7 Best Drinking Tours In Kabukicho

Kabukicho’s drinking tours cut straight to the heart of Tokyo’s after-dark culture.

These small-group adventures, lasting 2-3 hours, connect you with the real izakaya scene – where locals actually drink and eat. The best tours include stops at 3-4 carefully selected pubs, each offering different styles of sake and traditional bar foods.

I’m especially fond of tours that include the backstreet spots – places you’d never find on your own.

The top-rated experiences pair you with English-speaking guides who know the neighborhood’s history and can translate both the menu and the moment. Several standout tours include visits to classic standing bars and upscale sake lounges, giving you a full spectrum of Japanese drinking culture.

Let’s explore our favorite drinking tours in Kabukicho.

Key Points

• The “Tokyo Secret Membership Bar Hopping in Shinjuku~Shibuya” tour offers an exclusive, intimate bar-hopping experience in the Shinjuku and Shibuya neighborhoods.
• The “Carefully Selected Japanese Sake Tasting Experience in Kabukicho” provides a personalized sake tasting in a casual setting near Shinjuku Station.
• The “Private Night Tour In Hidden Bars of Shinjuku” allows visitors to explore three local izakayas, with three drinks and dishes included.
• The “Experience Izakaya With A Mini Food Tour Of Tokyo” offers a small-group tour with 7+ tastings and drinks, focusing on the Izakaya dining experience.
• The “Tokyo Hidden Izakaya and Sake Small-Group Pub Tour” provides a guided, social experience with insider knowledge, transportation, food, and drinks in the Kabukicho area.

Tokyo Hidden Izakaya and Sake Small-Group Pub Tour With Local Guide

On your Tokyo adventure, embark on a small-group pub tour that unveils the hidden izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and sake gems of the city. Guided by a local, you’ll discover secret spots and try unique foods and drinks, experiencing the city like a local.

The tour, offered by Pick n GO, includes transportation, food, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off. With a starting time of 5:00 PM, the experience lasts until you return to the meeting point.

While vegetarian options are available, the tour has a minimum drinking age of 20 and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Rated 5.0 stars by 7 reviewers, this tour promises an immersive and social experience, allowing you to make new friends along the way.

Read our full review: Tokyo Hidden Izakaya and Sake Small-Group Pub Tour With Local Guide Review
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Experience Comparing Sake and Delicacies in Shinjuku

Set out on a captivating journey as you compare the diverse flavors of sake and delectable delicacies in the heart of Shinjuku.

This highly-rated 5.0 experience boasts 100% traveler recommendations. Savor a variety of alcoholic beverages, snacks, and enjoy private transportation as you explore the area.

The meeting point is conveniently located just a minute’s walk from the iconic Toho Cinema. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’ll enjoy an intimate and personalized experience.

Book now for just $32.78, with the option to reserve and pay later. This activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Avoid if you’re pregnant or have serious medical conditions.

Read our full review: Experience Comparing Sake and Delicacies in Shinjuku Review
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Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour

Enjoy Shinjuku’s vibrant izakaya scene on this food tour. Discover at least seven classic Japanese dishes, from yakitori skewers to okonomiyaki and gyoza, across three different venues.

Sip on two drinks of your choice, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as you experience the city’s neon-lit nightlife. With a maximum of 10 guests, this small-group tour offers an intimate and personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides.

Praised for their cultural insights and dietary accommodations, the guides ensure you have an informative and delicious adventure. Conveniently starting and ending near public transportation, this tour is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Shinjuku’s izakaya scene.

Read our full review: Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour Review
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Experience Izakaya With A Mini Food Tour Of Tokyo

Dive into the vibrant izakaya scene of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district on this mini food tour.

You’ll enjoy 7+ Japanese food tastings and drinks like beer and sake, all while exploring the area with a local guide. The small group size, capped at 6 travelers, ensures a personalized experience where you’ll get insider tips and recommendations.

The tour starts at 5 PM and is accessible via public transportation, though it’s not wheelchair-friendly. Be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions ahead of time.

With a 5-star rating from past guests, this tour promises an authentic taste of Tokyo’s lively izakaya culture.

Read our full review: Experience Izakaya With A Mini Food Tour Of Tokyo Review
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Carefully Selected] Japanese SAKE Tasting Experience in Kabukicho

For a unique taste of Japanese culture, consider the Carefully Selected Japanese Sake Tasting Experience in Kabukicho.

This 5-star rated experience is recommended by all travelers and awarded a Badge of Excellence. It offers a casual sake tasting and snack experience just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.

The experience includes all fees and taxes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is open to those 20 and older.

With a maximum of 6 travelers, the friendly and educational guidance of Sakiko has received high praise. Discover diverse sake options and authentic Japanese snacks in the heart of Tokyo’s Kabukicho district.

Read our full review: [Carefully Selected] Japanese SAKE Tasting Experience in Kabukicho Review
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Tokyo Secret Membership Bar Hopping in Shinjuku~Shibuya

This Tokyo Secret Membership Bar Hopping experience in Shinjuku~Shibuya will take you on a journey through some of the city’s most exclusive and hard-to-find bars.

You’ll enjoy a 3-4 course dinner of local dishes and bottomless alcoholic beverages at membership-only bars, all while being guided by a local expert. The tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

You’ll meet your guide at the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, and the tour will end back at the starting point. However, keep in mind that this tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions.

With a starting price of €217.64, this is a must-try for any serious Tokyo bar-hopper.

Read our full review: Tokyo Secret Membership Bar Hopping in Shinjuku~Shibuya Review
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Private Night Tour In Hidden Bars of Shinjuku

Set out on a captivating Private Night Tour in the hidden bars of Shinjuku, led by the experienced team at 888tourTokyo.

You’ll visit 3 local izakayas, sampling a total of 3 drinks and 3 dishes, all while exploring the vibrant nightlife with a knowledgeable local guide.

The tour starts at 5:30 PM, meeting at the LAWSON Shinjuku Yasukuni Dori Store.

Throughout the experience, your guide will capture memorable photos to share with you after the tour.

This private tour ensures an intimate and personalized adventure, with only your group participating.

With a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy, you can secure your spot with confidence.

Read our full review: Private Night Tour In Hidden Bars of Shinjuku Review
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The Sum Up

You’ll find a variety of captivating drinking tours in Kabukicho, Tokyo’s vibrant entertainment district. From hidden izakaya and sake tastings to izakaya food tours and secret bar hopping, there’s something to suit all interests. Discover the rich Japanese drinking culture and sample mouthwatering local delicacies as you explore the neighborhood’s lively nightlife scene. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, these tours provide an unparalleled glimpse into Kabukicho’s alluring charm.