Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho and Golden Gai Food Tour
Experience Tokyo’s bustling culinary back streets on this 3-hour Tokyo food tour
Let’s explore Tokyo’s nightlife with an unforgettable journey through Shinjuku and the iconic Golden Gai. Wander down neon-drenched alleys, inhale the smoky aroma of sizzling skewers, and let the lively chatter and laughter fill your ears. Step into cozy, dimly-lit bars with retro decor from the 1950s, where each sip of sake warms you from within. Savor the crispy, juicy yakitori and the umami-packed flavors of local dishes, as the energy of this district brings Japan’s old and new into vivid harmony.
Please note: due to legal restrictions at some of our stops on this tour- all members of your group must be 20 years old or older.
Experience the history of a district that once thrived as a bustling post-war black market. Savor specialty ramen alongside locals, tasting the rich flavors that define Tokyo. Take in the glowing lights of Asia’s largest and safest red-light district, offering a vibrant yet unexpected side of Japan. Visit different local food stops before weaving through Golden Gai—a maze of over 200 cozy pubs, quirky stalls, and karaoke bars, each just big enough for a handful of people. With every sight, sound, and taste, this tour offers a glimpse of the city like no other. Book now to experience a side of Tokyo you’ll never forget.
Please note: due to legal restrictions at some of our stops on this tour- all members of your group must be 20 years old or older.
We have family-friendly pricing on many of our tours, BUT This tour is for adults over 20. Thank you for your understanding. If you would like to book a tour with children please check our Family-Friendly Page or inquiry to bookings@arigatojapan.co.jp for recommendations.
Single travelers: please email us directly and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
From there we will make our way to Kabukicho, Asia’s largest, yet safest, red-light district. Learn more about this very famous area as your guide explains to you Japanese izakayas, the amazing world of karaoke as well as other hidden gems of Kabukicho. You will enjoy two delicious famous foods. We will also explain the history and manners of eating different types of ramen. Next, we head to Golden Gai. You will sample some very local sushi that you will surely enjoy! We will end our tour with a ramble through the back drinking alleys at Golden Gai where you can continue on and choose the cozy bar of your choice.
As we wander in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai neighborhood you can explore an area known for being Tokyo’s most popular spot for unique izakaya, tiny bars, and pub-nightlife. A glimpse back to what Tokyo was like during the early and middle of the 20th century; the drinking venues are so densely packed you can almost be in two places at once (with one foot in each). Despite the run-down appearance, this fun bar district generally attracts well-off clientele and their prices match accordingly, as it has become one of the most expensive places to drink in the city. The area is filled with over 200 small pubs, stalls, and karaoke bars where most are only big enough for five to seven people. Boasting the most densely packed nightlife area in the world, Golden Gai will be a glimpse of Tokyo you will never forget.
Have even more fun by adding a “Karaoke After Party” package to your food tour. Find out more here.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover some of Tokyo’s must-see hidden gems.
- Get the perfect nightlife introduction to Tokyo with a tour that combines food, drinks, and highlights in the area with a local who knows the best spots and orders.
- Get a chance to enjoy delicious sushi and yakitori (meat skewers) as well as a classic bowl of delicious ramen.
- Travel back in time and hear fascinating stories about the area.
Finish off the tour with a drink in Golden Gai for an authentic Tokyo nightlife experience.
This tour covers all food costs and 1 drink at our first food stop. Solo travelers may be accepted with a private fee supplemental charge or can be added if we have space on an existing tour. Please email us. Please let us know your email address and if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
This is a food tour you MUST try when visiting Tokyo!
Private Tours: For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.
Strict start time policy: We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.
5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.
Tour Schedule:
| Monday–Sunday (7 days) |
|---|
| Meeting Time Frame | 4:45 – 5:00 pm |
| Start Time | 5:00 pm |
| End Time | 8:00 pm |
Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
For Vegetarians:
Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.
If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.
For this tour, it is possible (with advanced notice at the time of booking) to make adjustments to support the following dietary restrictions:
Please keep in mind, however, that we cannot make an allergy-free or dietary restriction food guarantee since food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to Arigato Travel. Also, some stops may not have a viable substitution but we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
TWO DRINKS INCLUDED
TRY LOCAL DISHES AT 4 FOOD STOPS
WALKING LEVEL: MODERATE
The Meeting Spot is outside Tajimaya Coffee House, right at the entrance of Omoide Yokocho’s 2nd Alley.
If taking the B15 Exit, it is accessible through the UNIQLO Store.
1 Chome-2-6 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿１丁目２−6
Our staff will be waiting in front holding an “Arigato Travel” sign. There is a lot of walking on the tour so please wear comfortable shoes.
WEATHER REMINDER:
On rainy days, we recommend bringing an umbrella. They can be easily purchased at any convenience store.
