4. पड़ोस में चलना‑फिरना / Getting Around the Neighborhood

Welcome to the neighborhood—Tokyo is a walking city. Streets are lit, shops stay open late, and koban police boxes are there 24/7.

Walk left, cross at the stripes.
Stick to the left on sidewalks and cross only at crosswalks—drivers won’t expect surprise crossings.

Trains and subways stop around midnight and resume in the early morning (~5 a.m.); late‑night moves are by feet, taxi, or e‑bike/e‑scooter. Download the app, add a card, and you’re set—no license needed. Think of it as a small taste of Tokyo freedom.

Supermarkets carry full groceries and household items. Price tags are fixed—no bargaining. Watch for discount stickers on near‑date items and late‑night deli trays. The deli offers ready‑to‑eat comfort—easier than cooking, lighter than eating out, and a lifesaver for busy families. (Pay at the register; bag at the packing table.)

A convenience store is basically a mini‑supermarket: drinks, snacks, ready meals, toiletries, an ATM, sometimes a toilet—open 24 hours. Prices are usually a little higher than a supermarket, but it’s fast, tidy, and reliable. You can pay with cash, cards, or IC cards (Suica/PASMO). If there’s no eat‑in corner, it’s better to take food home rather than eat while walking.

Drugstores stock medicines, cosmetics, daily goods, and a small corner of food.

From here you can reach almost anywhere in Tokyo, and with transfers, practically anywhere in Japan—see our train guide “★”.

We’re in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s downtowns with endless things to see. First, enjoy a free wander around the neighborhood; then try these easy nearby spots.

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden — Broad lawns, shaded paths, and cafés: ideal for a slow stroll or picnic‑style break. Opens 9:00. Closing time varies by season: 16:30 (Oct–Mar 14), 18:00 (Mar 15–Jun 30 & Sep 1–30), 19:00 (Jul 1–Aug 20). Closed Mondays and year‑end holidays. ¥500 admission.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks — Walk west to the twin towers for free views at 202 m. South deck is typically open to 21:30 (night view); North deck is usually daytime only. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji. Hours may vary.
• Hanazono Shrine — A small shrine in the heart of one of Japan’s busiest districts, yet strikingly quiet inside; you may feel Japan’s blend of reverence and closeness to nature. The shrine already existed by 1590 and took shape in the early Edo period.
• Shinjuku Station — Recognized by Guinness as the world’s busiest station: about 3.6 million passengers a day, ~6,000 train movements, 14 lines, and well over 200 exits. Vast and busy—sometimes maze‑like—but the signage is clear and reliable.
• Shinjuku Underground Malls — A long network of weather‑proof passages linking multiple stations, lined with fashion, cafés and variety shops—great on hot or rainy days. Wayfinding is good.
• Isetan Shinjuku (Department Store) — A classic multi‑story department store: fashion and lifestyle floors above, and a renowned depachika (basement food hall) with beautifully made bento, sweets, and gift foods. Perfect for browsing—and for picking up picnic supplies.

Call us first. We’ll guide you turn by turn.

You’ll often find large neighborhood maps on sidewalks (as shown below). If you know the place you’re heading back to, these maps make it easy to trace a route.

If you’re okay with apps, Google Maps is the simplest choice—it shows the area and your live location.

Small police posts called “kōban” are very helpful. Giving directions is one of their main duties. If you lose something, file a report at a kōban; it enters the police network, and you’ll be contacted if the item is turned in. I once got a lost card case back thanks to a kōban.

For emergencies and useful numbers, see our separate SOS guide “XXX.”

Free benches are rare in Tokyo, so when your legs need a break, slip into a café.

(1) Full‑service cafés

• At the entrance, a staff member asks your party size. Smile and say “one / two” and you’ll be seated.
• Browse the menu and order when the server comes. Hot/iced coffee or tea, cakes, light meals are common. Menus usually have photos—pointing works. Water and a wet hand towel are complimentary.
• Pay at the register when you leave. Cash or credit card is fine; Indian UPI doesn’t work. If you use a Wise card, you can keep money in rupees and let the card convert at checkout—very convenient.
• Leave cups/plates on the table; tucking your chair in is polite.

(2) Self‑service cafés (Starbucks, McDonald’s, etc.)

• Save a seat first (place a bag or have someone sit), then order at the counter.
• Menus are on the counter or overhead boards. You may be asked hot or iced, and size.
• Pay, then wait by the pick‑up counter. Your number is called or a pager buzzes.
• After eating, return your tray to the Return counter.
• Tip: even though Japan is safe, keep valuables with you when you go to order.

There’s a Starbucks inside Shinjuku Gyoen—nice for a rest with a garden view.

Cafe Tips:

• Around Shinjuku Station it can be crowded—if you want a sure seat, try a café a little farther from the station.
• If you carry a Wise card, you can pay abroad from your rupee balance—the card converts automatically—so payments are easy. Sign up here and pay no fee on your first transfer.

That’s the basics for getting around the neighborhood. Tokyo is one of the world’s safest, most convenient cities. Streets are well kept, facilities are clean, and people may seem reserved, but if you ask, they’re kind and helpful. Many things differ from India—please enjoy those differences as part of the trip, and explore at an easy pace. If anything is unclear, just ask us anytime.