A trip to Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to Shinjuku, home to Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and the Golden Gai, some of Japan's most unique places. Enjoy Japanese soul food and soak in the atmosphere and neon lights in Japan's liveliest district! See and experience hidden gems that otherwise would not have been known without a guide. Customization of eating and drinking locations is possible on this tour, as well as exploring other areas.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Shinjuku Station
- Meet just outside the ground floor (street level) of the UNIQLO Shinjuku Nishiguchi shop. There are few Uniqlos in the area so use the address and link below. Here is the Japanese address: ユニクロ 新宿西口店、〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿1丁目1−1 1F Here is the store link: https://goo.gl/maps/ekVTGj5S6vwotbWu6
Omoide Yokocho
The tour starts in the retro izakaya area Omoide Yokocho, the nostalgic alleyway filled with great places to eat, where the pleasant smell of barbeque, local dishes, and cheers from the locals inspires. We stop for food and drinks here.
Kabukicho
It's a short walk to Kabukicho, Japan's biggest neon-lit entertainment district, where interesting shops and characters will surely make an impression on you. As we walk through and explore this area the historical, social, and cultural aspects are discussion points.
Golden Gai
Next, we enter the Golden Gai district, a delightful eclectic maze of over 200 bars and pubs unlike anywhere in the world. This area also has an interesting post WWII history and is great place to have a drink and talk to locals.
Kabukicho
We continue our walk back through Kabukicho and explore a bit more as we make our back to the the starting point. Or guests can keep exploring and enjoying the night.
Ending Point
Shinjuku Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
•Guide fee
•Food, drinks, and other purchases
•Budget 5,000 - 7,000 yen per person for food and drinks
•Please wear comfortable walking shoes and travel light
•Bring cash (not only credit) for food, drink, and other purchases
I came to Japan in 1998, intending to stay a few months, but enjoying Japan, I never left. I was intrigued by the history, culture, language, and food. And the fascination and excitement of exploring and learning new things about Japan still exists with me today. The variety and choices of things to do and places to go can be overwhelming. I can offer you suggestions and a unique perspective on Japan. I can share local knowledge about things often missed. Fluent in Japanese with a master's degree in Japanese Studies and living in Japan for over 20 years, I can be your guide.
David V.
“Shinjuku area evening tour ”
Really enjoyed our tour with Tom D We went on a Monday evening (6pm - 9pm) and the areas visited were were fair which we enjoyed Tom is very knowledgeable and friendly He took us to a couple of his favorite spots for food and later a drink that were a little off the main tourist track. If you seek more lively spots just let home know and I’m sure he can accommodate
Tim D.
Thank you for joining the Shinjuku evening tour! I’m glad you enjoyed the backstreets and hidden spots. Hope to show you some livelier places next time you’re in Tokyo.
Christin M.
“Unbelievable night ”
Tim was amazing. He walked us through Golden Gai and introduced us to all sorts of great places. We had some of the best drinks we had in Japan and definitely had some of the best laughs. Can’t recommend this tour and Tim enough.
Tim D.
Thanks, Christin! I had such a fun night with you all in Golden Gai. Nights like that make guiding a blast, lots of laughs for sure. I hope to see you back in Tokyo for more great times!
Christin M.
“Best Guide I have ever had ”
Absolutely one of the greatest guided experiences I have had. Tim is extremely knowledgeable, social and relatable. He was able to interact with our entire group and bring small points to life throughout the evening. We had some amazing food and drink in smaller places that we would never have found or engaged with. He was able to walk us around the neighborhoods and really explain the culture. I can’t imagine we would have ever learned the things that he shared - without having him as our guide. ** He is also an excellent Karaoke singer.
Tim D.
Thank you so much! I had a great time too, such good energy and conversations all evening. I’m really glad you enjoyed the food, drinks, and hidden spots. And I’ll take the karaoke compliment any day! Hope to see you all back in Tokyo for more good times.
$137/ per group