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Shinjuku Tour: Tokyo's Neon Heart & Retro Charm
4.8
5 Ratings
Shinjuku City
Discover Shinjuku’s vibrant contrasts on a walking tour, from retro streets to neon nightlife, and serene nature spots. Uncover Tokyo’s hidden layers.
Discover Shinjuku’s vibrant contrasts on a walking tour, from retro streets to neon nightlife, and serene nature spots. Uncover Tokyo’s hidden layers.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Omoide Yokocho Guide Tours - Begin the journey at Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alley that captures the essence of Tokyo’s streets from 50 to 70 years ago, during the Showa era. In the heart of the bustling metropolis, it feels like stepping into a different world filled with vintage charm.
- Kabukicho - Stroll through an area renowned for…
- Omoide Yokocho Guide Tours - Begin the journey at Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alley that captures the essence of Tokyo’s streets from 50 to 70 years ago, during the Showa era. In the heart of the bustling metropolis, it feels like stepping into a different world filled with vintage charm.
- Kabukicho - Stroll through an area renowned for Tokyo’s lively nightlife. While it hosts numerous entertainment venues like hostess clubs and nightclubs, it also unveils a darker side of the city, where homeless youth once gathered and the yakuza had a stronger presence. Rest assured, the area is safe to explore from day to early evening.
- Shinjuku Golden Gai - Next, visit Golden Gai, another area that maintains the retro feel of old Tokyo. Unlike Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai exudes a strong subcultural vibe and was a favorite among actors, writers, and other creatives. It’s a distinctive bar district with a more exclusive, sophisticated atmosphere.
- Hanazono Shrine Festival - Conclude the tour at a traditional Japanese shrine where the essence of Japanese culture can be truly felt. The expansive grounds provide a serene escape surrounded by nature, offering a timeless experience far removed from the city’s hustle and bustle.
What's Included
- Admission fees
- Guide In-person
- Admission fees
- Guide In-person
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Explore Shinjuku, the world’s most frequented neighborhood. This area presents a captivating contrast—from streets that preserve the vintage allure of 70 years ago, to being the neon-lit epicenter of Tokyo’s nightlife, and even offering glimpses into the city’s more shadowy aspects, including the presence of yakuza. Simultaneously, visitors will find…
Explore Shinjuku, the world’s most frequented neighborhood. This area presents a captivating contrast—from streets that preserve the vintage allure of 70 years ago, to being the neon-lit epicenter of Tokyo’s nightlife, and even offering glimpses into the city’s more shadowy aspects, including the presence of yakuza. Simultaneously, visitors will find pockets of nature that provide a delightful and refreshing stroll. This tour promises to be a memorable and comfortable experience.
Please note: this is a budget-friendly tour that primarily relies on tips.
Location
Kitakata Ramen BAN NAI Shinjuku-Omoide yokocho
Please meet in front of the black pillar on the Omoide Yokocho side of the UNIQLO Nishi-Shinjuku store.
Look for a guide holding a white sign that says “viyago”.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(5 Ratings)
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1 star
Lynn_t
Aug 11, 2025
Tour guide made all the difference to see cool & the wild side of Shinjuku - Our tour guide was a good man with sweet honorable character! He shared stories of his childhood & grandfather which made the tour come to life. He helped us see how history plays a role in what exists today including things that are better & sometimes not so good in the city. We loved seeing the small tight alleyways of tiny yakitori bars & the artists hangouts of antique buildings built crazy & so fun & basically is badass stylistically. We learned about the yakuza which are mostly run out of there in 2000 leaving youth gangs & wild young people everywhere with the girls in Lolita fashion & sexy boys lined up with signs to lure people to spend time & money w/ them at bars they work for. That is the seedy golden gai area reminds me of old Las Vegas before it was cleaned up a bit. It was it an area that I wouldn’t have understood without a guide so I was very grateful!! Thank you!!!
Review provided by Viator
Aura_yellow
Jul 29, 2025
For those who want to know more about Shinjuku. Let’s enjoy Shinjuku with a guide that inspires inquiry! - It was a great walking tour. The guide was eager to teach us about the city's history and culture, and it was full of alleyways and taverns that you wouldn't normally be able to enter. It's a very satisfying experience to learn about the depths of Shinjuku, from bustling places to hidden spots.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass22422708065
Jul 29, 2025
You can enjoy it so much! - It was a really great walking tour, where you could experience the vibrancy and depth of Shinjuku. The guide was very passionate about explaining the history and culture of Shinjuku and the nightlife of Japan, which gave me a deep knowledge and new discoveries. From the spectacular views of skyscrapers, to the bustling Kabukicho, to the deep back alleys that would be impossible to reach without a guide, I was able to explore the diverse faces of Shinjuku. It was an unforgettable night, more satisfying than we could ever have imagined, as we were able to see the "big picture" of the city and the information behind it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mamiya1988
Jun 7, 2025
Shinjuku is also fresh on tour - It was kind of refreshing to walk around the streets of Shinjuku with the tour guide explaining. It was less than 2 hours, but it was nice to finally go to the Hanazono Shrine Annual Festival!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
373tayar
Jun 4, 2025
Tour to feel the depth of Shinjuku - "It’s been a fun tour, learning a lot from retro alleyways that look like they did 70 years ago, to the darkness of the city that we glimpsed for a moment!
Take a breather in the pockets of nature that suddenly appear in the bustle of the city. It was a very stimulating and memorable walk that allowed me to experience the depth of Shinjuku from history to the present day! I had a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vermouth---mi
Jun 3, 2025
The three-dimensionality is amazing - I was intrigued by what a walking tour of the highlights of Shinjuku was and tried it. It was fun to feel the charm of Shinjuku that I had no idea about! The unexpected happenings and the guide's explanation were interesting and a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passport51004466936
Jun 3, 2025
Even Japanese. - I invited my foreign friends to see the streets of Shinjuku with a tour guide. Even Japanese people can enjoy it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yama_motof11
Jun 1, 2025
Shinjuku - Authentic Japanese restaurant in Shinjuku It was kind of refreshing, as we don’t usually go to Kabukicho, and it was a satisfying tour, as we finally got to know the place where it ended at the shrine!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway20447407255
May 30, 2025
We met new people ✨️ - I enjoyed the history of the streets of Shinjuku. These tours are fun with lots of new discoveries! It was also good to meet new people who were not usually there, with foreigners participating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_s
Jul 1, 2025
A walking tour oh hidden back streets and modern Shinjuku - A tour of the historic back streets, difficult to find on your own, put into historical context by our guide. , Contrasted with modern highlights of Shinjuku by a stroll through today’s Shinjuku street scape.
Review provided by Viator
