Tokyo: Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour (Neon Light City)

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district on this immersive bar tour. Led by a local resident, guests will explore intimate izakayas, sampling authentic Japanese dishes and drinks while wandering the neon-lit streets. Capturing the iconic Godzilla statue, this small-group experience promises an unforgettable culinary adventure. But what hidden gems await beyond the bright lights? Dive into the city’s captivating nightlife and uncover the true charm of this bustling metropolis.

Key Points

• The tour explores the hidden izakayas and eateries in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho area, providing an authentic Japanese culinary experience.
• The guided tour includes a visit to the neon-lit Kabukicho district, with a stop for sampling local dishes and a photo opportunity at the Godzilla statue.
• The tour is led by a local resident, Kazuki, and is limited to a maximum group size of 6 people for an intimate experience.
• The 3-hour activity features free cancellation and a pay-later option, making it flexible for participants.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, children under 18, vegans, and vegetarians, and has additional restrictions on pets and baby strollers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Tokyo: Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour" is a 3-hour activity that takes participants on a journey through the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku, Tokyo’s bustling entertainment district.

Led by a local resident, Kazuki, the tour explores little-known izakayas, local eateries, and iconic landmarks in the neon-lit Kabukicho neighborhood.

Guests will savor authentic Japanese cuisine and drinks, from sake to sours, while seeing the lively atmosphere.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

With free cancellation and a pay-later option, it’s a must-do for those seeking a unique taste of Shinjuku’s hidden gems.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting from the LUSH cafe, just a 2-minute walk from the Central East exit of Shinjuku Station, the tour begins with visits to two lively izakayas in the Omoide Yokocho area.

After exploring the hidden alleys, the tour moves to the neon-lit Kabukicho district. Here, guests enjoy a photo stop and guided tour, followed by a dinner stop featuring local dishes.

The experience concludes with a dessert stop before returning to the starting point.

Throughout the tour, participants savor a range of authentic Japanese cuisine and drinks, seeing the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku.

Omoide Yokocho

After departing from the starting point at LUSH, the tour heads to the lively Omoide Yokocho, a cluster of intimate izakaya-style bars and eateries nestled in the backstreets.

Guests will visit two izakayas, spending a total of 1 hour exploring this vibrant area:

• Sampling local favorites like sake, sours, and beers
• Tasting authentic dishes such as oden, chicken skewers, and whale meat
• Taking in the cozy, lively atmosphere of these hidden gems
• Observing the skilled bartenders and chefs in action
• Gaining insights into the history and culture of Omoide Yokocho from the local guide.

Kabukicho

Next, the tour heads to the vibrant Kabukicho district. This iconic red-light district is known for its neon-lit streets and lively atmosphere.

The group stops for a photo op, capturing the famous Godzilla statue and other landmarks. Then, they enjoy a dinner stop, sampling local dishes like karaage and gyoza.

The guide provides insights into the history and culture of Kabukicho, giving the group a deeper understanding of this vibrant neighborhood.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a dessert stop before returning to the starting point.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Food and Drink Experience

Throughout the tour, participants indulge in a variety of local food and drink. The experience emphasizes authentic dining, featuring:

• Sake, sours, and beers to sample Japanese beverages
• Oden, chicken skewers, and whale meat for a taste of traditional izakaya fare
• Karaage, gyoza, and edamame to savor classic Japanese appetizers
• Hearty stew dishes to warm the palate
• Decadent desserts to cap off the culinary journey

This diverse menu allows guests to enjoy Shinjuku’s vibrant food culture, complementing the exploration of the neighborhood’s hidden nightlife gems.

Local Nightlife Exploration

As participants embark on the Shinjuku Hidden Bar Tour, they’ll have the chance to discover the vibrant nightlife that defines this dynamic Tokyo neighborhood.

The tour guides them through the neon-lit Kabukicho, spotting iconic landmarks like the Godzilla statue. Guests experience the cozy, local vibes of hidden gems, seeing Shinjuku’s nightlife culture.

They’ll explore the back alleys and side streets, getting a glimpse into the city’s after-dark scene. With an English-speaking local leading the way, participants gain insider access to Shinjuku’s nightlife, unveiling its unique charms and vibrant atmosphere.

Important Information

The Shinjuku Hidden Bar Tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, such as wheelchair users, children under 18 years, vegans, and vegetarians.

There are also some additional restrictions to be aware of:

• No pets allowed
• No baby strollers or baby carriages permitted

Customer Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Shinjuku Hidden Bar Tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 rating based on 9 reviews.

Guests highlight tour guide Kazuki’s deep insights and unique food choices, allowing them to discover authentic local dining experiences.

The neon-lit exploration of Kabukicho and visit to hidden izakayas also receive praise, immersing participants in Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.

Reviewers appreciate the tour’s small group size, which enables a personalized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for all participants.

Can We Customize the Tour to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Unfortunately, the tour cannot be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The tour is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with other dietary needs. The food and drink options are focused on local Japanese cuisine.

Is the Tour Accessible for Visitors With Mobility Challenges?

Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves walking through the narrow alleyways of Kabukicho. Visitors with mobility challenges may find the experience challenging. The tour provider does not currently offer accommodations for those with special needs.

Do You Provide Any Recommendations for Accommodation Near the Tour Area?

The tour area is centrally located in Shinjuku, so there are many accommodation options nearby. Visitors can find a range of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals within a short distance of the starting point.

Can We Join the Tour as a Group Larger Than 6 Participants?

According to the tour overview, the group size is limited to 6 participants. Larger groups cannot be accommodated on this particular tour. Participants are advised to check the tour’s group size restrictions when making their reservations.

The Sum Up

The Shinjuku Hidden Japanese Bar Tour offers an immersive exploration of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife. Participants can expect to discover intimate izakayas, savor authentic dishes, and indulge in local drinks while navigating the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this small-group experience promises a personalized and memorable culinary adventure in the heart of Japan’s capital.

You can check if your dates are available here: