Shinjuku Golden Gai: Tokyo's Time-Capsule Tavern District
Explore Tokyo's iconic Golden Gai: A historic district of tiny bars, vibrant nightlife, and authentic cultural experiences in the heart of Shinjuku.
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a unique and historic bar district in the heart of Tokyo, known for its narrow alleys, tiny bars, and a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of post-war Japan. With over 200 establishments packed into a small area, it offers an intimate glimpse into Tokyo's nightlife and cultural history.
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 during the day for a quieter, more intimate experience and unique photo opportunities of the rustic architecture.
- Be aware of cover charges (table charges) at many bars, typically ranging from ¥500-¥1500, in addition to drink prices.
- If you're not confident in your Japanese skills, stick to bars with English signs and menus.
- Consider bar hopping to experience the unique atmosphere of multiple establishments, but be mindful of seating limitations.
- Respect the local customs: refrain from smoking or drinking in the street, and always ask for permission before taking photos.
Getting There
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Walking
From Shinjuku Station's East Exit, walk east towards Kabukicho. Cross Yasukuni Street, and you'll find Golden Gai on your left, marked by its distinctive cluster of small alleys and retro atmosphere. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No entrance ticket is required to enter Golden Gai, but individual bars may have cover charges.
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Public Transport
Take the Marunouchi, Fukutoshin, or Toei-Shinjuku subway lines to Shinjuku-Sanchome station. Take the E2 exit and walk towards Shinjuku Golden Gai. Alternatively, from Shinjuku Station, you can access the Marunouchi Line on the 2nd basement floor via the west exit and a series of elevators and passageways. Subway fares typically cost between ¥170-¥320 depending on the distance.
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Taxi
Hail a taxi from anywhere in Shinjuku to Shinjuku Golden Gai. Most taxi drivers will know the location. The fare from Shinjuku Station is approximately ¥730-¥900, depending on traffic and distance. Note that there are no designated parking areas for taxis directly within Golden Gai due to the narrow alleyways.
Discover more about Shinjuku Golden-Gai
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
SAKE Bar a tika
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CHUGOKU SHIKOKU SHOKUSAI
0.4 km
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Subaru Building Shinjuku Eye
0.7 km
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Shin-Okubo Korean Town
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Kaichū Inari Shrine
0.9 km
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5-1 Yochōmachi
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Hotel Century Southern Tower
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Robert Indiana Sculpture: "LOVE"
1.0 km
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
1.1 km
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Narukoten Shrine
1.1 km
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Kyu-Goryo-Tei (Taiwan Pavilion)
1.1 km
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Shinjuku Sumitomo Building
1.1 km
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Yotsuya Okido Mark
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
1.3 km
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Tokyo Night & Light
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Unmissable attractions to see
Red. Golden Gai
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Ramen Nagi - Shinjuku Golden-gai Honkan
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Art Bar Shuten-Doji
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Hanazono Shrine
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Zirco Tokyo
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Itoku Inari Shrine
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Shinjuku City
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Kabukicho Theater
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1-chōme-6-12 Kabukichō
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Public Stand Kabukicho
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Robot restaurant
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Samurai Museum
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Kabukichō Benzaiten
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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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Essential places to dine
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
0.3 km
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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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Kakatojo
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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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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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Bingoya
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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
0.3 km
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BAR LIVET
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Beer Pong Bar GROVE Shinjuku
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