Shinjuku Golden-Gai: A Vibrant Tapestry of Tokyo's Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku Golden-Gai, Tokyo's iconic district filled with charming bars and delicious ramen restaurants.
Shinjuku Golden-Gai is an iconic nightlife district in Tokyo, renowned for its narrow alleys lined with tiny bars and eateries. This vibrant enclave offers a unique glimpse into the city's after-dark culture, drawing both locals and tourists eager to experience its eclectic charm and warm hospitality.
A brief summary to Shinjuku Golden-Gai
- 1 Chome-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, 1 Chome Kabukicho, Tokyo, 160-0021, JP
- +813-3209-6418
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more intimate atmosphere.
- Try to explore different bars; each one has its own unique theme and vibe.
- Be prepared for cash-only payments at many establishments.
- Engage with locals and bartenders; they often have fascinating stories to share.
- Consider visiting during the early evening to catch the vibrant atmosphere as it builds.
Getting There
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Public Transportation - Train
Start your journey in Higo by heading to Kumamoto Station. From there, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo Station. The ticket price for a one-way trip is approximately 13,000 yen. Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, which is a loop line connecting major areas of Tokyo. Take the train towards Shinjuku Station. The ride from Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station will take around 15-20 minutes. Upon arriving at Shinjuku Station, exit the station and follow the signs for the East Exit.
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Walking from Shinjuku Station
After exiting Shinjuku Station from the East Exit, walk straight along the main road (Shinjuku-dori) for about 10 minutes. You will pass by various shops and restaurants. Keep an eye out for the Kabukicho area; Golden-Gai is located within this entertainment district. Turn right into the narrow alleyways once you reach the Kabukicho area. Look for the signs that direct you to Golden-Gai, which is located at 1 Chome-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo.
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Public Transportation - Bus
Alternatively, from Kumamoto Station, you can take a highway bus directly to Shinjuku. The bus ride takes approximately 12 hours and costs around 10,000 yen. Once you arrive at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, follow the signs to the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. From there, the walking directions to Golden-Gai are the same as mentioned previously.
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Car Rental
If you prefer to drive from Higo to Shinjuku, rent a car and take the Kyushu Expressway towards Fukuoka, then connect to the Sanyo Expressway and finally take the Tomei Expressway towards Tokyo. The total drive is approximately 900 kilometers and will take about 10-12 hours, depending on traffic. Upon reaching Tokyo, navigate to Shinjuku using a GPS or map application. Parking in the Shinjuku area can be challenging, so consider using nearby parking facilities and then walking to Golden-Gai.
Discover more about Shinjuku Golden-Gai
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
SAKE Bar a tika
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Samurai Museum
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CHUGOKU SHIKOKU SHOKUSAI
0.4 km
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Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
0.4 km
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Kaichū Inari Shrine
0.9 km
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5-1 Yochōmachi
0.9 km
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Hotel Century Southern Tower
0.9 km
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Robert Indiana Sculpture: "LOVE"
1.0 km
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Narukoten Shrine
1.1 km
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Shinjuku Sumitomo Building
1.1 km
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Yotsuya Okido Mark
1.2 km
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Tokyo Night & Light
1.3 km
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory
1.3 km
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Hikage-zaka hill
1.6 km
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Treasure Museum
1.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Red. Golden Gai
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Art Bar Shuten-Doji
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Hanazono Shrine
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Shinjuku City
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1-chōme-6-12 Kabukichō
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Public Stand Kabukicho
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歌舞伎町さくら通り
0.2 km
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1-chōme-14-5 Kabukichō
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Karaoke 747 Shinjukukomadoriten
0.3 km
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TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku
0.3 km
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Godzilla Head
0.3 km
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Ninja Trick House In Tokyo
0.3 km
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GODZILLA ROAD
0.3 km
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Kabukicho
0.3 km
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WARP SHINJUKU
0.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Ramen Nagi - Shinjuku Golden-gai Honkan
0.0 km
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Genki Taisho Wagyu 元気大将-Halal
0.1 km
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NINGEN RESTAURANT（HUMAN RESTAURANT)
0.2 km
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Alice in Fantasy Book
0.2 km
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Kakekomi Gyoza
0.2 km
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Sungari Shinjuku 3 chome branch
0.2 km
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Nikutei Futago Shinjuku
0.3 km
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Nabezo Shinjuku Meiji Dori
0.3 km
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Teppan Baby
0.3 km
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Nabezo Shinjuku Sanchome Store
0.3 km
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Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Souhonten
0.4 km
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NEOShinjuku Atsushi
0.4 km
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Oumi Genji
0.4 km
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Shinjuku Kappo NAKAJIMA
0.4 km
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Soushi Menya Musashi
0.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sanrio Gift Gate
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Shinjuku SUBNADE
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Disney Flagship Store Tokyo
0.3 km
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Isetan Shinjuku
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Ginzo
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Shinjuku
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BicCamera Shinjuku east exit store
0.4 km
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THE TOKYO MATRIX Official Store
0.4 km
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Flags
0.6 km
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TODAY'S SPECIAL Shinjuku
0.6 km
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AKOMEYA TOKYO NEWoMan SHINJUKU
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Japan Gold Label
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BOOKOFF Shinjuku Yasukunidori Store
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Meetz STORE 新宿髙島屋店
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Takashimaya
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
KENZO'S BAR
0.0 km
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Bar Asyl
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Hair Of the Dogs
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Deathmatch in Hell
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Bar Lonely
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ARAKU
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Bar Tokyo
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bar moon walk Shinjuku Yasukunidori Branch
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Kujira Entertainment
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Music Fashion Bar RUN
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Rock Bar Mother
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BAR PSY
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Bar Logue
0.3 km
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BAR LIVET
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Beer Pong Bar GROVE Shinjuku
0.3 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ibiza55 Lounge
0.2 km
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Club Tropicana Tokyo
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Reggae CLUB Garam
0.3 km
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THE27CLUB
0.3 km
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STAR CLUB
0.3 km
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Elite Night Club
0.3 km
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DJ BAR Bridge SHINJUKU
0.4 km
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Arty Farty
0.5 km
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T2 SHINJUKU
0.5 km
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AiSOTOPE LOUNGE
0.5 km
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Bonobo
2.2 km
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Sketchy Lane
2.4 km
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Club PETU
2.6 km
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渋谷 クラブ ENTER (エンター)
3.4 km
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Club Camelot Night Club
3.5 km
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