Exploring the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku is an experience like no other. This guided bar hopping tour offers an intimate glimpse into the hidden world of traditional Japanese izakaya pubs. Travelers can savor local dishes and drinks, seeing the lively atmosphere and gaining insights into the city’s rich cultural traditions. The small-group setting ensures a personalized experience, with the guide capturing memorable moments along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply curious about Japanese culture, this tour promises an unforgettable evening that will leave you eager to discover more.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Drinking Tours In Tokyo.
Just The Basics
- Offers an intimate, guided experience exploring the vibrant backstreets and authentic izakaya bars of Shinjuku, Tokyo’s lively nightlife district.
- Includes a full dinner with 3-4 local dishes and 4 drinks, showcasing traditional Japanese cuisine and beverages.
- Small-group tour allows for personalized attention and insights into local culture and nightlife from the guide.
- Highlights include discovering hidden izakaya bars, capturing memorable moments, and immersing in the vibrant bar hopping experience.
- Not wheelchair accessible, with a minimum age of 15 and only those 20+ can consume alcohol.
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Overview of the Tour
The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku offers an intimate, guided experience through the backstreets and authentic bars of the vibrant Shinjuku district. This small-group tour lets you discover hidden izakaya bars, indulge in local dishes and drinks, and gain insights into the city’s lively nightlife culture.
Over the course of the 3-4 hour experience, you’ll hop between 3 different bars, savoring a full dinner’s worth of signature Japanese fare and drinks.
Along the way, your local guide will share stories about the area and take photos to help you remember the night. It’s an immersive way to explore the hidden gems of Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku neighborhood.
Inclusions and Highlights
The tour includes a full dinner featuring 3-4 local dishes, as well as 4 drinks of your choice.
You’ll get to sample authentic Japanese fare like grilled chicken, seafood, and vegetables as you explore the backstreet izakaya bars with your local guide.
Along the way, your guide will take photos so you can remember the night.
Highlights of the tour include discovering hidden izakaya bars and gaining insights into local life and culture.
The small-group setting ensures an intimate experience as you hop between 3 different establishments.
With a badge of excellence and over 1,700 positive reviews, this is a must-do for anyone looking to enjoy Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife.
Meeting Point and Pickup
Travelers meet their guide in front of the Black pillar, next to the Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi shop, where they’ll spot a red/orange sign held by the Magical Trip guide.
This is the designated meeting point for the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku.
Once the group is assembled, the guide will lead them on an evening of exploration through the backstreets and hidden izakaya bars of the Shinjuku district.
At the end of the tour, you will return to the original meeting point.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult, with a minimum age of 15 years, though only those 20 and above can consume alcohol.
What to Expect
On the tour, guests can expect to discover hidden izakaya bars, enjoying drinks and snacks equivalent to a full meal. The guide takes participants to popular local spots, where they’ll savor traditional Japanese fare like grilled chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Throughout the experience, the guide captures photos for guests to remember the night.
Izakaya bars are informal Japanese pubs that serve a variety of small dishes and drinks. Exploring these hidden gems allows guests to enjoy the local culture and nightlife.
Whether it’s trying new flavors or snapping memorable photos, the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku promises an authentic and enjoyable experience.
Authentic Izakaya Bar Experience
Guests on the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour can expect an immersive izakaya bar experience, visiting 3 local establishments known for their authentic atmosphere and traditional Japanese cuisine. At each stop, the guide will introduce the group to various Japanese small plates and drinks. The menu options showcase the diversity of Japanese pub fare, from grilled chicken yakitori to fresh seafood and sizzling vegetable dishes. To fully immerse in the local culture, guests can sample a range of beverages, including draft beer, Japanese whisky, and signature cocktails. Throughout the evening, the guide will capture memorable moments to help guests treasure their night of backstreet bar hopping in Shinjuku.
| Izakaya Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Yakitori | Skewers of grilled chicken |
| Kushiyaki | Assorted grilled skewers |
| Otsumami | Savory snacks and appetizers |
| Nomimono | Selection of beer, wine, and cocktails |
Insights Into Local Life and Culture
The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour not only introduces guests to authentic Japanese izakaya bars, but also provides invaluable insights into the local way of life and cultural traditions.
By visiting these hidden establishments off the main streets, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for how Tokyoites unwind and socialize after a long workday.
From the lively atmosphere to the traditional dishes and drinks served, the tour offers a window into the vibrant nightlife culture that’s integral to Japanese society.
The guide’s insider knowledge and commentary further enhance the experience, allowing participants to enjoy the local customs and appreciate the subtle nuances that define Tokyo’s unique bar scene.
Tour Group Size and Accessibility
The tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it takes place in the compact Shinjuku district, which is well-connected to public transportation options.
This small-group format allows the local guide to provide more attention and insights to each participant, fostering a deeper understanding of the local culture and nightlife.
The tour is open to travelers aged 15 and above, though only those 20 and older can partake in the alcoholic beverages.
With this structured yet flexible approach, the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku caters to a wide range of visitors seeking an authentic and memorable exploration of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Cancellation Policy and Additional Details
With the small-group format and age requirements in mind, the tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Plus, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation options in the Shinjuku district, making it easily accessible for a wide range of travelers.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility concerns may want to plan accordingly.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a safe and family-friendly experience.
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, maintaining an intimate and personalized atmosphere throughout the bar hopping adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The tour accommodates dietary restrictions, providing a selection of local dishes that cater to various dietary needs. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available upon request when booking the tour.
What Languages Does the Tour Guide Speak?
The tour guide speaks Japanese, and provides the tour in English. They’re able to communicate with and accommodate international travelers on the small-group experience to discover the city’s hidden izakaya bars and authentic local cuisine.
Can We Take the Tour in the Afternoon Instead of at Night?
Unfortunately, this tour is only offered in the evening. The experience is designed to explore the vibrant nightlife and local izakaya bars. Taking it during the day wouldn’t provide the same immersive experience or access to the hidden bars featured on the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the tour duration. The standard tour package includes a full dinner, 4 drinks, and visits to 3 local izakaya bars with a local guide over approximately 3 hours.
Can We Request a Private Tour for Our Group?
Yes, customers can request a private tour for their group. Private tours offer a more personalized experience and allow the group to customize the itinerary. Private tours may incur an additional fee but provide greater flexibility and exclusivity.
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Final Words
This Shinjuku bar hopping tour offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to savor local dishes and drinks while gaining insights into Japan’s vibrant nightlife culture.
The small-group setting ensures a personalized experience, with the guide capturing memorable moments.
Whether you’re 15 or older, you can discover the diversity of pub fare and beverages in an authentic atmosphere, enjoying the traditions of these Japanese-style izakaya bars.