Tokyo Shinjuku Food Tour: 15 Dishes & Bar Hopping Night

Summary

Shinjuku eats, Golden Gai bars and Tokyo’s lively night

You’ll wander Shinjuku’s backstreets with a local guide, tasting yakitori on Memory Lane, squeezing into lively izakayas for gyoza and sake, then finishing with drinks in Golden Gai’s wild little bars. Expect laughter, new friends—and flavors you’ll remember long after leaving Tokyo.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you could actually eat your way through Shinjuku in one night? I did, and honestly, I wasn’t sure my stomach would keep up with my curiosity. We met our guide—her name was Aya, soft-spoken but sharp-eyed—just outside the station, where the air smelled like rain and grilled chicken. She led us into Memory Lane first (locals call it Omoide Yokocho), all narrow alleys and tiny lanterns. I kept bumping elbows with strangers but nobody seemed to mind. The first bite of yakitori was smoky and sweet, and the beer was colder than I expected. Aya explained how these old izakayas survived post-war Tokyo. I tried saying “kampai” properly; she grinned at my accent.

The next place was tucked behind a noodle shop—I’d never have found it alone. It was loud inside, people laughing over plates of gyoza and fried tofu that practically melted when you bit in. We squeezed onto stools that wobbled a little, sharing dishes with two guys from Osaka who insisted we try their favorite sake (I did; it burned in a good way). At some point, someone started singing quietly near the back, but nobody shushed them. There’s something about eating in these hidden spots that makes you feel like you’re part of the city for a few hours.

Golden Gai came later—those stacked bars with neon signs barely hanging on. Our last stop had walls covered in old concert posters and a bartender who looked like he’d seen everything twice. We got our final drink (I picked plum wine) and swapped stories with travelers from Spain and Korea. I remember the way the street outside glowed yellow under the lamps as we left, shoes sticky from spilled sake on the floor. If you’re after a food tour that’s more than just ticking off dishes—one where you actually talk to people, hear their stories—this is it. I still think about that gyoza sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shinjuku food and bar-hopping tour

• Visit nostalgic Memory Lane izakaya
• Enjoy local street foods and drinks
• Reserve seat at hidden local izakaya
• Eat and drink at local izakaya bar
• Socialize with locals and travelers
• Explore bars in Shinjuku Golden Gai

Top questions

How many dishes are included in this Shinjuku food tour?

This tour includes up to 15 recommended Japanese dishes across four eateries.

Are drinks included during the Tokyo bar hopping tour?

You get three drinks total—one at each of the first two bars and one at the final bar.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your group will be led by a friendly local guide who speaks English.

What areas of Tokyo does this food tour visit?

The tour explores Shinjuku’s Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) and Golden Gai nightlife area.

Is this food tour suitable for vegetarians?

The menu features a variety of Japanese dishes including some vegetarian options like grilled veggies and fried tofu.

Do I need to make reservations for these izakayas myself?

No reservations needed—the tour includes reserved seats at each eatery so you can relax and enjoy.

How do I get to the starting point for this tour?

The meeting point is easily accessible by public transportation near Shinjuku Station.

What’s included

Your night includes guided visits to four local Tokyo eateries with reserved seats, up to 15 different Japanese dishes (enough for dinner), three included drinks chosen from beer, sake or plum wine options, plus plenty of time to chat with locals—all led by an English-speaking guide before heading home on your own schedule.