Ginza, Tokyo’s glitzy shopping district, hides a vibrant local bar and izakaya scene that few travelers ever discover. Led by an experienced guide, this 3-hour tour promises an immersive experience into the heart of this captivating world. Hop between three establishments, sample traditional Japanese pub fare and drinks, and gain insider insights into the city’s thriving nightlife. With a near-perfect rating and rave reviews, this tour offers an authentic exploration that goes beyond the typical tourist traps. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to Tokyo, the secrets of Ginza’s hidden gems are waiting to be unveiled.
Key Points
- Guided 3-hour tour through hidden bars and izakayas in Tokyo’s Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi neighborhoods led by a friendly, English-speaking local guide.
- Guests hop between 3 establishments, receive photos and advice, and experience an immersive discovery of local culture and cuisine.
- Tour starts at 6 PM at Tokyu Plaza Ginza and ends in Shimbashi, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
- Highly-rated experience with a 5.0 star rating based on 42 reviews, described as ‘fun and amazing’ and a ‘must-attend’.
- Cancellation policy allows for full refund up to 24 hours before, with a pricing range of $15 to $25 per person for food and drinks.
Tour Details
This guided tour through the hidden bars and izakayas of Tokyo’s Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi neighborhoods features 42 reviews and a Badge of Excellence.
Accompanied by a friendly, English-speaking local guide, guests can expect to hop between 3 establishments, receiving photos and advice for their ongoing stay in the city.
The tour starts at 6 PM at the Tokyu Plaza Ginza and ends in Shimbashi, easily accessible by metro.
Priced at $48, the tour includes all food and drinks, which range from $15 to $25 per person.
With a maximum group size of 10, this intimate experience offers a chance to explore Tokyo’s vibrant local nightlife scene.
Reviews
Brimming with praise, the 42 reviews for this tour highlight its exceptional quality, with travelers describing it as ‘fun and amazing’ and a ‘must-attend’ experience in Tokyo. Reviewers commend the friendly, knowledgeable local guide who leads the group through Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi, stopping at cozy izakaya bars along the way. Guests rave about the insights they gained into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and the personalized recommendations for their future stay. With a near-perfect 5-star rating, this tour offers an authentic, engaging exploration of Tokyo’s hidden gems that travelers won’t soon forget.
| Reviewer | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew_W | 5 | "Great tour with fun and knowledgeable guide" |
| Carlos_V | 5 | "Time flies so fast! Fun and amazing tour!" |
| caitlin_P | 5 | "Must Attend in Tokyo" |
| Stan_A | 5 | "The tour guides were both…" |
Meeting Point
The tour’s Ginza-based meeting point is the Tokyu Plaza Ginza, conveniently located in front of the BOSS store.
Participants can easily navigate there using the provided Google Maps link.
The meeting time is 6:00 PM, so attendees should plan to arrive a few minutes early.
From there, the group will embark on an immersive journey through Ginza, Yurakucho Yokocho, and Shimbashi.
Throughout the 3-hour tour, the friendly, English-speaking guide will lead participants in exploring local izakaya bars and provide valuable insights to enhance their future Tokyo plans.
With a maximum group size of 10, this intimate experience ensures personalized attention and a memorable evening discovering Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife.
What to Expect
During the 3-hour tour, participants can expect to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Ginza, Yurakucho Yokocho, and Shimbashi, hopping between local izakaya bars with a friendly, English-speaking guide.
The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to discover hidden gems and gain insider insights to enhance their future Tokyo plans.
Visitors will sample traditional Japanese pub fare and drinks while learning about the local culture and customs.
The knowledgeable guide will share tips and recommendations to ensure a memorable and authentic experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Tokyo’s lively nightlife and culinary scene.
Directions
Participants can reach the meeting point at Tokyu Plaza Ginza, located at 5-chōme-2-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan. The tour starts at 6:00 PM and ends in Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0004, Japan.
The location is easily accessible via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line.
The meeting point is in front of the BOSS store within the Tokyu Plaza Ginza, making it a convenient and easily identifiable location.
The tour’s end point in Shinbashi provides easy access to public transportation, allowing participants to continue their evening plans seamlessly.
Detailed directions and a Google Maps link are provided to ensure participants have no trouble finding the starting point.
The tour’s timing aligns with the evening hours, allowing participants to fully enjoy the local bar and izakaya experience.
Operator
Traveling Tokyo, the tour operator, runs this local hidden bar and izakaya experience with a maximum of 10 travelers per group. The tour is designed for those 20 and older, as alcohol is served during the experience.
Travelers can expect a friendly, English-speaking guide to lead them on a journey through Ginza, Yurakucho Yokocho, and Shimbashi, hopping between 3 local izakaya bars. The goal is to provide an authentic taste of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, offering advice and recommendations to enhance the remainder of guests’ stays.
With a 5.0 rating based on 42 reviews, Traveling Tokyo‘s expertise ensures a memorable and immersive experience for all who participate.
Terms
Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking for this tour. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but most guests can participate. The tour operator allows alcohol to be served only to those 20 or older.
This tour offers a robust set of terms to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 24 hours before, no refund if less than 24 hours before
- Weather Policy: Tour requires good weather for operation
- Pricing: Prices range from $15 to $25 per person for food and drinks
- Tour Duration: 3 hours of exploring local izakaya bars with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide
These terms provide travelers with the necessary information to plan their trip and set appropriate expectations for this immersive local bar hopping experience in Tokyo.
Additional Info
The tour includes photos taken during the experience, and gratuities are covered. Guests can expect the overall tour duration to last 3 hours as they hop between 3 local izakaya bars with a friendly, English-speaking guide. Food and drinks are priced between $15 to $25 per person, providing an authentic Japanese dining experience. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Photos | Included during the tour |
| Gratuities | Covered by the tour |
| Tour Duration | 3 hours |
| Food & Drinks | $15 – $25 per person |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Participation | Most travelers can join |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Alcoholic Beverages?
No, guests cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on this tour. It’s a private tour with a fixed itinerary, and the operator serves only the drinks they’ve selected at the local izakaya bars. Bringing outside alcohol is not permitted.
Is This Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The description states that the tour is "Not wheelchair accessible" and "Most travelers can participate", indicating that the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Can We Request Specific Dietary Requirements?
Yes, the tour operator can accommodate specific dietary requirements. Travelers should communicate any food allergies or preferences when booking the tour, and the guide will work to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. The tour details state that "Photos during the tour" are included, so participants can take pictures throughout the experience to capture memories of their local izakaya bar hopping adventure.
What if We Need to Leave the Tour Early?
Travelers who need to leave the tour early can request a partial refund, subject to the tour operator’s cancellation policy. This typically allows for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Check the policy details for specifics.
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Recap
This captivating 3-hour tour through Ginza, Yurakucho Yokocho, and Shimbashi neighborhoods offers an immersive experience of Tokyo’s vibrant bar and izakaya scene.
Guided by a friendly, English-speaking local, you’ll visit three establishments, sample traditional Japanese pub fare and drinks, and gain insider insights into the city’s nightlife.
With a near-perfect 5-star rating, this experience is a must for those seeking an authentic exploration of Tokyo’s renowned bar culture.