Shinjuku Golden-Gai

Overview

A trip to the Golden Gai is a rite of passage for first-timers visiting Tokyo, with over 200 dive bars, clubs and eateries spread across the district's narrow alleyways, just a short walk from Shinjuku Station.

Some of the venues are open 24/7 and groups of locals and tourists roam from one bar to the next often until the sun comes up. The best plan is to have no plan — just go for a wander and see which spots take your fancy. There are bars that look like bookstores, heavy metal dens and 80s time capsules, complete with leopard print walls.

Our picks? Gothic-style Albatross is good for larger groups, Araku doesn't have a cover charge and Artbar hosts art classes so you can upskill while you sip.