Shinjuku Golden-Gai

Location & Hours

Reviews

• 

  Tamas Kalosi

  2 weeks agoView on Google

  It’s a very atmospheric and enjoyable place to have a few drinks and chat with others. There are many bars — some great, some not so much — so it’s worth exploring a bit to find the right spot. Even if you don’t plan to go inside anywhere, it’s still worth visiting and walking around to soak in the vibe. Definitely a nighttime activity.

• 

  Doug Ho

  a week agoView on Google

  Golden Gai is in Shinjuku, a collection of tiny bars with small seating. Each is unique, according to the “master” or “mama” who runs it. This is a traditional for over half a century. They are more than just a place to drink and socialize. Many bars have a cover charge.

• 

  A&L

  a month agoView on Google

  Everything is pretty full and you can expect to pay a cover charge for most spots. Was looking forward to doing a couple bars here, as I remember this from my last Tokyo trip, but ended up disappointed. Likely because I knew better this time. There are way better spots to find little bars or izakayas. Come here to check it out, but don’t think this is the best spot for little bars. We found a cool bar, met some locals and tourists, had some drinks with the bartender, etc. but we have done that and more/better in other areas. This review is not reflective of the bar we went to though, I left a separate review for that. Great time.

• 

  Cat HK

  2 months agoView on Google

  Came here during daytime to check out these one-of-a-kind famous narrow alleys lined with cozy tiny bars and restaurants. We picked one which had a cute Fatty Zoo Cat stuffed doll at door front. Lady staff was super friendly, we had a few drinks and really enjoyed the intimate atmosphere. It was not busy when we went but night scene would totally be different vibe. Worth a visit.

• 

  Stephanie Caruso

  4 months agoView on Google

  Super cool area for bars and drinks. Most places charge a service charge, most places only can hold about 6 people and there are smoking allowed in some. It’s good to check before you sit down in order. I couldn’t deal with the smoking places so I just made sure I asked before going in. Pretty awesome place, we hung out with some older Japanese folk and had a great time! Then bar hopped to one of the only places that sell wine and met some cool people from around the world. What a vibe!