Shinjuku Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho: Tokyo’s Famous Drinking Alleys

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Researched guide · Checked on Oct 22, 2026

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Two of Tokyo’s most atmospheric drinking alleys sit on either side of Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Golden Gai, on the east side, is a maze of about 300 tiny bars. Omoide Yokocho, by the West Exit, is a narrow lane of small yakitori and motsuyaki counters. Both grew out of the food and drink stalls that appeared around the station after World War II.

Shinjuku Golden Gai

Golden Gai is a block of narrow lanes on the East Exit side of Shinjuku Station, packed with about 300 small bars, according to GO TOKYO, Tokyo’s official travel guide.

• Each bar sets its own hours and prices, so look for a price list or ask before you sit down.
• Golden Gai is right next to Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s busiest nightlife area. See our Shinjuku guide for the rest of the neighborhood.

Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”) is by the West Exit of Shinjuku Station. Its official site says it began as a street market on burned-out land just after the war, and today it has about 60 eateries, mostly yakitori and motsuyaki restaurants, among roughly 80 shops in total.

GO TOKYO notes that the lane is easy to miss and that each eatery seats only about five or six people.

• Shop opening days, hours and menus can change without notice, the official site says, so check with each shop.
• Many counters are very small. Order a drink and a few skewers, and give your seat to the next guests when you are done.
• New to yakitori and izakaya food? Read our izakaya guide first.

Tips for visiting

• Go in a small group. GO TOKYO advises against visiting these tiny bars in a large group.
• Check prices first. Each bar sets its own prices, and some add a seating charge. Ask if you are not sure.
• Be considerate with your camera. These are working bars and restaurants. Photograph the lanes, but ask before taking pictures inside a shop or of other guests.
• Bring cash. Payment methods differ from shop to shop, so it helps to have some cash with you.
• Expect small spaces. Many places have only a few seats, so you may need to wait or try another shop.

Getting there

• Golden Gai: on the East Exit side of Shinjuku Station, next to Kabukicho.
• Omoide Yokocho: by the West Exit of Shinjuku Station.
• The two alleys are on opposite sides of the station, so plan to walk through or around Shinjuku Station between them.

Not sure which bar to walk into? A guided izakaya and Golden Gai bar-hopping tour in Shinjuku can be booked on Klook.

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