• Whiskey drinks on the table in bar, image with color and noise filter effect.
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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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Golden Gai

Golden Gai

Golden Gai is a legendary district in Shinjuku, a warren of six narrow alleys crammed with over 200 tiny, character-filled bars. A relic of post-war Tokyo, it has evolved from a black market into a bohemian haunt for artists and musicians, retaining a palpable sense of history in its low-slung wooden buildings. Each bar is a deeply personal domain, often seating fewer than ten people and reflecting the unique taste of its owner. While some bars maintain a traditional, locals-only policy, many now welcome curious travellers. The best approach is to wander the photogenic lanes and look for English signs or a welcoming gesture. Be prepared for small spaces, a cover charge, and an intimate, often non-verbal, interaction. It’s less a bar crawl and more an immersion into a vanishing, fiercely independent side of Tokyo.
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The Room

The Room

The Room is an intimate basement club in Shinjuku, known for attracting a hip, global crowd. As the name suggests, the space is compact and exclusive, fostering a close connection between the performers and the audience. The focus is on live music and quality DJ sets, with a calendar featuring jazz, soul, and hip-hop acts. Look for the distinctive red street light marking the discreet basement entrance. Given its size and popularity, checking the monthly schedule online is essential for securing a spot in this sought-after, atmospheric venue.
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H2 International Bar

H2 International Bar

H2 International Bar is a versatile and welcoming spot in Shinjuku that defies a single category, blending the roles of a sports bar, karaoke lounge and darts pub. Its main appeal is a genuinely international and social atmosphere where travellers and locals connect. The music policy is eclectic, spanning decades and genres from 60s soul to modern EDM, with free requests encouraged. Patrons can watch live sports broadcasts, sing karaoke, play darts, or enjoy a shisha. With free entry, a full cocktail menu, and a reliably lively vibe, it’s a dependable choice for a fun, unpretentious night out.
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New York Bar

New York Bar

From the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt, the New York Bar delivers the breathtaking, cinematic Tokyo skyline made famous by Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation”. The ambiance is pure jazz-age glamour, with live musicians providing the soundtrack against a backdrop of murals inspired by New York's legendary music halls. The extensive menu spans classic cocktails, including a signature Old Fashioned and a nod to the film's LIT cocktail, to a wide selection of whisky, wine, and sake. For a late-night bite, options range from wagyu sliders to New York-style pizza. It’s an experience that defines the city's upscale nightlife.
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