Tokyo: Golden Gai Private Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku

The Golden Gai district in Shinjuku is a one-of-a-kind haven for those seeking an immersive exploration of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife. This private bar hopping tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the area’s iconic bars, savor local drinks and cuisine, and engage with both locals and fellow travelers. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour promises an unforgettable journey through the transformation of this historic district. As the sun sets, the allure of Golden Gai’s intimate bars and the chance to uncover its intriguing past beckon the curious traveler.

Key Points

• Offers a 3.5-hour private bar hopping tour through Shinjuku’s iconic Golden Gai district, providing an insider’s perspective on the area’s rich history and unique charm.

• Allows for customization of the tour based on personal interests, with opportunities to mingle with locals and fellow travelers while sampling drinks and local cuisine.

• Highlights the transformation of Golden Gai from a post-war black market to a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing the distinct atmospheres, music, and drink offerings of each bar.

• Includes a visit to Omoide Yokochō, as well as 100 minutes of exploration in Golden Gai, led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

• Imposes certain safety and physical ability restrictions to ensure the comfort and well-being of participants during the walking tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

This private bar hopping tour in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai district offers guests a unique opportunity to explore Tokyo’s famous drinking alley.

Over 3.5 hours, guests will visit iconic bars, learn about the area’s history, and have the chance to mingle with locals and fellow travelers.

The tour is conducted in English and led by a knowledgeable guide. Guests can customize their experience based on personal interests, with a focus on beer, cocktails, wine, or dinner.

While the tour guide fee is included, food and drinks are not. Certain health and age restrictions apply.

Highlights of the Experience

Guests embark on a customized bar hopping tour, exploring Golden Gai’s rich history and seeing the unique atmospheres of each intimate hotel.

They’ll learn how this area transformed from a post-war black market into a cultural hub. At each bar, they’ll savor the distinct charm, music, and drink offerings, whether it’s a cozy beer joint, lively cocktail lounge, or intimate wine bar.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests have the opportunity to mingle with locals and fellow travelers, gaining an insider’s perspective on this legendary Tokyo district.

Itinerary and Included Activities

The tour begins at the Shinjuku Alta building, where guests meet their knowledgeable guide.

Over the next 3.5 hours, the group explores the iconic Golden Gai district.

The itinerary includes:

1. Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane) – Spend 1 hour sampling the area’s beer, cocktails, wine, and local cuisine.
2. Golden Gai – Spend 100 minutes discovering the unique atmosphere, music, and charm of the district’s tiny, intimate bars.
3. Throughout the experience, guests have the opportunity to mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
4. The tour concludes back at the Shinjuku Alta, where guests depart with a deeper understanding of this vibrant Tokyo neighborhood.

Meeting Point and Start Location

The tour begins at the Shinjuku East side exit (B13) in front of the "Alta" building. This centrally located meeting point makes it easy for participants to find the group. The meeting point offers convenient access to the Golden Gai neighborhood, the main destination of the tour.

Meeting Point Details
Location	Shinjuku East side exit (B13) in front of "Alta" building
Address	〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−38−1
Nearest Station	Shinjuku Station
Accessibility	Close to train station, easy to find
Parking Availability	Limited parking in the area

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Suitability and Restrictions

According to the provided information, this private bar hopping tour in Shinjuku isn’t suitable for certain individuals.

The tour isn’t recommended for:

1. Pregnant women
2. Individuals with heart problems
3. Wheelchair users
4. People over 270 lbs (122 kg), those with a cold, individuals over 75 years, people under 20 years, and those with kidney problems.

The restrictions are likely in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the 3.5-hour walking tour through the narrow alleys and crowded bars of Golden Gai.

Guests should consider their physical abilities before booking this experience.

Booking and Availability

How does one book this private bar hopping tour in Shinjuku? The process is straightforward. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment. They’ll need to check the availability for their preferred starting time and number of participants. The tour operator provides a convenient online booking system that allows customers to secure their place quickly. Take a look at the table below for a summary of the key booking information:

Booking Option	Details
Reserve Now & Pay Later	Book your spot without upfront payment
Check Availability	View options for starting times and group size
Online Booking System	Secure your place easily through the tour website

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the tour price is the guide fee, but foods and drinks for both the participants and the guide aren’t covered.

There are also some restrictions on who can join the tour:

• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women,
• individuals with heart problems,
• wheelchair users,
• people over 270 lbs (122 kg),
• those with a cold,
• individuals over 75 years,
• people under 20 years,
• and those with kidney problems.

This is likely to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the 3.5-hour bar hopping experience through the narrow alleys of Golden Gai in Shinjuku.

Tour Pricing and Duration

The private bar hopping tour in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai area costs from $75.41 per person and lasts 3.5 hours.

This is a private group tour, allowing for a customized experience tailored to individual interests. The tour explores over 200 tiny bars in the famous Golden Gai district, providing opportunities to learn about the area’s history and enjoy unique atmospheres, music, and mingling with locals and fellow travelers.

The tour starts and ends at the Shinjuku Alta building, with stops at Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane) and throughout Golden Gai during the 3.5-hour duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Bars?

Photography inside the bars is typically allowed, but visitors should be considerate and ask permission before taking photos. Some establishments may have restrictions on photography to preserve the intimate atmosphere.

Can I Request to Visit Specific Bars?

Yes, you can request to visit specific bars on the tour. The private nature of the experience allows the guide to customize the itinerary based on your interests and preferences.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and in a way that’s respectful of the intimate bar settings. Casual, smart-casual attire is generally appropriate.

Can I Bring My Own Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own drinks on the tour. The tour includes visits to various bars, where guests are expected to purchase drinks from the establishments. Bringing outside beverages is generally not permitted.

Are Gratuities Expected for the Guide?

Gratuities are generally expected for tour guides, as they provide a personalized service. The amount is at the discretion of the participant, but a standard tip of 10-20% is commonly considered appropriate for exceptional service.

The Sum Up

The Golden Gai Private Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku provides an immersive experience into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife. Explore iconic bars, sample local drinks and cuisine, and learn about the district’s fascinating history. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this customized tour offers a unique opportunity to mingle with locals and fellow travelers, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the city’s rich bar scene.

You can check if your dates are available here: