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Finding your way around
Golden Gai sits in Kabukicho 1-chome, about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's East Exit, right next to Hanazono Shrine. More than 295 tiny bars are packed into six narrow alleys, and most open from about 8pm.
We picked these 20 from the 295 bars in the Golden Gai Hopper directory, grouped by the kind of night you're after. Tap any bar for its full page. Cover charges and hours change, so always check the sign at the door.
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Best for first-timers and international visitors
Start somewhere easy-going where language is no barrier — a few of these have no cover charge at all.
BAR UISCEG1-dori, 2F · single malt and jazz, English spokenAlbatross GChandeliers in a red, otherworldly room · a favourite of international visitorsArakuNo cover · international bar with world banknotes on the wallsDiamond BarNo cover, ¥500 drinks · famous for international karaoke sing-alongsChampionG2-dori, 1F & 2F · no cover, drinks from ¥500
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Music bars
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Theme bars
Pure Golden Gai: tiny rooms built entirely around one owner's obsession.
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Legendary veterans
Bars with decades of stories — long-time haunts of writers, actors and artists.
Lecan5th street · carries on the name of the spot that inspired 'Midnight Diner'ToppuOver 50 years on G1-dori · owned by voice actor Hidekatsu ShibataMizu-no-kiNear Maneki-dori · long cherished by artists and intellectualsNakamura-shutenG2-dori · run by mama Kyoko NakamuraGargantuaRun by Russian folk singer Sachi Ishibashi
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