Travel bucket list idea:

Drinks in Golden Gai

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

The Golden Gai in Shijuku. District with almost 200 tiny bars in six alleys- a glimpse of old Tokyo. One of few areas not to be rebuilt after earthquake or WW2 damage.

Credit Shutterstock.com/Jane Rix

Last updated: 07 July, 2024

A ramshackle collection of alleyways crammed with tiny bars, Golden Gai in Shinjuku is a low-rise 1960s throwback that has somehow managed to escape Tokyo’s thirst for redevelopment. It’s an atmospheric spot to soak up an authentic Tokyo cultural experience.

Some bars here specialize in cocktails, whiskey or craft beer, for others is a type of music or even a theme – try Deathmatch in Hell if you are a horror film fan or Bar Plastic Model to relive a 1980s childhood.

Other foreign-friendly, but not touristy bars to look out for are the gothic Albatross and English-speaking Ace.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 18

Age suitable: 18+

Frequency: annually

When: March, May and Sept

Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Most of the 200 or so bars here can barely squeeze in more than half a dozen drinkers at a time, which is why some limit themselves to regulars only. Many, however, welcome travellers – signs on the doors make that clear in most cases.

Also note that seating charges of up to 1,000 Yen per person apply, which can make bar hopping pricey. When you find a place you like, it’s worth settling in for at least a couple of drinks and a chat with the locals.

When to do it

Golden Gai doesn’t really get going until after 8pm, but don’t go too late. By 10pm, getting seats in the better places can be hard.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Tour

Tokyo

Viator

Let’s explore Tokyo's nightlife with an unforgettable journey through Shinjuku and the iconic Golden Gai. Wander down neon-drenched alleys, inhale the smoky aroma of sizzling skewers, and let the lively chatter and laughter fill your ears. Step into cozy, dimly-lit bars with retro decor from the 1950s, where each sip of sake warms you from within. Savor the crispy, juicy yakitori and the umami-packed flavors of local dishes, as the energy of this district brings Japan's old and new into vivid harmony.

Price $231

Min age 20

Rating 4.80 / 5 [219 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden gai bar hopping tour

Tokyo

Viator

Let’s enjoy the night life in the biggest business and drinking town Shinjuku! You will see modern Shinjuku with many high buildings and neon signs and also, tiny local bars and narrow streets which make you feel like time traveling to Tokyo in the 1950s, without getting “Lost in translation”. After meeting, we will take you to “Memory lane”, narrow streets full of small Yakitori(skewers) shops and restaurants and enjoy beer and Yakitori as our first spot. Then, we will move to the east part of Shinjuku as most of the businessmen there do after 5PM for the night life. We will explore around Kabukicho-area, one of the safest red-light district in the world with Robot restaurants and Godzilla head and enjoy the 2nd Izakaya. Then, move to our highlight “Golden-gai” where more than 200 tiny bars crammed into the miniature backstreets, enjoy the unique atmosphere and have the last drink there. *This is a group tour and all type of group is welcomed including solo-traveler.

Price $120

Min age 4

Rating 4.89 / 5 [119 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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