Tokyo: Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour (Neon Light City)

Shinjuku’s nightlife is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. The "Tokyo: Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour" promises an immersive 3-hour journey through this vibrant district, uncovering its lesser-known gems. Guided by a local expert, you will savor authentic dishes, sip on local brews, and capture the mesmerizing neon sights that define Shinjuku’s character. Whether seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture or simply a night of adventure, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

1. A 3-hour immersive tour exploring the Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho neighborhoods of Shinjuku, known for their vibrant nightlife and traditional Japanese establishments.

2. Participants will visit two izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and sample authentic local fare, including chicken skewers and whale meat, as well as sake and sours.

3. The tour includes a guided photo stop in Kabukicho, showcasing the dazzling neon lights and the iconic Godzilla statue, providing an opportunity to capture memorable shots.

4. The final stop features a selection of local beers, gyoza, karaage, and motsunikomi stew, along with a dessert, offering a comprehensive taste of Tokyo’s nightlife.

5. The tour is led by Kazuki, a local Shinjuku resident, who focuses on hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring an immersive and highly-rated tour for participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Tokyo: Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour offers a 3-hour immersive experience for up to 6 participants.

Priced from $111.48 per person, the tour starts at the LUSH cafe, a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s Central East exit.

Guests can explore the vibrant Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho neighborhoods, sampling local food and drinks.

The tour includes visits to two izakayas, photo ops, and a final stop to enjoy beers, gyoza, and more.

Led by a local guide named Kazuki, the tour emphasizes authentic experiences, focusing on regional cuisine and nightlife.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

As the tour begins, guests will first visit the vibrant Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alleyway known for its izakayas and traditional-style pubs.

They’ll explore two of these lively establishments, savoring chicken skewers and the unique taste of whale meat, while sipping on sake and sours.

Next, the group will venture to the bright lights of Kabukicho, where they’ll take a guided photo tour, admiring the neon signs and the iconic Godzilla statue.

The final stop features local beers, gyoza, karaage, and a hearty motsunikomi stew, plus a delightful dessert.

Omoide Yokocho

Guests begin the tour by exploring the vibrant Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alleyway renowned for its lively izakayas and traditional-style pubs. Here, visitors will visit two izakayas to savor authentic Japanese fare and drinks. The tour focuses on local favorites like chicken skewers and whale meat, paired with sake and sours. The experience in Omoide Yokocho lasts one hour, with 30 minutes spent at each izakaya.

Item	Description
Izakayas Visited	2
Duration	1 hour (30 minutes each)
Food	Chicken skewers, whale meat
Drinks	Sake, sours

Kabukicho

After exploring the izakayas of Omoide Yokocho, the tour then heads to the vibrant Kabukicho district.

The guide leads the group on a 30-minute photo stop and guided tour, showcasing the district’s neon lights and the iconic Godzilla statue.

Participants have the opportunity to:

• Capture the dazzling neon lights
• Marvel at the Godzilla statue
• Enjoy a final stop of local beers, gyoza, karaage, and motsunikomi stew, with a dessert included.

The Kabukicho segment provides a glimpse into the energetic nightlife of Tokyo, complementing the authentic culinary experiences of the earlier part of the tour.

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Experience and Guide

What sets this tour apart is the guide, Kazuki, a local Shinjuku resident who leads the experience. Kazuki’s deep knowledge of the neighborhood’s hidden gems provides an authentic, insider’s perspective.

He focuses on sharing the local food and drink, immersing guests in the vibrant nightlife. Guests will visit izakayas, sample traditional dishes like chicken skewers and whale meat, and try Japanese spirits and beers.

The tour emphasizes discovering Tokyo’s vivid after-dark atmosphere, from the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho to cozy backstreet bars. Kazuki’s passion for his community shines through, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Food and Drinks

The food and drinks are a key highlight of this tour. Guests can sample a variety of local fare, including:

• Chicken skewers and whale meat at the izakayas in Omoide Yokocho
• Oden, karaage, gyoza, and motsunikomi stew at the final stop in Kabukicho
• Sake, sours, and local beers throughout the experience

The guide, Kazuki, curates these authentic culinary experiences to showcase the diversity of Japanese cuisine and beverages.

This immersive food and drink tour provides an intimate glimpse into Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife and allows participants to savor the flavors of Tokyo.

Important Information

While this Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour offers an immersive experience, it may not be suitable for all participants.

The tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, children under 18, vegans, or vegetarians. Guests are also not allowed to bring pets, baby strollers, or baby carriages.

However, the tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on 9 reviews, highlighting the insightful guide and unique food experiences.

Participants can expect to discover Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, indulge in local delicacies, and explore the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, providing a truly authentic Japanese adventure.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive, the Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour boasts an impressive 5/5 rating based on 9 customer reviews.

As one guest noted, the tour offers a "truly authentic local experience", highlighting the guide’s expertise and enthusiasm.

Another reviewer praised the "uniquely delicious food and drinks", citing standout dishes like whale meat and the motsunikomi stew.

Many also commended the tour’s intimate group size, allowing for personalized attention from the guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

No, bringing your own food or drinks is not allowed on the tour. The tour includes a variety of local food and drinks as part of the experience, so participants are expected to consume the items provided during the tour.

Are Solo Travelers Welcome on This Tour?

Solo travelers are welcome on this tour. The tour group size is limited to 6 participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. Travelers can book their spot and enjoy the guided tour independently.

Is This Tour Suitable for Individuals With Dietary Restrictions?

According to the tour details, it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. However, it may accommodate other dietary restrictions if communicated in advance. Guests should check with the tour operator for specific dietary needs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specific dress code. Guests can wear comfortable, casual attire. However, it’s recommended to dress appropriately for exploring the bars and nightlife in Shinjuku.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour is not suitable for children under 18 years old. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to join the tour and experience the local bars and nightlife in Shinjuku.

The Sum Up

This immersive Shinjuku bar tour offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife. Participants can savor traditional Japanese fare, capture stunning photos, and indulge in local beverages, all while exploring the famed Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Tokyo explorer, this 3-hour experience promises an unforgettable adventure through the neon-lit city.

You can check availability for your dates here: