Shinjuku, Tokyo / Small-bar district
Golden Gai
新宿ゴールデン街
A close-knit collection of tiny bars, each with its own personality.
Read the signs, choose a bar that welcomes new guests, and ask about its charges at the door. The district’s association recommends small groups; some bars are reserved for regulars.
Find the entrance
Search for 新宿ゴールデン街. This is a district with several lanes, so navigate to the particular bar you choose.
Kabukicho 1-chome, Shinjuku, Tokyo
東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1丁目
Before you settle in
Visit in a small group and ask before entering.
Obtain permission for photography.
Keep the lanes clear and respect the district’s posted rules.
Make it part of your night
Your first night in Tokyo
3-4 hoursOfficial information reviewed 2026-10-09. Hours, prices and entry conditions can change.
Golden Gai association visitor guide (opens a new tab)