Pretty cool, but I wouldn’t recommend coming alone as a lady at night. Unfortunately I kept getting followed 😭 so yeah, just watch your back. The nearby onsen is a great place to escape. Lots of ladies only places, plus you can stay the night there is you miss the last train. Fun to walk around. But yeah, I would bring a guy buddy.

An assortment of narrow alleyways and taverns cuddled up into a festive night-life district. Most bars here have a cover charge and the flux of foreigners is intense. Things you should know: I. SERVICE You'll notice all taverns charge you a cover fee before entering the door II. QUALITY Quirky area with utmost character. It's worth walking through. III. CAPACITY If you want to meet a diverse array of travelers and make friends, this is the place to be.

200 awesome bars that sit 5-10 people each in a tiny tangle of alleys and stairs. Here's the procedure for first time visitors: 1. Almost every single bar is completely full or completely empty. The trick is finding a bar that is as full as possible with enough empty seats as your group or you. The alleys are full of people looking to do the same. You can go solo and have a good time if you follow rule 2. 2. You will make friends with the foreigners and the drunk Japanese as long as you talk to them, be friendly, say hi, don't be shy. 3. Remember that half the bars are above other bars. Go up the narrow stairs to check the seating and the vibe you're going for. 4. The bars are one third locals, one third foreigners, one third mixed. The mixed ones are great, even if you don't speak Japanese. 5. All the bar staff speak English so you're fine. 6. Some of the bars have cover charges (typically 1000 yen which is around 7USD) make sure you read the signs out the front of the bars. To find the best deals. Bonus: be sure to ask the other foreigners where they've been in Japan, you will enjoy the stories and they'll be able to give you the most up-to-date information on other locations that isn't online yet.

Japan trip is not complete without visiting this place. There hundreds of tiny bars measuring 6ft * 10ft. I would recommend to start the bar hoping journey by ordering Soju, especially Ice breaker if available. I loved this place as interaction between different groups in tiny bar is inevitable which makes the night interesting as you meet new people and befriend them. Some places have cover charge but do not worry about it, the bill will more or less the same compared to places which do not charge cover charge. It is recommended to spend 3 hours to enjoy 4-5 places. Using a public transport is recommended but be mindful of the time of last train.

Great place to explore and walk around. Tourist-be aware about pricing in what you are consuming as my friend almost got ripped off inside a bar. They tried to scam her out of 10000 JPY for what was about 2500 in drinks. I normally would have payed to ensure I got out without any problems- but she doesn’t like being taken advantage of and stood up for herself. Which made me proud. And I would like this to serve as an FYI for you

A very awesome part of Shinjuku - comes to life at night. It’s fascinating exploring the alley ways - so many little bars, many of which have themes and can only house small groups. I love the character of the place, such a vibe. My favourite little bar is Lemon no Ki. The couple who run this bar are so so lovely, awesome hospitality and they’re good fun. You pay a cover charge, and once seated you’ll be given bar snacks and there’s a small menu of drinks. I always have the plum wine. The hosts are kind, enjoy a laugh and are genuinely interested in their visitors.

Authentic Japan in the middle of Tokyo, friendly and safe. Weekends are busy, weekdays ok but not busy till about 9pm. Not all bars are for tourists and some have a cover charge some don't but not overly expensive. It really is an amazing experience!.Didn't go there for food nor drinks but taking photographs and indulging into the traditional culture. There were various alleys adjoining. They were really picturesque and colourful. Love the atmosphere and vibe. A must see area that will not fail you.

Beautiful small street with lots of small locally run bars that each have their own persona. I spent a lot of time browsing and realised two major things that may seem foreign to foreigners. 1, you are allowed to smoke inside in most bars. 2, most of the places charge a fee to seat you, meaning it makes more sense to pick a place and stay there than to jump around. And finally, you might run into amazing people such as ladybeard there.

🌃 In the heart of bustling Shinjuku, there lies a hidden gem that oozes romance and nostalgia – Shinjuku Golden Gai. This labyrinthine network of narrow alleys and intimate bars is a dreamy escape into Tokyo's bygone era. **Ambiance (5/5):** Stepping into Shinjuku Golden Gai feels like entering a time machine. The dimly lit lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, and the charming wooden facades of the bars transport you to a Tokyo of yesteryears. It's a place where time seems to stand still, and each alley exudes an aura of enchantment. **Intimate Bars (5/5):** The tiny bars, each with its own distinct personality, create an atmosphere of exclusivity. With seating for only a handful of patrons, they offer the perfect setting for couples to cozy up, engage in deep conversations, and share drinks in an atmosphere that is both romantic and intimate. **Nostalgic Vibes (5/5):** Golden Gai preserves the spirit of old Tokyo, and as you wander through the maze of narrow streets, you'll find yourself surrounded by vintage posters, classic tunes, and an unmistakable sense of nostalgia. It's like a romantic journey into a black-and-white movie. **Intriguing Characters (4/5):** The bar owners and regulars in Golden Gai are often intriguing characters with fascinating stories. Engaging in conversation with them adds a layer of depth to the romantic experience, as you learn about the history and heart of this unique place. **Starry Nights (5/5):** As you sit in one of the cozy bars, sipping on your drink, look up to the sky through the narrow openings in the roof, and you'll be greeted by a sky full of stars. It's a poetic touch that adds an extra layer of magic to your evening. Shinjuku Golden Gai is an enchanting enclave, where love stories are whispered in the corners, and the streets themselves seem to conspire to ignite romance. For couples seeking an intimate and romantic experience in Tokyo, this tucked-away treasure is an absolute must-visit. It's a place where the modern world fades into the background, and the romantic nostalgia of old Tokyo takes center stage.

Very nice area in Tokyo with about 200 bars in a very small area. We went to Lonely bar and had a great time with the locals which are very welcoming and friendly. You can spend a lot of time in these unique bars.

I find myself in the Japanese sense. There many restaurants decorated in traditional Japanese style. Which make me tap in more real Japanese environment. I didn’t taste anything there. However, I feel great to make a visit there.

About half the bars were "members only" and many seemed hostile to foreigners. It's cool to look at, but many places had a cover charge of at least ¥1000. There are plenty of other places looking to welcome foreigners, this one is definitely not one of them. I do not advise putting your business into any of these xenophobic businesses.

You cannot miss this! No, you cannot! If you are in Tokyo, even for just the night and like meeting new people - do visit it! A fantastic fantastic place with many small spots to hangout and have drinks. Each bar has like 10-12 sitting space and most of them have a cover charge as well. But the ambience and drinks and the cozy atmosphere - is something you should not miss! In the small place as well there are many interesting conversations going on - so just go for it and enjoy the moment No it’s not a dance and high energy party place! It’s the kind of place where you go for a couple of peaceful drinks with known/new people

Went on a weekday evening around 7pm. It's not that busy so you can walk through all the alleyways without issues. Note that many places have "cover charges" which is a fee per person to enter. This seemed to range from 500-1000 yen. All in all a cool place to see and take photos of but not really worth going into one of the bars though if you can't communicate with the bar tender as the drinks served are no different from from any other bars and it's a bit more difficult to get a feel for the atmosphere.

I came to just look around because it has always been talked about by many people. To be honest, I like Omoide Yokochō more than here. I'm not talking about drinks, food or anything. I'm just talking about the vibes. Of course this is not designed for tourists, but just to let you know that the sense of it feels better at Omoide Yokochō.

This is place of the classic drinking area of the Shinjuku. You can enter in any tiny bar in that area. Pretty sure peoples like that Japanese izakaya streets. My recommendation is @Billy bar

Interesting area to wander around and fun to take the plunge and try various little bars. The welcome isn't overwhelmingly friendly and pre-coronavirus it was very much "on the beaten track" in terms of tourists from overseas. Cover charges seemed the norm, which is understandable due to the small capacity of most of the places.

Very famous section of bars in Shinjuku. Worth visiting here. Popular during weekends but kinda dead during the week. Drinks can be more pricey then other areas (think $8-9 beers), but the tiny bars are fun to see. A lot of bars have another bar upstairs so don’t be afraid to poke yourself in and check out upstairs bars as well.

Nice area, full of tiny bars where you can go and enjoy a drink with strangers that at the end become your friends. I recommend to go to the bars with a charge because they are better in term of service and quality of the drinks. The bars with no charge are not as good; we made the mistake to go to one of them and the lady literally squeezed us with other 12 people in a tiny space which was probably 5 square meter, not very pleasant, as she kept all the time saying squeezed more, move there, etc etc. Not ideal if you want a nice and relaxing atmosphere.

This is a street, actually a labyrinth of streets filled with micro pubs that can house 10-13 people. It’s packed warm cozy and fun. A great place for tourists to meet others and share their travel experiences over great beer/whiskey/gin. Once you sit, you don’t feel like leaving. The bartenders are awesomely warm :)

The drinking bar and social district. Multiple small alleyways offering various theme bars. A very tourist place now, mostly welcoming tourist and expect medium to high table charge. There are some Japanese / member only bars and this is expected. However I’ve felt the area has become a lot more of a tourist spot than local.

