OpenTube

How Locals Drink in Kabukicho Without Getting Scammed (Tokyo Nightlife)

ShoMeJapan

20,481 views

#Kabukicho #ShinjukuNightlife #TokyoNightlife #Izakaya #GoldenGai

Kabukicho is Tokyo's biggest nightlife district — and the most misunderstood. Everyone warns you about the scams and tourist traps in Shinjuku, so tonight I take you to my actual favorite LOCAL spots in Kabukicho & Golden Gai: a ¥300 ($2) standing bar, a hidden Kagoshima izakaya serving RAW chicken (yes, really), the tiny bars of Golden Gai, tequila shots, and a late-night ramen to finish. No scams. No tourist traps. Just how locals actually drink in Shinjuku.

Watch to the end and you'll know exactly where to go — and what to avoid.

🔥 New here? Tap the HYPE button to help this video reach more travelers heading to Japan!

CHAPTERS
0:00 Why Kabukicho scares tourists (and how to do it right)
1:27 ¥300 standing bar — the perfect pregame ($2 drinks)
2:33 The scams & touts to avoid in Kabukicho
4:38 My favorite hidden izakaya (Kagoshima style)
6:06 RAW CHICKEN!? — torisashi you can actually eat
12:28 Golden Gai — tiny bars, locals & tequila
19:07 Shime ramen — the drunk-food finish at 4AM

📍 SPOTS IN THIS VIDEO
• Tachinomi Ryoma — drinks from ¥300 /
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LKuxDGx8shJGn...

• Heart Beat [Kagoshima izakaya]/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8wgdEWhYQTgdB...

• Golden Gai bars — Aces / Chilly chili nine
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1wYCptcSEgDZZ...
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jTwX1XCqKNceD...

• Tori Soba Mitaba　[Shime ramen restaurant]
https://maps.app.goo.gl/f6weeoE39V1NW...
Wondering what to do in Japan? Check out MagicalTrip's local tours that I sometimes guide by myself! Get the most out of your Japan travel with locals!

▶️ MagicalTrip Official Site
https://www.magical-trip.com/?utm_sou...
*Use My Coupon: SHOMEJAPAN55 (5%OFF)

【My SNS channels】
Check out my other SNS channels!
TikTok: shomejapan
Instagram: shomejapan

20 Comments

@dyl4nndgs 3 months ago

Abe Chan treated me so well when I visited, the bar had a great vibe inside with other travelers as well. I made a few friends for the rest of the trip. I was lucky enough to run into you there one night and you bought me a drink. Thank you!

@RevStickleback 2 months ago

I always find Golden Gai gets better later in the evening, into the night. There have been several times at about 11.30 I have thought "just one more beer", and then suddenly it's nearly 4 am.

@Molecular_Cloud 3 months ago

Ill be staying in Kabuki Cho and exploring the nightlife. I know not to follow touts, but my biggest fear is accidentally wandering into a rip off bar, while bar hopping

@Alfie-xj5sc 1 month ago

Abe Chan is a legend, me and 3 friends became regulars during our trip in january.

@gzoppi3877 13 days ago (edited)

That’s crazy. I have video of us about 10 years ago vibing with Abe Chan to classic hiphop

@gantz4u 2 weeks ago

As a foreigner the Otoshi can feel a bit scam, since were probably not used to it, and especially it the Otoshi is high in an empty, not stylish establishment and the Otoshi is stale peanuts. Asking how much is the Otoshi, is a huge unlock along with the concept of buying the bartender a drink concept. But also given both these concepts, they get really weird if you tip. But as a foreigner a tip can be like a red bull for tomorrow or whatever.

@CJ-gp9yh 3 months ago

Loved the video man! Keep them coming

@tituswill7874 3 months ago

Hope you come to Florida sometime! We had so much fun drinking with you when we were in Tokyo

@malt_n_metal_neil 3 months ago

Great Video , I had a great and crazy night in the , Death Match in Hell bar in may and a few others too :) .

@Closedmouths 3 months ago

You’re a great creator!

@TimothyPIE 3 months ago

dope recommendations sir!

@Backyard18Golf 3 months ago

I live in Las Vegas! 2025 I did a 10 day trip in ueno with my wife. Then another 10 day trip in nasushiobara for a golf tournament with my uncle. You’re the man !

@n20sqrl 3 months ago

Your channel is such a vibe brother!

@zoltar227 1 month ago

If you''re in the Dallas area let me know! Happy to show you around!

@mrkv9482 3 months ago

feel a great comfort drinking and watching these videos. gives me great ideas for my up and coming japan trip this fall!

@itsEddyJ 2 months ago

thank you for educating us

@JoelsDriveway 3 months ago

I'm also from Texas! In the Dallas area. Good to hear you're coming to visit 👍

@jayxu6355 3 months ago

If you visit Austin let me know! I can give a you some tour of the city and enjoy some of the best Texas Barbecues

@bambesfresser 3 months ago

Perfect timing for the video, Sho. I will head back to Japan in November to see another sumo tournament and will try to get in touch with you if things work out. I got to explore quite a few places in Shinjuku last September. Loved Shogun burger and this elegant cafe on the second floor really close to the Gracery. I think it's this one パルファン歌舞伎町店. The Izakaya we ended up in was ok, but not great. Never managed to get inside Michishirube so that's still on my to-do list. At least, I know now to visit Heart Beat.