Hello, future friends! I just wanted to introduce my favorite spot in Tokyo. This is just a personal recommendation! I highly recommend you check out this place—you might just find some great friends here. I honestly made many friends here myself! 🙂
You can find guides and activities for Golden Gai, the surrounding Shinjuku area, and the rest of Tokyo and Japan through services like this, so feel free to check them out.
Essential Information and Etiquette in Golden Gai
Knowing this information will help you navigate the town easily.
Once, this was a historic district, a haven for cultural figures. Today, it has transformed into a globally renowned bar area, attracting Japanese culture enthusiasts from all over the world.
While you might encounter a few loud or impolite individuals, the area primarily draws people who admire Japanese culture and ethos. This creates a fascinating new cultural melting pot, shaped by diverse nationalities.
I moved into the neighborhood two years ago and have been fortunate to interact with many of these people. You can follow my daily bar adventures on my Instagram here.
Tipping is not required in Japan, but many of the bars here charge a cover fee instead.
This cover charge typically ranges from ¥800 to ¥1,000. It’s paid for occupying one of the bar’s limited seats or small space. From a Japanese perspective, having a clear, fixed amount to pay is much preferred over paying an uncertain tip, which eliminates the need to worry about the correct amount.
For the bartenders, it relieves the pressure to provide excessive service, and most importantly, it allows the customer the discretion to decide how much to drink based on their own budget.
The cover charge also serves a welcome function for regular customers: it helps filter out patrons who are primarily looking for the cheapest option, allowing the bar to maintain a better atmosphere.
Regulars appreciate the cover fee because it ensures they can drink in a more well-mannered space. Therefore, the system is generally well-received by the established clientele.
However, people, including many Japanese, who are unfamiliar with the cover charge system often dislike it. Because of this, some bars have recently emerged advertising “No Cover Charge,” instead opting to serve drinks to tourists at slightly higher prices.
These prices are usually set so that the total cost equals the amount of a cover charge plus a few drinks.
Also, while more bars now accept digital payments and credit cards, there are still places that accept cash only.
Before entering a bar, you should always check these two points:
- Is there a cover charge?
- Do they accept cash only?
Key Things to Remember Before You Go
Please pay special attention to the following rules:
- Smoking is permitted inside most bars.
- Smoking on the street is strictly prohibited.
- Drinking alcohol purchased elsewhere on the street, or walking and drinking (nomi-aruki), is prohibited.
- Do not gather in large groups or talk loudly on the street, as the narrow paths cause congestion and inconvenience to others.
- Commercial photography requires advance permission (and a fee) from the local association.
- It is strictly forbidden and considered extremely poor manners to take photos of the interior of a bar from the street.
My personal favorite bar? I’ll share the details with you privately.
Just send me a DM on Instagram!
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Located on central of Golden Gai, 5th street [“go ban gai” in Japanease] .
This street have many good bars here in there.You don’t need ” COVER CHARGE ” here.
If you want more information, you can find the bar names using Instagram hashtags and message them directly!
And hotel is most important factor to visit Golden gai.
It goes without saying, you should choose a hotel in the neighborhood. 🙂
Find Hotels for a Great Time
Hotel prices in Tokyo have been increasing steadily recently, especially for last-minute bookings.
In fact, some of my drinking buddies in Golden Gai book their flights and hotels more than six months in advance for their next trip.
Hotels in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
You can feel Golden Gai Groove from users posts！
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We encourage you to join us in building the ultimate Golden Gai Groove and sharing the true Tokyo gems.
Post your best photos and tips using #GoldenGaiGroove🥂 and help us spread global appreciation for this unique district.
Tag your friends and family planning a visit! Your contributions will be invaluable for the next generation of visitors.
Peace! ✌️