Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1,206 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets worth booking?
Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets is a 1.5-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥1,000 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,206 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1,206)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- ¥1,000 per person
Shinjuku Station holds the Guinness World Record as the busiest station in the world. Take photos at famous spots and explore Tokyo's only slum backstreets with your local guide! ・Dining Area with 300 Restaurants and Bars ・Explore the Backstreets of Tokyo's Only Slum Area ・Insider Tips on Secret Restaurants ・Vending Machines with Slot Machine Features ・Nighttime Shrine Atmosphere
What you get
About this experience
Shinjuku Station holds the Guinness World Record as the busiest station in the world. Take photos at famous spots and explore Tokyo's only slum backstreets with your local guide! ・Dining Area with 300 Restaurants and Bars ・Explore the Backstreets of Tokyo's Only Slum Area ・Insider Tips on Secret Restaurants ・Vending Machines with Slot Machine Features ・Nighttime Shrine Atmosphere
What's included
Included
- Walking tour with Local guide
- One vending machine drink recommended by the guide
Not included
- Purchasing omikuji and offering small change at the shrine are not included in the tour fee.
What you'll see and do
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, is a nostalgic area tucked away in the backstreets of Shinjuku that captures the charm of old Japan. It’s a special spot for foreign travelers where you can find small eateries lined up, offering traditional izakaya-style dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), kushiyaki (grilled skewers), oden (Japanese hot pot), and more. The interiors of these cozy establishments radiate a retro vibe, making you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to Japan’s Showa era. Visiting Omoide Yokocho also provides an opportunity to interact with locals, allowing you to experience a genuine side of Japanese culture and daily life that you won’t find in typical tourist spots. It’s a place where you can feel the warmth and friendliness that make it so unique.
Pass by without stopping
Kabukicho
Kabukicho, known as the "Sleepless Town," is Shinjuku’s vibrant entertainment district and an exciting spot for foreign travelers. As night falls, the neon lights illuminate the area, bringing the streets to life. Kabukicho offers a wide range of attractions, including restaurants, bars, clubs, karaoke spots, and entertainment venues, providing something for everyone. You’ll also find unique experiences like the Robot Restaurant, cinemas, and picturesque alleyways that showcase a mix of modernity and traditional charm. Kabukicho is a place where you can feel the crossroads of local culture and tourism, with a distinctive atmosphere that’s both exotic and thrilling. It’s the perfect area to experience Japan’s nightlife and create unforgettable memories, especially for those seeking an adventurous and lively side of Tokyo.
10 minutes here
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Kabukicho Tower is an impressive new addition to Shinjuku's iconic Kabukicho district, offering a range of attractions that make it a must-visit for foreign travelers. This towering complex includes multiple floors with restaurants, entertainment options, and shopping areas. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo from the observation deck, making it a perfect spot to take in the city's dazzling skyline. Kabukicho Tower also houses unique experiences like themed restaurants, a high-tech VR game center, and live performance venues, giving visitors a taste of both modern and traditional Japanese entertainment in one place. Whether you’re looking to relax with a meal, explore innovative entertainment, or simply enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Kabukicho, the Tower provides a diverse and exciting experience that captures the energetic spirit of Tokyo.
25 minutes here
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a hidden gem in Shinjuku that offers a truly unique experience for foreign travelers looking to explore Tokyo’s local nightlife. This quaint area is known for its narrow alleyways lined with tiny bars, each with its own distinctive charm and atmosphere. Many of the bars have been around for decades, preserving an authentic, retro vibe that feels like stepping back in time. In Golden Gai, you can enjoy casual conversations with locals and bartenders, who are often friendly and welcoming. It’s a great place to meet people from all walks of life, from artists and musicians to travelers from around the world. With its nostalgic ambiance, Golden Gai offers a rare glimpse into a side of Tokyo that remains largely untouched by modernity, making it a memorable destination for those seeking something off the beaten path.
15 minutes here
Hanazono Shrine
Hanazono Shrine is a hidden oasis of tranquility located right in the bustling heart of Shinjuku. For foreign travelers, it offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese spirituality amidst the city’s lively urban setting. Established over 400 years ago, the shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of prosperity, and is especially popular among locals who visit to pray for success in business and good fortune. One of Hanazono Shrine’s key attractions is its beautiful red torii gates, which provide a striking contrast to the modern buildings surrounding it. Throughout the year, the shrine hosts various festivals, including the vibrant Tori-no-Ichi Festival in November, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese music, food stalls, and lively parades. With its serene atmosphere, Hanazono Shrine allows visitors to step back in time and experience a slice of Japan’s rich cultural heritage, right in the heart of Tokyo.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Meet in front of the "Shinjuku Police Station Shinjuku East Exit Police Box" at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. There will be a guide holding a placard that says [Local Guide Stars].
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Meet in front of the "Shinjuku Police Station Shinjuku East Exit Police Box" at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. There will be a guide holding a placard that says [Local Guide Stars].
Options you can book
Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets
Private Walking Tour
Private Walking Tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Japan Guide Star
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,197 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
1,197 verified traveler reviews for Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun viewing of Shinjuku
Saw a side of Shinjuku I didn't know yet. Joda is a very fun and entertaining guide. Highly recommend if you want to see everything Shinjuku has to offer.
via Tripadvisor
Recommended
Learned fun things about Shinjuku!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Such an interesting tour...full of fascinating places & information. Yoda was our guide and he was amazing - very informative & had a great sense of humour 👍
via Tripadvisor
Great!
Yoda was great! Told interesting stories, not too long, 100% would go again
via Tripadvisor
Nice guide
It was a good experience the tour with a nice guide
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- ¥1,000 to ¥10,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 422
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Japan Guide Star, who run 50 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.0 and 11 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Japan Guide Star runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets cost?
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Prices start at ¥1,000 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 Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,206 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets?
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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 Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets?
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Around 422 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets 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), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour. 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 Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets?
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Included: Walking tour with Local guide; and One vending machine drink recommended by the guide. Not included: Purchasing omikuji and offering small change at the shrine are not included in the tour fe. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets?
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Shinjuku Station East Exit Police Box 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Meet in front of the "Shinjuku Police Station Shinjuku East Exit Police Box" at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and 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 Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets?
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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 Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets?
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Across 1,206 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Tokyo: Shinjuku Historical Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets, Private Walking Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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