Tokyo Shinjuku Japanese Local Bar Hopping and Food Tour

If you’re craving an authentic taste of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, the Shinjuku Japanese Local Bar Hopping and Food Tour offers a fantastic way to see a different side of this bustling district. For just $67 per person, you’ll spend around three hours exploring back alleys, hidden bars, and lively izakayas—Japan’s beloved casual dining pubs. Led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, this tour promises a blend of cultural insight, local flavors, and a glimpse into the true local bar scene.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are its emphasis on authentic, off-the-beaten-path venues and the chance to explore iconic districts like Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho, and Golden-Gai. These spots are often missed by travelers rushing to the main streets, so the tour offers a more genuine view of Tokyo’s nightlife. A potential consideration is that not all restaurants accept credit card payments, so bringing cash is advisable. This tour best suits travelers eager for local flavor, cultural insight, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere—especially those interested in experiencing Tokyo’s real night scene with a friendly guide to help navigate language barriers.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Visit hidden gems and back alleyways, away from the crowded tourist zones.
Local Bars & Izakayas: Stop at three traditional Japanese pubs to enjoy food and drinks.
Informed Guidance: Guides help with ordering food, recommend drinks, and share insider tips.
Cultural Insight: Explore renowned districts like Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho, and Golden Gai.
Flexible & Convenient: Book now with a pay-later option, full refund on cancellations up to 24 hours before.
Photo Memories: Includes photos taken during the tour for lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Shinjuku’s Nightlife: What We Loved

The tour kicks off around No. D3 exit of Shinjuku Station, where a guide greets you holding a Fantasy Travel sign. From there, the adventure begins with a walk through some of the district’s most iconic and lesser-known spots. What makes this experience special is the focus on local life, stepping into narrow alleys where traditional izakayas and tiny bars thrive. It’s a stark contrast to the bright, bustling streets, giving rise to a more intimate view of Tokyo’s nightlife.

The guide, whose name we didn’t catch but who clearly knows the ins and outs of Shinjuku, acts as your friendly translator and foodie companion. They help you navigate menus, order food and drinks, and suggest places that match your tastes. This personalized assistance cuts through the common frustration of language barriers, especially at small, family-run establishments where English menus aren’t always available.

Our favorite part was visiting Omoide Yokocho—a narrow alley packed with tiny bars and eateries that seem frozen in time. It’s a lively, authentic space where locals gather for drinks after work. The tour also visits Golden-Gai, a famous cluster of over 200 tiny bars, each with its own theme and vibe. Walking into these cozy spots, you quickly realize you’re stepping into a piece of Tokyo’s social fabric. It’s a unique chance to experience the city’s casual drinking culture, far from the tourist crowds.

Keen to taste more of Tokyo? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

Visiting Kabukicho: The Entertainment Capital

A highlight of the tour is a stroll through Kabukicho, known as Japan’s number one red-light district. While famous for its nightlife and adult entertainment, it’s also a hub of creativity, neon lights, and neon-lit bars. Our guide explained its history and current atmosphere, which helped us appreciate the area beyond the stereotypes. Unlike a typical tourist trap, Kabukicho offers a glimpse into local entertainment and the city’s nightlife diversity.

The Food & Drink Experience

Over the course of the tour, we visited three different izakayas or bars, each offering a snapshot of Japanese pub culture. The guide orders at each stop—one drink and one dish—so you only need to relax and enjoy. While the food expenses and alcohol are not included in the tour price, this setup allows you to try a variety of local favorites, such as skewered grilled meats, pickles, or small plates like edamame and sashimi.

Guests consistently remark on the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer said, “Our guide made everything so easy—ordering, understanding what we were eating, and pointing out interesting sights along the way.” The photos taken during the tour are also a nice bonus, giving you visual memories of your night out.

Authentic Atmosphere & Personal Touch

The tour’s emphasis on small, intimate venues means you can feel more like a local than a tourist. The small group size, typically around 8-10 people, fosters a relaxed, friendly environment where you can chat, ask questions, and truly soak in the atmosphere. It’s clear that this tour is about more than just food—it’s about experiencing Tokyo’s social scene through the eyes of locals.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details & Considerations

The $67 price might seem modest for three hours of guided exploration, but it’s important to remember that food and drinks are paid for separately. The tour includes photos during the experience, which guests have appreciated as a way to remember their night.

Meeting point is outside No. D3 exit, where your guide will be waiting. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your hotel. Since some restaurants might not accept credit cards, carrying cash is recommended—ideally enough for your own drinks and food, plus the guide’s sample order.

The tour is available for booking with flexible payment options, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility suits travelers who want to keep their plans adaptable.

For more beverage-focused experiences, here's what we've covered in Tokyo

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Tokyo’s nightlife. If you’re comfortable with small groups, enjoy trying local foods, and want someone to help navigate Japanese bars and language barriers, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s particularly well-suited for those interested in cultural insight, local drinking spots, and avoiding tourist traps.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers eager to see Shinjuku beyond the bright billboards, this tour offers a rich, authentic taste of local nightlife. It’s a chance to walk through alleyways full of history and character, sip drinks in cozy bars filled with locals, and learn about Tokyo’s entertainment district from a friendly guide.

The value lies not just in the visits to select bars, but in the insider knowledge, personal touches, and cultural context provided. The experience is ideal for those who want more than just sightseeing—it’s about feeling connected to the city through its social spaces. If you’re looking for a relaxed, intimate, and genuinely local night out, this tour fits the bill.

For a well-balanced glimpse into Tokyo’s nightlife, with a good dose of authenticity and fun, this experience is a real winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
Yes, the guide speaks both English and Japanese, helping you navigate menus and communicate with the staff at each venue.

How many bars do we visit?
You will stop at three local izakayas or bars, each offering a different experience of Shinjuku’s nightlife.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks and food are paid for separately. The guide orders one drink and one dish at each stop, so you’ll need some cash for additional items.

What should I bring?
Bring a credit card for additional purchases and cash for food and drinks that are not included. A camera or smartphone for photos is also recommended.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts outside No. D3 exit of Shinjuku Station and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund through GetYourGuide’s flexible booking system.

Is there a dress code?
There’s no strict dress code—just dress comfortably for walking and enjoying a relaxed night out.

This tour is a great way to see a different side of Tokyo—one that’s lively, authentic, and full of local flavor. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Japan traveler, it offers a memorable evening that combines culture, cuisine, and camaraderie.