Best Bars in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Golden Gai dives, Omoide Yokocho yakitori-and-beer, listening rooms — Tokyo's densest bar zone.
Shinjuku has the highest density of bars per square metre in Tokyo. Golden Gai's 200 tiny bars in 2,000 square metres is the most concentrated drinking neighbourhood on Earth. Add Kabukicho's neon, Omoide Yokocho's yakitori alleys, and the polished hotel bars in the west — Shinjuku is Tokyo's drinking capital.
Eight picks for an extended Shinjuku night.
The best bars in Shinjuku
Bar BenFiddich
Nishi-Shinjuku herbalist cocktail bar. Hiroyasu Kayama grows herbs on the bar. World's 50 Best Bars.
Albatross G
Golden Gai standing dive. 8 seats, antique chandelier, the most photographable bar in Tokyo.
Death Match in Hell
Golden Gai metal-themed standing bar. 6 seats, death metal volume, owner toasts every drink.
Donzoko
Golden Gai 1951 bar. Wood-panelled, jazz playlist, the most heritage Golden Gai room. Cash only.
Park Hyatt New York Bar
52nd-floor hotel bar from Lost in Translation. Polished cocktails, live jazz nightly, full Tokyo skyline view.
Omoide Yokocho
Memory Lane — alley of 60+ tiny yakitori-and-beer bars from 1946. Postwar Tokyo at its most preserved.
Bar Goya
Shinjuku basement cocktail bar. 10 seats, deep mezcal list, late-night Shinjuku cocktail destination.
Suntory Hibiya Whisky Lounge
Suntory's flagship whisky lounge. 200+ Japanese whiskies, including rare bottlings. The Yamazaki cathedral.
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