Tokyo: Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks

If you’re craving a taste of authentic Tokyo nightlife combined with local culinary delights, the Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour offers an inviting glimpse into the city’s vibrant drinking culture. This guided experience takes you through three renowned restaurants, each carefully picked to showcase Shinjuku’s lesser-known gems and authentic atmospheres.

What we love about this tour is its focus on local favorites that even many Tokyo residents rarely access, making it an experience that truly feels special. The inclusion of hearty food paired with drinks at each stop means you’ll leave feeling satisfied, not just tipsy. Plus, exploring with a knowledgeable guide, especially someone as well-connected as Mr. Omori, ensures you gain insights into the area’s history and hidden spots.

A potential consideration is that smoking may still be allowed in some restaurants, which could be a concern for sensitive guests. Also, the tour is designed for adults over 18, so it’s not suitable for children or the elderly over 95. This experience suits travelers who love food, drinks, and authentic local culture — especially if you’re keen to skip the tourist-heavy spots and explore Shinjuku from a more insider perspective.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Visit 3 renowned eateries that locals love but travelers rarely discover.
• Cultural Insight: Experience Japanese hashigo-zake, a traditional bar-hopping style of drinking.
• Expert Guidance: Led by Mr. Omori, a well-known Shinjuku expert and media personality.
• Hearty Meals & Drinks: Each restaurant offers substantial, reasonably priced food and drinks.
• Balance of Fun & Insight: Combines entertainment with cultural learning.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Shinjuku’s Hidden Gems: A Practical Breakdown

The Meeting Point and Initial Impressions

Starting in front of Uniqlo at Shinjuku West Exit, the easy-to-find meeting spot is perfect for travelers arriving via train or subway. The area instantly feels energetic — neon signs, busy streets, and a mix of modern and traditional Japanese architecture. This sets the scene for an adventure that’s both lively and authentic.

The Guide: A Local Expert in Shinjuku

Your guide, Mr. Omori, is not just a knowledgeable host but a true insider who has appeared on Japanese TV programs like Matsuko no Shiranai Sekai. His expertise means you’ll get more than just a casual drink crawl; you’ll gain context about the area’s history, culture, and the nuances of Japanese bar-hopping. His personal selection of restaurants ensures that each stop offers something special, and you’ll appreciate the stories behind each place.

The First Restaurant: A Local Favorite

Expect to step into a bustling eatery that’s famed among locals yet hidden from tourist maps. The atmosphere is warm, with a mix of regular patrons and curious visitors. The menu focuses on hearty, well-prepared Japanese dishes, paired with drinks that highlight local flavors. Guests have noted that these places are “some of the eateries Japanese people keep wanting to return to,” emphasizing their quality and authenticity.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Second Stop: A Hidden Gem

The second restaurant maintains an inviting, slightly more traditional vibe. Here, you’ll experience the Japanese hashigo-zake culture—bar-hopping as a social activity. This style of drinking isn’t just about alcohol; it’s about camaraderie and savoring the moment. Guests have described the experience as “fun and immersive,” where you can truly feel part of the local scene.

The Third Venue: An Iconic Yet Rarely Visited Spot

The final restaurant on your tour is a true highlight. It’s one of those places even locals rarely get into, much less travelers. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is hearty and reasonably priced. This stop makes the experience well-rounded, blending culinary delights with cultural insights.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, each restaurant offers hearty meals paired with drinks, giving you a satisfying experience rather than just a drinking session. The prices are considered reasonable for such authentic experiences, especially given the quality and ambiance. Reviewers mention that the stops are “places even locals rarely get into,” which adds a sense of discovery and exclusivity.

Timing, Group Size, and Duration

The tour is designed to be manageable, typically lasting a few hours, with a group size small enough to allow interaction and personalized attention. This makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience rather than a large, impersonal tour. It’s also convenient that the tour ends back at the starting point, so you can continue exploring Shinjuku on your own afterward.

Practical Aspects: Booking, Cost, and Flexibility

Priced at $140 per person, the tour offers a balanced value considering the inclusions—guided access to three renowned restaurants, hearty meals, and drinks. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, plus a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. That flexibility is helpful, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.

Considerations for Travelers

While the experience is immersive and enjoyable, smokers should be aware that some restaurants may allow smoking, which might affect sensitive guests. Also, the tour is not suitable for children or those over 95, so plan accordingly. The guide speaks English, making communication straightforward, but it’s always good to be aware of the cultural nuance in such social settings.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This Shinjuku bar-hopping experience is perfect for curious travelers eager to see a less touristy side of Tokyo. If you love good food, local drinks, and authentic cultural moments, this tour will deliver all three in a fun, relaxed setting. It’s especially ideal if you want insider access to spots that are off the beaten path and enjoy stories that add depth to your understanding of Japanese drinking culture.

The focus on hearty meals and reasonably priced drinks also means you’ll leave feeling satisfied, not just tipsy. Plus, exploring with a local expert like Mr. Omori elevates the experience beyond a simple bar crawl — it’s a taste of genuine Tokyo life.

However, if you prefer very strict non-smoking environments or traveling with children, this tour might not be the best fit. But for those seeking an authentic, intimate, and fun introduction to Shinjuku’s nightlife, it’s a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
Yes, the guide speaks English, making it easy to follow along and ask questions throughout the experience.

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $140 per person, which includes guided visits to three restaurants, hearty meals, and drinks.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in front of Uniqlo at the Shinjuku West Exit and finishes back at the same meeting point, convenient for continued sightseeing.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, the tour is not suitable for guests under 18 or over 95 years old.

What should I expect in terms of the environment?
You’ll visit lively restaurants, some of which may allow smoking. The atmosphere is friendly and authentic, with a mix of local regulars and curious visitors.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Shinjuku’s legendary bar scene, perfect for travelers wanting to enjoy good food, drinks, and local culture in a fun, relaxed setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: