This famous Bar district on the East side of Shinjuku is composed of over 100 tiny shacks, formerly brothels bars and clubs. Golden Gia is renowned for the musicians, artists, actors, and directors that are patrons of the small bars known as nomiya which usually seat six to 15 people. Navigating around the labyrinth of small bars can be an interesting experience the first few times but a rather rewarding one when you finally find the one that best suites you

Each establishment in Golden Gai tends to have a different theme and caters to a different crowed of the artistic type. The small bars tend to be rather friendly places with a real international feeling attracting people from all over the world and Tokyo to discuss their latest projects.

Most of the owners of the various bars and small clubs in Golden Gai have been around for a while and many of the famous and not so famous customers have been around just as long. So if you want to get a taste of the real Tokyo when out on the town for a night this is a good place to start

Many of the the places do have table charges that usually range from 500 – 1,000 yen

Directions to get there

The entire Golden Gai is situated on one block - 1-1-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku