
Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour worth booking?
Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour is a 3-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥19,000 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- ¥19,000 per person
Discover Shinjuku after dark as we guide you through its vibrant izakaya scene. Over the course of one evening, you’ll visit three distinct venues - from a retro wooden tavern that feels like a step back in time, to a cozy spot known for seasonal comfort dishes, and finally a lively skewer-focused bar tucked inside the famous Omoide Yokocho alley. Led by a local food guide, you’ll enjoy a mix of flavors, drinks, and atmospheres that reveal the heart of Tokyo’s nightlife. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into izakaya traditions, dining etiquette, and why these pubs are such a beloved part of Japan’s food culture. Whether a first-time or repeat visitor, this is how to experience Shinjuku like a local. Dishes you might try: • Fresh sashimi, shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, and satsuma-age fish cakes at a nostalgic izakaya • Tamagoyaki, vegetable tempura, oden, and occasional wagyu beef • Charcoal-grilled yakitori and pork skewers with side dishes in a modern Omoide Yokocho izakaya
What you get
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dinner
About this experience
Discover Shinjuku after dark as we guide you through its vibrant izakaya scene. Over the course of one evening, you’ll visit three distinct venues - from a retro wooden tavern that feels like a step back in time, to a cozy spot known for seasonal comfort dishes, and finally a lively skewer-focused bar tucked inside the famous Omoide Yokocho alley. Led by a local food guide, you’ll enjoy a mix of flavors, drinks, and atmospheres that reveal the heart of Tokyo’s nightlife. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into izakaya traditions, dining etiquette, and why these pubs are such a beloved part of Japan’s food culture. Whether a first-time or repeat visitor, this is how to experience Shinjuku like a local. Dishes you might try: • Fresh sashimi, shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, and satsuma-age fish cakes at a nostalgic izakaya • Tamagoyaki, vegetable tempura, oden, and occasional wagyu beef • Charcoal-grilled yakitori and pork skewers with side dishes in a modern Omoide Yokocho izakaya
What's included
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Shinjuku
This tour takes you through Shinjuku's izakaya scene.
Pass by without stopping
Omoide Yokocho
Experience one of the izakayas tucked inside famous Omoide Yokocho.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
Meet our guide by the UNIQLO Store by Shinjuku Station's West Exit. In front of the directory sign boards next to the "Palette" entrance (on the right-hand side of the UNIQLO entrance). Your guide will be holding a "Japan Food Travels" sign.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet our guide by the UNIQLO Store by Shinjuku Station's West Exit. In front of the directory sign boards next to the "Palette" entrance (on the right-hand side of the UNIQLO entrance). Your guide will be holding a "Japan Food Travels" sign.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tokyo Ramen Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants can join for free but will share food with other group members. If you’d like them to have their own portions, just let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange it for an additional cost.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Izakaya tour
Really enjoyed the Izakaya tour in Shinjuku. It was a fun way to see a local side of Tokyo and try some great food and drinks that I probably wouldn’t have found on my own. Brian was a great guide and made the whole evening really easygoing. He was friendly, knew a lot about the area and the food, and was happy to answer all our questions. We had a lot of laughs along the way too. Overall, it was a really enjoyable night and one of the highlights of our time in Tokyo. Would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fun night out in Shinjuku.
via Tripadvisor
Tour worth every penny!
Amazing tour and amazing guide! Best opportunity when you want to explore different sides of izakaya and drinking culture in japan. Guide - Brian was extremely knowledgable and even had a small presentation, so kids can also interract. In terms of portion size, after visiting all 3 spots unique spots with different types of food, I was absolutely done for the day. Not only I had a chance to try different type of fishes, meats, etc., but also small appetizers that I've never heard about in Japanese cuisine, but allowed me to experience that real local experience, as there were no foreigners in sight. :)
via Tripadvisor
Amazing night experience Shinjuku Izakaya Tour
Tried their Shinjuku Izakaya Tour and really enjoyed it. In a single evening, we visited three different izakayas, each with unique food specialties and signature dishes. Our guide Brian brought amazing energy and came incredibly well-prepared—he shared fascinating insights about the food, Japanese cuisine concepts, and the neighborhood's history. It was about ~3 hours and the pacing was great. There was plenty of time to take in Shinjuku atmosphere and really experience each location without feeling rushed. Each izakaya had its own welcoming vibe. Our guide Brian brought amazing energy and was incredibly well-prepared with detailed knowledge about the food, cuisine concepts, and local history. Best for: Anyone wanting to explore authentic izakaya culture and discover hidden gems in Shinjuku. Great for food lovers and culture enthusiasts. 10/10, highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Had a great time!
Shinjuku izakaya tour was great! Our tour guide Brian took me to spots I doubt I’d be able to find by myself. Every stop had delicious food and different vibes. I had such a great time that 3 hours flew by! I would definitely book another tour with Brian!
via Tripadvisor
Sahori food tour!
Sahori was the best tour guide ever! She was incredibly informative and helpful. she knows english, japanese, and tagalog. She knows all the traditional japanese food places local spots that really immerse you into the japanese experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
- Price range
- ¥19,000 to ¥21,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tokyo Ramen Tours, who run 13 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.7.
See everything Tokyo Ramen Tours runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour cost?
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Prices start at ¥19,000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour, Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour?
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Meet our guide by the UNIQLO Store by Shinjuku Station's West Exit. In front of the directory sign boards next to the "Palette" entrance (on the right-hand side of the UNIQLO entrance). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants can join for free but will share food with other group members. If you’d like them. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tokyo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Shinjuku Izakaya Food & Drink Tour?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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