Underground malls and shopping streets are very common in Japan. Consider them as elaborate tunnels that offer everything from clothes to shoes, restaurants to supermarkets, pharmacy etc. These shopping streets generally connect between stations from different underground train lines. The one in Shinjuku, however, is an exception as it exists on its own. It may look a bit run down, at least the entry I used did, and the stairs may smell a bit, if you're unlucky, you might be bitten by a mosquito or two on the way, but the things sold underground are slightly cheaper (even though the style is a tad bit out of date). If you're looking for Yukata and Kimono or dance related costumes, you'll also find a couple of stores down here, though you'll have to walk to the very end to find them.
There's relatively fewer people underground, not as many tourists and a fair share of local people. You won't find any of the branded stuff down here, only...
Read moreShinjuku SUBNADE offers a convenient and diverse underground shopping and dining experience. Directly connected to Shinjuku Station, it's a great place to grab a quick bite, pick up souvenirs, or browse a variety of shops without having to navigate the bustling streets above. While not as high-end as some of Shinjuku's department stores, SUBNADE offers a good mix of affordable options and practical necessities. It's a particularly useful resource for travelers looking for a convenient place to find last-minute items or a quick and easy meal before catching a train. The variety of restaurants makes it a good spot to find something to suit...
Read moreCan't recall being asked to review an underground mall before. It's basically two long corridors with a bunch of shops. Not exactly a convenient routing, but on a rainy day it lets you get between the Seibu Shinjuku Station and the main Shinjuku tunnel network. That's the Marunouchi Line tunnel. There's a place called Haiti that serves Haitian style curry, and I liked that. Recently I've been visiting the Rakuten Mobile store, but I've never managed to catch an English-speaking staff member. I guess I can call it four stars, because even though the prices aren't especially attractive the location is...
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