Golden Gai Eatery, Shinjuku, Tokyo
The Shinjuku Golden Gai is a small but colorful section of Shinjuku, Tokyo known for its night life. It has several small streets connected by alleys that are not much wider than one person. It is notable because the architecture has survived many fires and earthquakes, so it looks like a slice of old Tokyo with various tiny bars and small restaurants crammed side by side. Some are only big enough for a few people to fit in at the same time and there are around 100 different businesses crammed into a very small area.
Shinjuku . Golden gai
Though the area looks run down, the clientele includes many celebrities, artists, and musicians. The area is most interesting later in the evening, since many of the bars do not open until after 9 pm. With the Golden Gai being in a prime area, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics coming in a few years, some feel the area will finally be redeveloped and lose much of its charm.
The Shinjuku Golden Gai is a few minutes walk from the East Entrance of Shinjuku Station. It is located between the Shinjuku City Office and the Hamazono Shrine.
photos by:
Stephen Kelly Photography &
shiranai
