Shinjuku Chuo Park Complete Guide | Starbucks SHUKNOVA, Playground, Illumination & Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
Tokyo Mate
Shinjuku Chuo Park at a Glance!
Right behind Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, enjoy Starbucks SHUKNOVA brunch, Musashinomori Diner, children’s playground & water play area, winter illumination TWINKLE PARK, and free Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory all in one walking course.
Shinjuku Chuo Park: A True “Urban Oasis” Behind Tokyo Metropolitan Government
When you need a breather among the forest of skyscrapers, Shinjuku Chuo Park (Shinjuku Central Park) right behind Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the perfect resting spot for travelers.
From morning runs to playground time with kids, brunch cafes, winter illumination, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory all connected by walking paths - it’s a must-visit location when you want to truly experience Shinjuku.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from Shinjuku Chuo Park’s operating information to Starbucks, playground, illumination, photo spots, and recommended routes.
Shinjuku Chuo Park Operating Information & Basic Details
An urban park surrounded by high-rise buildings including Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Hyatt Regency, and Park Hyatt.
| Park Name | Shinjuku Chuo Park / Shinjuku Central Park (新宿中央公園) |
|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | Year-round |
| Area | Approximately 88,000㎡ |
| Scale | Largest municipal park in Shinjuku Ward |
| Facilities | Lawn plaza, Starbucks (SHUKNOVA), playground, futsal court |
How to Get to Shinjuku Chuo Park
Shinjuku Chuo Park is easily accessible from both subway and JR stations, making it perfect as the centerpiece of a Shinjuku walking course.
From Shinjuku Station
- Exit West Exit → 7-minute walk
- Connected walkway to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Shinjuku Chuo Park
From Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line)
- Exit A4 → 3-minute walk
- Closest station to the park
From Nishi-Shinjuku Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
- Exit 2 → 5-minute walk
Park Hotspot: Starbucks SHUKNOVA
The park’s landmark is undoubtedly “SHUKNOVA (しゅくのば).”
This building houses Musashinomori Diner and Starbucks on the 1st floor, making it the perfect brunch spot.
1️⃣ Starbucks Shinjuku Chuo Park SHUKNOVA
Operating Hours: Daily 07:00 - 21:00 (Last Order same time)
Indoor seating on 1st floor + outdoor terrace seating, 2nd floor terrace offers views of the lawn plaza and park scenery
Great for photos with Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Nishi-Shinjuku building forest views, power outlets and Wi-Fi available, perfect for light laptop work or reading
2️⃣ Musashinomori Diner - Perfect for Brunch
On the left side of SHUKNOVA’s 1st floor is “Musashinomori Diner.”
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00-22:00
With family restaurant-style brunch menu items like pancakes, eggs benedict, salads, and pasta, it’s especially popular with family travelers.
Must-Visit with Kids! Large Playground & Water Play Area
(Shinjuku Playground Information)
If you’re traveling to Tokyo with children, this is a must, not an option. It’s hard to believe there’s such a large playground in the heart of the city.
Summer: Free water play at Jabu-Jabu Pond
Facilities: Large slides, net play, sandbox, dedicated toddler area - well-equipped
Convenience: Easy stroller access, well-maintained children’s restrooms
Atmosphere: A genuine local playground where local moms bring their kids, great for experiencing everyday life during your trip
“When kids start whining about tired legs, let them loose here and an hour flies by like magic. Parents can enjoy a coffee break on the benches.”
👉 Shinjuku Kids Parks Guide - Top 5 Theme Parks
Winter Highlight: TWINKLE PARK Illumination
One of the biggest reasons to visit Shinjuku Chuo Park in winter is the illumination event “TWINKLE PARK.”
Lighting Period: 2025.11.29 (Sat) ~ 2026.2.12 (Thu)
Lighting Hours: Daily 16:30 ~ 22:00
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Free Observatory Perfect Course
The biggest advantage of Shinjuku Chuo Park is its direct walking connection to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory.
🗺️ Recommended Walking Course (3 hours total)
1️⃣ Arrive at Shinjuku Station West Exit
Walk toward Tokyo Metropolitan Government along the high-rise building street (about 10 minutes).
2️⃣ Visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Free Observatory
Take one of the East or West observatories to enjoy Tokyo city views and Mt. Fuji (on clear days).
👉 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory Complete Guide
3️⃣ Come down from Tokyo Metropolitan Government and stroll Shinjuku Chuo Park
Leisurely explore the lawn plaza, Citizens’ Forest, Water Plaza, Kids Plaza, etc.
4️⃣ Brunch/cafe time at SHUKNOVA Starbucks or Musashinomori Diner
5️⃣ (Winter season) Enjoy Twinkle Park illumination around sunset
6️⃣ Move to Shinjuku Station/Kabukicho/Shinjuku Gyoen for evening plans
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Usage Tips & Especially Recommended For
1️⃣ Morning Run or Walk + Starbucks Routine
For Tokyo business travelers or long-term stays, it’s perfect for a pre-work running routine followed by morning coffee at SHUKNOVA Starbucks.
2️⃣ Families Looking for Shinjuku Attractions with Kids
Free playground and water play area, stroller-friendly paths, nearby shopping and dining all in one place.
3️⃣ Couples/Friends Who Love Shinjuku Night Views, Illumination & Photos
The combination of Tokyo Metropolitan Government free observatory + Twinkle Park + Nishi-Shinjuku building night views makes a great winter date course.
4️⃣ When You Want to Save on Shinjuku Gyoen Admission
While Shinjuku Gyoen dominates in large gardens and cherry blossoms,
For just “simple stroll + cafe + kids playground + illumination” combination, Shinjuku Chuo Park is an attractive alternative.
👉 Shinjuku Gyoen Complete Guide 2025
Shinjuku Chuo Park is easy to pass by behind Tokyo Metropolitan Government, but once you know it,
Morning running and walks,
Daytime kids playground and brunch,
Evening illumination and night views -
It’s a core Nishi-Shinjuku retreat that captures all the rhythms of a day. Tokyo’s glamour is great, but sometimes these green pauses make trips more memorable.
On your next Tokyo trip when you pass through Shinjuku,
How about adding the “Tokyo Metropolitan Government free observatory + Shinjuku Chuo Park + Starbucks SHUKNOVA” combination?
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