Kabukicho , Japan

Shinjuku Tokyo Bar Exploration Tour

Active

(1 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

My name is Koichi. I will guide you to underground restaurants in Shinjuku.
This plan includes some drinks and food in the price by default.

Shinjuku's Kabukicho is an underground place. "Golden area" is an even deeper place, lined with bars that have an atmosphere like the Japanese version of the speakeasy bars of the US prohibition era.

I will introduce three places, selected by me.

Koichi, our guide, lives in Shinjuku Ward, about 15 minutes by car from Kabukicho.

I know about Shinjuku a lot, and I'm very good at English.

I previously lived in Manhattan and Philadelphia for about two years around 2011. I am a certified public accountant of the United States.

I have many friends in the United States, Europe, Taiwan, China, Thailand, the Middle East, etc., and is very friendly.

Available options

Shinjuku Tokyo Bar Exploration Tour

What's included

A bowl of Ramen at the 3rd place

3 types of platter dishes at the 2nd place

Guide

Welcome drink: 2 drinks at the first place

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Shinjuku's Kabukicho is an underground place. "Golden area" is an even deeper place, lined with bars that have an atmosphere like the Japanese version of the speakeasy bars of the US prohibition era.

I will introduce three bars, selected by me. The first one is “Shino”. It has been open for 43 years, and its platter dishes are popular. The owner is very personable.

Stop 2

The second restaurant is a French restaurant called CANARD. The owner is French and the wife is Japanese. Even if you don't like Japanese food, you should be able to enjoy this restaurant's fusion of Western and Japanese cuisine. It's not in the Golden Gai area, but in the adjacent area, but you can still enjoy the mysterious atmosphere.

Stop 3

he third is the ramen restaurant Hayashida. The ramen is based on chicken bones, so it can be eaten with peace of mind regardless of your religious beliefs. It is a restaurant that serves very delicious ramen.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

There is a general goods store called Don Quixote. It's in the corner in front of the intersection. It's a building with a very flashy red sign, so you should be able to find it easily.

About Kabukicho

Kabukicho is Tokyo's most famous red-light district and entertainment hub, located in Shinjuku. Known for its neon lights, themed cafes, and vibrant nightlife, it's a microcosm of Japan's pop culture and nightlife. By day, it's a more subdued commercial area, but after dark, it transforms into a neon wonderland with endless entertainment options.

Top Attractions

Golden Gai

A maze of narrow alleys packed with tiny bars, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere. Golden Gai is a must-visit for those looking to experience Tokyo's nightlife.

Entertainment 1-3 hours Free to enter bars (drinks cost ¥500-¥1,000 each)

Omoide Yokocho

A narrow alleyway filled with tiny izakayas (Japanese pubs) and yakitori (grilled skewer) stalls. Omoide Yokocho offers a nostalgic glimpse into old Tokyo.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate (dishes cost ¥500-¥1,500 each)

Godzilla Head

A giant Godzilla head perched atop the Toho Cinema building. This iconic landmark is a popular photo spot and a symbol of Kabukicho.

Iconic Landmark 15-30 minutes Free

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A beautiful and spacious garden featuring traditional Japanese, French, and English landscape designs. It's a peaceful oasis in the heart of bustling Tokyo.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥500

Must-Try Local Dishes

Yakitori

Grilled skewers of chicken, often seasoned with salt or tare (a sweet soy-based sauce). A popular street food and izakaya dish.

Snack Can be made with various meats and vegetables, but traditionally features chicken.

Ramen

A popular Japanese noodle dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and topped with various ingredients.

Main course Can be made with different types of broth and toppings, including vegetarian options.

Sushi

A dish consisting of prepared vinegared rice, usually with some sugar and salt, accompanied by other ingredients such as raw fish and vegetables.

Main course Can be made with various types of fish and vegetables, including vegetarian options.

Okonomiyaki

A savory pancake containing a variety of ingredients, including cabbage, meat, seafood, and cheese. It is often topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes.

Main course Can be made with various ingredients, including vegetarian options.

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby mountains Exploring themed cafes and bars Nightlife experiences Visiting parks and gardens Enjoying a traditional onsen (hot spring) Shopping and dining Visiting temples and shrines Exploring historic sites

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. These seasons are ideal for exploring the area during the day and experiencing the nightlife.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken (varies by establishment and individual)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kabukicho is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings, especially at night. The area is well-lit and patrolled by police, but petty crime and scams can occur, particularly in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
• Use reputable tour operators and ticket vendors

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles)
Haneda Airport • 20 km (12 miles)

By train

Shinjuku Station

By bus

Shinjuku Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Tokyo Metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. Kabukicho is served by several subway lines, including the Shinjuku Line, Yamanote Line, and Saikyo Line.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Golden Gai Omoide Yokocho Kabukicho Central

Day trips

Mount Takao

50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day

A popular hiking destination near Tokyo, offering scenic trails, beautiful views, and the historic Yoshino Shrine. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife and is a great place to enjoy nature.

Kamakura

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

A historic coastal town known for its numerous temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue. Kamakura offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past and is a popular destination for history and culture lovers.

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) • Full day to overnight

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning natural beauty, historic temples, and shrines. Nikko is a popular destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Festivals

Shinjuku Ebisukyo Festival • Mid-October Shinjuku Winter Illuminations • Late November to early February Shinjuku Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to early April

Pro tips

Visit Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho in the evening to experience the vibrant nightlife and atmosphere
Try themed cafes and bars for a unique and immersive experience
Explore the area on foot to discover hidden gems and narrow alleys
Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and efficient public transportation
Be cautious of scams and overcharging at bars and restaurants, especially in crowded areas