Penguin-Mura

Penguin-Mura (ぺんぎん村), tucked into the Akarui Hanazono 5th alley of Shinjuku Golden Gai, has been running since 1999 — a rare bar with more than two decades of history in this ever-changing neighborhood. Its defining feature stems from the master's hometown of Ise City, Mie Prefecture: Ise udon, a dish almost impossible to find in Golden Gai, is on the menu. Think thick, pillowy noodles drenched in a rich tamari soy sauce — a single bite is enough to understand why the master brought a piece of home to Shinjuku. The compact interior centers on a counter bathed in dim light, and the atmosphere carries the unmistakable imprint of the master's passions: the Kintetsu Buffaloes, Michael Schenker, Maeda Tatsumi, Kiyoshiro Imawano. Drop one of those names and conversation flows faster than the drinks. It's an easy solo stop — approachable enough for a first visit, deep enough to linger. We recommend checking their SNS for current hours before heading out, but if you're searching for Ise flavor in Golden Gai, this is the place to look.