Tokyo Bar Hopping: Golden Gai, Kabukicho & Omoide Yokocho
Hit the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku to explore hidden bars and enjoy food and drinks in Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai.
Highlights
Go beyond the tourist hotspots and visit hidden and exclusive bars recommended by a famous Shinjuku bar expert
Drink Japanese alcohol like shochu and sake, and feast on classic izakaya pub fare like yakitori and atsuage (fried tofu)
Explore the historic districts of Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai with a knowledgeable guide
10 meals
Experience Details
On this bar-hopping adventure, tread off the beaten path and explore Shinjuku’s hidden and exclusive bars in Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai. All the bars and eateries you’ll visit have been vetted by a well-known Shinjuku expert and published author. Your expert guide will navigate the streets and take you to a unique and careful selection of spots to experience the best of Japan’s bar culture.
After meeting your guide, you’ll visit the first bar of the tour in Omoide Yokocho, aka “Memory Lane.” From its origins as a post-war black market to a Showa-era cultural hub, this narrow alleyway jammed with eateries gives off a nostalgic atmosphere. The unpretentious yet fulfilling fare and drinks attract locals and tourists alike. Sample classic dishes like yakitori and sip on shochu, or indulge in the bar’s specialty dish.
After Omoide Yokocho, head off to the neon-soaked streets of Kabukicho. Bursting at the seams with seedy clubs, karaoke bars, and countless restaurants, Kabukicho is the ultimate nightlife hub. Fried foods and beers are the perfect foods to offset the vibrant atmosphere.
The tour ends with drinks in Golden Gai, another tiny packed warren of bars imbued with a nostalgic Showa-era ambiance. Over 300 establishments crowd the narrow streets of this former red-light district, with some more well-known than others – in keeping with the tour’s theme, you’ll visit a bar unknown by most. Say cheers the Japanese way with a hearty “kanpai” and enjoy one last round of drinks with your guide before the tour ends.
Inclusions
Food and drinks at 3 establishments (4 dishes and 6 drinks in total)
English-speaking guide
Special souvenir
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the experience
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your guide at UNIQLO Shinjuku West near JR Shinjuku Station. More information and a Google Maps link will be shared upon booking.
Remarks
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the experience start time
Please inform your host of any allergies or dietary preferences when booking.
Guests under 20 years of age (Japan’s legal drinking age) are not permitted to attend
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 72 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
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10 meals
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