Overview of Shinjuku Alta
Shinjuku Alta is just a minute's walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station, making it very accessible for visitors. This location is ideal for shopping and meeting people and is used by many people on a daily basis. Its central location in Shinjuku also makes it a convenient base for tourists, as the area has plenty of other tourist attractions and restaurants.
Shinjuku Alta's most distinctive feature is its giant electronic screen, Alta Vision. This screen displays various images, including news, concerts, and sporting events, attracting the attention of passersby. Many people gather, primarily when events are held, creating a lively atmosphere. These features make Shinjuku Alta more than just a shopping spot.
Shinjuku Alta opened in 1980 and has since become a familiar symbol of the east exit of Shinjuku Station. It is exceptionally well known as the recording location for the long-running program "Laugh It Away! and has been loved by many viewers. The program was broadcast live using a large screen, which was rare at the time, and was characterized by its emphasis on interaction with the audience. This historical background adds to the cultural value of Shinjuku Alta.
Shinjuku Alta is a multi-level structure that spans from the second basement to the seventh floor above ground and offers various fashion, general merchandise, and restaurant stores. In particular, there are many trend-conscious stores for young people where visitors can obtain the latest fashions and sundries. There is also a wide variety of restaurants, making it a popular place to refresh oneself between shopping trips.
Shinjuku Alta is used by many people, especially young people, and is widely known as a tourist attraction. This gathering place of diverse stores and restaurants is ideal for meeting friends and shopping. The surrounding area is also home to tourist attractions such as Shinjuku Gyoen and Kabukicho, making it an area where visitors can enjoy themselves all day.
Shinjuku Alta Shopping Information
Shinjuku Alta is known as a mecca for fashion, with many stores that are especially popular among young people. Visitors are always in search of new styles, as clothing and accessories reflecting the latest trends are available. The diverse collection of brands, especially stores featuring casual and cute designs, makes it the perfect place to enjoy shopping.
Many popular brands, especially for young people, have opened stores in Shinjuku Alta. For example, students and young professionals favor INGNI and LIZ LISA for their cute designs and affordable prices. These brands offer fashion-conscious items, and many customers are repeat customers because new items are available each time they visit. In particular, fashion lovers look forward to the new items each season, making it a favorite spot for fashion lovers.
In addition to fashion, Shinjuku Alta offers various trend-setting sundries and cosmetics. In particular, trendy accessories and skin care products catch the eye of visitors. Many stores offer products that reflect the latest trends, making it a delightful shopping experience for young women. This has made sundry goods and cosmetics also play an essential role in expressing oneself along with fashion.
On the second basement floor of Shinjuku Alta, there is a convenient 7-Eleven, which is very useful for visitors. Visitors can easily purchase snacks and beverages, making it a great place to stop between shopping trips. It is also highly regarded as convenient for tourists and business people to get urgent necessities. Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this convenience store is a small oasis in the busy daily routine.
Shinjuku Alta regularly holds pop-up stores and sales, offering something new to discover each time you visit. In particular, the limited-time-only stores of popular brands are a must-see event for fashion fans. This allows visitors to experience new products and trends constantly, so it is no wonder that there are so many repeat customers. Also, during sale periods, visitors can get products at exceptional prices, making for a brilliant shopping experience.
Shinjuku Alta Business Hours and Days
Shinjuku Alta's essential business hours are from 11:00 to 20:30 daily. These hours are very convenient for visiting tourists and locals and are the best time to enjoy shopping and dining. It is hectic and often used for shopping after work or on weekends and holidays. It is easily accessible from Shinjuku Station, and planning your visit with these opening hours is essential.
In addition to essential business hours, stores in Shinjuku Alta may have different hours of operation for each store. In particular, restaurants and specialty stores often have different hours of operation, so it is advisable to check the official website or contact the store directly before visiting. This will help you avoid wasting time and enjoy a smooth shopping and dining experience.
Many of the stores in Shinjuku Alta are closed irregularly, especially during busy periods such as the year-end and New Year holidays and Obon vacation. It is essential to consider these regular holidays when planning your visit. Checking each store's business days in advance, especially during the tourist season, will help you avoid disappointment during your visit.
The basement floor of Shinjuku Alta is home to various restaurants, open from 11:00 to 22:30. Many cafes and restaurants are located on this floor, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal in between shopping trips. In particular, popular eateries such as Hoshino Coffee Shop and Starbucks are available, making them an excellent option for visitors.
Shinjuku Alta sometimes changes its hours of operation according to the season or special events. For example, hours are typically extended during Christmas and New Year's sales periods. When visiting, it is recommended to check the official website and social networking sites for the latest information on opening hours. This will allow you to enjoy the special event to the fullest.
How to Access Shinjuku Alta
Shinjuku Alta is located just a minute's walk from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station, making it very accessible. Shinjuku Station is a major transportation hub in Tokyo and is crossed by many train lines, including the Yamanote, Chuo, and Sobu lines. This makes it easily accessible from other areas of Tokyo and a convenient meeting place for tourists and locals alike.
Furthermore, Shinjuku Alta is directly accessible from Exit B13 of Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. This direct route is very convenient, especially on rainy days or when you have much luggage. The underground passage is helpful for many users because it allows them to move smoothly without being affected by the weather outside.
