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Shinjuku Golden Gai

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Shinjuku Golden Gai

A historic nightlife district packed with around 300 bars in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area.

3.29 9

Last update :
Supervised by :  Shinjuku Sanko Shopping District Promotion Association

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a traditional, retro nightlife district in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area, where around 300 bars occupy wooden row houses lining narrow alleys. It is known as a place where visitors can experience Japanese culture up close.

Most of the bars are so small that just a few people can fill the counter, creating a close connection between the staff and customers. Even if you visit alone, the friendly atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy a drink.

Alongside its many long-established bars, Golden Gai also has plenty of newer establishments with a wide variety of themes. Rather than staying in one place all night, try bar-hopping and visiting several different spots.

Highlights

  • As the bars are all small, visiting alone or in a group of 2 or 3 is recommended.
  • A retro nightlife district where smoking, eating, and drinking on the street are prohibited.
  • Also known as a gathering place for a diverse range of cultural figures, including writers and theater actors.
  • Known as a place to experience Japanese culture up close, it has attracted growing numbers of international visitors in recent years.
  • Many bars open at around 7:00 p.m. Some establishments charge a cover fee.

Photos

  • Shinjuku Golden Gai

    Shinjuku Golden Gai

  • Popular with international visitors to Japan

    Popular with international visitors to Japan

  • Rows of signs for the many bars

    Rows of signs for the many bars

  • Shinjuku Golden Gai during the day

    Shinjuku Golden Gai during the day

  • Entrance

    Entrance

  • A different atmosphere from nighttime

    A different atmosphere from nighttime

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No.

Q

Are there any coin-operated lockers?
A

No.

Reviews

9

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Liao Jun
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    You can really feel the mysterious vibe of old Shinjuku here.

  • 傅玉芬
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    This experience gave me a whole new perspective on Tokyo's nightlife. It also deepened my understanding of the city's diversity and vibrant energy.

  • ervin huang
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    It's pretty quiet during the day, but at night, it's a whole different vibe.

  • DARYL
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    Personally, I think this is the most atmospheric spot in Shinjuku, even though it's a bit quiet during the pandemic.
    Hope it goes back to how it used to be someday. 🙏

  • 蔡義忠
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    This area is super popular with tourists from Europe and America. Every bar is small but charming, and each one has its own unique vibe.

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Details

Name in Japanese
新宿ゴールデン街
Postal Code
160-0021
Address
Near 1-chome, Kabukicho, Shinjuku City
Phone
03-3209-6418 (Shinjuku Sanko Shopping District Promotion Association)
Access
About a 1-minute walk from Exit E-1 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin Lines; about an 8-minute walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa