Tokyo Shinjuku Food Tour: 13 Dishes & 4 Local Eateries

Summary

Shinjuku’s alleys, local bites and late-night laughter

You’ll wander Shinjuku’s tangled alleys with a local guide, tasting 13 different dishes across four real-deal eateries — from smoky yakitori in Omoide Yokocho to late-night bites in Golden Gai. Expect laughter over drinks, stories you won’t find in any guidebook, and that feeling you get when you realize Tokyo is even bigger (and friendlier) than you thought.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous stepping off the train in Shinjuku. The lights are everywhere, like the city never sleeps, and there’s this buzz in the air that makes you forget what time it is. Our guide, Yuki, met us by a vending machine (of course), grinning and waving like we were old friends. She led us straight into Omoide Yokocho — those narrow lanes crammed with tiny izakayas and smoky food stalls. The smell of grilled chicken hit me first, then something sweet and soy-salty I still can’t name. We squeezed onto stools barely big enough for my bag and tried our first dish — yakitori, charred just right. I dropped half my skewer but nobody cared; everyone was too busy laughing or calling out orders over the sizzle.

Kabukicho was next, which I’d only seen in movies before. It’s wild at night — neon signs stacked on top of each other, people darting around like they’re late for something fun. Yuki pointed out places she used to go with her friends after work (she said one karaoke bar had the best plum wine but wouldn’t tell us which). We ducked into a traditional spot where the miso soup was so hot it fogged up my glasses. There was this moment when an old man at the next table raised his glass to us and said “kanpai” — I probably butchered my reply but he just laughed and poured more sake anyway.

Golden Gai felt like another world tucked behind all that noise — tiny bars with doors barely wide enough for two people, old jazz leaking out into the alley. The walls were covered in faded photos and scribbled notes from travelers who’d come before. At one gastrobar, we tried something pickled that made me pull a face (Yuki cracked up), then finished with a sweet omelet I didn’t expect to love so much. By then it was late but nobody seemed in a hurry to leave — maybe because it felt like we’d found some secret part of Tokyo most people rush past.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shinjuku's local food spots

• Visit Omoide Yokocho alleys
• Eat at tiny izakayas and stalls
• Explore Kabukicho entertainment district
• Visit traditional Japanese restaurant
• Walk through Golden Gai narrow alleys
• Discover historic tiny bars

Top questions

How many dishes do you try on this Shinjuku food tour?

The tour includes tasting 13 Japanese dishes across four different eateries.

Does the tour include drinks?

Yes, you get two complimentary drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) during the tour.

Where does the Shinjuku food tour go?

The route covers Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), Kabukicho entertainment district, and Golden Gai’s historic nightlife area.

Is this a walking tour?

Yes, it’s a city walking tour through Shinjuku’s famous alleys and districts.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available close to the meeting point and along the route.

Is lunch included on this Tokyo food tour?

The tour includes food at four stops: one stall, one izakaya, one traditional eatery, and one gastrobar.

Who leads the Shinjuku food tour?

A professional expert local guide leads the group through each stop.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai with a local expert; tastings of 13 Japanese dishes at four unique eateries; two complimentary drinks (alcoholic or not); plus stories and laughs along the way before heading back by public transport if you need it.