Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl

Tokyo , Japan

Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl

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About this experience

No trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing its rich nightlife. This walking tour throws you deep into the heart of late night Shinjuku! This unique tour aims to deliver a genuine Japanese experience by giving you the opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals in a few carefully selected bars where the friendly owners and regulars personally know me and love socializing with newcomers. We will also visit Piss Alley, but don't worry, its days as a spot for people to relieve themselves has long gone - instead it houses a series of small shops. Shinjuku at night might seem a little intimidating and confusing to explore on your own, however accompanied with me, learn some interesting facts and will be guaranteed to have a night to remember.

Available options

Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl

What's included

Professional guide service

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Golden Gai, an area crammed with hundreds of intimate bars that hold only a handful of drinkers.

Kabukicho, red light district, where you can take in the buzzing atmosphere and vibrant neon lights,

Stop 3

Know as "Piss Alley"!

What's not included

Alcoholic Beverages

Food & Drinks

Guide's Food & Drinks (please cover)

Table charges

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

16 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

34 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please ensure punctuality. The tour will end on time at 9:00 pm even if you arrive late. Please note that the tour will be canceled without a refund if you fail to arrive by 7:15 pm, regardless of the reason.

Please note that if you wish to enter a bar during the tour, you must pay for all drinks and table charges on the spot, including the tour guide's ones.

All bars and izakaya pubs in this area require ordering at least one drink per person who enters or sits at the bar, even when a customer or the tour guide doesn't want to eat or drink anything.

For smooth meeting, we kindly request that you share a photo of yourselves with us. This will help your guide recognize you at the meeting point.

As many of these bars only accept cash payments we would like to remind you to bring enough cash to cover for all charges.

Meeting point

Important notes

Please meet your guide in front of Shinjuku Alta. Alta is on Shinjuku-dori street just across from the East Exit of the JR Shinjuku Station. It is identifiable by a massive screen. The star sign on this image (exit B13 of metro subway) is where your guide will be standing: https://goo.gl/1CAU69

- Please ensure punctuality. The tour will end on time at 9:00 pm even if you arrive late. Please note that the tour will be canceled without a refund if you fail to arrive by 7:15 pm, regardless of the reason.
- Please note that if you wish to enter a bar during the tour, you must pay for all drinks and table charges on the spot, including the tour guide's ones.
- All bars and izakaya pubs in this area require ordering at least one drink per person who enters or sits at the bar, even when a customer or the tour guide doesn't want to eat or drink anything.
- For the smooth meeting, we kindly request that you share a photo of yourselves with us. This will help your guide recognize you at the meeting point.
- If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an e-mail anytime at hello@gaijintours.com

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

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

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

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

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.