Tokyo After Dark: A First-Timer's Guide to Shinjuku
From Golden Gai's 200 tiny bars to robot restaurants, here's how to do Tokyo nightlife without looking like a tourist.
Tokyo After Dark: A First-Timer's Guide to Shinjuku
Shinjuku at night is sensory overload in the best way possible. Here's how to navigate it.
Start at Golden Gai (8 PM)
200 bars. Most seat 6 people. The vibe ranges from "jazz collector's paradise" to "very specific anime fans only."
My favorite: A bar run by a 70-year-old woman who only plays Frank Sinatra and makes one drink—whisky highball. Perfect.
The Izakaya Crawl (10 PM)
Skip the tourist spots. Look for places with plastic curtains and salary men chain-smoking inside. Order whatever they're having.
Robot Restaurant (Midnight)
Is it touristy? Yes. Is it also completely insane and worth every yen? Also yes. Giant robots. Laser shows. Taiko drums. Just go.
Conbini Break (3 AM)
7-Eleven in Japan is a destination. Onigiri, Strong Zero, and a moment to collect yourself before round two.
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The Rules:
The perfect Tokyo trip is 7 days minimum. Trust me.
