Really cool looking alleys with bars in them. For some reason it didnt feel like the friendliest place though, which felt unusual for my experience of Japan so far. Still some great photo opportunities at night time. Didn't go into a bar because im an introvert and it felt like I would have to speak to strangers as they so small. Would recommend a walk around here though. Was better than Omoide Yokocho.
Better than Kabukicho Main Street!
Amazing place with little Japanese bars. Plenty of bars with no charges or little charges(¥500-600) with drinks priced starting ¥800. Some of them have Karaoke, music while few are members only. Small alley with good vibes.
This area has a ton of bars to choose from, and it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for a fun night out. That said, most of these bars are very small—some can only fit a handful of people—so if it’s just you and one other person, you’ll be fine. But if your group is around four or more, it can get tricky to find space.
I would avoid visiting on Friday or Saturday, as it gets absolutely packed. It’s much better to come during the weeknights, or even on a Sunday if you want a bit of a crowd but still room to breathe. The best time to come is around 19:00–20:00 (7–8 p.m.), since that’s when most of the bars are open and starting to get lively.
Be aware that many of these places have cover charges—usually between ¥500–¥1,000—which they either add to your bill or require before you order. Some bars are members-only, so if you see that sign, just move along to the next one. Others advertise no cover charge, but their drink prices tend to start a bit higher, around ¥1,000 per drink.
For payment, I recommend bringing cash, since while some bars do take cards, quite a few are cash-only or simply prefer it.
Overall, this is a great place to meet new people, especially tourists and expats, which is the main crowd here. I’ve been to this area many times over the months and have always had a good experience—never any issues, just good vibes and fun nights. If you’re visiting the city, this is definitely a nightlife spot to check out.
March 5, 2025
Despite living in Tokyo for years, I don’t know why I had a misconception that it’s only one single street when it’s actually several streets running parallel to each other with hundreds of bars. A very very casual and smoky atmosphere. I went on a weekday afternoon so most places weren’t full yet.
But as a tourist I’d feel hesitant to enter some bars and don’t know which is which since some have arbitrary rule signs on the door, like no English, expensive cover charge, regulars only, etc. To counter this, some bars take the opposite approach by appearing very friendly and easy to pop in to attract more and more foreign tourists.
What looks like dirty, dangerous alleyways are actually quite clean and welcoming.
There is a bar for all types of people. Only problem is that when it gets busy you can't get a drink 🤣. Too many people at peak hours.
Enjoy
Golden Gai is located in the Kabukicho area of Shinjuku. The closest station is Shinjuku Station, just a 5-10 minute walk away. You can also use Shinjuku Sanchome Station, which is even closer. The area is easy to find, marked by small alleys and old-style wooden signs.
Some bars have a cover charge, usually ranging from ¥500 to ¥1000 per person. This fee helps support the small business and often includes snacks. Other bars are free to enter, but drinks may be slightly more expensive.
Photography is generally discouraged inside the bars to respect the privacy of customers. However, you can take photos in the alleys outside, where the glowing lanterns and small doors create a unique atmosphere.
Golden Gai offers a mix of Japanese and international drinks. You can enjoy sake, shochu, Japanese whiskey, and craft cocktails. Some bars specialize in certain drinks, so it’s worth exploring to find your favorite spot.
