Explore the Hidden Local Bars in Shinjuku – 3.5 Hours

Exploring the hidden local bars of Shinjuku is a captivating way to immerse ourselves in Tokyo’s vibrant drinking culture. Over 3.5 hours, we’ll discover unique izakayas and savor authentic Japanese dishes, all while enjoying three complimentary alcoholic beverages. Guided by a knowledgeable local, this intimate experience offers genuine connections with the local community and an unforgettable night in one of Japan’s most bustling entertainment districts. Let’s uncover the secrets of Shinjuku’s nightlife and elevate our understanding of Japanese culture.

Key Points

1. A 3.5-hour evening tour that takes visitors to hidden bars and izakayas in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo.
2. Guided by a local who provides insights into Japanese drinking and dining traditions.
3. Includes three alcoholic drinks and at least six food items across three izakaya stops.
4. Maximum group size of 10 travelers, with overall positive reviews praising the guides’ friendliness and knowledge.
5. Cultural tips on etiquette, such as tipping, indicating drink quantities, and talking quietly in social settings.

Tour Overview

This evening tour of Shinjuku’s traditional pubs offers a chance to immerse ourselves in Tokyo’s vibrant drinking and dining culture.

Over 3.5 hours, we’ll explore a maximum of 10 travelers per group, starting at 6:30 PM near the 3rd Burger in Shinjuku.

Our local guide will lead us to hidden bars and izakayas, where we’ll sample authentic Japanese cuisine and drinks.

Along the way, we’ll gain insights into local nightlife etiquette.

The tour ends near Golden Street in Kabukicho, though transportation isn’t included.

Inclusions and Pricing

The cost of this evening tour ranges from $101.30 per person, with variation based on the size of the group.

The tour includes:

• A local guide to introduce us to Tokyo’s drinking and dining culture
• Three alcoholic drinks for those 20 and older
• At least six food items across three different izakaya stops

Transportation isn’t included, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off.

However, the tour does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. This makes it a flexible option for exploring Shinjuku’s hidden local bars.

Experience Highlights

As we explore Shinjuku’s hidden local bars, we’ll have the opportunity to sample authentic Japanese cuisine and drinks at three different izakayas. Our guided tour will provide a unique insight into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and local etiquette.

Highlight	Description
Food and Drinks	Savor a variety of Japanese dishes and beverages at the izakayas.
Cultural Insight	Gain a deeper understanding of Tokyo’s drinking and dining traditions.
Unique Locations	Discover hard-to-find bars and restaurants that may be difficult to access independently.

This immersive experience promises to be a memorable evening, allowing us to truly connect with the local culture.

Participant Feedback

How do past participants rate this tour? Based on 24 reviews, the overall rating is 4.2 out of 5.

Here are three key takeaways from participant feedback:

1. Guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, with reviewers mentioning guides like Miharu, Fumi, and Minoru.

2. Participants enjoy the authentic Japanese cuisine and drinks at the three izakayas visited, with many citing memorable experiences.

3. However, some guides lacked direction or engagement, and solo travelers reported issues with the group size and overall experience.

This feedback suggests the tour provides a solid culture, but consistency in guide performance could be improved.

Meeting Point and Start Time

Where exactly does the tour meet? The tour meets at 7-chōme-10-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, in front of 3rd Burger at 6:30 PM.

This central location in the heart of Shinjuku is convenient and easy to find. The tour starts promptly at the scheduled time, so it’s important to arrive on time.

The end point is near Golden Street in Kabukichō, about a 15-minute walk from the starting point. With a maximum group size of 10, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience discovering the hidden local bars of Shinjuku.

Food and Drinks on the Tour

The highlight of the tour is sampling authentic Japanese cuisine and drinks at three different izakayas, or traditional pubs.

We’ll enjoy at least six food items and three alcoholic beverages (for those 20 and older) across the stops. This offers a chance to:

1. Savor delectable Japanese dishes like yakitori, okonomiyaki, and kushiage.
2. Sip on local beers, sakes, and highballs to truly immerse ourselves in Tokyo’s vibrant drinking culture.
3. Learn about proper etiquette and social norms from our knowledgeable local guide.

This culinary and cultural experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Cultural Insights and Local Etiquette

Along With sampling the flavorful cuisine and drinks, this tour offers a guided introduction to Tokyo’s nightlife and local etiquette. As we explore the hidden bars of Shinjuku, our knowledgeable guide will share insights into proper etiquette and cultural norms:

Etiquette Tip	Explanation
Tipping	Tipping is not expected in Japan.
Ordering Drinks	Indicate how many drinks you’d like by holding up fingers.
Smoking Areas	Designated smoking areas are common in bars and restaurants.
Noise Levels	Talking quietly and avoiding loud noises is considered polite.

These nuanced cultural cues will enhance our understanding and appreciation of the local drinking culture.

Additional Information

Wheelchair accessibility is limited, as the tour takes place in the narrow streets and alleys of Shinjuku.

However, the experience is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

Confirmation details are provided at booking, unless booked within one day of travel. Travelers must be 20 or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

Key things to know:

1. Public transportation is recommended, as no hotel pickup or drop-off is provided.
2. Solo travelers may find the group dynamic challenging, as the maximum group size is 10.
3. While photos are included, some guests reported issues receiving them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should Participants Wear on This Tour?

For this tour, we recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothing. As we’ll be walking between bars, flat, closed-toe shoes are a good choice. Dress in layers as the temperature can vary between indoor and outdoor locations.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary Restriction Options Available?

We’re pleased to say that the tour can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary needs. Just let the tour operator know in advance, and they’ll make sure to include suitable food options during the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own alcohol on the tour. The tour includes three alcoholic drinks, which are provided as part of the experience. Bringing outside alcohol would not be permitted.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

We’ll be doing a moderate amount of walking during the tour, visiting around 3 different izakayas in the Shinjuku area. While the walking isn’t extensive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the experience.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Other Activities in Shinjuku?

The tour guide will likely provide recommendations for other activities and attractions in Shinjuku based on our interests. They’re familiar with the area and can suggest places to explore before or after the bar tour.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the vibrant drinking culture of Tokyo on this captivating 3.5-hour evening tour. Discover unique izakayas, savor authentic Japanese dishes, and enjoy three complimentary alcoholic beverages. This intimate experience, limited to just ten travelers, allows for genuine connections with local culture and an unforgettable night in one of Japan’s most bustling entertainment districts.