![]() If you’re looking for somewhere laid back to start your night, or a place to wind down after visiting one of Shibuya’s larger clubs, Beat Cafe is always there and the crowd is always friendly. There’s no novelty here it’s just a well-worn dive bar with reasonably-priced drinks, a love for indie rock and extended opening hours. This cozy, cavernous hangout has long been known as a favorite among international residents, Tokyo-born locals and those just passing through. Tucked deep in the love hotel district of Shibuya‘s Dogenzaka sits basement bar Beat Cafe. This post was first published in October 2017 and was last updated in May 2022.A post shared by Kevin House on at 5:02am PST While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. What else is there to see in the neighborhood? Here are our top picks for what to do in Kabukichō. Golden Gai is right near Shintō shrine, Hanazono-jinja. If you’re walking east down Yasukuni-dōri, past the Don Quijote, look for the lantern-lit lane on the left, just past the Mr Donut. Golden Gai is about a 10-minute walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. ![]() ![]() Here’s some top-rated guides on Klook, Viator and Magical Trip. If you’re a little concerned about the rules, or bit too intimidated to enter a hole-in-wall, you could opt for a tour guide to take you around. If you do have any, blur them out or just don’t use them. Most importantly, in Japan you are not meant to use photos of people’s faces, and being seen taking any is a quick way to get chucked out. The alley network itself also has some rules, and they may seem tempting to ignore (as they include no photographs), but at least be discreet. There are rules within individual bars, some normal (like seating charges), and some less so (like ¥ 5,000 sleeping charges), but you’ll always be warned by the staff and/or signs beforehand - so don’t worry. We don’t need to tell you to be conscientious revelers, but keep in mind that there will be no qualms about chucking you out if you make it uncomfortable for other customers. The more general rule of “when in Rome” still applies in Golden Gai, even when drinking, and is especially important in small bars like these. While half the fun is picking your own bar from the many options, if it’s your first time to visit and you feel a bit intimidated by it all and want some suggestions on where to start, then look no further: Local favorites in Golden Gai: Our top picks La Jetée is a well-known bar in the filmmakers’ circle, with the tiny space being used for scenes in the movie Tokyo Ga, and is frequented by cinephiles and actors. Hair of the Dog has excellent music choices for those of us who enjoy 80s punk and ska. Head to Happy Bar for soul, rock, and blues music from the good old days, as well as some Showa-era sounds to match the surroundings. Or wander over to Bar Plastic Model - an 80s and 90s bar with records, books, and all kinds of trinkets. Keep an eye out for Tachibana Clinic if you want a taste of medical macabre along with your drinks. ![]() With many of the buildings housing more than one bar, the steep staircases can lead to a completely different experience.īe it a hospital-themed bar, a failed S&M club, or grass-covered walls, you can find pretty much anything within Golden Gai, if you’re willing to explore. Made up of six alleys tightly packed with independent bars, half the experience is wandering through, with each small entrance completely individual - covered in stickers, pristine and painted, or aged and battered. Where to go in Golden Gai: Narrow down your narrow streets Pro tip: Bars in Golden Gai tend to open from about 8pm, so don’t head over too early or you’ll find empty streets and (too many) empty seats. With a similar vibe to nearby Omoide Yokochō (aka Piss Alley), but focusing on cocktails rather than yakitori, Golden Gai has been growing in popularity as visitors seek that elusive unpolished side of Tokyo (night) life. ![]() Frequented by celebrities, artists, and writers and home to myriad small bars and restaurants, each night is an adventure into the unknown and unexpected. While surrounding areas have been developed and look like any other part of Tokyo, Shinjuku’s Golden Gai retains that now-rare post-war charm. ![]()
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