Using the Seibu Shinjuku Line, you can also reach Shinjuku Alta from Seibu Shinjuku Station in about 5 minutes on foot. This accessibility is a great advantage, especially when shopping and sightseeing in Shinjuku. Seibu Shinjuku Station is also close to tourist attractions such as Kabukicho and Shinjuku Gyoen, making it easy to incorporate into your sightseeing route.
Shinjuku Alta is also very convenient for buses. Metropolitan buses and Keio buses run frequently from the bus stop at the east exit of Shinjuku Station, providing easy access to the surrounding area. For tourists, buses provide a smooth and efficient way to travel to other tourist destinations.
Access by car is also excellent, with the Shinjuku Exit of the Metropolitan Expressway located approximately 3 minutes away. This makes it convenient for those visiting from afar or those with much luggage. The area has many parking lots, making it easy to visit by car. We recommend using Shinjuku Alta as a base to explore the surrounding tourist spots.
Recommended Restaurants in Shinjuku Alta
On the fifth floor of Shinjuku Alta is the popular pasta restaurant Yo Menya Goemon, which features Japanese flavors. This restaurant offers pasta made with traditional Japanese ingredients and is especially popular for its pasta with Japanese sauce. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a meal with friends or family. With easy access from Shinjuku Station, it is the perfect place to stop by during a break from shopping.
On the first basement floor is the Hoshino Coffee Shop, where the fluffy soufflé pancakes are very popular. This café features a relaxed interior and inviting atmosphere, making it a relaxing place to spend time. The soufflé pancakes are baked to order so that you can enjoy the freshly made fluffiness of the pancakes, especially for those with a sweet tooth.
On the B2 floor is a tapioca specialty store called CoCo Tokka, where the brown sugar tapioca is incredibly exquisite. The store uses carefully selected ingredients to create a perfect combination of tapioca's chewiness and brown sugar's sweetness. Take-out is also available, making it an easy stop while shopping. It is one of the most popular spots in Shinjuku Alta.
The Shinjuku Alta area offers diverse restaurants, from Japanese to Western cuisine. For example, cuisine at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), cafes, and family restaurants can be enjoyed. Many of these restaurants are popular among tourists and are known as places where locals and tourists mingle. The wide variety of dining options will satisfy any mood.
Many cafes in Shinjuku Alta are convenient places to stop by between shopping trips. These cafes offer light snacks and drinks and are a great place to unwind after a long shopping day. In particular, many cafes offer a cozy atmosphere, perfect for chatting with friends or relaxing alone. Be sure to stop by when you visit Shinjuku Alta.
Shinjuku Alta Events
Shinjuku Alta regularly hosts various events to provide visitors with diverse experiences. These events are structured to reflect local culture and trends, making it an attractive attraction for tourists and locals alike. In particular, special seasonal events and promotions provide visitors with discoveries and encourage repeat visits.
Located on the 7th floor of Shinjuku Alta, KeyStudio is a well-known venue for music and fan events. The studio hosts live artist performances and fan interaction events, providing a unique experience for attendees. When famous artists perform, many fans gather to watch their performances, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere. This plays a vital role in enlivening the local music scene.
Special events and campaigns are held at Shinjuku Alta each season, providing visitors with something new to look forward to. For example, cherry blossom-themed events in the spring and cool-weather campaigns in the summer allow visitors to enjoy experiences unique to the time of year. These events are designed to attract visitors' interest while taking advantage of local specialties.
Shinjuku Alta supports local culture through collaborative events with local artists and organizations. These events provide a venue to discover local talent and promote their work. Collaborative events range from art exhibitions to performances, providing a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy themselves together.
The official website constantly updates information on events at Shinjuku Alta, making it easy for visitors to find the latest information. The site provides details on event schedules, how to participate, and special promotions, allowing visitors to plan their visits accordingly. Visitors can get the most out of their experience at Shinjuku Alta by using the official website.
Shinjuku Alta Closing Information
Shinjuku Alta has announced that it will cease operations on February 28, 2025. This decision was made due to the recent slump in sales and the need for prospects for improved profitability. Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. explained that the company needed to shift to more profitable store operations as part of its department store business strategy.
Shinjuku Alta opened in 1980 and has been familiar to many people since then. In particular, the Alta Vision, Japan's first large-scale vision system installed in the building, has become a symbolic meeting place and an indispensable visitor spot. In addition, Studio Alta hosted a public live broadcast of the long-running program "Laugh It Up! was broadcast live in Studio Alta, and its cultural influence was also significant.
The closing of Shinjuku Alta is expected to impact commercial activity in the area significantly. Since many people have enjoyed meeting and shopping at this location, there is concern that the closure will cause Shinjuku to lose its vitality. In particular, long-time users have commented that it is a shame that an era seems to be coming to an end.
Following the closing of Shinjuku Alta, the building's owner, an Osaka-based real estate company, has stated that it has yet to decide what the building will be used for in the future. Therefore, how the location will be reused for local residents and tourists is still being determined. Considering the impact of the closing of Shinjuku Alta on the community, it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.
Official Site (Japanese)→Shinjuku Alta
