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Shinjuku Golden Gai
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Shinjuku Golden Gai

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Shinjuku Golden Gai
4
2,240 reviews
#1 of 26 things to do in Kabukicho
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Monday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the commuting capital of Tokyo, and contains the busiest train station in the world. To the west, there's an office district with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office at its center. To the east, there’s a district with long-established department stores, cinemas and theaters. Shinjuku Gyoen is a park originally built as the garden for the Imperial Household. It is quite famous as a venue for cherry-blossom viewing in March and April. In Shinjuku, many restaurants operate all night, and districts such as Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) or Shinjuku Golden Machi have back streets filled with tiny restaurants and bars that reflect each owner’s unique taste and style.
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Craft Beer Factory Shinjuku Ale
291
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Shinjuku East Entrance
215
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian
Aechtecture Cafe Sumika
88
0.2 mi$$ - $$$
Mugi no Oto
166
480 ft$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub • Contemporary • Pub
Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku
634
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Taiwanese
Nabezo Shinjuku-Sanchome
727
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian • Healthy
Teppan Baby Shinjuku
1,108
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Grill • Healthy
Nabezo Shinjuku Meijidori
191
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian • Healthy
Shisha enma Shinjuku Kabukicho
169
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Cafe • Pub
MO-MO-PARADISE Kabukicho
393
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
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Attractions
5,591 within 6 miles
Shinjuku Golden Gai Theater
1
85 ftTheaters
Hanazono Shrine Festival
20
178 ftCultural Events
Hanazono Shrine Tori no Ichi
25
178 ftCultural Events
Shikinoji, Shinjuku Promenade Park
42
287 ftParks
Shinjuku Subnade
25
305 ftShopping Malls
Kabukicho Red Norengai
9
399 ftScenic Walking Areas
Museum of Haiku Literature
6
305 ftSpeciality Museums
Omoide no Nukemichi
3
450 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Shinjuku Ophthalmologist Gallery
5
0.1 miArt Galleries
Shochiku Entertainment Shinjuku Kadoza
2
0.1 miTheaters
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See what other travelers are saying
  • Harald Gracholski
    Cologne, Germany6,898 contributions
    Maybe the best night out we had in Tokyo!
    Visiting Tokyo and not stopping at Golden Gai would be a waste of precious airplane fuel as the Shinjukus nightlife hotspot really is quite something. The narrow alleys filled with bars of ANY kind are an absolute Tokyo landmark and every visitor will find a place that is suited for his or her taste of music, drinks and people. Since we visited in 2019, so pre-corona days, it really is hard to imagine it being so cozy and cramped up again anytime soon, but we will forever hold this memory dear!
    Visited January 2020
    Written December 28, 2020
  • Madshus
    Canberra, Australia1,371 contributions
    Must see at night
    I didn't feel unsafe, but I was wandering around after dinner at around 8pm. It's a charming interesting bunch of lanes with tiny bars. They looked too squashy to go in with my two strapping young sons. But do take a look; it really is quite amazing to see the tiny bars each quite unique in style.
    Visited January 2020
    Written February 4, 2020
  • Juhi K
    Sydney, Australia426 contributions
    Superb vibes
    Excellent arra in Shinjuku to experience tiny bars seating about 3-6 people each. Run by interesting characters. The place has approximately 300 bars we got told. We drank at about 5 over the course of 2 visits. Met and chatted to very interesting people. Recommend going to ones with locals to have a drink and chat about Japanand hear from a local.
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,240 reviews
Excellent
995
Very good
752
Average
369
Poor
87
Terrible
37
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany6,898 contributions
Maybe the best night out we had in Tokyo!
Jan 2020
Visiting Tokyo and not stopping at Golden Gai would be a waste of precious airplane fuel as the Shinjukus nightlife hotspot really is quite something. The narrow alleys filled with bars of ANY kind are an absolute Tokyo landmark and every visitor will find a place that is suited for his or her taste of music, drinks and people. Since we visited in 2019, so pre-corona days, it really is hard to imagine it being so cozy and cramped up again anytime soon, but we will forever hold this memory dear!
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madshus
Canberra, Australia1,371 contributions
Must see at night
Jan 2020
I didn't feel unsafe, but I was wandering around after dinner at around 8pm. It's a charming interesting bunch of lanes with tiny bars. They looked too squashy to go in with my two strapping young sons. But do take a look; it really is quite amazing to see the tiny bars each quite unique in style.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juhi K
Sydney, Australia426 contributions
Superb vibes
Jan 2020 • Couples
Excellent arra in Shinjuku to experience tiny bars seating about 3-6 people each. Run by interesting characters. The place has approximately 300 bars we got told. We drank at about 5 over the course of 2 visits. Met and chatted to very interesting people. Recommend going to ones with locals to have a drink and chat about Japanand hear from a local.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alajournal
