The Best 10 Walking Tours in Shinjuku, Tokyo (with Price & Photo)
Shinjuku is a treasure trove of tourist attractions and ranks among Tokyo's premier tourist areas alongside Shibuya and Ikebukuro. While it's strongly associated with entertainment, featuring famous department stores and entertainment facilities, it also boasts nature-rich parks and business districts. Shinjuku is known for its many faces. Particularly, the basement floors of department stores, known as "depachika," are highly rated spots among tourists, where you can easily take out food from famous restaurants.
Due to its high foot traffic, Shinjuku is home to numerous dining establishments, ranging from nationally popular restaurants to deep local izakayas (Japanese-style bars). In this article, we'll introduce various Shinjuku walking tours that let you enjoy both the streets and food culture of this vibrant district.
Three Walking Tours to Experience Shinjuku's Blend of Retro and Modern
Let's first introduce three walking tours where you can experience Shinjuku's unique fusion of retro and modern elements.
Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour
Source: Tokyo Localized
The Shinjuku Night Free Walking Tour offers an experience of Tokyo's nightlife, focusing on the bustling entertainment district around Shinjuku's east exit.
After meeting at the Shinjuku Tourist Information Center, you'll head to Kabukicho, Shinjuku's most famous entertainment district. The colorful neon lights of Kabukicho will make you feel like you're inside a jewel box.
The tour continues through the host/hostess club area, Gojira Road, and famous drinking spots like Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho. This area is surprisingly vibrant even at night, making it easy to understand why it's called the city that never sleeps.
The tour takes approximately 2 hours and ends at Golden Gai, where numerous restaurants are located. Why not stay afterward to enjoy some food and drinks and fully experience Tokyo's nightlife?
Meeting point:
・Tour area: Shinjuku
・Start times: 18:00, 19:00, 20:00
Tokyo by Night Photography Tour
The Tokyo by Night Photography Tour offers opportunities to photograph Tokyo's glittering night scenery and cityscapes.
After meeting at Shinjuku Station, you'll first visit a private bar that feels like stepping into the world of "Blade Runner." Here, while enjoying drinks, you'll discuss photo spots and what kind of pictures you'd like to take. After aligning expectations, you'll move to Kabukicho and Golden Gai for shooting. With the bustling, colorful Kabukicho as your backdrop, you're sure to capture dynamic photos.
For the next destination, you can choose between the Shibuya Scramble Crossing or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tochou). I recommend the Metropolitan Government Building, where you can photograph panoramic night views of Tokyo from a high-rise perspective.
After the tour, you'll receive 20 carefully edited photos via email, selected by your guide. These photographs, taken by professionals who know Shinjuku inside out, will be of much higher quality than amateur shots. Share them with your close friends and let the travel stories flow!
Meeting point:
・Tour area: Shinjuku
・Start time: 17:30
The Dark Side of Tokyo - Night Walking Tour Shinjuku Kabukicho
Source: Tripadvisor
Experience one of the most fascinating Shinjuku walking tours at night with an expert guide who knows the area inside out. No need to worry about getting lost in the maze-like streets of Shinjuku!
After meeting at Shinjuku Station, you'll head to Omoide Yokocho, a concentrated area of drinking establishments. Here, you can experience the retro atmosphere of many shops that capture the essence of good old Showa-era Japan.
Next, the tour moves to Kabukicho, Tokyo's largest nightlife district, where you'll see the famous Godzilla Head, a character renowned in Japanese cinema. The giant Godzilla head monument is visible from afar, and seeing its wide-open mouth up close is truly impressive!
The tour continues through the Golden Gai, includes a visit to the famous Hanazono Shrine (hanazonojinja), and concludes in Shinjuku Ni-chome, Japan's largest LGBTQ district.
This comprehensive tour showcases Shinjuku's various faces. When I participated, the two hours flew by because it was so enjoyable.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 18:00, 19:00
3 Bar-Hopping Tours to Enjoy Food and Drinks in Shinjuku's Vibrant Night Scene
Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour
Source: Tripadvisor
The Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour takes you to three distinctive popular izakayas in Shinjuku. The guide's recommended traditional Japanese drinks and dishes are highly praised.
The tour begins in West Shinjuku, where you can enjoy drinks in a modern atmosphere surrounded by skyscrapers. Next, you'll move to the famous entertainment district of Kabukicho. In contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of West Shinjuku, you'll explore the vibrant Kabukicho while visiting izakayas popular with locals.
The tour concludes with visits to Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho, areas known for their retro atmosphere and concentration of drinking establishments.
The knowledgeable guides passionately explain Japanese culture and cuisine! Learning about the history and background of each dish from your guide makes the food taste even better.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 11:30, 17:00
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
The Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku lets you enjoy two essential Tokyo culinary experiences: sushi and wagyu yakiniku (grilling high-quality Japanese beef).
After meeting at Uniqlo Shinjuku West Exit Store, you'll first visit a sushi restaurant. Here, you can watch the itamae (traditional Japanese chef) prepare sushi right in front of you, offering an authentic sushi experience. Watching the skilled craftsmanship up close adds to the excitement, and the freshly-made sushi tastes exceptional!
Next, you'll move to a yakiniku restaurant. You'll grill premium wagyu beef using traditional Japanese shichirin (clay charcoal grill). The taste varies depending on how well it's cooked and the sauce used, so try finding your preferred cooking method under the guide's instruction. At the end of the tour, you can choose between enjoying sake or traditional Japanese sweets.
Visiting three establishments will satisfy even those with hearty appetites. Why not fulfill both your body and soul with Japanese cuisine that's popular among international tourists?
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 17:00, 18:00, 19:00
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
As part of our unique Shinjuku walking tours, the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku takes you to hidden bars that aren't featured in regular guidebooks. With small group sizes and friendly guides who enliven the atmosphere through fun games, you'll enjoy a warm and welcoming tour experience.
After meeting at the Uniqlo Shinjuku West Exit store, you'll head to Omoide Yokocho. At the first bar, you can savor authentic Japanese cuisine including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), agedofu (deep-fried tofu), gyoza, and sake, offering a true taste of Japanese food culture.
The tour continues to two more bars in Kabukicho and Shinjuku 3-chome. You can discuss menu options with your guide at each location, making it suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies.
All establishments are local favorites known only to insiders. Experience authentic Tokyo nightlife by mixing with locals in these tourist-free venues.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: Every 30 minutes from 17:00 to 19:00
For Those Seeking Customized Tours, We Recommend "Private Tours"
Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Source: Tripadvisor
For those interested in customized experiences, private tours are highly recommended. Here are three outstanding options.
The Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide offers custom Shinjuku walking tours and Tokyo sightseeing experiences tailored to your interests and needs, led by nationally certified guides known for their detailed and easy-to-understand explanations.
The tour covers 19 major spots including Asakusa, Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, and Tokyo National Museum. You can choose 3-4 locations for your walking tour. These are must-visit locations in Tokyo, making this 6-hour tour perfect for both first-time visitors and returning tourists who want to deeply explore Tokyo's charm.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Greater Tokyo
- Start times: Every 30 minutes from 8:00-15:00
Private Tokyo Tour with a Local Guide: Tailored to Your Interests
Source: Tripadvisor
The Private Tokyo Tour with a Local Guide creates a personalized itinerary based on your preferences. With guides who know Tokyo intimately, you'll visit only the spots that interest you, ensuring a highly satisfying experience.
A key feature is the flexible duration options: 3, 4, 6, or 8 hours. This allows you to fit the tour around other plans or spend more time getting detailed explanations at sites that interest you most.
The tour is highly rated for providing access to not just major attractions but also hidden local spots and backstreets, offering a deeper exploration of Tokyo.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Greater Tokyo
- Start times: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00
Private Walking Tour: See Tokyo's Top Sightseeing Spots in 1 Day
Source: Tripadvisor
While there are many excellent options available, including popular Shinjuku walking tours, this Private Walking Tour allows you to handpick your favorite locations across Tokyo and enjoy a full day of sightseeing. With a private guide leading the way, you can confidently explore even hard-to-navigate areas. Beyond the main tourist attractions found in guidebooks, the tour introduces you to local hangouts and unique spots, letting you experience Tokyo's rare charms.
The tour typically covers 3-4 locations. I personally arranged my tour to focus on the Asakusa area to experience the downtown atmosphere. The guide took me through narrow alleys that typical tourists might miss and to small specialty shops, helping me discover new aspects of Tokyo's appeal.
Meeting Point:
- Tour Area: Throughout Tokyo
- Start Times: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00
3 Tips from a Tour Enthusiast to Enhance Your Experience
1. Prepare Questions for Your Local Guide in Advance
First, think about questions you'd like to ask your local guide beforehand. Tour guides are professionals well-versed in Japanese culture and can share valuable information not found in guidebooks! They're typically very approachable and happy to answer questions. Don't hesitate to engage with them during the tour - by the end, their detailed explanations will likely make you fall even more in love with Japan.
2. Communicate Dietary Restrictions Online Beforehand
Second, if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to communicate these online in advance. For tours that include restaurant visits, some have fixed menus while others allow you to choose on the spot. Even with set menus, changes can often be accommodated if notified in advance. Some restaurants might not accommodate vegan or gluten-free diets, so it's best to check with your guide beforehand.
3. Choose Small Group or Private Tours When Traveling with Young Children
Finally, if you're participating with young children, opt for small group or private tours. Young children's behavior can be unpredictable, which might inconvenience other participants in larger groups. Small group or private tours allow you to center the experience around your children, helping everyone enjoy the tour more comfortably.
If you want to create lasting memories with your children, the Tokyo by Night Photography Tour is recommended. A professional photographer will capture the perfect moments that can only be achieved at that specific time, ensuring you'll have unforgettable photographs.