{"id":341,"date":"2017-08-28T14:02:25","date_gmt":"2017-08-28T05:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tateshina.co.jp\/eng\/?p=341"},"modified":"2017-08-30T09:02:24","modified_gmt":"2017-08-30T00:02:24","slug":"have-a-round-of-drinks-at-the-golden-gai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tateshina.co.jp\/eng\/shinjuku\/have-a-round-of-drinks-at-the-golden-gai\/","title":{"rendered":"Round of Drinks at the Golden Gai"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bars and Eateries in Narrow Alleyways<\/h2>\n

\"bars<\/p>\n

(Source: http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/polardivide\/33328271952\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Shinjuku, Tokyo, is known for skyscrapers, seedy nightlife, suited businessmen and a time-warped tumble of bars called Golden Gai. This perennial haunt of Tokyo\u2019s salarymen has been getting a lot more international attention lately \u2013 and for good reason.<\/p>\n

Among the dense high rise developments with much wider roads there is a tiny section, about 6 narrow alleys connected by even narrower passageways, in Shinjuku that remains in a time warp from the early 20th century. This tiny area of Shinjuku is known to the locals as Golden Gai and is gaining popularity among the foreigners. The \u201csecrecy\u201d of Golden Gai makes foreign visitors feel like they have found an unexpected treasure here in Tokyo.<\/p>\n

So what is Golden Gai?<\/h2>\n

\"golden
\n(Source: http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/vallausa\/29940002920\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Golden Gai (\u201cGolden District\u201d) is one of those rare places in Tokyo that, through some combination of luck and stubbornness, hasn\u2019t been bulldozed and redeveloped. Instead, it\u2019s just a couple of blocks packed with tiny, slightly ramshackle but buzzing bars.<\/p>\n

The number of patrons who can squeeze into each bar ranges from about five to thirty, although most of them are typically small in number. Each bar has its own hook, whether outlandish decor (from troll toys to hospital-themed uniforms), a signature drink or the promise of free, painfully off-key karaoke at all hours.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Etiquette?<\/h2>\n

Most of the bars accept visitors now, but some still only welcome regular customers \u2013 if there\u2019s a price list or anything in English posted out front, you\u2019re probably not about to cause an awkward scene. Alternatively, just walk in, smile politely and see what reaction you get; chances are that if it\u2019s a regulars-only bar you\u2019ll be told there\u2019s no room (empty seats or not).<\/p>\n

\"shinjuku
\n(Source: http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/skellysf\/6852447774\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Most of the bars have a cover charge, though a small number are free to enter. Sheer physical proximity means you may end up making friends with your neighbour \u2013 it\u2019s amazing how quickly the language barrier disappears after a glass or three of sh\u014dch\u016b.<\/p>\n

Talking of the language barrier, if you\u2019re up to it, then a bit of basic vocab will definitely be well-received. \u300c \u304a\u3059\u3059\u3081\u300dor \u201cosusume\u201d is \u201crecommendation\u201d \u2013 a sure-fire way to make a new friend. The simple but polite way to order is \u300c_____\u3092\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044\u300dor \u201c_____ wo kudasai\u201d. Finally, most vitally of all, be sure to make judicious use of \u300c\u304a\u3044\u3057\u3044\u300d or \u201coishii\u201d (\u201cdelicious\u201d) and, of course, \u300c\u304b\u3093\u3071\u3044\uff01\u300dor \u201ckanpai!\u201d (\u201ccheers!\u201d).<\/p>\n

Which bars are worth visiting?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re at all nervous about accidentally wandering into a frosty reception at a regulars-only bar, muster up some Dutch courage first at one of the better-known gaijin-friendly establishments.<\/p>\n

Arriving via Yasukuni-d\u014dri, the first bar you\u2019ll reach is Champion \u2013 it\u2019s large and has no cover charge, but the karaoke might put you off your drinks. Another popular choice is the plush Albatross, which has a makeshift rooftop terrace with a pretty impressive view of the lights of Tokyo.<\/p>\n

\"shinjuku
\n(Source: http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/eddymilfort\/14169198714\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n

To really get a feel for Golden Gai, though, you need to head away from these larger bars and start peeking up staircases and through doorways to see what takes your fancy.<\/p>\n

Zucca is a small, friendly bar with Halloween-themed decor (the name is Italian for pumpkin). The bar staff here not only know most customers who come in by name, but also their usual drink, the state of their health, and myriad other personal \u2013 and occasionally incriminating \u2013 details, presumably divulged after a few glasses.<\/p>\n

Another standout is Blue Square, on the edges of Golden Gai up a staircase marked by a small blue sign in the shape of a circle. It\u2019s tiny \u2013 four can sit at the bar, if you don\u2019t mind knocking elbows a little \u2013 but it attracts some interesting characters. The bar owners had originally wanted it to be an S&M joint, hence the spiked and studded bras hanging on the wall, but couldn\u2019t afford such specialised staff \u2013 so they ended up with a regular bartender from Osaka!<\/p>\n

More Information<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Shinjuku Golden Gai<\/li>\n
  2. Address: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo<\/li>\n
  3. Tel. No: 03-3209-6418<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Opening Hours<\/h3>\n