Shinjuku: Food Tour with 15 Dishes & Memory Lane Stops

Summary

Tokyo’s Shinjuku food tour with street eats, local stories, and Godzilla views

You’ll squeeze down Shinjuku’s lantern-lit alleys with a local guide, taste 15 different dishes at places only regulars know, snap photos under Godzilla Head, and hear stories from Memory Lane’s old-timers. It’s noisy, cozy, and full of flavors you’ll remember long after your jacket stops smelling like smoke.

What’s the experience like?

"Try this—don’t ask what it is yet," our guide grinned as she handed me something smoky on a tiny plate. I was already laughing because my chopsticks were hopeless, but honestly, the whole vibe in Shinjuku made me forget to care. The lights were sharp and jittery; even the air had this grilled-sweet smell that stuck to my jacket. We’d just ducked out of Kabukicho’s noise into a place so small I could touch both walls if I tried. The first bite was chewy—good chewy, not rubbery—and then someone at the next table shouted “kanpai!” and we all joined in, even though I definitely mispronounced it.

Our guide—her name was Saki—knew everyone. She waved at an old man tending yakitori skewers on Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho), and he nodded like they’d been sharing jokes for years. That alley felt like a movie set: lanterns glowing orange, smoke curling up from grills, people squeezed together on stools telling stories with their hands. Saki told us how these izakayas survived since the 1950s, and I swear you could taste it in the broth—like time layered into the flavor. We tried maybe five dishes here alone? Lost count after the pickled things and crispy chicken skin.

I didn’t expect to see Godzilla Head looming over Kabukicho—it’s weirdly cheerful for something meant to be scary. We stopped for photos (couldn’t resist) before wandering into Nishishinjuku for another round of plates. This spot was quieter; mostly locals eating noodles in silence or laughing softly over beer. Saki ordered something I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it), but it was salty and perfect after all the grilled stuff.

By the end, my jacket smelled like charcoal and soy sauce—a souvenir you can’t pack. Fifteen dishes sounds like too much but somehow it wasn’t enough; there’s always one more thing you want to try here. I still think about that alley light flickering behind us as we left, feeling full but kind of wishing we could start again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shinjuku's food and culture

• Visit Shinjuku's vibrant streets
• See Godzilla Head landmark
• Walk through Kabukicho entertainment district
• Dine at local Kabukicho restaurant
• Walk past Memory Lane izakayas
• Visit Nishishinjuku local restaurants
• Dine at Nishishinjuku local favorite

Top questions

How many restaurants do we visit on this Shinjuku food tour?

You’ll visit four different eateries during the tour.

Is food included in the price of this Shinjuku food tour?

Yes—all 15 dishes plus drinks are included.

Does this tour go to Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho)?

Yes, you’ll walk through Memory Lane and stop at izakayas there.

Will we see the Godzilla Head during this tour?

Yes—the route includes a stop by Shinjuku’s famous Godzilla Head for photos.

Is this tour suitable for people with low fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes—public transportation is available close to meeting points.

Is hotel pickup included in this Shinjuku food tour?

No—hotel pickup is not included; you meet your guide in Shinjuku.

How long does the Shinjuku food tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several stops across central Shinjuku.

What’s included

Your evening includes city walking through Shinjuku with a professional local guide leading you to four authentic eateries where you’ll try 15 different dishes and drinks along the way—including stops at Memory Lane and near Godzilla Head—with all food and beverages covered throughout the experience.