Bratislava, Slovakia10 contributions
Worth seeing but awkward bar experience
Apr 2019
I give one point, just because of the experience of seeing it and walking in these peculiar little streets. Empty with closed bars during the day, still interesting to visit. I returned in the evening. However, I should have avoided “enjoying a drink inside”. I wanted to have a drink to make my evening visit really authentic and I entered a bar ordering a drink, sake - being in Japan. When a couple entered shortly after me, the bar keeper told me to move from my seat to another seat and this couple was seated. We started having a conversation with this couple, they were from the U.S.A. The bar keeper was in the door, to lure some more customers into his bar and then we were made to move again, so that the newcomers could be seated and the bar keeper somehow tried to instigate a conversation among us. It felt a bit awkward, but the space was really small. I found the guests pleasant and interesting, though. However, a short while later, we were asked if we wanted to order another drink. If not, we should finish our drinks and leave as he has a reservation and he needs the bar. So much about “enjoying a drink inside”. Less than 20 minutes gone and I was out again. Maybe it could be enjoyable coming with a party of exactly the amount of friends just fitting into the bar and just have as much time as necessary for you to enjoy your drink.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan B
Atlanta, GA866 contributions
Super fun bar district
Apr 2023
I haven’t been to the Golden Gai bar district since the pandemic and it was so nice to be back and have some fun! As it would be, there was a festival that weekend (Cherry Blossoms?) and it was a great excuse for all the bars to have special drinks and longer hours so a perfect time to visit. We enjoyed walking around the tight alleys looking for places that did NOT have cover charges which seem to be more common now to keep foreigners out. If you are not from Japan I would recommend Albatross. I would definitely recommend you start at this bar – they are so friendly and the backstory is it was started by an Australian who wanted a safe bar for foreigners to hang out in with NO cover charge so they could make friends. The spirit is still alive and we had an amazing time. These are not upscale bars so dress and act accordingly and you will have a great time. Bring cash and many dont accept credit cards.
Written May 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tokyo J
Anglesey, UK328 contributions
A Fun Night Out
Apr 2023 • Friends
Golden Gai is an area comprised of a number of alleys with around 300 small bars - most of which can only fit around 10 people. It is becoming very popular once more with foreign tourists who come for the experience and a fun night out on a pub crawl. Each bar is different but you'll find most of them to be very lively and have an owner who can regale you with a story or two. For an enjoyable night out in which you're bound to make new friends, come to Golden Gai.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maximilian
Germany247 contributions
Must visit Place in Tokyo
Jul 2023
My visit to Shinjuku Golden Gai was an unforgettable experience that certainly deserves a solid five stars. This iconic nightlife district in Tokyo is a maze of narrow alleys, filled with over 200 tiny bars and eateries. Each spot has its own unique vibe, from punk rock and jazz to movie-themed bars. There's always a sense of discovery as you wind your way through the streets. It's a unique glimpse into Tokyo's past and an absolute must-visit for any traveler.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,152 contributions
Like stepping back in time.
May 2023 • Solo
Really good vibe. Some owners can be a bit unfriendly so make sure you read up on any cover charges or if they accept card or cash before going into a bar. I was a solo female traveller. It was fine but stick to the outside parts where they have food as well. Nice to also take a walk in the day when it is quiet and you can photograph. They don't really like you to do it at night. Great atmosphere otherwise and like stepping back in time.
Written May 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seymour Butts
London, UK12 contributions
Overrated and overpriced
Apr 2023 • Friends
Wanna overcome your fear of being in close proximity with drunken strangers? This is where foreign visitors go drinking in Tokyo. Japanese customers also come here but tend to stick to bars which are not predominantly foreign. Many places here have a seating charge which may offer a small bar snack, then drinks are still around ¥800 each, hence poor value for money. In contrast, traditional izakayas elsewhere with a small seating fee often means drinks and food are at absolute bargain prices.
Looking to hook up with foreign travellers with beer goggles on? This place is a decent start. Don't miss your last train back to your capsule hotel.

Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sophia
Japan42 contributions
Amazing place
Dec 2019 • Friends
This is a famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo called "Golden Gai".
There are many small bars where you can enjoy a variety of drinks.
People from different countries are visiting and you can talk and interact.
It was a very very amaszing place for a valuable experience.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Shinjuku Golden Gai - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Shinjuku Golden Gai Information

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