Shinjuku Golden Gai | 200+ Secret Bars in Tokyo’s Hidden Maze | Insiders Guide

In our defense, this is not hyperbole – some of them are as small as around 8 hats, and even then, it requires a considerable amount of crowd friendliness. Although many travelers are reluctant to step inside (which is completely understandable), many now have friendly environments and English menus available. This surely tops the list of the most interesting things to do in Tokyo – start a conversation with a local artist while being sandwiched next to a salaryman and a Texan tourist. 

If bar hopping in Japan appeals to you, then look for Golden Gai in our Japan Tour Packages. This is not the polished version of Tokyo which might resemble more of an Instagram post, this is raw but is teeming with life. If you are absentmindedly wondering after dark, just follow the neon red lanterns and find a bar that’s right for you. Believe us when we say, that the experience is simply phenomenal.

History of Shinjuku Golden Gai  

During the 1980s, there were plans to demolish Golden Gai and turn it into a modern development. However, the bar owners and regular visitors fought to protect it. Thanks to their efforts, Golden Gai remains one of the last places in Tokyo where you can experience the city’s past.  

Today, Shinjuku Golden Gai is a cultural hotspot where history and modern nightlife in Tokyo come together. It attracts visitors from all over the world, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo.  

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