If you’re looking to experience Tokyo beyond its famous landmarks, a Shibuya Bar Hopping Tour offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s lively nightlife scene. This guided experience combines delicious food, a variety of local drinks, and the chance to share a table with locals, all while exploring some of Shibuya’s coolest spots.
What makes this tour stand out are three key aspects: the knowledgeable guides who make the journey fun and insightful, the all-inclusive drinks that let you relax without worry, and the hidden gems in Yokocho alleyways that are seldom seen by travelers. That said, a potential consideration is that some venues may allow smoking, which might not suit everyone. This tour is ideal for travelers eager to enjoy Japan’s drinking culture, sample top-quality Wagyu, and soak up Shibuya’s nighttime energy with an experienced local guide.
- Good To Know
- Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect
- The Food and Drink Stops
- Why This Tour Offers Great Value
- Detailed Breakdown of the Experience
- Starting Point: Shibuya Crossing
- First Bar: Introductions and Local Beers
- Yokocho Alleyway: The Heart of the Night
- Second Bar: Drinks and Wagyu
- Final Stop: A Relaxed Finish
- The Guides: The Heart of the Tour
- Practical Tips for Travelers
- Is This Tour Worth It?
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Good To Know

- Authentic Experience: Visit three local izakaya bars in vibrant Shibuya with a knowledgeable guide.
- All-Inclusive Drinks: Enjoy unlimited beer, sake, and other Japanese beverages at the second bar.
- Full Dinner Included: Savor a variety of Japanese dishes, including Wagyu beef and Kobe beef.
- Shared Local Culture: Share tables with locals and learn about Japanese nightlife customs.
- Convenient Meeting Point: Located just minutes from Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit.
- Flexible and Casual: Suitable for adults over 20, with options for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour kicks off at a well-known Shibuya landmark — the famous Shibuya Crossing. It’s the perfect starting point for photos and setting the scene for your night of exploration. Standing amidst the chaotic flow of hundreds of pedestrians crossing from every direction, you get a true sense of Tokyo’s vibrant energy.
From there, your guide leads you into the first bar, where you’ll get a taste of Japanese beer coupled with grilled local delicacies. Reviewers like Lara praise a guide — Lam — who is not just friendly but incredibly knowledgeable, answering all questions with patience and charm. It’s a great way to break the ice and learn a bit about local drinking customs.
After that, your group moves into a yokocho alleyway — an indoor street lined with about 30 izakayas (Japanese pubs). These narrow, cozy venues are the heart of Japanese after-work socializing. The guide reserves seats ahead of time, so you’ll avoid the common frustration of waiting or wandering around looking for a place. As you hop between bars, you’ll experience how locals unwind, chat, and enjoy their evenings.
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The Food and Drink Stops
The second stop is especially popular among guests because of the all-you-can-drink option. Here, you can choose from a variety of Japanese drinks, including sake, beer, and other local beverages. Darrick comments that the tour offers a “big enough” drinks selection, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy.
The food served throughout the experience is equally noteworthy. Expect to sample Wagyu beef, beef sushi, and melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef — all highlights for meat lovers. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, ensuring more dietary needs are accommodated.
The final stop concludes with a relaxed atmosphere, giving you a chance to enjoy one last drink and reflect on the night. Visitors like Christine appreciate the friendly guides like Masa, who go out of their way to ensure everyone has a memorable time, providing insightful commentary and making the evening feel more like hanging out with friends than a formal tour.
Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $112 per person, this tour packs a lot into one evening. You’re getting a full dinner, multiple drinks, and the chance to explore places you probably wouldn’t stumble upon alone. The reviews highlight excellent guides like Lam, Yuki, Sho, and others who make the experience engaging, informative, and fun.
Many guests mention that the small, intimate venues and the guide’s local knowledge make the experience stand out. As Scott puts it, the “food was great and drinks big enough”, meaning you’re not just paying for the experience but also enjoying substantial portions.
The tour’s inclusion of photos during the journey means you’ll have plenty of memories to share later, plus the convenience of meeting at a central location — just a few minutes walk from Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit.
Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point: Shibuya Crossing
The tour begins right in front of the iconic Shibuya TSUTAYA sign, a well-known landmark that makes it easy to find your guide. This location is ideal for first-time visitors, offering a chance to snap some photos and soak in the bustling city vibe before heading indoors.
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First Bar: Introductions and Local Beers
The first stop introduces you to Japanese beer alongside grilled snacks. Reviewers like Lara and Martha mention how helpful guides like Lam and Cami are, creating a friendly atmosphere where questions about Japanese culture and drinking customs are welcomed. Guests often comment on the well-organized nature of the stops, with no long waits.
Yokocho Alleyway: The Heart of the Night
Walking through the yokocho alley, you encounter a lively scene with locals enjoying their evening. These small, traditional bars are perfect for tasting Japan’s social drinking culture. The fact that seats are reserved means you’ll avoid the usual hassle of finding a place, which many find adds to the relaxed vibe of the tour.
Second Bar: Drinks and Wagyu
Here, the all-you-can-drink feature shines. Guests can enjoy a variety of Japanese drinks, with many reviews mentioning the diversity and quality of the beverages. The food options are equally impressive, with Wagyu beef and Kobe beef offered — dishes that have wowed many, especially those who’ve never experienced such premium cuts in a casual setting.
Final Stop: A Relaxed Finish
The last venue offers a chance for a final drink and some casual chatter, often with karaoke or more conversations about Japanese culture. Guests like Michelle and Joe highlight the friendly and lively atmosphere, which makes the night memorable.
The Guides: The Heart of the Tour

Multiple reviewers emphasize the importance of the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Lam, Yoshi, Sho, Masa, and others are praised for their approachable manner and insights into local customs. Many describe guides as fun, helpful, and eager to ensure everyone has a good time.
Yas comments on Lam being “awesome” and incredibly helpful, while Christine praises Masa’s ability to answer questions and make everyone feel welcome. The guides’ ability to tailor the experience, even accommodating dietary restrictions like vegetarian options, makes a big difference.
Practical Tips for Travelers

- Meeting Point: Located just a 3-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit, it’s easy to find the starting location.
- Age Requirement: Participants must be over 20 years old.
- Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but substitutions may be limited at certain stops.
- Weather Considerations: Summer can be hot and humid, so bring water, wear a hat, and dress comfortably.
- Booking & Cancellation: Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes planning easier.
Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers seeking to experience Tokyo’s nightlife authentically, this tour offers a perfect mix of guided access, local culture, and delicious food and drinks. The small group size, combined with expert guides, ensures a personalized experience. It’s especially valuable for first-timers who want to avoid the hassle of finding good spots on their own or for those eager to learn about Japan’s drinking and dining customs in a relaxed environment.
The price point is reasonable considering the amount of food and drinks included, plus the insider access to hidden izakayas. Guests consistently mention how the tour feels like a fun night out with friends, making it a memorable highlight of their Tokyo trip.
This experience suits food and drink enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting a guided introduction to Shibuya’s nightlife, or anyone interested in socializing with locals. It’s also great for couples, solo travelers, or groups wanting a lively, authentic way to see a different side of Tokyo.
If you value small-group intimacy, knowledgeable guides, and a mix of cultural insight with lively entertainment, this tour will meet your expectations.
The Shibuya Bar Hopping Tour offers more than just a night out — it provides an authentic taste of Tokyo’s social scene with expert guidance, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere. The inclusion of a full dinner and unlimited drinks at one stop makes it excellent value, especially considering how many hidden spots you explore that are otherwise difficult to find on your own.
It’s perfect for travelers eager to connect with locals, try top-quality Wagyu, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in a safe, organized setting. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Japan enthusiast, this experience promises an engaging, fun, and memorable evening in Shibuya.
How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows under the SHIBUYA TSUTAYA sign, just a few minutes from JR Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit. The guide holds a red/orange “Magical Trip” sign.
What is included in the tour price?
You get a full dinner, two drinks at the first bar, unlimited drinks at the second bar, and one drink at the final stop. Plus, you’ll visit three izakaya bars with a guide and receive photos during the tour.
Is there a dress code?
Comfortable casual wear is fine. Since it involves bar hopping and walking, wear something suitable for a night out and summer weather if applicable.
Can vegetarians or vegans join?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan menus are available, though substitutions might not be possible at all stops. It’s best to inform the tour provider in advance if you have dietary restrictions.
What age do I need to be?
Participants must be over 20 years old to join the tour.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or strollers?
Some locations are not accessible for wheelchair users or strollers due to the narrow, traditional nature of the venues.
What should I bring?
Bring your ID for age verification, a hat and water for summer days, and an open mind ready to enjoy local food, drinks, and culture.
Can I cancel easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
This guided bar crawl in Shibuya really hits the sweet spot: great value, local authenticity, and a fun, lively atmosphere. Whether you’re there to sample Wagyu, learn about Japanese drinking customs, or just enjoy a night out with new friends, it makes for a memorable part of any Tokyo adventure.
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