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Arakicho

Shinjuku City, Japan

Arakicho: Shinjuku's sophisticated nightlife district, known for unique speakeasy bars, gourmet food, and intimate izakayas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

The area truly shines at night.

CrowdMedium
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Arakicho - Image 1

Arakicho

Best Time

Evenings

The area truly shines at night.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Arakicho: Shinjuku's sophisticated nightlife district, known for unique speakeasy bars, gourmet food, and intimate izakayas.

"Discover Arakicho's hidden gems for a truly unique Tokyo nightlife experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Avoid Street Touts

Ignore touts in Shinjuku; they may lead to overpriced establishments.

💰 Cash is King

Many smaller bars and eateries in Arakicho are cash-only.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)

Shinjuku

A nostalgic alleyway packed with tiny yakitori joints and sake bars, offering an authentic taste of old Tokyo.

Science Bar INCUBATOR

Science Bar INCUBATOR

Arakicho

Experience unique cocktails served in a science-themed bar, a quirky and memorable stop for curious minds.

Bluemen's Club

Bluemen's Club

Yotsuya Arakicho

A stylish dining bar offering original cocktails, delicious food, and a relaxing ambiance with DJ sets.

uniRA Ramen

uniRA Ramen

Arakicho

Savor a rich sea urchin broth ramen, a standout culinary experience in Shinjuku's Arakicho district.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Nightlife & Culinary Delights

Arakicho truly comes alive after dark, offering a vibrant mix of izakayas, bars, and unique dining experiences. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere and consider exploring the smaller alleys for hidden gems. Many establishments are cash-only, so it's wise to have some yen on hand.

Navigating Arakicho's Charm

While Arakicho is known for its nightlife, it's also a residential area. Be mindful of noise levels and respect local residents. The area is best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must for navigating its charming, sometimes narrow, streets.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
The area truly shines at night.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere and more activity.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

if you’re travelling in shinjuku especially kabukicho area as a female solo traveller you will get creeps come up to you. just walk away 🫡 #fyp #shinjuku #kabukicho #solotravel #japan #creepymen
@cur3.h3ad
625.9K likes • 9M views

🎯 Avoid Street Touts

Ignore touts in Shinjuku; they may lead to overpriced establishments. TikTok+1

💰 Cash is King

Many smaller bars and eateries in Arakicho are cash-only. Reddit

Yakitori in Drinking Alley in Shinjuku Tokyo. Michishirube in Omoide Yokocho. #yakitori #food #japan #tokyo #chicken
@yakitoriguy
446.8K likes • 2.7M views
🍸𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 - a new hotspot in Yotsuya Arakicho: original cocktails, delicious food and relaxing music. @bluemens_club.arakicho #sponsored #cocktail #musicbar #BarVibes #CocktailsAndBeats #WeekendMood #BluemensClub #DiningBar #TokyoBar #HiddenBar #japanesefood #bar #DJbar
ameeel_li
58 likes • 647 views

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Explore the charming alleys and streets with ease. Reddit

🍸 Unique Cocktails

Discover creative drinks at speakeasy bars like Science Bar INCUBATOR. Instagram

Ever sipped a cocktail from a test tube? 🧪🍸 Tokyo’s hidden science bar is a must-visit for curious minds!” 📍 Location Details: • Name: Science Bar INCUBATOR • Address: 7 Arakicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0007, Japan • Building: Shinkoma Building, 1st Floor • Nearest Station: Yotsuya-Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) • Walking Distance: Approximately 3 minutes from Yotsuya-Sanch...
traveltheworldwithdana
0 likes • 684 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Avoid Street Touts

Ignore touts in Shinjuku; they may lead to overpriced establishments. TikTok+1

💰 Cash is King

Many smaller bars and eateries in Arakicho are cash-only. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Explore the charming alleys and streets with ease. Reddit

🍸 Unique Cocktails

Discover creative drinks at speakeasy bars like Science Bar INCUBATOR. Instagram

🍜 Ramen Adventures

Don't miss out on specialty ramen like uniRA's sea urchin broth. Instagram

🎶 Live Music & DJs

Enjoy music at bars like Bluemen's Club for a vibrant night out. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Arakicho is praised for its unique and intimate nightlife, offering a sophisticated alternative to the bustling Shinjuku. Visitors love the creative cocktail bars, delicious specialty food like uniRA ramen, and the charming, atmospheric alleys. Some find it a bit hard to locate initially, and cash-only establishments can be a minor inconvenience.

What People Like

Unique cocktail bars
Atmospheric alleys
Specialty ramen

What People Dislike

Hard to find
Cash-only bars

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Arakicho is easily accessible from Shinjuku Station. You can take a short taxi ride or a train on the Marunouchi Line to Yotsuya-Sanchome Station, which is a short walk from Arakicho. Instagram+1

The closest station to Arakicho is Yotsuya-Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. Akebonobashi Station is also nearby. InstagramReddit

While it's a bit of a walk, you can reach Arakicho from parts of Shinjuku on foot, especially if you enjoy exploring. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Reddit

Yes, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line serves Yotsuya-Sanchome Station, which is a convenient gateway to Arakicho. Instagram

Arakicho is known for its nightlife, and its illuminated streets make it relatively easy to find once you're in the general Shinjuku area. Look for signs indicating the district. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Arakicho is a district, not a ticketed attraction. You can wander freely, but individual bars and restaurants will have their own entry fees or cover charges. Instagram

Some bars, especially speakeasies or those with live music, may have a cover charge. It's best to inquire before you sit down. Instagram

Most bars and restaurants in Arakicho open in the late afternoon or early evening and stay open until late at night, especially on weekends. TikTok

For highly sought-after restaurants or bars, especially those with omakase menus like Yakitori Sei, booking in advance is recommended. TikTok

As with most places in Japan, you must be 20 years or older to enter bars and consume alcohol. TikTok

🎫 🍸 Onsite Experience

Arakicho offers a lively and intimate atmosphere, particularly at night. It's known for its cozy izakayas, unique bars, and a generally adult-oriented nightlife scene. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Arakicho is home to unique spots like Science Bar INCUBATOR, where cocktails are served with a scientific twist, and Vows Bar, known for its personalized drink experiences. Instagram+1

Arakicho is fantastic for yakitori, ramen, and izakaya-style small plates. Don't miss out on specialty ramen like uniRA's sea urchin broth. TikTokInstagram

While generally safe, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid touts and stick to well-lit areas. TikTok+1

Yes, uniRA in Arakicho is highly recommended for its unique sea urchin broth ramen. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Arakicho's vibrant neon signs and atmospheric alleys make it a fantastic spot for night photography. Capture the essence of Tokyo's nightlife. TikTok+1

The narrow alleys of Omoide Yokocho and the illuminated streets of Arakicho itself offer great photo opportunities. Speakeasy bars can also provide unique visual backdrops. TikTokInstagram

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking photos of people or inside private establishments. Instagram

A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the narrow alleys, and a prime lens can be great for portraits in bars. Instagram

It's best to ask the staff or bartender before taking photos inside bars and restaurants, especially if they have a specific ambiance or if other patrons are present. Instagram

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