Stores and Restaurants
Because you are moving into a new area, and most of the signs are in Japanese, it could be useful to have a list of useful stores and restaurants, along with their locations.
Supermarkets:
There are three supermarkets in the area near the station. It's a general rule in Japan that in the bottom of every department store there is a supermarket. They tend to be a bit smaller than their North American counterparts.
-Keio Store (in the station) definitely has the largest selection of foreign items, but also tends to be the most expensive.
-The Square (in the basement of the Square building) tends to have both meat and fish at cheaper prices than the others, but a smaller selection of other items.
-OPA (in the basement of the OPA department store) generally has cheaper produce than the others.
*There is also a small produce stand across from OPA that is always much cheaper than any of the supermarkets.
Stores:
-100 Yen Shop: There are numerous 100 Yen shops located in Seiseki, but the most central one is located on the 6 floor of the OPA building. It's called "Daiso". You can find anything there such as utensils, dishes, stationary, cleaning products, etc. It is the Japanese version of the Dollar Stores in North America.
-Kinokuniya Books: This is massive bookstore in Shinjuku, which has almost an entire floor specializing in English books, magazines, newspapers, maps, etc.
Many of the smaller bookstores in Seiseki have a tiny English section (if one at all), so Kinokuniya is a better option. To get there, exit the South Entrance of Shinjuku Station (between the Lumine buildings), and head towards the Times Square building (across the street and a five-minute walk away.)
You'll have to get to the far end of the building, but it's easily accessible and clearly marked.
-Sakuraya: This is an electronics store located on the 6th floor of the Keio building beside the station. It might not be the cheapest place to find electronic items, but their selection is fantastic and their location is convenient.
-Recycle Shops: There are two recycle (or second-hand) shops in the area,
and both are great for finding cheap but useful electronic items, furniture, and kitchenware. They are worth visiting regularly, because their stock is always changing. They will deliver if necessary, but be aware that their hours are sometimes unreliable.
One is located along Kawasaki Street, on the same side as the bank. If you've walked past the big, new Pachinko parlor, you've gone too far.
The other is located in the opposite direction from Mike's, but is approximately the same distance away. When leaving Mike's, turn left and stay on the same sidewalk the entire way. You will continue walking past the gas station,
and it's on the same side of the street. It is almost directly across the street from the car dealership, also on Kawasaki Street.
Restaurants:
Japanese food is obviously the most common in the area, and there are many affordable and delicious places to eat. However, if you're looking for ethnic cuisine, your options are fewer. If you head downtown, your choices are limitless.
Here are a few options in Seiseki:
-Saizeriya: If you're looking for high quality Italian cuisine, this isn't the place. But, the food is very cheap, they have many options, and the atmosphere is very relaxed. It's located on the main floor of The Square.
-Ubriaco: This is a much better Italian restaurant, but the prices are higher, the menu smaller, and the atmosphere a little quieter. It's located beside the Lawson convenience store on Kawasaki Street.
-Masala: If you want Indian food, your only option in Seiseki is here. The food is decent, the menu is large, and the atmosphere is quiet. It's located on the main floor of The Square, near the back of the building.
-100% Family: Don't let the name fool you - this is actually a bar. It's a North American style bar with great food and a large menu.
It's located along Kawasaki Street, but is situated a little bit off the road (there's a gravel parking lot in front.) Just look for the Heineken sign.
There are many options in and around the station area. You can find hamburgers, chicken, curry, Chinese food, steaks, soba, tempura, pastries, salads, along with other options within a 5-minute walk from the school.