Tucked inside Shinjuku Golden Gai, AZITO (store no. 118) holds a quirky distinction: manga artist Kazurou Inoue, known for "Midori no Hibi" and "Aikora," once worked behind its counter—a fact noted in the street's Wikipedia entry. The bar's X account, run by a self-described "Commander" who lists anime, films, games, and Hello! Project among his passions, hints at a subculture-soaked atmosphere that sets it apart from Golden Gai's many literary haunts. The bar appeared as a participating venue in the 2025 Nouryou Kanshafestival, confirming it remains open. That said, current hours and cover charge details are hard to pin down online, so it's worth checking in advance or just pushing open the door. If you want to swap opinions on your favorite anime over a glass in a bar with genuine manga pedigree, AZITO might be exactly the hideout you're looking for.
* Bars located in the same alley row.
Shinjuku Golden Gai is Tokyo's most iconic bar district — 295+ unique bars packed into six narrow alleys in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. A 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit, next to Hanazono Shrine. Featured in the Michelin Green Guide, it has been a cultural institution since the 1950s.
Read the history of Golden Gai