Shinjuku Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a collection of approximately 280 bars and izakayas, or Japanese-style pubs. Each shop has its own rules and atmosphere, ranging from longstanding establishments that have been around for over 50 years to new shops that have recently opened. Enjoy the atmosphere and conversations with the shop owners and customers! However, as many of the shops are small and standing-room only, it's best to avoid visiting with large groups. Additionally, the pricing system varies by shop, with many shops charging separate fees for otoshi, or small appetizers, and a cover charge in addition to the drink fee. The average price range is from 500 to 1500 yen, so it's reassuring to check beforehand. Some shops are also members-only, so it's recommended to gather information in advance. Furthermore, events such as the Shinjuku Hanazono Golden Gai Summer Appreciation Festival and the Shinjuku Golden Gai Cherry Blossom Festival are popular, and participating shops may offer special prices. With a variety of unique shops, exploring Shinjuku Golden Gai is a fun tourist spot.

"Nagi, the Amazing Niboshi Ramen" located in a corner of Shinjuku Golden Gai is a particularly popular ramen shop. The main store among several locations, there are often long lines in front of the shop. The ramen is characterized by a richly flavored soup made with niboshi (dried sardines), and with just one sip, the depth of flavor and umami of the niboshi spreads throughout your mouth. In addition, the homemade noodles unique to a niboshi ramen specialty shop have a chewy texture and go perfectly with the soup. Furthermore, the atmosphere inside the shop is also attractive, offering a special experience for tourists in a Showa retro space. When visiting Shinjuku Golden Gai, why not stop by Nagi and try their amazing niboshi ramen?

In Shinjuku's Golden Gai, a narrow area of about 2,000 tsubo is filled with old, low-rise wooden tenement houses, and small eateries are densely packed together. Narrow alleys, barely wide enough for one person to pass through, run between the shops, creating a maze-like atmosphere. At night, the shop signs and red lanterns light up, creating an even more unique and deep atmosphere. The history of this area is said to have begun with the black market that emerged during the chaotic period after the end of World War II. It later transformed into a drinking district centered around food stalls, taking on its current form. In the past, many cultural figures such as writers, editors, film directors, and actors gathered here as regular customers, and even today it remains one of Tokyo's hubs for subculture and underground art. Recently, the alleys have become popular among foreign tourists as well. Come and discover the charm of this city where the old and new intersect.

Enjoy a night of drinking without worry, even if you miss the last train. In Shinjuku's Golden Gai, there is a Thermar-yu where you can relax until morning. Thermar-yu is a 24-hour super sento that you can use anytime. Even in the heart of Shinjuku, you can experience Japan's traditional sento culture. The baths are spacious and clean, and use natural hot springs to soothe tired bodies. There is also an outdoor bath where you can relax in nature. It's also nice that there is a lounge with power outlets and a women-only resting area.

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a place where various people gather, from foreign tourists to regulars at the bars, so once you enter a bar, try to enjoy meeting and talking with people. You may have unexpected encounters and discoveries that you wouldn't have in your daily life. Also, many of the bartenders are friendly, so ask them for recommendations on drinks and snacks. Since there are connections between the bars, if you're bar hopping, it might be a good idea to ask for recommendations on the next bar to go to.