SHINJUKU GOLDEN GAI

Description

Essentials about Shinjuku Golden Gai in brief

If you want to have a drink with locals in an absolutely unique atmosphere, you should make your way to Shinjuku Golden Gai. In the midst of the ultra-modern Shinjuku district is a narrow six-row block of alleyways, where one bar follows the next. In almost 300 small and tiny bars, you can experience Japan’s intimate drinking culture in the nostalgic and somewhat shabby atmosphere of the 1950s.

The location and history of Shinjuku Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai is part of the Kabukichō red light and entertainment district and is located just a few minutes east of Shinjuku Station. Today’s Golden Gai was one of Tokyo’s red-light districts after World War II. After prostitution was cracked down on by law, the alleys transformed into a bar and pub district.

Unlike most other neighborhoods in the Japanese capital, which underwent massive architectural changes during Japan’s rapid economic boom in the second half of the 20th century, Golden Gai has retained its old-fashioned charm and rundown look of the early 1950s.

Shinjuku Golden Gai consists of a network of six narrow alleys connected by even narrower passageways. Some of the passageways are so narrow that just one person can walk through at a time.

The bars in Shinjuku Golden Gai

The bars in Shinjuku Golden Gai have always been visited by a colorful mix of people. Tokyo’s artistic scene in particular is one of the regulars in Shinjuku Golden Gai. Many of the bars are dedicated to a specific theme, such as movies or Go. Others are designed for specific music genres, such as karaoke, jazz, punk rock or R&B. And some bars are also aimed only at a specific group of customers.

Often the bars are so small that there is room for just five or six guests. Some of the bars are also only open to members. Others actively try to attract foreign guests with English-language price lists. In addition to the countless bars, Golden Gai also has a variety of small eateries to satisfy your hunger.

Most of the bars open their doors only at 9 or 10 pm. Therefore, during the day it is very quiet in Shinjuku Golden Gai. The dilapidated buildings of Golden Gai should not mislead you into thinking that you can drink cheaply here. Because of its notoriety, most bars charge quite high prices even by Tokyo standards. Last but not least, three rules of conduct for Shinjuku Golden Gai. You should not smoke or drink in the street. And photography is not allowed without permission.