Where to Go Out: the 5 Best Izakaya and Sake Bar Hopping in Tokyo

1.Shinjuku Local Bar and Izakaya Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,794 reviews · 3 hours · from $34Our pick

Spend three hours walking Shinjuku with an English-speaking local guide, visiting Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai. You will stop at selected izakayas and bars, taste Japanese drinks at your own cost, learn local nightlife customs, and finish with karaoke. Guides such as Nao, Naoya, Toshi, Kei, and Shota are praised for welcoming solo visitors and managing mixed groups.

“Shota was an amazing tour guide friendly, knowledgeable and an even better karaoke singer! We had a truly memorable night can’t thank Shota enough for his hospitality.”

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2.Shinjuku Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 890 reviews · from $39Top rated

Spend about three hours walking through Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai with an English-speaking guide. Expect small bars, Japanese food, sake, photos, and often karaoke. Guides such as Rika, Nao, Yoshi, Ken, and Akari help with ordering and introductions. Food and drinks cost extra, so budget beyond the $39.79 tour price.

“Yoshi crafted an excellent evening sampling a local experience in an Izakaya pub, sake samples and karaoke bar . This is a perfect tour whether solo or in a group as you become fast friends with your group exploring the night scene in Shinjuku”

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3.Shibuya: Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 354 reviews · 3 hours · from $29Best value

Meet an English-speaking guide such as Tomomi, Kento, Asato, or Yuna near Mizuho Bank in Shibuya, then visit three local-style bars and izakayas over three hours. Expect food, sake, conversation, and often karaoke. Admission and photos are included, but bring cash for everything you eat and drink. Participants must be 20 or older.

“Kei was very knowledgable and took us to venues that gave us a feel of Tokyo local flavor. She was happy to answer questions and was enthusiastic the whole night though”

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4.Shibuya Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · from $39

Meet at 8 p.m. near Shibuya Station and follow an English-speaking guide through Shibuya Crossing, Miyashita Park, local izakaya, sake bars, and Center-gai. Guides such as Kota, Ken, Riku, Sora, and Momoko may add food tips, translation, photos, or karaoke. Admission is included, but food and drinks cost extra.

“This was fantastic especially for a solo traveler! The guide was super helpful and I was late due to traffic he contacted me and advised the first stop so I could meet the group there. Great conversation and knowledge. I would book again.”

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5.Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 147 reviews · from $99

Spend about two hours walking through Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and possibly Golden Gai with a small group of up to eight. Your guide leads you to local izakayas, explains dishes such as yakitori and fish, and includes three alcoholic drinks plus 6 to 8 food items. Guides such as Hiro, Ryota, Tak, and Tetsu are known for friendly help and local tips.

“Excellent! Hiro is an extremely knowledgeable and this is a great way to introduce yourself to Shinjuku. It's also a great way to meet other travelers. I recommend doing this tour as soon as you get to Shinjuku.”

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