Shinjuku Golden Gai

Lovely place. Small alleys, even smaller bars. Lights, crazy signs, tasty beverages, lovely people. What else can you ask for? You can take terrific pictures too. Lovely and small place to see in 5-10 minutes, unless you get into one of the bars and start drinking and mingling and realize that 4 hours have passed 😉🐙🍶

This is a street, actually a labyrinth of streets filled with micro pubs that can house 10-13 people. It’s packed warm cozy and fun.
A great place for tourists to meet others and share their travel experiences over great beer/whiskey/gin.

Once you sit, you don’t feel like leaving. The bartenders are awesomely warm :)

Japan trip is not complete without visiting this place. There hundreds of tiny bars measuring 6ft * 10ft. I would recommend to start the bar hoping journey by ordering Soju, especially Ice breaker if available. I loved this place as interaction between different groups in tiny bar is inevitable which makes the night interesting as you meet new people and befriend them. Some places have cover charge but do not worry about it, the bill will more or less the same compared to places which do not charge cover charge. It is recommended to spend 3 hours to enjoy 4-5 places. Using a public transport is recommended but be mindful of the time of last train.

Nice area, full of tiny bars where you can go and enjoy a drink with strangers that at the end become your friends. I recommend to go to the bars with a charge because they are better in term of service and quality of the drinks. The bars with no charge are not as good; we made the mistake to go to one of them and the lady literally squeezed us with other 12 people in a tiny space which was probably 5 square meter, not very pleasant, as she kept all the time saying squeezed more, move there, etc etc. Not ideal if you want a nice and relaxing atmosphere.

200 awesome bars that sit 5-10 people each in a tiny tangle of alleys and stairs. Here's the procedure for first time visitors:
1. Almost every single bar is completely full or completely empty. The trick is finding a bar that is as full as possible with enough empty seats as your group or you. The alleys are full of people looking to do the same. You can go solo and have a good time if you follow rule 2.
2. You will make friends with the foreigners and the drunk Japanese as long as you talk to them, be friendly, say hi, don't be shy.
3. Remember that half the bars are above other bars. Go up the narrow stairs to check the seating and the vibe you're going for.
4. The bars are one third locals, one third foreigners, one third mixed. The mixed ones are great, even if you don't speak Japanese.
5. All the bar staff speak English so you're fine.
6. Some of the bars have cover charges (typically 1000 yen which is around 7USD) make sure you read the signs out the front of the bars. To find the best deals.
Bonus: be sure to ask the other foreigners where they've been in Japan, you will enjoy the stories and they'll be able to give you the most up-to-date information on other locations that isn't online yet.

🌃 In the heart of bustling Shinjuku, there lies a hidden gem that oozes romance and nostalgia – Shinjuku Golden Gai. This labyrinthine network of narrow alleys and intimate bars is a dreamy escape into Tokyo's bygone era.

**Ambiance (5/5):**

Stepping into Shinjuku Golden Gai feels like entering a time machine. The dimly lit lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, and the charming wooden facades of the bars transport you to a Tokyo of yesteryears. It's a place where time seems to stand still, and each alley exudes an aura of enchantment.

**Intimate Bars (5/5):**

The tiny bars, each with its own distinct personality, create an atmosphere of exclusivity. With seating for only a handful of patrons, they offer the perfect setting for couples to cozy up, engage in deep conversations, and share drinks in an atmosphere that is both romantic and intimate.

**Nostalgic Vibes (5/5):**

Golden Gai preserves the spirit of old Tokyo, and as you wander through the maze of narrow streets, you'll find yourself surrounded by vintage posters, classic tunes, and an unmistakable sense of nostalgia. It's like a romantic journey into a black-and-white movie.

**Intriguing Characters (4/5):**

The bar owners and regulars in Golden Gai are often intriguing characters with fascinating stories. Engaging in conversation with them adds a layer of depth to the romantic experience, as you learn about the history and heart of this unique place.

**Starry Nights (5/5):**

As you sit in one of the cozy bars, sipping on your drink, look up to the sky through the narrow openings in the roof, and you'll be greeted by a sky full of stars. It's a poetic touch that adds an extra layer of magic to your evening.

