Tokyo: Shinjuku Private Bar Hopping Tour

Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife beckons adventurous travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience. This private bar hopping tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s izakaya scene, guiding participants through hidden gems like Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. Led by a local expert, the 3-hour excursion promises an authentic taste of Tokyo’s after-dark allure. With inclusions like a small gift and photo opportunities, the tour caters to a range of ages and interests. Discover the stories behind Shinjuku’s lively districts and savor the flavors that make this city’s nightlife so captivating.

Key Points

• This 3-hour private tour explores the nightlife of Shinjuku, including visits to Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku Kabukicho, and Golden Gai.
• The tour is priced at $98.69 per person and includes a local guide, a small gift, and photo opportunities.
• Participants must be at least 14 years old and of legal drinking age (20 years old) in Japan.
• The tour involves walking and standing for extended periods, and personal expenses for food and drinks are not included.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Tokyo: Shinjuku Private Bar Hopping Tour" offers a three-hour private excursion through Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Priced at $98.69 per person, the tour includes a local guide, a small gift, photo opportunities, and covers visits to Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku Kabukicho, and the lively Golden Gai neighborhood.

The tour operates in English and allows for customization based on participants’ preferences.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 14, and personal expenses like food and drinks are estimated to cost $6-$13 per bar.

Itinerary

Starting at the Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi, the tour first heads to Omoide Yokocho.

Guests spend an hour exploring this retro-style dining alley, sampling yakitori, oden, and other local delicacies.

Next, the tour explores Shinjuku Kabukicho, Japan’s largest entertainment district, for an hour of vibrant nightlife.

The final stop is the Golden Gai, a cultural hotspot with around 200 unique bars and pubs, where guests spend an hour immersed in the local izakaya culture.

The tour then returns to the starting point at the Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi.

Experience Highlights

Guests can expect to explore the local izakaya culture, seeing the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku.

This private bar hopping tour offers a unique opportunity to visit hidden bars and enjoy authentic drinks and snacks:

1. Discover retro-style dining alleys with yakitori, oden, and local delicacies.

2. Explore Japan’s largest entertainment district, Shinjuku Kabukicho, with its lively nightlife.

3. Visit the cultural hotspot of Golden Gai, featuring around 200 unique bars and pubs.

4. Customize the itinerary based on personal preferences and have the chance to meet and make friends with a local guide.

Inclusions

This private bar hopping tour includes a local guide who will lead the group and provide insights into the local izakaya culture. Along With the guide, the tour includes a small gift selected by a local friend and a photo opportunity with the local guide. While the tour price covers the guide and experience, participants are responsible for their own personal expenses, such as food, drinks, and transportation, which are estimated to cost between ¥1,000–¥2,000 ($6–$13) per bar.

Inclusions
Local guide	Provides insights into local culture
Small gift	Selected by local friend
Photo opportunity	With local guide
Personal expenses	Food, drinks, transportation

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Participant Restrictions

The Shinjuku Private Bar Hopping Tour isn’t suitable for children under 14 years of age. This tour is designed for adults who are interested in exploring the local izakaya culture and hidden bars of Shinjuku.

Some key participant restrictions include:

1. Minimum age requirement: Participants must be at least 14 years old to join the tour.
2. Alcohol consumption: The tour involves visiting various bars and sampling alcoholic beverages, so participants must be of legal drinking age in Japan (20 years old).
3. Physical mobility: The tour involves walking and standing for extended periods, which may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations.
4. Dress code: While there’s no strict dress code, it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for a night out in the city.

Exploring Omoide Yokocho

The tour begins at the iconic Omoide Yokocho, a retro-style dining alley renowned for its lively atmosphere and local culinary delights.

Nicknamed "Piss Alley," the narrow, dimly-lit walkway transports visitors back in time with its traditional yakitori stalls, cozy oden shops, and lively izakaya bars.

The guide leads the group through the labyrinth of vendors, explaining the history and culture behind this iconic Shinjuku landmark.

Patrons savor the smoky scents of grilled skewers and sip on ice-cold beers, seeing the vibrant energy of this quintessential Japanese street food experience.

Discovering Shinjuku Kabukicho

Where does the tour venture to next? The group makes its way to Shinjuku Kabukicho, Japan’s largest entertainment district.

Here, they’re immersed in the vibrant nightlife. Kabukicho is known for its:

1. Neon-lit streets and bustling atmosphere
2. Variety of dining options, from casual izakayas to high-end restaurants
3. Lively bars and clubs catering to diverse tastes
4. Unique cultural experiences, such as kabuki theater performances

The guide leads the group through the lively district, pointing out hidden gems and offering insights into the local culture.

Participants have the opportunity to soak in the energy and ambiance of this iconic Tokyo neighborhood.

Taking in Golden Gai

After exploring the energetic Shinjuku Kabukicho, the group now makes its way to Golden Gai, a cultural hotspot known for its unique and intimate bars.

Nestled in a maze-like alley, Golden Gai boasts around 200 bars, each with its own distinct character.

The group weaves through the narrow passageways, discovering cozy establishments with charming decor and friendly bartenders.

They enjoy the lively atmosphere, sipping on local drinks and bonding with fellow patrons.

The tour guide provides insights into the history and significance of this one-of-a-kind nightlife district, making the experience truly authentic and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, bringing your own alcohol is generally not allowed on guided tours. Participants are expected to consume the drinks provided by the local establishments visited during the tour activities.

Are Tips Expected for the Local Guide?

Tips are generally expected for tour guides, as they provide a personalized service. While the exact amount is at the discretion of the participant, a common guideline is 10-20% of the tour price as a gratuity for the local guide.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour doesn’t indicate if it’s wheelchair accessible. Customers should contact the tour provider to inquire about accessibility accommodations, as the bars and alleyways may have limited mobility access.

Can I Arrive Late and Still Join the Tour?

Yes, you can arrive late and still join the tour, but it’s best to inform the tour operator ahead of time. They’ll do their best to accommodate late arrivals, but can’t guarantee you’ll be able to catch up with the group.

Do I Need to Bring Cash or Can I Pay by Card?

You can pay by card for the private bar hopping tour. Cash is not required, but you’ll need to cover your personal expenses like food and drinks at the bars, which typically cost ¥1,000–¥2,000 ($6–$13) per bar.

The Sum Up

The Shinjuku Private Bar Hopping Tour offers an immersive experience of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife. Guided by a local, visitors explore unique districts, sample authentic food and drinks, and gain insights into the city’s izakaya culture. With inclusions like a small gift and photo opportunities, this tour caters to those aged 14 and up, providing a comprehensive introduction to the hidden gems of Shinjuku’s bustling nightscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: