Shinjuku’s vibrant culinary scene comes alive through the "Golden Gai Hidden Eats" food tour. Over four hours, a knowledgeable guide leads a small group of up to 10 travelers to 3-4 local eateries, where they savor delicious regional dishes and traditional desserts. While the tour’s average rating is 3.3 stars, participants praise the incredible food and their guide’s expertise, making it an appealing choice for those seeking authentic Japanese flavors. But what we love about this tour, and why should you consider it for your next visit to Shinjuku?
Key Points

- This 4-hour culinary experience takes participants to 3-4 local eateries in the Shinjuku neighborhood, led by a master guide.
- The tour includes sampling of various local dishes, soft drinks, water, and local desserts, with a maximum of 10 travelers for a personalized experience.
- The meeting point is at Shinjuku Station’s South-East Gate, and the tour ends back at the same location.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not suit all travelers, with a minimum age requirement of 18 years old.
- The tour has received mixed reviews, with positive feedback mentioning the incredible experience and excellent guide, while negative feedback criticizes the disappointing food places and lack of explanation.
Overview of the Tour

The "Golden Gai Hidden Eats: A Personalized Shinjuku Food Tour" is a 4-hour culinary experience that takes visitors on a journey through the vibrant Shinjuku neighborhood.
Participants meet at the Shinjuku Station’s South-East Gate and are led by a master guide to 3-4 local eateries serving traditional Japanese dishes.
The tour includes soft drinks, water, and local desserts, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience provides a personalized and intimate exploration of Shinjuku’s hidden food gems.
The tour concludes back at the meeting point.
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Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the Shinjuku Station’s South-East Gate, where participants meet their master guide. The 4-hour food adventure takes explorers on a culinary journey through the hidden gems of Shinjuku. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the personalized experience ensures an intimate atmosphere.
| Meeting Point | Duration | Ending Point |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku Station, South-East Gate | 4 hours | Back at the meeting point |
| Maximum Travelers | Price Per Person | Cancellation Policy |
| 10 | From €191.31 | Free up to 24 hours before |
Inclusions and Exclusions

Although the tour price may seem high, the inclusions on this personalized Shinjuku food tour offer great value.
Travelers can expect to sample a variety of local dishes selected by a master guide, visiting 3-4 different restaurants. Soft drinks and water are included, as well as local desserts. The tour also provides pictures after the experience.
While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, the tour doesn’t include infant meals.
It’s important to note the health and safety requirements, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has age restrictions.
Health and Safety Considerations

As the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it may not be suitable for all travelers.
However, the tour does accommodate children, provided they’re accompanied by an adult.
Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Travelers must be at least 18 years old to participate, and infant meals aren’t included.
Reviews and Feedback

Based on the provided reviews, the tour has received a fairly average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars from a total of 3 reviews.
The positive feedback highlights the tour as an "incredible experience" with an "excellent guide" and "great food."
However, the negative feedback mentions "disappointing food places" and a guide who "lacked explanation."
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Booking and Confirmation

Customers receive confirmation of their booking upon completing their reservation for the "Golden Gai Hidden Eats: A Personalized Shinjuku Food Tour."
The tour provider states that this confirmation is provided immediately after the booking process. The confirmation includes:
- Tour details, such as date, time, and meeting location.
- Contact information for the tour guide.
- Cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
The tour is conveniently located near public transportation, and there’s no dress code required.
Customers can look forward to a personalized food experience in the heart of Shinjuku.
Accessibility and Transportation

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the restaurants visited may have limited accessibility.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Infants are allowed, but infant meals aren’t included.
Travelers must be at least 18 years old. Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to participate.
The tour is near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers to reach the meeting point at Shinjuku Station’s South-East Gate.
After the 4-hour experience, you will return to the original meeting location.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request Specific Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, guests can request specific dietary restrictions when booking the tour. The guide will accommodate these needs and ensure the selected restaurants and dishes cater to the dietary requirements of the group.
Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?
Yes, tickets should be purchased in advance. The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, and advance booking is required to secure a spot. Late bookings may not be available.
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?
There are no dress code requirements for this tour. Travelers can wear comfortable, casual clothing. The tour focuses on the food experiences, not on formal attire.
Can I Cancel the Tour After 24 Hours?
No, you cannot cancel the tour after 24 hours. The tour has a cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Any cancellation after that period would not be eligible for a refund.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?
There are no discounts or promotions mentioned for this tour. The price is fixed at €191.31 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
The Sum Up
The "Golden Gai Hidden Eats" tour offers foodies an intimate and authentic experience exploring Shinjuku’s vibrant culinary scene. With a knowledgeable guide, travelers can savor delicious regional dishes and traditional desserts across 3-4 local eateries. While the average rating is 3.3 stars, the tour’s incredible food and guide have earned praise from participants, making it an appealing choice for those seeking to enjoy Japanese flavors.
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