Spring has arrived! 5 recommended shops to visit after cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Feb 23 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Spring has arrived! 5 recommended shops to visit after cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is known as one of Tokyo's top cherry blossom viewing spots. With various types of trees, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for an extended period, which is a major attraction. After enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen, we've picked out some wonderful shops to visit on your way back. Whether for lunch, dinner, or cafe time, please enjoy as you like.

See full listings of Chinese and Cafe restaurants found in and around Shinjuku.

1. Grilled Aging Beef TOKYO Shinjuku-sanchome Branch

A place to savor a variety of shapes of intensely flavored aged meat.

Located just a minute's walk from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station, the Grilled Aging Beef TOKYO Shinjuku-Sanchome Branch specializes in aged Japanese beef. Their selection includes over 30 varieties of aged meat, aged for approximately 30 days, ranging from classic cuts to rare selections. The spacious interior features counter seats with an open kitchen view, as well as table seating and private rooms. The modern atmosphere, accentuated by the harmonious blend of wood textures and exposed steel beams on the ceiling, adds to its charm.

Their main offerings are expertly grilled steaks, cooked to perfection by skilled chefs. Additionally, they offer a variety of à la carte dishes such as Aging Wagyu Charcuterie and Aging Wagyu Garlic Rice. For a more casual dining experience, lunchtime is highly recommended. You can enjoy their authentic steaks and hamburg steak, which both adults and children alike will find delicious.

Grilled Aging Beef TOKYO Shinjuku-sanchome Branch

Open: [Saturday, Sunday, Nathional Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm / Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm / Drink L.O. 10:30 pm), [Weekdays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm / Drink L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed:
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from the E4 Exit of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Line
Address: 602, Rainbow Village, 3-5-4, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

2. Sumika

Architecture is the theme, with both the taste and atmosphere exuding a stylish vibe.

Sumika is a museum-style café & bar located a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station, on the 4th floor of a building. As the theme revolves around architecture, the interior is adorned with meticulously crafted wall art and architectural models on display. During the day, sunlight pours in through windows covering one wall, while subdued lighting creates a moody atmosphere at night. It's a versatile spot suitable for various occasions, definitely worth remembering.

Their original sweets, crafted by an exclusive pastry chef, are quite popular. Indulge in menu items like the fruit-packed "Sumika Fruit Sandwich" or the "Night Parfait Rouge Rouge," which elevate the dining experience. Of course, their savory dishes are not to be missed either. From pasta and steak to beef stew, as well as specialty items like the "Deep Black Cheese Fondue Course," the menu offers an array of options that might leave you undecided on what to order.

Sumika

Open: Cafe time 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm) / Bar time 6:00 pm - 4:00 am (L.O. 3:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Marunouchi Line, Toei Shinjuku Line / Located on the 4th floor of a building with Pachinko "KICONA" on the 1st floor
Address: 4F, Dairoku Sanwa Bldg. 3-6-7, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

3. FLOWER WALL MONE

A vibrant world where seasonal flowers and cuisine welcome you with their colors.

Located just a minute's walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, "FLOWER WALL MONE" is a place where the theme of flowers meets a diverse range of cuisines, as its name suggests. The interior is an imaginative world where seasonal flowers bloom abundantly. The counter, adorned with fresh flowers blending into a huge wall art, stretches an impressive 15 meters, offering a surreal ambiance for a healing and relaxing experience.

The menu features innovative and colorful dishes, including the signature "MONE Bouquet Salad" and the visually stunning "Tea and Apricot Parfait" adorned with edible flowers, both representing the essence of the restaurant. Also, be sure to try their newly added specialty dishes like the "Japanese-style Mushroom Hot Pot," which offers the enjoyment of two distinct soup flavors. With such a variety of meticulously crafted dishes, there's something to capture everyone's attention!

FLOWER WALL MONE

Open: [Weekdays, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 1:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O.11:00 pm) / [Saturday, Sunday] 11:30 am - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on Fukutoshin Line
Address: B1F, Takayama Land Hall, 3-5-3, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

4. RAIKA Shinjuku-gyoen

Enjoy the delicate flavor of Nouvelle Cuisine with reduced oil.

Located just a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, RAIKA Shinjuku Gyoen offers exquisite Chinese cuisine with the cherry blossoms and trees of Shinjuku Gyoen in close proximity, providing a serene dining experience. The sophisticated and modern interior features partitioned private spaces for groups of various sizes, while the terrace seating, especially recommended during this season, offers an open and refreshing atmosphere. The warmth of spring and the elegant scent of cherry blossoms beautifully complement the delicate flavors of the dishes.

Based on Shanghai cuisine, the menu incorporates Japanese ingredients and Western styles, offering elegant and beautiful dishes. Indulge in steamed dishes made with ingredients like shark fin and dried abalone, as well as dishes featuring Japanese black wagyu steak and seasonal domestic vegetables. The courses are elegantly presented in the style of Nouvelle Cuisine, with each dish served individually. Pair your meal with carefully selected wines or Japanese sake chosen by the sommelier for a delightful dining experience.

RAIKA Shinjuku-gyoen

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (LO 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (LO 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / 10-minute walk from Exit E5 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
Address: 1F, Itchome Sambankan, 1-3-12, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

5. CHEF'S

Enjoy simple Shanghai home-style cooking in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Located a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, "CHEF’S" is a hidden gem nestled in a residential neighborhood. Here, you can enjoy simple yet flavorful Shanghai home-style cooking that emphasizes the power of ingredients. The interior of the restaurant is as unadorned and serene as its cuisine, with a clean and comfortable atmosphere devoid of unnecessary decorations. Madame's gentle smile and thoughtful hospitality create a heartwarming and refined dining experience.

The essence of "CHEF’S" cuisine lies in the philosophy of subtraction, focusing on bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than flashy presentations. They pay meticulous attention to details such as marinating with olive oil, Japanese sake, and wine, as well as using subtle spices. Popular dishes like "Black Vinegar Sweet and Sour Pork," "Fragrantly Steamed Shrimp," and "Fried Egg and Tomato" are not to be missed, and their daily homemade desserts are also highly recommended.

CHEF'S

Open: [Weekdays / Saturday / Day before Holiday] Normal hours: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (last order at 9:00 p.m.)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station/10 minutes from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Yotsuya-sanchome Station/Exit 2
Address: Towa High Town 1F, 1-24-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.