Tokyo Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour Including Secret Backstreets, Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho & Hanazono Shrine
by Local Guide Stars Shinjuku
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥5,200Overview
This 90-minute walking tour in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district begins at Shinjuku Station, the busiest station in the world. The tour proceeds through the backstreets of Shinjuku, including Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alleyway lined with small eateries serving traditional Japanese grilled dishes in a retro Showa-era atmosphere. Next, the tour continues through Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment district known for its neon-lit streets, restaurants, bars, clubs, and unique venues such as the Robot Restaurant. The group then visits Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, a large complex with restaurants, shopping, an observation deck offering city views, a VR game center, and live performance spaces. The guide recommends one drink from vending machines along the way. The tour also explores Golden Gai, an area of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars that preserve an old Tokyo nightlife vibe where locals and visitors mingle. Finally, the group visits Hanazono Shrine, a 400-year-old shrine dedicated to prosperity, featuring red torii gates and a calm setting amid the busy city. The guide provides insider tips on secret restaurants and points out vending machines with slot machine features. Purchasing omikuji or offerings at the shrine is not included in the tour fee.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, or Memory Lane, is a narrow backstreet area in Shinjuku known for its small, traditional izakaya-style eateries. Visitors find grilled chicken skewers, hot pot dishes, and other Japanese foods in cozy, retro-style interiors reminiscent of the Showa era. This area offers a chance to interact with locals and experience everyday Japanese life in a setting popular with foreign travelers.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Shinjuku’s entertainment district famous for its nighttime neon lights and wide range of attractions. Visitors will see restaurants, bars, clubs, karaoke venues, and entertainment spots including the Robot Restaurant and cinemas. The area’s mix of modern and traditional elements creates a lively atmosphere where local culture meets tourism.
10 min
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Kabukicho Tower is a large multi-floor complex offering restaurants, shopping, an observation deck with panoramic views of Tokyo, a VR game center, and live performance venues. It combines modern entertainment options with traditional Japanese elements, making it a central point in the Kabukicho district.
25 min
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a district of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars, many with decades of history. It maintains a retro nightlife atmosphere where visitors can talk casually with locals and bartenders. The area is known for its authentic charm and a mix of artists, musicians, and travelers.
15 min
Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine is a 400-year-old Shinto shrine in the heart of Shinjuku, dedicated to the deity Inari. It features striking red torii gates contrasting with surrounding modern buildings. The shrine is popular for prayers related to business success and hosts festivals including the Tori-no-Ichi Festival in November with music, food stalls, and parades.
20 min
Meeting point
Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Meet in front of the "Shinjuku Police Station Shinjuku East Exit Police Box" at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. There will be a guide holding a placard that says [Local Guide Stars].
End point
Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Meet in front of the "Shinjuku Police Station Shinjuku East Exit Police Box" at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. There will be a guide holding a placard that says [Local Guide Stars].
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Tokyo Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour Including Secret Backstreets, Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho & Hanazono Shrine
by Local Guide Stars Shinjuku
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥5,200Overview
This 90-minute walking tour in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district begins at Shinjuku Station, the busiest station in the world. The tour proceeds through the backstreets of Shinjuku, including Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alleyway lined with small eateries serving traditional Japanese grilled dishes in a retro Showa-era atmosphere. Next, the tour continues through Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment district known for its neon-lit streets, restaurants, bars, clubs, and unique venues such as the Robot Restaurant. The group then visits Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, a large complex with restaurants, shopping, an observation deck offering city views, a VR game center, and live performance spaces. The guide recommends one drink from vending machines along the way. The tour also explores Golden Gai, an area of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars that preserve an old Tokyo nightlife vibe where locals and visitors mingle. Finally, the group visits Hanazono Shrine, a 400-year-old shrine dedicated to prosperity, featuring red torii gates and a calm setting amid the busy city. The guide provides insider tips on secret restaurants and points out vending machines with slot machine features. Purchasing omikuji or offerings at the shrine is not included in the tour fee.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, or Memory Lane, is a narrow backstreet area in Shinjuku known for its small, traditional izakaya-style eateries. Visitors find grilled chicken skewers, hot pot dishes, and other Japanese foods in cozy, retro-style interiors reminiscent of the Showa era. This area offers a chance to interact with locals and experience everyday Japanese life in a setting popular with foreign travelers.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Shinjuku’s entertainment district famous for its nighttime neon lights and wide range of attractions. Visitors will see restaurants, bars, clubs, karaoke venues, and entertainment spots including the Robot Restaurant and cinemas. The area’s mix of modern and traditional elements creates a lively atmosphere where local culture meets tourism.
10 min
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Kabukicho Tower is a large multi-floor complex offering restaurants, shopping, an observation deck with panoramic views of Tokyo, a VR game center, and live performance venues. It combines modern entertainment options with traditional Japanese elements, making it a central point in the Kabukicho district.
25 min
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a district of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars, many with decades of history. It maintains a retro nightlife atmosphere where visitors can talk casually with locals and bartenders. The area is known for its authentic charm and a mix of artists, musicians, and travelers.
15 min
Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine is a 400-year-old Shinto shrine in the heart of Shinjuku, dedicated to the deity Inari. It features striking red torii gates contrasting with surrounding modern buildings. The shrine is popular for prayers related to business success and hosts festivals including the Tori-no-Ichi Festival in November with music, food stalls, and parades.
20 min
Meeting point
Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Meet in front of the "Shinjuku Police Station Shinjuku East Exit Police Box" at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. There will be a guide holding a placard that says [Local Guide Stars].
End point
Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Meet in front of the "Shinjuku Police Station Shinjuku East Exit Police Box" at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. There will be a guide holding a placard that says [Local Guide Stars].
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.