Musashino offers a fantastic chance to explore Japan’s local drinking culture away from the crowded tourist hubs. What makes Musashino especially appealing is its mix of cozy izakayas, secret alley bars, and craft beer havens—places where you’ll find authentic flavors and friendly faces. Our favorite? The Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secret: Kichijoji Food & Izakaya Hopping, which takes you beyond the usual sights and into lively, lesser-known neighborhoods for a true taste of Tokyo life. If you’re eager to experience local Tokyo nightlife, you’ll appreciate how these tours give you access to spots that aren’t on Google Maps, making for memorable evenings.
Musashino’s drinking tours offer a great range—whether you want an in-depth night with food and drinks, a quick bar crawl, or a themed experience. Some tours focus on hidden bars with a dash of history or culture, while others spotlight craft beers brewed by passionate local artisans. Each has its own charm, suited to different interests and budgets. Below, I’ll compare the best options so you can pick the perfect match for your trip.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find three top-rated drinking experiences in Musashino:
- Kichijoji Food & Izakaya Hopping (more info): A 3.5-hour food and drink tour exploring hidden alleys, authentic izakayas, and street snacks.
- Kichijoji Hidden Bar Hopping Night with Samurai Guide Sho (more info): A 3-hour guided evening tour focusing on secret bars, craft beer, and cultural insights.
- Bar Hopping Night Tour in Kichijoji (more info): A 2.5-hour casual bar stroll through popular local spots, ideal for a quick taste of the scene.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these tours special.
1. Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secret: Kichijoji Food & Izakaya Hopping
For around $102, this 3.5-hour tour offers a deep dive into the local life of Tokyo’s western neighborhoods. Unlike typical Tokyo tours that stick to the major sights, this experience takes you into the narrow alleys of Harmonica Yokocho, a lively area filled with tiny izakayas, standing bars, and street food stalls. Your guide, well-known in the neighborhood, will lead you through 4-5 spots that Google Maps can’t fully reveal, making this a truly authentic experience.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on small, intimate venues where you’ll interact with locals and try seasonal snacks and hot taiyaki. You’ll sample Japanese flavors in a setting that’s lively but not touristy. The guides are experts at storytelling, sharing insights about neighborhood history, food traditions, and local customs. Reviewers rave about how this tour feels like “living Tokyo,” with one mentioning, “we had opportunities to interact with locals including some impromptu singing.”
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, immersive evening with authentic eats and drinks in a neighborhood that’s still undiscovered by many travelers, this tour is a superb choice. Its focus on local life and hidden bars makes it stand out.
2. Tokyo Kichijoji Hidden Bar Hopping Night with Samurai Guide Sho
At just $85, this 3-hour tour offers a unique mix of cultural storytelling and bar exploration led by “Samurai Sho,” a guide with years of experience navigating Kichijoji’s secret spots. The tour kicks off at Kichijoji Station with a colorful introduction to the “Samurai” theme—he embodies a modern take on Japan’s samurai tradition, guiding you through hidden bars and craft beer spots.
The journey includes three specialized stops. First, you’ll enjoy retro vibes at a cozy bar in Harmonica Yokocho, perfect for connecting with locals over drinks. Next, you venture into a craft beer dojo, where you’ll sample Japanese craft beers on draft and learn about brewing craftsmanship. Finally, the tour concludes with sushi and sake in a traditional setting, rounding out a full cultural experience. Guests love Sho’s friendly personality and his insight into Tokyo’s bar scene, with one reviewer noting, “Sho explained Japanese culture in simple English and made the atmosphere very authentic.”
This tour is perfect for those who want to combine history, culture, and drinks in a manageable timeframe. It’s especially suited for craft beer lovers or anyone interested in learning about Japanese drinking customs.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a fun, cultural night with a knowledgeable guide and high-quality drinks, this tour offers a memorable evening in Kichijoji’s hidden bars.
3. Bar Hopping Night Tour in Kichijoji
For $283, this 2.5-hour tour is the most expensive and shortest option on our list but still offers a solid taste of Kichijoji’s nightlife. It’s ideal if you prefer a quick, straightforward bar crawl rather than a long, immersive experience. The tour features visits to popular local spots, including the famous Harmonica Yokocho and an Okinawa-themed bar, providing a panoramic view of the neighborhood’s drinking vibe.
While it currently has no reviews, the tour’s focus on popular hotspots makes it suitable for travelers who want to sample a variety of bars without extensive planning. The itinerary emphasizes a casual, lively atmosphere, perfect for those in a hurry or with limited time.
Bottom Line: If your goal is a quick introduction to Kichijoji’s bar scene with visits to well-known spots, this tour offers convenience, though it may lack the depth of the other experiences.
$283.37 per person
How to Choose
Choosing the right drinking tour depends on your interests and schedule. If you want an immersive experience with local food and hidden alleys, the Kichijoji Food & Izakaya Hopping is tough to beat. For a culturally rich night with craft beers and sushi, the Samurai-guided bar hop offers a more thematic adventure. If you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of Kichijoji’s nightlife, the quick bar crawl provides a snapshot of the neighborhood’s best-loved spots.
Price, duration, and your specific interests—whether food, craft drinks, or cultural storytelling—should guide your decision. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the Kichijoji Food & Izakaya Hopping, which tends to fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
Musashino’s drinking tours open a window into everyday Tokyo—away from the crowds and into the local neighborhoods where real life unfolds. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic experience, the Kichijoji Food & Izakaya Hopping is an excellent choice. For those seeking a more cultural and thematic adventure, the Samurai-guided bar tour delivers a memorable night with storytelling and craft beer. If convenience is your priority, the shorter bar crawl covers the essentials in a quick visit.
No matter which tour you pick, booking early will ensure you enjoy Musashino’s lively, local drinking scene without disappointment. These experiences promise a genuine taste of Tokyo’s night life—perfect for curious travelers eager to go beyond the usual tourist bars.