Explore Tokyo’s hidden side on this walking tour through Shinjuku, the heart of Japan’s nightlife. From traditional alleys to neon lights, hidden temples and surprising clubs, you’ll discover the history, culture and contrasts of this fascinating district.
Highlights
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
- Discover the secret corners of Kabukichō’s red-light district
- Walk nostalgic alleys filled with traditional bars in Omoide Yokocho
- Experience the unique atmosphere of Golden Gai
- Feel the spiritual contrasts at Hanazono Shrine
Price
Itinerary
We start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory, with panoramic views of the city. You’ll get a sense of its vertical growth and incredible energy. Here, we’ll also enjoy the world’s largest projection mapping light show, a Guinness World Record winner.
We continue to the vibrant Kabukichō district, famous for its lights, stories, and double identity: originally designed for kabuki theaters, it eventually became Japan’s largest red-light district. Throughout the tour, we’ll learn how tradition and nightlife coexist.
Next, we venture into the iconic Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley packed with tiny izakayas that exude postwar Tokyo charm. Then we arrive at the famous Godzilla Road, where we’ll learn how the so-called “free information services” work and what role entertainment venues play in Japanese urban life.
In Kabukichō Plaza, we’ll talk about the Toyoko Kids, young runaways who find refuge in internet cafés and survive amidst lights and shadows. We’ll also visit Hanamichi-dori, the street of host and hostess clubs, where relationships are built on fantasy and spending.
The route continues through the legendary Golden Gai, a maze of over 200 tiny bars with a unique and nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a place where artists and locals mingle in a Tokyo that feels frozen in time.
To end the tour, we stop at the peaceful Hanazono Shrine, a spiritual oasis in the heart of Shinjuku’s hustle and bustle.
How does a free tour work, and why choose us?
Book for free and decide how much to contribute at the end. Our guides are local, knowledgeable, and will make your tour an unforgettable and entertaining experience.
We suggest a minimum contribution of ¥2,000 per person to support the dedication and expertise of our guides.
Meeting Point
Included
- 2-hour guided walking tour of Tokyo
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance to monuments
- Tips
Cancellation Policy
Warnings
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Not wheelchair accessible
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Not suitable for pets
- The minimum age to participate in this free tour is 18 years old.
Additional Info
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early and wear comfortable shoes, as the entire tour is on foot.
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Only cash payments are accepted.
- We suggest a minimum contribution of ¥2,000 per person to support the dedication and expertise of our guides.