5 Anime Set in Shinjuku, the Iconic Tokyo’s Neighborhood

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most famous and iconic neighborhoods, marked by vibrant nightlife. There are many neon signs, nightclubs, and karaoke among the main activities to do.

There is also the very famous Skyscraper District and many green areas where college students mainly go.

It’s a perfect setting for many anime due to its variety and beauty that many anime manage to exploit, such as City Hunter.

As always this listicle is purely based on our opinions and knowledge.

5. Death Note

We are sure you are familiar with Death Note, one of the most popular and famous anime ever, which has now become pop culture.

The long and captivating war of wits between Light and Detective L is and always will be one of the best rivalries and mental battles ever.

The story revolves around the Death Note, a mysterious supernatural notebook where you just type in the name of the person concerned and they will die. He will be found by Light, who will use him to exercise his distorted justice in the world.

Being set in Tokyo, Shinjuku obviously makes an appearance. And specifically, we will see its iconic train station, one of the most important in Japan.

4. Your Name

A real media phenomenon, hated by some but loved by many more. We are talking about Your Name, one of the most famous Makoto Shinkai movies.

Mitsuha is a high school student living in a rural town nestled in the mountains who dreams of life in Tokyo.

Taki is a student living in downtown Tokyo in its hustle and bustle. One day, they both dream of being in each other’s bodies. But is it really just a dream?

Your Name features a beautiful setting between city and countryside while boasting solid and fluid animations. It’s perfect if you want to watch a romantic movie, even though we warn you that the plot isn’t the most consistent ever.

And if you see Tokyo, Shinjuku is not to be missed. We’re about to make a huge spoiler about the ending though, so watch out, if you haven’t seen this movie yet, move on to the next title.

Those who have seen it will have the breathtaking final scene, where Taki and Mitsuha meet on the iconic staircase, firmly etched in their minds.

Those stairs, guess what, are actually in Shinjuku.

3. City Hunter

City Hunter is a manga by Tsukasa Hojo, later adapted into a remarkably successful anime of the same name.

The main character is Ryo Saeba, a private detective operating in a Tokyo described as dangerous and criminal. Along with him works Hideyuki with his sister Kaori, and all three together are hired for various tasks and jobs.

The anime features a self-contained or miniseries structure, each of which will employ the protagonists in different cases.

The setting, however, is quite vague, it must be admitted. Ryo is headquartered near Shinjuku, but we will see the protagonist group move around all over Tokyo, often leaving the neighborhood.

But if there is one thing City Hunter does well, that is to paint excellently the extravagance of Japan in the 1980s, the years when excess was the norm.

2. Garden of Words

A 2013 movie that can be described as breathtaking, both for its stupendous animation and its themes and plot. Truly a little gem.

Takao is a young student preparing to become an artisan shoemaker. One day, while skipping school to seek inspiration in a garden, he meets Yukino, an older woman.

Subsequently, the two will meet several times, never predetermining the next date, but always only on rainy days.

With each meeting, the two become more open to each other. But the end of the rainy season approaches, and they must make a choice about their relationship.

This wonderful movie that everyone should see is set in the equally wonderful Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which actually exists in Shinjuku.

1. Demon City Shinjuku

Like all productions animated by Madhouse, this is a must-see anime.

Violent clashes rage in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. A very near future in which the Earth is invaded by demons and the protagonist undertakes a desperate struggle to save humanity.

Kyoka, the young protagonist of this adventure, must confront the demonic menace by learning to master her powers and succeed where her father had failed.

The play finds its character in the bloody and violent madness that is masterfully portrayed on screen.

To keep up with the topic, we will see a futuristic, dark, and very creepy Shinjuku.