Tokyo: Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour

The Shinjuku district of Tokyo is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, and the Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in this captivating world. This guided excursion promises an evening of authentic Japanese flavors, flowing beverages, and a glimpse into the nostalgic alleyways and lively bars that make Shinjuku a must-visit destination for any discerning traveler. As the sun sets, the stage is set for an unforgettable exploration of the city’s captivating after-dark allure.

Key Points

• The Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour is a 2-3 hour experience that includes all-you-can-drink Japanese alcoholic beverages and 6-8 food items.
• The tour starts at either 1-chōme-2-6 Nishishinjuku or 1-chōme-1-4 Nishishinjuku and visits Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, and a local restaurant.
• Omoide Yokocho, also known as "Memory Lane," offers an authentic Japanese experience with izakaya and yakitori stalls, as well as traditional alcoholic beverages.
• Golden Gai is a unique area with over 300 bars, providing a glimpse into Shinjuku’s vibrant past and offering a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
• The tour is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with specific dietary restrictions, and participants must be at least 20 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour takes guests on a 2-3 hour exploration of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife.

Priced from $78.69 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and conducted in English.

Cancellations are eligible for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour visits Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, and a local restaurant, offering all-you-can-drink Japanese alcoholic beverages and 6-8 food items.

Travelers must be at least 20 years old, and vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific options aren’t available.

The tour is for international travelers, not Japanese individuals, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting locations for the Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour are either 1-chōme-2-6 Nishishinjuku or 1-chōme-1-4 Nishishinjuku. The tour comprises several stops, including Omoide Yokocho (1 hour for food and drinks), a photo stop at Golden Gai (30 minutes), a local restaurant (45 minutes for food and drinks), and more time at Golden Gai (45 minutes for drinks and food). The tour culminates at Shinjuku Station.

Stop	Duration	Activities
Omoide Yokocho	1 hour	Food and drinks
Golden Gai	30 minutes	Photo stop
Local Restaurant	45 minutes	Food and drinks
Golden Gai	45 minutes	Drinks and food

Exploring Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)

As guests step into Omoide Yokocho, they’re transported back in time. This nostalgic alleyway, also known as "Memory Lane", is lined with intimate izakaya (Japanese pubs) and yakitori (grilled chicken) stalls.

Guests can expect to:

1. Savor authentic Japanese fare, from skewered meats to savory noodle dishes.
2. Sip on a wide selection of traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages, including sake, beer, and shochu.
3. Immerse themselves in the retro atmosphere, with its dimly lit, narrow passageways and lively chatter.

Omoide Yokocho offers a glimpse into Shinjuku’s vibrant past, setting the stage for a truly immersive izakaya experience.

Discovering Golden Gai

After exploring the nostalgic charm of Omoide Yokocho, guests then venture into the vibrant Golden Gai district.

This warren of narrow alleyways is home to over 300 unique bars, each with its own distinct character. The guide leads the group on a photo stop, showcasing the district’s retro aesthetic and lively atmosphere.

Participants can peek into the cozy drinking dens, many seating only a handful of patrons.

The tour then returns to Golden Gai for a more immersive experience, allowing guests to savor local drinks and cuisine while soaking up the neighborhood’s intimate ambiance.

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Dining at a Local Restaurant

The tour then escorts the group to a local restaurant, where they can enjoy Shinjuku’s vibrant izakaya culture.

Guests can look forward to:

1. Sampling a variety of traditional Japanese small plates, known as "izakaya" dishes, which are designed to complement the flowing drinks.

2. Engaging in lively conversation with the guide and fellow tour members, as they soak up the lively atmosphere of the restaurant.

3. Gaining insights into the unique customs and etiquette of dining at an authentic Japanese izakaya, which differs from a typical Western dining experience.

Taking in Shinjuku’s Nightlife

Following their immersive dining experience at the local izakaya, the tour group now ventures into the heart of Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.

They’re led through the dazzling neon lights and narrow alleyways of the iconic Golden Gai district. Here, they explore over 300 uniquely themed bars, each with its own distinct atmosphere and charm.

The guide provides recommendations and insights, allowing the group to fully enjoy the local izakaya culture.

With included drinks and food, the tour offers a comprehensive taste of Shinjuku’s electrifying nightlife, creating lasting memories for the international visitors.

Inclusions and Important Information

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, the tour includes a variety of alcoholic drinks and food items. Participants can expect to enjoy:

1. Three alcoholic drinks, such as local Japanese beer, whisky, and sake.

2. 6-8 food items, including traditional Japanese izakaya-style snacks and small plates.

3. Alternatives for those under the legal drinking age of 20 in Japan.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with specific dietary restrictions.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and guests are kindly asked to refrain from attending if they’re overly intoxicated.

The overall tour experience is highly rated by previous participants.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Travelers have offered overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour, rating it an impressive 5 out of 5 stars based on 60 reviews. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and fun guide, Hiro, who made excellent bar selections. Tak, the exceptional host, was adaptable to individual needs. Ryota created a perfect atmosphere with engaging experiences. The overall value for money was rated 4.9 out of 5.

Reviewer	Highlights
Hiro	Knowledgeable and fun guide with great bar selections
Tak	Exceptional host, adaptable to individual needs
Ryota	Created a perfect atmosphere with engaging experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

The tour appears well-suited for solo travelers. The small group size and personalized experiences cater to individual needs, allowing solo participants to enjoy the nightlife safely and comfortably while seeing the local culture.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Just wear comfortable shoes and bring your curiosity and camera. The tour provides all the food, drinks, and guidance you’ll need to explore the bars and nightlife.

Can the Tour Be Adjusted for Different Dietary Needs?

The tour isn’t suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with specific allergies. However, the company can try to accommodate some dietary needs if notified in advance, though options may be limited.

How Experienced Is the Tour Guide?

The tour guides are experienced, knowledgeable, and adaptable. They curate a fun and engaging experience, making bar selections to accommodate individual needs and creating the perfect atmosphere for exploring Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.

How Punctual Do I Need to Be for the Meeting Time?

You’ll need to be punctual for the meeting time. The tour has a limited group size, so it’s crucial to arrive on time to ensure you don’t miss out on the experience. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.

The Sum Up

The Tokyo: Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour offers an immersive exploration of Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife. Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-drink selection of Japanese beverages and delectable local cuisine while discovering the nostalgic Omoide Yokocho and the unique bars of Golden Gai. This guided tour provides an authentic taste of Tokyo’s lively atmosphere, making it a must-experience for those seeking an unforgettable evening in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: