Shinjuku Golden Gai (新宿ゴールデン街) is a small area, composed of a network of six narrow alleys, connected by even narrower passageways which are just about wide enough for a single person to pass through. Over 200 tiny shanty-style bars, clubs and eateries are squeezed into this area. it provides a view into the relatively recent past of Tokyo, when large parts of the city resembled present-day Golden Gai, particularly in terms of the extremely narrow lanes and the tiny two-story buildings. Bars in Golden Gai are known in particular for the artistic affinities of their patrons. Read more on Wikipedia.
More of the small-lane-feeling you can get at Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, also called Memory Lane or "Piss Alley". "Piss Alley is named for its early years, when it was a hub for criminals to get their drink on. The place wasn’t very gentrified back in those days, so instead of using a toilet, people just relieved themselves wherever they could (which reminds me of China)", comments Shing Yoong. Omoide Yokocho counts around sixty small bars and restaurants illuminated by paper lanterns and linked by alleys just wide enough for two to pass. The air is thick with smoke, which billows out of open windows as yakitori is grilled. Memory Lane has roots dating back to 1940s post-war Tokyo, when it was the location for street vendors and black market traders. Read more.
Shinjuku Gyoen: The park offers French, English and Japanese gardens and a teahouse:
At Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 東京都庁 you can get a free view. The 243 meter tall building has two towers, and each houses an observatory at a height of 202 meters. Each has a cafe and a souvenir shop. The North Observatory remains open later at night, so yo can catch night views of the city. On clear days you can see Mount Fuji on the horizon. On the second floor of the building there is a tourist information center.
If you head north of Shinjuku you arrive at Shin-Okubo, Japan’s biggest koreatown. Here you will find here all the wonders offered by Korean cuisine and K-Pop-Stores. As you walk down Okubo Dori you get the impression that you have left Tokyo: Bbusiness signs written in Korean hangul, Korean cosmetic shops, grocery shops presenting everything for Korean cooking and posters of K-pop singers along the streets. Read about Chimaek, a combination of fried chicken and beer. Read also: Tokyo's Korea Town: 10 Things to Do
Kasoyo かそうよう Teahouse: Kasoyo is a kimono shop and a teahouse, in a traditional Japanese home. The simple menu is currently only available in Japanese, writes Alicia Joy.
Read more:
101 things to do in Shinjuku
Kabukicho Highlights
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