Omoide no Nukemichi
1 Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0021
Omoide no Nukemichi is a backstreet alleyway in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, which is home to a collection of small but popular izayakas—local bars that also serve food. Often considered a quieter alternative to the ultra busy Golden Gai, it's a great place to come for beers and yakitori (grilled skewers), while people-watching and enjoying the buzz.
The basics
Many travelers visit Omoide no Nukemichi as part of a guided walking tour, which bridges language barriers and gives you access to favorite local haunts. In addition to Omoide no Nukemichi, these tours often include nearby attractions such as Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, the Godzilla Head, and Shin Okubo Korean Town. To keep exploring Tokyo after dark, nighttime tours offer a lively way to immerse yourself.
Things to know before you go
Some bars may charge a cover fee, which is a fixed cost for your seat and often includes a snack. This applies to both locals and foreigners.
Note that many bars here don’t accept credit cards, so be sure to have some cash on hand.
A little Japanese can go a long way when you’re having a drink. Konbanwa is good evening, and arigatou is thank you.
How to get there
As Omoide no Nukemichi is a narrow alleyway, most travelers take public transportation and then walk. The Shinjuku-Nishiguchi metro station, on the Oedo line, is only a 2-minute walk away; when you leave the station, follow signs toward Omoide Yokocho. You can also take the JR Yamanote Line or the Tokyo Metro to Shinjuku Station, about a 5-minute walk away.
When to get there
Omoide no Nukemichi comes alive at night, and the best time to visit is after 7pm. If you want to avoid crowds, aim for earlier in the evening or go on a weekday. Late nights are perfect for soaking in the energy and enjoying the authentic charm of this Tokyo spot.
Where to go after Omoide no Nukemichi
If you’re looking to keep the night going after Omoide no Nukemichi, take a short stroll to Kabukicho, where you'll find a vibrant mix of karaoke spots and late-night bars. For a tasty detour, head to Shin-Okubo, Tokyo's Koreatown—renowned for its fried chicken and other Korean dishes—or make your way to Golden Gai, an area famous for its tiny, bustling bars.
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