Shinjuku Golden Gai is an enchanting enclave, where love stories are whispered in the corners, and the streets themselves seem to conspire to ignite romance. For couples seeking an intimate and romantic experience in Tokyo, this tucked-away treasure is an absolute must-visit. It's a place where the modern world fades into the background, and the romantic nostalgia of old Tokyo takes center stage.

This is a nice place to visit. I was sad to see so many tourists being disruptive. Please be respectful of the space. These are very small places that you can go to drink and eat. Many have a cover charge due to the size. Walk around and you’ll quickly be able to tell if you are welcome.

I find myself in the Japanese sense. There many restaurants decorated in traditional Japanese style. Which make me tap in more real Japanese environment. I didn’t taste anything there. However, I feel great to make a visit there.

Neat little section of town. Would recommend knowing a bit of Japanese. Classy vibes. Perfect spot to meet people in small groups over drinks!

A very awesome part of Shinjuku - comes to life at night. It’s fascinating exploring the alley ways - so many little bars, many of which have themes and can only house small groups. I love the character of the place, such a vibe. My favourite little bar is Lemon no Ki. The couple who run this bar are so so lovely, awesome hospitality and they’re good fun. You pay a cover charge, and once seated you’ll be given bar snacks and there’s a small menu of drinks. I always have the plum wine. The hosts are kind, enjoy a laugh and are genuinely interested in their visitors.

Had an amazing time in Golden Gai on a Saturday night.

It’s a great area to explore and find a place that suits your authentic self. Lots of bars to choose from, all with their own persona, character and vibe. The cover charges encourage one to stay in a location instead of bar hopping. (There are a few bars with no charge too)

My night can be split in two parts:

First bar was with a friend to explore the whisky scene. We ended up at a whisky bar with mostly foreigners like ourselves and paid the high prices for unique/quality Japanese products. We met fun travelers and had great chats

After my friend left to catch the last train, I stayed back and went to a second more casual bar. Lots of interesting interactions with different patrons, the best being with an off duty local bartender who shared eye opening insights on the area’s past & present.

The TLDR is : yes golden gai has evolved to a more commercial bar scene with lots of foreign tourists, but it’s essence remains. You just gotta stay smart and enjoy where the night takes you

Quite nice nice neighborhood that is full of bars, hidden bars, clubs, or basically anywhere that you can go to grab a drink. We didn’t actually go inside one of the bar, but only walk around, but it is a very cool vibe in general.

Had an awesome time!! All little bars with interesting characters going for drinks. People there are friendly and it is an area that if you are thinking smart and tasteful, forget it! However we had an awesome time and a truly memorable evening

A fun area to go and experience the amazing hospitality in the tiny bars where you'll find great drinks and snacks. Stroll around for a bit, find a bar you like the look of and head in. The bars are small so you'll get to meet some really interesting people.

My favourite place for food and with a lot of amazing mini bars and restaurants called an ‘Izakaya’. It’s tucked away from the busy streets and has a cool “cyberpunk, blade runner” vibe! Bartenders and chefs may not know much English so learn some phrases. Some Izakayas have English menus too, but not all. Izakayas are small and may require stairs to access. This is not really an accessible area unless you just wanna have a look.

One of my highlights in Tokyo, just take the plunge and hop into a bar, get to know the other people there. It’s a night spot, don’t bother during the day unless you want to take some photos

Every City should have a Golden Gai. I’ve been there three times and have had a blast 3 times. Warning…after participating in “my kind” of GG experience don’t plan on walking, talking, eating, winning any “Operation” games, placing threads thru needles, riding rollercoasters or taking the SAT’s the next day. 😂

Absolutely wonderful. A genuine Japanese experience. Most bars will have a cover charge of 1000¥ or less. Great conversation and lots of English speaking barkeeps. It's a great place to come out of your shell and experience something new!

Excellent selection of tiny bars... you make friends fast when 16 of you are jammed into 80 square feet of bar space.
A definite, must do!

A true Tokyo experience, a series of alleys filled with establishments for any taste. Absolutely safe and friendly, I stumbled into this area while exploring Tokyo and was delighted. Also many of the places serve food so expect a little of everything. Again a must do while in Tokyo