Shinjuku Bar Hopping: Experience Local Nightlife and Cultural Attractions

Experience the hidden, darker side of Shinjuku’s nightlife and cultural attractions. Visit local bars, play pachinko, and explore game centers. Pray for safety at the largest shrine and enjoy traditional sweets and souvenirs.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Omoide Yokocho - When we are gathered, let’s get to know each other. Then, prepare to immerse yourself in Shinjuku’s drinking street, known as Memory Lane.

We’ll start at Memory Lane and explore the nostalgic Showa-era taverns. You’ll enjoy the atmospheric contrast compared to the bustling business district of Kabukicho in Shinjuku.

In Memory Lane, you’ll also get a glimpse of Shinjuku’s history. Let’s walk down this street, allowing your imagination to wander towards the background of how this lane came into existence and the daily lives of the people back then!

Since it’s not always easy to come across retro scenes, We recommend capturing them in photographs!

We will stop by one of the pubs and enjoy some Japanese street food, such as skewered meat (Yakitori), beer stew, or seafood. Also, you will find the iconic Highball, an alcoholic beverage originating from this very place.

Let’s enjoy local foods and drinks here.

What's Included
  • Dinner
  • Local and Professional Guide
  • Entry/Admission - Shinjuku Golden Gai
  • Photos taken during the tours
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Transportation fee to meeting points
Additional Information

It’s both fun and efficient to visit three places in the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku.
Shinjuku may seem glamorous at first glance, I can introduce you to a bit of its hidden, darker side, visible only to the locals. You can savor the culture not just through dining but also by seeing a pachinko (a unique Japanese gambling game) and playing some games at game centers. We’ll visit the largest shrine in Shinjuku, right in the heart of the neon-lit streets, and you can pray for safety and enjoyment during your future travels.

During the tour, we will convert guests’ names into Chinese characters(KANJI) and provide a handwritten gift. I’ll offer Japanese dagashi (traditional sweets) as souvenirs. I’ll introduce and let you try the latest products from convenience stores, always up-to-date with current trends.

A guide, with experience traveling to over 20 countries, will make your tour not only about Japanese culture and history but also a wide range of interesting topics.

Location
UNIQLO
â—†From Shinjuku Station Go to the west exit and head to the Uniqlo West Exit Store. The guide will be the narrow street by the store with "Shingo Travel" yellow board.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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H672xxtomm
Aug 30, 2024
Fun tour even on your own! - Shingo was an amazing guide, Even though I was the only one on the tour (incoming typhoon, so others cancelleld!) we had a great time and visited some places I would not have found on my own. We even meet up with others from his previous tour for drinks at the end. Will be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrick_c
Aug 22, 2024
Expert and easy going bar hopping. - 5++. This is your English speaking local, a friend in Tokyo. Expert and easy going bar hopping in these deep waters. He showed us a great time and we learned a lot about in Tokyo. This is your man. Phenomenal communication, we got delayed a bit and he was in constant contact on WhatsApp. That was very impressive and reassuring.
Review provided by Viator
532michellen
Jul 31, 2024
The best addition to our trip! - Shingo was so helpful before I even arrived in Japan. I booked a tour and then couldn't find another one with the things I wanted, so Shingo customized the tour for us. He graciously even helped me set up other reservations that were difficult to do outside of Japan. I felt so comforted knowing I could message him while I was there. Shingo has the best attitude and is so knowledgeable about the area. He also went to college in the U.S. so he understood what we mind find more comfortable. Definitely hire Shingo for the beginning of your trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure60509773586
Jul 27, 2024
Entertaining tour with Shingo - Loved the bar hopping with Shingo. He knows all the back streets and bars and is really funny. He helped us understand this part of Tokyo and is really knowledgeable and friendly (a biology degree from Alabama!!) A great night out ! Will definitely look you up if we come back !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K6573iifrankb
Jul 9, 2024
A return customer recommends this Shingo Travel tour - I'm a return customer. Touring with Shingo is like having an old friend show you around his hometown and teach you about the local sites and customs. This tour we visited three bars that we would probably have never found on our own. These varied from a back alley izakaya to a high end sake bar with a sky view. The food sampling was delicious, as were the various sake drinks we consumed. Our izakaya host was particularly entertaining. Shingo helped us get pictures of the sake bottles we liked and explained their style and history. Our conversation was fun and educational. I highly recommend Shingo Travel and will take another tour when I return to Japan. Thanks Shingo for a wonderful evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeffhalliwell
Apr 30, 2024
Great night out - Excellent night out with Shingo, he took us to great places that you wouldn't know how to find. Really good food and good company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trang
Mar 27, 2024
A Night to Remember with Shingo in Shinjuku! - Our bar hopping tour in Shinjuku with Shingo was an absolute highlight of our Tokyo trip! With just the three of us, Shingo felt more like an old friend showing us around his favorite local spots rather than a formal guide. His warmth and friendliness set the tone for a fantastic evening. Each bar/restaurant Shingo chose was unique and delightful, giving us a taste of the real Shinjuku nightlife that only a local could provide. We can't thank him enough for the laughter and memories. Highly recommended for an intimate and authentic exploration of Tokyo's nightlife!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kentaro
Dec 17, 2023
Great tour in Shinjuku! - I highly recommend going to Japanese pubs in Shinjuku with Shingo! We visited several pubs with deep and good vibes. Not only did we explore brand-new Izakaya, but he also took us to atmospheric tiny alleys with great masters. At the end of the tour, he provided us with a list of recommended ramen noodle places, which actually helped us a lot! Reach out to him for a great time out in Shinjuku!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage09331183673
Nov 30, 2023
Love u shingo! - It was Great!! I had a great night with shingo! so enjoyed japanese Sake:) I really recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspire45432042412
Nov 21, 2023
Fun time!! - A great night out in Shinjuku. The guide SHINGO gave us a lot of Tips to getting know Japanese culture. Lot’s of fun!!! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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