Bar Hopping Tour In Shibuya: A Guide on How to Plan

Are you planning a trip to Tokyo, and looking for an unforgettable night experience? Why not try a bar hopping tour around Shibuya, the coolest nightlife area in the city? On this tour, you’ll get the chance to explore the local indoor food alley and sample Japanese beer and Sake, then follow a guide to three authentic Izakaya bars while experiencing Shibuya’s nocturnal culture. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your tour.

Experience

The bar hopping tour in Shibuya is an excellent opportunity to discover the nocturnal side of Tokyo’s coolest neighborhood. The tour is suitable for anyone looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city’s nightlife while immersing themselves in the local culture. You’ll visit three authentic Izakaya bars, enjoy local food, and drink varieties of Japanese beer and Sake. The tour also includes a walk through Shibuya’s indoor food alley, where you’ll see locals unwinding after work.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights include:

– Discovering the indoor food alley of Tokyo’s coolest nightlife area
– Enjoying the included food beer and Sake
– Following your guide to three cool Izakaya bars
– Experiencing Shibuya’s nocturnal culture and sharing a table with locals

The Tour Itinerary

The tour starts in front of the Shibuya Crossing, one of Tokyo’s most iconic sites. As hundreds of people cross the street, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos surrounded by Shibuya’s towering buildings. From there, your guide will take you to the first bar, where you’ll have grilled delicacies and taste Japanese beer. The following stop is the ‘yokocho,’ a lively indoor alleyway with 30 Izakaya bars. On this tour, you’ll visit three of them, where you’ll have reserved seating and sample local food and drinks. The tour ends at a final bar, which serves world-famous Wagyu beef.

Booking And Scheduling The Tour

Ready to book your bar hopping tour in Shibuya? To schedule your tour, visit the following link: book the tour here. Once you’ve made your reservation, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details about the tour, including where to meet your guide and what to bring. The tour lasts around three and a half hours and tours run every night from Tuesdays through Saturdays. The cost of the tour includes all food and drinks, and an English-speaking guide.

Tour Inclusions And Exclusions

The tour includes:

– English-speaking guide
– Food and drinks (Japanese beer and Sake)
– Reservations at three Izakaya bars
– Authentic local food

Tour exclusions:

– Additional drinks at bars not included in the tour
– Personal expenses
– Gratuities

What to Bring

Make sure you bring the following items:

– Comfortable walking shoes
– Warm clothing for cooler nights (October to March)
– A camera to capture the highlights
– A copy of your confirmation email
– A valid ID (passport or driving license)

Tips for a Great Experience

To make the most out of your bar hopping tour in Shibuya, we have some tips for you:

– Eat lightly before the tour to avoid feeling too full.
– Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking between bars.
– Make sure you have your copy of the confirmation email with all the details about the tour.
– Bring some cash, as not all bars accept credit cards.
– Have fun and enjoy the experience.

Conclusion

The bar hopping tour in Shibuya is an excellent way to spend an unforgettable night in Tokyo while immersing yourself in the local culture. The tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Shibuya’s nightlife, taste local food and drinks, and meet locals. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance and follow our tips for a great experience. We hope you have an amazing time exploring the authentic side of Shibuya.

An Insider’s Guide to the Hidden Gems of Tokyo

Visiting Tokyo can be overwhelming, with its bright lights, bustling crowds, and endless options of things to see and do. While popular tourist attractions are worth a visit, they can sometimes become overcrowded and fail to provide an authentic taste of the city’s culture. To truly experience Tokyo like a local, here are some hidden gems, unique experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that are sure to elevate your visit.

Local Attractions

Forget about the famous Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing, let’s explore some local spots that are often missed by tourists. Head to Kichijoji, a vibrant neighborhood in western Tokyo, where you will find the enchanting Inokashira Park. Take a swan boat ride on the lake, and then stroll around the gorgeous garden and the vibrant street markets. Another hidden gem is the teamLab Borderless, an avant-garde museum that is a sensory explosion of light, sound, and colors.

For a touch of history and serenity, visit Kamakura, a seaside town known for its lush temples and shrines. The Hasedera Temple, with its community of friendly deer, stunning views, and the iconic statue of Kannon, is a must-visit. Afterward, take a stroll to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue that dates back to 1252.

Dining Spots

Tokyo’s food scene is vast, diverse, and often overwhelming. To experience the city’s rich culinary culture, head to Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can find the freshest and most delicious sushi Japan has to offer. Savor the chirashi bowl, a delightful mix of fresh seafood on top of sushi rice. For an adventurous palette, try the fugu, a dish made from the infamous pufferfish that can be poisonous if prepared incorrectly.

Another unique experience is the Robot Restaurant, a fusion of dinner theater, lasers, and giant robots that create an unforgettable evening for all senses. It is perhaps the most touristy item on our list, but the show is well worth it for an engaging and entertaining experience.

Cultural Experiences

Tokyo’s cultural history can be seen in the ancient tradition of tea ceremonies, art exhibitions, festivals, and local customs. For an intimate tea ceremony experience, head to Gion Tsujiri, where you can witness the ceremonial preparation of matcha tea and learn about its significance in Japanese culture.

Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the city’s history from the Edo period to modern times through interactive exhibits. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum exhibits a comprehensive collection of traditional pottery, ceramics, and folk crafts from all across Japan. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss out on the fireworks festival at the Sumida River, which draws more than one million visitors each year.

Local History

No visit to Tokyo would be complete without learning about its rich history, which dates back to the Edo period. Go beyond the typical history museum and visit the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Emperor, to understand the country’s political history. Another historical gem is the Meiji Jingu Shrine, an excellently preserved example of Shinto architecture that honors the country’s first modern emperor and his wife.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For those who want to get off the beaten path, take a stroll through Yanesen, a neighborhood that consists of three districts – Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi – and offers a glimpse of what Tokyo looked like before it became a modern city. Here, you’ll find old wooden houses, quiet temples, and narrow streets that seem to be frozen in time.

For a unique dining experience, visit the Ninja Akasaka restaurant, where the entire staff is dressed as ninjas, and the interior is modeled after a labyrinth. You might feel like you’re in a movie, but the food is excellent, and the atmosphere is unforgettable.

Tokyo is a city that never stops surprising visitors. With this insider’s guide, you can experience the hidden gems of the city, appreciate its diverse cultural offerings, and make long-lasting memories. Remember, the best way to enjoy Tokyo is to venture off the beaten path and embrace the local culture.