Shinjuku Golden Gai: Tokyo's Time-Capsule Tavern District
Explore Tokyo's historic Golden Gai: a nostalgic maze of tiny bars, Showa-era charm, and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Shinjuku's Kabukicho district.
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a unique collection of over 200 tiny bars in Tokyo's Kabukicho district, known for its narrow alleys and retro Showa-era atmosphere reminiscent of post-war Japan. This legendary nightlife spot offers an intimate glimpse into Tokyo's past, attracting artists, writers, musicians, and tourists alike.
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
- Explore during the day for a quieter, photographer-friendly experience, admiring the rustic architecture without the nighttime crowds.
- Check for cover charges (usually ¥500-¥1500) before entering bars, as this is a common practice in Golden Gai.
- If you're not confident in your Japanese skills, look for bars with English signs to ensure a more welcoming experience.
- Go bar hopping in small groups (2-3 people) due to the limited seating in most establishments.
- Respect the local customs: avoid shouting, singing, or taking photos without permission, and be mindful of noise levels.
Getting There
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Walking
From Shinjuku Station's East Exit, walk east towards Yasukuni Dori. Turn right onto Yasukuni Dori and walk until you see the Hanazono Shrine entrance. Golden Gai is located just behind the shrine, approximately a 5-minute walk from the station. There is no fee to enter Golden Gai, but individual bars may have cover charges or minimum spending requirements. Be aware that the alleys are private roads, and photography may be restricted.
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Public Transport
Take the Marunouchi, Fukutoshin, or Toei-Shinjuku subway lines to Shinjuku-Sanchome station. Use the E2 exit. Golden Gai is a short walk from the station. Subway fares in Tokyo typically range from ¥170 to ¥320 depending on the distance. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan to use the subway extensively.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Shinjuku. A short taxi ride from Shinjuku Station to Golden Gai will typically cost between ¥730 and ¥1000, depending on traffic and distance. Be aware that traffic can be heavy in the Kabukicho area, especially during peak hours.
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
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Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
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Kaichū Inari Shrine
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5-1 Yochōmachi
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Hotel Century Southern Tower
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Robert Indiana Sculpture: "LOVE"
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Narukoten Shrine
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Shinjuku Sumitomo Building
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Yotsuya Okido Mark
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Tokyo Night & Light
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory
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Hikage-zaka hill
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Treasure Museum
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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
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1-chōme-14-5 Kabukichō
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Karaoke 747 Shinjukukomadoriten
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TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku
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Godzilla Head
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Ninja Trick House In Tokyo
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GODZILLA ROAD
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Kabukicho
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WARP SHINJUKU
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Essential places to dine
Ramen Nagi - Shinjuku Golden-gai Honkan
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Genki Taisho Wagyu 元気大将-Halal
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NINGEN RESTAURANT（HUMAN RESTAURANT)
0.2 km
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Alice in Fantasy Book
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Kakekomi Gyoza
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Sungari Shinjuku 3 chome branch
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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
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Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Souhonten
0.4 km
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NEOShinjuku Atsushi
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Oumi Genji
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Shinjuku Kappo NAKAJIMA
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Soushi Menya Musashi
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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
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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
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THE TOKYO MATRIX Official Store
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Flags
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TODAY'S SPECIAL Shinjuku
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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
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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
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BAR LIVET
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Beer Pong Bar GROVE Shinjuku
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ibiza55 Lounge
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Club Tropicana Tokyo
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Reggae CLUB Garam
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THE27CLUB
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STAR CLUB
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Elite Night Club
0.3 km
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DJ BAR Bridge SHINJUKU
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Arty Farty
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T2 SHINJUKU
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AiSOTOPE LOUNGE
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Bonobo
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Sketchy Lane
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Club PETU
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渋谷 クラブ ENTER (エンター)
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Club Camelot Night Club
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