GOLDEN GAI

Golden Gai, nestled in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, is a vibrant maze of narrow alleys hosting tiny bars with distinct themes. Each snug establishment accommodates a handful of patrons, creating an intimate atmosphere that encapsulates the essence of Tokyo's unique nightlife.

Golden Gai is the go to place for those who want to party like there is no tomorrow in Tokyo. This is one of the most popular nightlife districts and is located in the heart of Shinjuku and has over 200 tiny bars. The best of this is each bar in this district is unique and has its own charm waiting to be explored. When planning your Japan tours, be sure to include Golden Gai to experience the vibrant nightlife and eclectic atmosphere of Tokyo.

A visit to Golden Gai is sure to give you a unique experience to know more about the bar culture of Tokyo. From narrow alleyways, nostalgic architecture and an atmosphere that has a mix of both modernity and history, Golden Gai has a lot to offer. Whether you want to just explore the off beaten spots in Japan or want to try out the best of Japanese cuisine, Golden Gai has got you covered. In fact, if you are a fan of the famous Japanese whisky, then this should be your go to place. 

Highlights

• Watch a classic film and try out cinema themed cocktails at the Bar Darling bar as you immerse yourself in cinematic vibes.
• Check out the performances in the Shinjuku Golden Gai Theatre, ranging from plays to even stand up comedy shows.
• Immerse yourself in a book while you sip a drink at The Open Book in a calm, peaceful, and tranquil escape.
• Head to the Memory Lane to try out the different types of street food, ranging from ramen to even traditional food items.
• Take a guided bar hopping tour to discover a variety of bars, ranging from hidden gems to popular ones.

How To Reach

1. By Car: The activity location is 7.5 km from the city centre, it will take 20 min via Route number 20.

2. By Train/ metro: Take a train to Shinjuku station which is 550 metres away from the museum. You can reach the activity location from the train station with a 7-minute walk

Best Time To Visit

Golden Gai is open throughout the year, so you can plan your visit to this place at any time of the year. 

1. The best season to visit Golden Gai will be the summer season from March to June because this is the time when the climate is pleasant. 

2. The best day in the week will be the weekdays due to less crowds regardless of any time of the year. 

3. The best time of the day to visit Golden Gai will be in the morning due to less crowds and a favourable temperature

Other Essential Information

• Since this is a place famous for its nightlife, tourists are advised to be vigilant of their surroundings when exploring. 
• This is a nightlife district with bars that serve alcohol, so make sure you drink responsibly. 
• Golden Gai comes alive at night, especially with tourists hopping from one bar to another. 
• Majority of the bars here have people who speak English or have English menus, so you don't have to worry much about it. 
• Most of the bars here have a table charge, so make sure you check it well in advance before heading to any pub.