(Translated by Google) A familiar alley in the Yakuza series. Called "Champion Street" in the game (Original) 龍が如くシリーズでおなじみの路地。ゲーム中では「チャンピオン街」と呼ばれている

(Translated by Google) I don't drink alcohol, but I went to see it with interest As expected, the entertainment district that Japan is proud of It's a nice atmosphere, but I think it's safe because there is a police box nearby. The nearby Hanazono Shrine is also wonderful (Original) 酒は飲まないけど興味本位で観に行った さすが日本が誇る歓楽街 いい感じな雰囲気　ビビりだけど近くに交番もあり安心だと思う すぐ近くの花園神社も素晴らしいよ

(Translated by Google) Where to leave forever as a Japanese cultural heritage (Original) 日本の文化遺産として永遠に残すところ

Many tiny bars gathering here and all have its own characters with specialized drinks or offers. Most of them will have seat charge or entrance charge so can check with the staffs. Any small door might be another individual bar, or even different floor. Will often need to climb up steep stairs to get in. Really interesting place but not recommended female to come alone, some people might be aggressive after drinks. Overall is a nice place to hang out with friends and take a look!

Smack dab in the middle of Shinjuku we chose this hotel for easy access and weren’t expecting much from the reviews we saw. However our room was very comfortable and not as small as I had expected. The staff were very courteous and dealt with the crowds of arriving and departing guests with a calm demeanor. We only stayed for one night but it was comfortable and restful. Many guests were foreign and the front desk spoke English and were quite helpful.

If you like bars this is a must place! The area has few alleys connected to each other with 100s of small bars, each with just 6-8 seats. Step into any bar to experience a different cozy experience: some are themed, some have karaoke, some have music and more. This is a great opportunity to meet other travels or Japanese going out for a drink which are otherwise very hard to start a conversation with. I tried a local Japanese beer which was excellent. Note the service charge which is charged for a plate of peanuts or snacks.

Didn't actually go into any of the bars. Just fun to wander along the small alleys to take photos. 😄

This is a place made for lost souls. If you are one and you want a place to drink out your sorrows or watch the night pass by through the glass of your favorite cocktail, then you're welcome. To come here, walk the main avenue past Kabukicho (red light district located at East exit of Shinjuku Station) and you will see the entrance bath surrounded by trees.

A fun area to go and experience the amazing hospitality in the tiny bars where you'll find great drinks and snacks. Stroll around for a bit, find a bar you like the look of and head in. The bars are small so you'll get to meet some really interesting people.

(Translated by Google) There are many bars and taverns, so it is a recommended place for liquor! I want to go again when Corona calms down. .. (Original) いろんなバーや居酒屋が密集していてはしご酒にはおすすめの場所です！コロナが落ち着いたらまた行きたいです。。

I recommend going on daytime is it's less crowded. During the weekends, there are many sketchy black guys trying to lure you in their bars.

Unique experience. Can be a bit intimidating as some bars are members only or are not so foreigner friendly. If you behave yourself and don't act a fool you can enjoy this area.

This place is a hidden gem, its full of great little bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is brilliant and everyon is so friendly....some of the bars are super small but that makes you intract with people more and you get to meet some interesting people.

A very cool area with a bunch of bars in a compact area. It's a very touristy area, and the bars are very small, with some only able to take maybe 6 people inside. There are cover charges per person for most and the drinks cost more than you can find elsewhere, but it's somewhere you should see and experience to say you did it.

Holy bars, Batman! Tiny streets with clusters of bars, some without as much as a sign to let you know what is there. Very intimate and unique places that can seat anywhere from 4-12 patrons, many in distinctive styles. The highlight of our evening was sitting between a Danish couple and an Australian couple, chatting about our adventures in a library themed bar! Where else can you say that?

What a fun night! A lot has to do with finding the right bar and the right group of people in the bar but when you do- it’s a great time! Very neat place to see. Agree the cover charges aren’t necessary and some bars only allow members or locals but it’s worth a visit. Things don’t open till 7 pm - a few earlier. So make sure to time appropriately!

One of the coolest places on the planet. Interesting history, where Tokyo now feels like 2050 this old decaying collection of buildings now houses tiny bar after tiny bar. Find one and drink some sake out of a wooden box 'glass/cup'. An experience.

Fun tourist area for bars and little izakayas. Be warned, most establishments will charge a seating feeing. Drinks prices vary by establishment but you be paying Tokyo prices whichever bar you end up in.

What an awesome experience, if you are in the area this is a must see. There are so many tiny awesome bars to experience and the bartenders are great!

Place with a lot of small bars and/or restaurants. We could not visit all bars unfortunately. But we had a good time and rwal fun. People were very kind to us. Nevertheless only four stars, because tabke charges are not always clearly visible.

Golden Gai is great if you find your flavor of venue. This is one of my favorite eateries of you can secure a table. It’s about the food and the ambiance which is not highly polished but rather no frills and just plain good eating at this 19 year old delicious dinner venue.

Golden Gai is an area of Tokyo which has lots of narrow streets with many small bars that can hold maybe 5-6 people per bar. There are so many to choose from and a lot of them are busy depending on when you go. A lot of the bars operate a cover charge system (which can vary from roughly 0 Yen to 1200 Yen) and this is a charge you pay just to have the seat in the bar (no drink included). As part of this, you will likely get some bar snacks when you sit down to accompany any drink you order. Quite a few bars now have a sign that lets you know what the cover charge is but if it doesn't, do ask before you sit down! Would recommend a drink here to soak in the history and the drinking culture of Japan

We went there in the late afternoon - early evening, before the bars open. It was a great place to walk through even though it was quiet. Maybe especially because it was quiet. I haven’t been in the Golden Gai at night but one can tell it gets pretty lively. But consider going there before the party starts. Once you walk through you anyway end up in the busy streets of Shinjuku so you wont miss the buzz for too long.

(Translated by Google) About 50 years ago, I used to go through this Golden Gai when I was a college student. It happened to be the road I took when I went to the main dojo of Aikido, but at that time it might have been a very scary place. But I was confident in my arm, so I passed well. Again, I wore high-colored school uniforms, and I was acting with a few people, so I was able to go anywhere without any problems. After that, I started working at a company and used the night city for entertainment, but I never went to this Golden Gai. I think it's a very bright city right now. (Original) 50年位前になりますが、私が大学生の時にこのゴールデン街を良く通りました。たまたま、合気道の本部道場に行くときに通る道ですが、その頃は何やらとても怖い所だったのかもしれません。 でも、腕には自信があったので、良く通りました。 こちらも、ハイカラ―の学生服を着ていましたし、数人で行動していたので、どんな所でも平気に行くことが出来たのですね。 それから、会社に勤めて夜の街を接待で使うようになりましたが、このゴールデン街には行くことは、ありませんでした。 今は、とても明るい雰囲気の街だと思っています。

(Translated by Google) It ’s a city that wanders forever. (Original) いつまでも彷徨える街です

(Translated by Google) Currently, many stores close at 22:00, so I feel lonely in the middle of the night. Because of a request for self-restraint (Original) 現在は22時で閉める店が多くて、夜中は寂しいですね 自粛要請の為ですね

(Translated by Google) The dream of the moment is also the end (Original) 今際の夢もあべこべの果て

(Translated by Google) Unlike the hustle and bustle of the night, it is quiet during the day, and it also has a taste. (Original) 夜の喧騒とはうって変わって昼間は静寂です、それも味があります。

(Translated by Google) Golden Gai! There are various shops and it is fun. (Original) ゴールデン街！色々なお店があって楽しいです。

(Translated by Google) You can meet the owner and customers who are full of individuality. (Original) 個性溢れる店主と客に出会えます。

(Translated by Google) Foreigners are covered (Original) 外国人がおおい

(Translated by Google) There are many shops with a good atmosphere. I used to go there once in a while, but I haven't been there lately, and since I've come close to it, I think there are fewer people than before when I take a peek after a long time. I want you to do your best. (Original) 良い雰囲気の店が多い。コロナ前はたまに行っていたがここ最近はずっと行っていなくて、近くまできたから久しぶりにのぞいたらやっぱり前より人は少なくなっていたように思う。頑張ってほしい。

It is a good place for those who want to see how amazing Japan is in utilizing narrow space into pub. Very interesting

my favorite area❤️

Nice place to have cheap drinks on street

(Translated by Google) Because I was blown away by a street demon. (Original) 通り魔に突き飛ばされたからです

(Translated by Google) Even though it is a corona vortex, the atmosphere of Kabuki can be maintained. (Original) コロナ渦なのに歌舞伎の雰囲気が保たれて良い

(Translated by Google) Blow away the corona vortex (Original) コロナ渦を吹っ飛ばせー

(Translated by Google) Everyone, it's time for highball! (Original) さあ皆さん、ハイボールカラカラのお時間ですよ！

We discovers this place by accident, and yet we were few minutes walking from our hotel. We went both during the day and at night. Two completely different vibes. Most of the bar are members only, but you will find plenty of options to share a drink with one of the owners.

