist departments. Foreign patient support desk available on weekdays.

Free multilingual consultation for foreign residents covering health, housing, visa, and daily life issues. An essential first stop for new arrivals in Shinjuku.

A narrow alley packed with halal grocery shops, spice vendors, and meat stores. This is the go-to destination for Muslim residents seeking certified halal ingredients and South Asian spices.

Multiple Korean supermarkets line the streets of Shin-Okubo, offering kimchi, gochujang, Korean noodles, frozen dumplings, and other staples. Seoul Market and Chongga are popular choices.

A massive discount store offering tax-free shopping for foreign residents. Find everything from groceries and cosmetics to household goods and electronics at competitive prices.

Dozens of Indian and Nepali restaurants cluster around Okubo, offering affordable naan sets, tandoori dishes, and authentic curries. Many are halal-friendly and serve generous lunch sets under 1,000 yen.

Several Vietnamese restaurants in the Shin-Okubo area serve authentic pho, banh mi, and bun cha. Popular with the growing Vietnamese community and a taste of home for Southeast Asian residents.

Tokyo's Korean town offers dozens of authentic Korean BBQ restaurants with all-you-can-eat options, Korean fried chicken, and tteokbokki. Many have Korean-speaking staff and menus in Korean and English.

Several ramen shops in Shinjuku offer halal-certified broth and toppings, allowing Muslim residents to enjoy Japan's iconic noodle dish. Ayam-Ya and Naritaya are well-known halal ramen options.

Japan Post Bank is one of the easiest banks for foreign residents to open an account. ATMs support multiple languages and the network of post office ATMs is the largest in Japan.

SMBC's Shinjuku branch has an international services counter that assists foreign residents with account opening, overseas remittance, and other banking needs in English.

Large electronics store with a dedicated SIM card counter where you can purchase prepaid and contract SIMs. Tax-free shopping available for foreign residents with proper documentation.

One of Japan's largest electronics stores, conveniently located right next to Shinjuku Station west exit. Offers SIM cards, smartphones, and a wide range of electronics with tax-free service.

One of Japan's largest language school groups with well-structured courses from beginner to advanced. Offers JLPT preparation, university prep courses, and student visa sponsorship.

A well-regarded school near Shin-Okubo known for its communicative teaching approach and small class sizes. Offers intensive courses, JLPT prep, and cultural activities alongside language study.

Located near Okubo Station, this mosque serves the Muslim community in Shinjuku. A welcoming space for daily prayers and Friday Jumu'ah services, situated in the heart of the multicultural Hyakunincho area.

Japan's largest mosque, a stunning Ottoman-style building near Yoyogi-Uehara Station. Open to visitors of all faiths, it serves as both a mosque and cultural center with guided tours available.

GTN provides guarantor services and housing search assistance specifically for foreign residents. They help overcome the common barriers foreigners face when renting apartments, including the guarantor requirement.

A community hub for Shinjuku's foreign residents offering free Japanese classes, life consultation, events, and meeting spaces. A great place to connect with others and get local support.