Discover Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho: The Best Izakaya Alley for Nightlife and Street Food in Tokyo
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts. Shinjuku Station is known as the world's busiest station by passenger traffic, attracting people from across Japan and around the globe.
Shinjuku is home to the famous entertainment district of Kabukicho. From well-known chain restaurants to intimate hidden gems, Kabukicho hosts countless izakayas and bars.
While Kabukicho is particularly notable, Shinjuku as a whole comes alive at night. Beyond Kabukicho, numerous izakayas and nightlife spots can be found throughout the East and West exit areas.
The areas known as "yokocho" (alleyways) are particularly dense with izakayas. These yokocho are perfect spots for bar hopping, allowing visitors to experience multiple establishments in one evening.
Today, we'll introduce you to the Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street (Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho), one of Shinjuku's newest and cleanest yokocho areas.
We'll explore the charm of Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho and recommend some notable establishments. We'll also introduce other yokocho areas in Shinjuku. Use this guide to make the most of your Shinjuku nightlife experience.
What is "Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street (Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho)," the New Bar-Hopping Spot That Opened in 2022?
Source: Official website
Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street is a food alley where visitors can enjoy exotic Asian atmosphere and cuisine. Opening in 2022 near Shinjuku Station's East Exit, it has become a popular spot on social media thanks to its photogenic and vibrant interior design.
The complex spans from the first floor (plus loft) to the second basement floor, housing 17 restaurants specializing in various Asian cuisines, including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai establishments.
The venue constantly plays artist music videos and atmospheric music, creating a lively club-like environment perfect for enjoying drinks with friends.
What is a Yokocho?
A yokocho is an alley slightly removed from main streets, lined with dining establishments. Tokyo features both traditional old yokocho and modern "neo-yokocho" with luxurious interiors and music entertainment.
Famous traditional yokocho include Shinjuku Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho, which we'll discuss in this article. In recent years, Tokyo has seen the opening of many large-scale neo-yokocho in areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku, generating significant buzz.
The appeal of yokocho lies in their concentration of dining establishments, allowing visitors to enjoy drinks and food from multiple venues in one visit.
Whether it's the retro atmosphere of narrow, historic alleys or the elaborate and unique interiors of modern establishments, these spaces are inherently enjoyable to visit. Neo-yokocho with DJ booths and dance halls are particularly popular as they offer not just dining but entertainment as well.
The Appeal of Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho (Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street) Explained by a Shinjuku Regular
A Diverse Collection of Asian Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Bar Hopping
Source:Official website
Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street features a diverse selection of Asian restaurants. You'll find Japanese cuisine alongside Korean, Thai, and Chinese establishments.
Each restaurant not only offers its own menu but also allows you to order dishes from other restaurants on the same floor. The back of the menu book contains offerings from other establishments, and when you order, the food is delivered to your table as if through a delivery service.
While staying at one establishment can be enjoyable, I recommend bar hopping between multiple venues. Unlike other areas in Shinjuku, you won't need to walk around extensively searching for available establishments.
Each restaurant in the East Gate Yokocho has special drinking vessels for toasts. These range from cooler boxes to "teapots" and even fishbowls, each with its unique shape. Try visiting different establishments and enjoy making toasts with these special glasses. It's guaranteed to make your vibrant Shinjuku night even more exciting.
Unique, Instagram-Worthy Interior and Atmosphere
Source:Official website
The most distinctive feature of Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street is its unique, glamorous interior and lively atmosphere that's perfect for Instagram.
The overall interior design is inspired by a "dragon's dwelling." Upon entering, you're greeted by a large dragon object and numerous food stalls. The surroundings are decorated with traditional Asian lanterns and flashy LED neon signs, creating an extraordinarily unique space.
There's a large LED vision screen playing artists' music videos. With a DJ booth and mirror balls, plus loud music, the atmosphere resembles a club's energy.
The space also has a futuristic feel – the moment I stepped in, it reminded me of scenes from the popular movie "Blade Runner."
It's a cinematic space unlike anywhere else in Shinjuku. With photogenic spots everywhere, enjoy taking pictures while enjoying your drinks.
Convenient Access and Late-Night Operation
One of the attractions is the late operating hours. The ground floor Japanese food stall, Hi no Moto, operates 24 hours. Most other establishments on the basement and second floors are open from evening until 5 AM.
In Japan, trains typically start running around 5 AM. It's great that you can drink from night until the first morning trains. I also recommend coming to East Gate Yokocho after drinking in Golden Gai, as it's open until morning.
It's just a one-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. After arriving at Shinjuku Station, head for the JR Shinjuku Station's Central East Exit. The entrance to Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street is located near the large electronics store "Yodobashi Camera" building.
3 Recommended Izakayas at Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho (Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street)
Hinomoto
Source: Tabelog
Hinomoto is a restaurant located on the ground floor of Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street, offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes. Like other ground floor establishments, it operates 24 hours a day.
Hinomoto features Japanese cuisine from across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu and Okinawa in the south. In Japan, even the same dishes can taste quite different depending on the region, including variations from Tokyo and Osaka. At Hinomoto, you can compare regional versions of karaage (fried chicken), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and local "soul food" specialties.
The menu, complete with photos, spans an impressive 20 pages. With such an extensive selection of Japanese dishes, choosing might be challenging! Being open 24 hours, it's perfect for breakfast or lunch too. Japanese food enthusiasts should definitely visit Hinomoto.
- Address: Sugichuu Building B1&1F, 3-36-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0363800556
- Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/hinomoto/
Ate-sushi
Source: Tabelog
Located in the basement floor of Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street, Ate-sushi offers fresh seafood dishes and sushi.
The restaurant serves direct-from-market fresh seafood that pairs perfectly with alcohol. Their signature dish is the "Seafood Bukkake Sushi" - a luxurious creation featuring nori-wrapped sushi topped generously with tuna, salmon roe, and salmon. Try it with sake or shochu for the best experience.
The interior design is inspired by the Kabukiza (kabuki theater), featuring wooden walls decorated with traditional yet pop-style Japanese artwork of pine trees, cranes, and sushi. Don't miss their unique goldfish bowl-shaped glasses!
Sushi lovers should definitely stop by. Enjoy drinks in this distinctively Japanese atmosphere while savoring fresh sushi.
- Address: Sugichuu Building B1&1F, 3-36-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 17:00-29:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0359195688
- Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/atesushi/
Gyuu no Nikugu (Beef Palace)
Source: Tabelog
Located in the basement floor of Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street, Gyuu no Nikugu specializes in wagyu beef dishes, including Kobe beef, perfect for pairing with drinks.
The highlight of Gyuu no Nikugu is its diverse meat dishes. The menu features beef skewers, Hokkaido wagyu steak, and menchi-katsu (deep-fried ground meat patties). They also offer Korean bulgogi for those interested in Korean cuisine.
A personal recommendation is their "Motsu Nikomi" (simmered offal), a traditional Japanese dish commonly enjoyed with alcohol. While first-timers might be hesitant about eating offal, its unique savory flavor complements alcohol perfectly and will keep you reaching for your drink.
The restaurant's interior is inspired by the famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture. Seats along the edge offer a view of the food stalls on the second basement floor. If you're looking to enjoy plenty of meat dishes with your drinks, Gyuu no Nikugu is the place to visit.
- Address: Sugichuu Building B1&1F, 3-36-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays 15:00-29:00, Weekends/Holidays 12:00-29:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0359195788
- Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/nikugu/
Access to Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street (Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho)
- Address: Sugichuu Building B1&1F, 3-36-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's Central East Exit
- Hours:
[Ground Floor]
Hinomoto, Kan-myondon, Bangla: 24 hours
Akarenga, Hagoromorou: 12:00-24:00
[B1F/B2F]
Shoryu, Enjou, Nikugu: Weekdays 15:00-29:00, Weekends/Holidays 12:00-29:00
Uokaidou, Kaidou, TESUN, VIP: 17:00-29:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0363800556 (Hinomoto ground floor - numbers vary by establishment)
- Official Website: https://ryunomiyako.com/
Other Notable Yokocho Districts in Shinjuku Besides Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Source: Officila website
Shinjuku Golden Gai is one of Shinjuku's premier yokocho districts, known for its collection of retro bars. Located near Kabukicho and Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku's east side, it features hundreds of small, densely packed retro-style bars creating a unique architectural landscape.
From the 1950s to 1980s, it was frequented by famous novelists, artists, and cultural figures, which contributed to its nationwide fame.
In recent years, the retro atmosphere of its individual establishments and streets has gained particular attention, making it a popular spot among international tourists.
One important note: When entering establishments in Golden Gai, please carefully check the pricing system displayed on the signage. Each establishment has different pricing systems, and costs can be higher than typical izakayas.
Part of Golden Gai's charm is the opportunity to socialize with other customers in these intimate bars. We encourage you to find a uniquely characteristic bar that suits your style.
- Address: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
- Operating Hours: Varies by establishment
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-3209-6418
- Official Website: http://goldengai.jp/
Omoide Yokocho
Source: Tabelog
Omoide Yokocho is a retro-style drinking district located in Shinjuku's west side, situated under the railway tracks. It's home to numerous traditional small Japanese izakayas.
Also known as "Yakitori Yokocho" due to its abundance of yakitori shops, it specializes in this Japanese dish of grilled chicken on skewers - a classic izakaya food typically enjoyed with alcohol.
Many visitors enjoy bar-hopping here, starting with drinks and yakitori at one establishment before moving on to others throughout the evening.
Popular among tourists and retro-spot enthusiasts, it offers an authentic old Tokyo atmosphere. Many shops display traditional red lanterns typical of classic Japanese izakayas, providing perfect photo opportunities against this nostalgic backdrop.
- Address: 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit
- Operating Hours: Varies by establishment
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: Varies by establishment
- Official Website: http://shinjuku-omoide.com/
Shinjuku Kabuki Hall
Source: Official website
Shinjuku Kabuki Hall is a yokocho located in Kabukicho where visitors can enjoy Japanese cuisine and entertainment. It's situated on the second floor of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower near Shinjuku East Exit.
This 1,000-square-meter food court offers 1,300 seats and houses 10 restaurants serving cuisine from across Japan - from Hokkaido to Okinawa - as well as Korean soul food.
What distinguishes it from Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street (Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho) is its nightly live music performances and events. The performances, themed around "matsuri" (festivals), change nightly and attract both Japanese and international visitors.
The venue features striking decorative elements including giant goldfish objects, lanterns, and LED neons, creating a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. Many establishments operate from 6 AM until 5 AM the next day, making it an ideal spot to experience Shinjuku's nightlife.
- Address: Tokyu Kabukicho Tower 2F, 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
- Operating Hours: 24 hours (some establishments may vary)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: Varies by establishment
- Official Website: https://kabukihall.com/
If You Want to Fully Enjoy Shinjuku's Deep Night Scene, A Local-Guided Tour is Recommended!
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
This tour takes you bar-hopping through Shinjuku's finest drinking establishments with a local guide. You'll visit three bars across Shinjuku West Exit and Kabukicho areas, enjoying both drinks and meals.
On this tour, you'll experience the famous Omoide Yokocho, which connects to the Ryu No Miyako Gourmet Street (Shinjuku East Gate Yokocho). Your first stop will be at a hidden gem in Omoide Yokocho, where your guide will lead you. There, you can savor delicious yakitori, gyoza, fried tofu, local craft beers, and other retro izakaya delicacies that Tokyo is famous for.
The second stop takes you to a bar in Kabukicho, where you can experience the Japanese "nomihoudai" (all-you-can-drink) system. This time-limited system allows you to order as many drinks as you like within the specified period.
This tour takes you to authentic local establishments where real Tokyo residents go. You'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with locals at neighboring tables. Explore Shinjuku's premier venues with your guide and immerse yourself in Shinjuku's nightlife.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
- Meeting point: Next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store, 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Tour areas: Shinjuku West Exit, Shinjuku East Exit
- Start times: 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
This tour offers a night food crawl through Shinjuku. You'll enjoy exquisite sushi and wagyu yakiniku, ending with sake and desserts at a bar.
The highlight of this tour is visiting a special sushi restaurant known only to locals in restaurant-packed Shinjuku. You'll taste eight varieties of sushi made with the season's finest seafood. Watch closely as skilled sushi chefs craft beautiful pieces right before your eyes.
You'll also experience Japanese-style yakiniku, where you grill thinly sliced meat yourself. The tour concludes at a bar with dessert and two drinks, though you're welcome to stay longer if you wish.
Finding good restaurants in Shinjuku can be challenging without local knowledge. Join this tour to discover hidden culinary gems that only locals know about.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
- Meeting point: Next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store, 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 17:00, 18:00, 19:00