Golden Gai is the place to go to if you want to experience Tokyo’s drinking scene in places that are as small as the size of a cupboard. Perfect place for pub hopping, enjoying a conversation or two with the bar owners and fellow visitors. The place has its own charm and definitely comes to life after 9pm when all the small little places start livening up. Loved the quirkyness of this place.

Little 'suburb' with heaps of little pubs (size of your bathroom)... In most, you have to pay admission to get in but it is not everywhere so go where you feel it is right spot for you. I have ended up drinking with random 5 locals celebrating b-day. So much fun and welcoming... MUST visit If you in Tokyo

You will enjoy this place even if you’re not a drinker. There’s a wide variety of grilled dishes and ramen, too. This is one side of Japan that isn’t fancy nor techy but the local immersion game here is strong 😁

(Translated by Google) I like it too much and work! 🍺🤠 (Original) 好きすぎて働いてます！🍺🤠

It’s a cool place to bring some friends to experience the history and culture of the small little shanty bars. Be weary of the Somalian/Ugandan Club watchers round the area. They like being forceful sometimes when they are trying to convince people to come into the bar their watching for!

(Translated by Google) I can't deny the feeling of being close to every store. However, the inside of the store is exciting everywhere. (Original) どの店も密感は否めないですね。 ただ、店内はどこも盛り上がってます。

(Translated by Google) In front of Yoshimoto Kogyo (Original) 吉本興業の目の前

(Translated by Google) There are too many stores and I get lost ❗👀‼ ️ (Original) 店がありすぎて逆に迷います❗👀‼️

(Translated by Google) In the same atmosphere It ’s still a nice city, but There is little traffic It doesn't matter when you don't have it Such sadness is overflowing I can't imagine this time last year The whole city is dead (Original) 変わらない雰囲気で 変わらず素敵な街だけど、 人通りは少なくて いつ　無くってもおかしくない そんな　物悲しさが溢れてる 去年の今頃は想像つかない 街全体が死に体

(Translated by Google) I feel the Showa era here. (Original) ここは～昭和を感じます。

(Translated by Google) I made good friends here 👌 (Original) ここで良い友達が出来ました👌

(Translated by Google) It's an adult city ❗ (Original) 大人の街だよね❗

(Translated by Google) It's a great place. (Original) 最高な場所です。

(Translated by Google) It is a city with a Showa era feeling (Original) 昭和感ある街です

(Translated by Google) I went there for the first time in a long time. I went to Piko-chan's shop, but I didn't. Mmm, Piko-chan doesn't seem to be there. At the first store, I just drank too much. I came every day when I was in my twenties, but the times have changed. I think I want to go again. (Original) 久しぶりに行きました。ぴーこちゃんの店に行きましたが、やってませんでした。もー、ぴーこちゃんは、いないみたいです。 はじめての店で、つい飲みすぎました。 20代の頃毎日来てましたが、時代が変わりましたね。また、行きたいと思います。

(Translated by Google) Feeling closed for a while (Original) しばらくは封鎖な感じ

(Translated by Google) The disadvantage is that many stores only have cash (Original) キャッシュのみのお店が多いのが難点

(Translated by Google) It's good~ 🥂 (Original) いいですね～🥂

(Translated by Google) There are various shops, so it's a perfect city for drinking! (Original) いろんなお店があるのではしご酒するにはもってこいの街です！

(Translated by Google) Always fun (Original) いつも楽しい

(Translated by Google) A place where you can meet and discover various things at any time. The origin of the culture where artists gather. (Original) いつになっても、様々な出会いや発見のある場所。アーティストの集う文化の発信地。

(Translated by Google) A very Japanese bar street with hundreds of bars hidden in two narrow streets. Each is unique and has its own style, and it feels like a place with a lot of stories. Why not go here for a drink when you have time, although each store is small, but everyone huddled together to chat and drink is also a very good experience (Original) 非常有日本特色的酒吧街，窄窄的两条街道藏着上百家酒吧。每一间都很独特，有自己的风格，感觉是个很有故事的地方。有空不妨去这里小酌，虽然每家店都空间狭小，但是大家挤在一起聊天喝酒，也是很不错的体验

(Translated by Google) Golden Gai, which also appears in Kosaku Shima. The situation has changed completely since then, but it has an old-fashioned atmosphere that makes me think that there is a "chako" that the island went to drink with friends. (Original) マンガ課長島耕作にも登場するゴールデン街。 その頃と様子はすっかり変わったが、島が仲間と飲みに行った「ちゃこ」があるのではないかと思うくらい、昔風の雰囲気も備えています。