2020.09.29

Shinjuku in September 2020 ー Shopping, Coronavirus, and Fall Weather in Downtown Tokyo

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Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s biggest shopping districts, but what does it look like in 2020?

On a day full of errands this September, I found myself in Shinjuku, one of the busiest parts of Tokyo. So I decided to use it as a chance to document the late afternoon atmosphere of Shinjuku in 2020. What is life like in a Tokyo where the people live “with coronavirus”? Are people wearing masks? Are they back to their old haunts, exploring the city again like nothing has changed? And are they social distancing, or are the trains and stations once again as packed as ever?

Let’s start at JR Shinjuku Station, a huge labyrinth where more than a few have lost their way! It did seem less crowded than before, with fewer people milling around, but it certainly wasn’t empty. Friends were chatting and making their way through the crowds, with the simple addition of face masks covering the mouth and nose. The most noticable difference in Shinjuku Station is the total lack of tourists! On the train itself, I ended up hopping on around 6 in the evening (during rush hour!) and it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I’ve seen it in the past.

This paved area sits in front of the Flags shopping mall, home to Tower Records and plenty of trendy clothing stores, and even now it never goes totally quiet. People still mill around the space and pass through on their way to some Shinjuku destination or another, lining up for the escalator that leads to Shinjuku Station. But in recent years this spot has almost always been taken up by musicians busking or artists otherwise performing for the many passers-by, and now that COVID-19 has made that a rarity, the space seems a little too calm.

From this intersection we can see the scene at Lumine Est and BIC Camera’s Shinjuku East store.

On another corner is ABC-Mart, a popular Japanese shoe store, open for business. (Across the street is Under Amour‘s striking Shinjuku “brand house.”

Between the Uniqlo, GU, and BIC Camera in this one building, it’s an easy place to empty out your wallet in no time! I’ve seen bigger crowds, but the streets are certainly not empty.

Finally, I finished up my little tour with a surprisingly quiet view of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area, usually a bustling center of nightlife. Godzilla looks a little shocked at the current situation!

Shinjuku 2020

With COVID-19 preventing the huge waves of tourists that Tokyo normally sees throughout the year, and locals still a little wary of braving the crowded Shinjuku streets, the area is clearly looking a little empty. Unfortunately, this means that some businesses are closing down without the usual footfall, and there are a few more dark storefronts in Shinjuku these days, too. As frustrating as this is for anyone who loves Tokyo, there’s not much to be done for the time being, so we’ll just have to wait it out and hope things pick back up before too long. Shinjuku is clearly ready and waiting to welcome the world back onto the streets!

For more updates and info from Japan, don’t forget to follow Japankuru on twitter, instagram, and facebook!

Original Author: Pin
English Edition: Sophia Appelbaum

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NAME:Shinjuku, Tokyo (東京都新宿区)

I've lived in Tokyo for a few years now, and I love wandering Japan looking for good food, lovely new places, and the best tourist attractions throughout the country.

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- FUKUOKA
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  Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
- KAGOSHIMA
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  Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
- OKINAWA
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  The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.