Have you ever wondered what a Tokyo nightlife tour is really like? To navigate the bustling streets and hidden alleys like a local, uncovering secret Tokyo bars known only to those who’ve lived and breathed the city for years?
That is the idea behind Okawari Travels, where your guide, founder Alejandro, takes you on a journey through Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and makes you feel part of the local scene from the moment you arrive.
After Dark in Tokyo What the Night Holds
Experiencing Tokyo Nightlife like a Local
Okawari Travels runs small group bar crawls in Tokyo, led by founder Alejandro since 2016. Its flagship route takes in Kichijoji and Harmonica Yokocho, a narrow warren of tiny bars beside Kichijoji Station that began as a flea market just after the Second World War.
Alejandro, Guiding Tokyo Nightlife Since 2016
Tokyo bar crawls with Okawari Travels. Photo Credit: Alejandro @Okawari Travels
Alejandro, a seasoned world traveller with a decade of experience exploring Tokyo’s nightlife, has made it his mission to share the city’s best-kept secrets with fellow adventurers. His passion for discovery and connecting with people has earned him a reputation as a go-to guide for those looking to experience Tokyo bar crawls away from the typical tourist spots through Okawari Travels. He speaks English, Spanish and Japanese, and has guided more than 1,000 travellers since starting Okawari in 2016.
Okawari Travels’ Small Group Tours With a Trilingual Guide
Tokyo bar crawls with Okawari Travels. Photo Credit: Alejandro @Okawari Travels
Bars Away From Tokyo’s Tourist Trail
Okawari Travels offers personalised Tokyo nightlife tours and bar crawls that take you off the beaten path. With Alejandro’s insider knowledge, you’ll discover places you’d never find on your own, ensuring a one-of-a-kind adventure. Groups stay small, with a maximum of eight guests on the flagship Kichijoji crawl.
Tours Tailored to Food, Drink or Making Friends
Yakitori on the grill at a Tokyo izakaya. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
Each tour is tailored to your preferences, whether you’re a foodie, a drink enthusiast, or someone looking to make new friends. Alejandro’s ability to adapt and customise each experience makes every night out unique.
Hidden Bars in Kichijoji, Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa and Kabukicho
From quaint izakayas to lively bars, Alejandro’s network grants you access to Tokyo’s hidden nightlife gems, offering an authentic glimpse into the city’s vibrant social scene in Kichijoji, Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa and Kabukicho, among many other places.
Tokyo Nightlife Districts: Kichijoji and Shinjuku
Kichijoji and Harmonica Yokocho
Kichijoji is known for its bohemian vibe and charming streets filled with quirky bars and eateries. It’s a favourite among locals and a perfect starting point for your Tokyo nightlife adventure. The neighbourhood is about 15 minutes by train from Shinjuku or Shibuya, and Harmonica Yokocho, the post-war alley at the heart of Okawari’s flagship crawl, is a one minute walk from the North Exit of Kichijoji Station.
Shinjuku: The Heart of Nightlife
Shinjuku, Tokyo nightlife tour. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
Shinjuku is Tokyo’s nightlife epicentre, boasting an array of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a cosy spot to unwind, Shinjuku has it all.
The Best Izakayas and Bars
Explore hidden izakayas like a local. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
Experience the true essence of a Tokyo nightlife tour by visiting some of the city’s best izakayas and bars. Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes and unique cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else. If you enjoy traditional Japanese establishments like izakayas, you’ll love ryokans. Check out our post on the best ryokans in Japan for an authentic experience.
The Okawari Bar Crawls
Meeting Travellers and Locals on an Okawari Bar Crawl
Okawari bar crawl with friends. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
An Okawari bar crawl is an immersive night out in Tokyo’s local bars. From the moment you join, you’ll be guided through a curated selection of Tokyo’s top nightlife spots. One of the highlights of the Okawari experience is the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow travellers and locals, and these spontaneous friendships often become lasting memories. Each night out with Okawari is crafted to create unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a lively conversation at an izakaya or a dance-off at a hidden bar, you’ll have stories to tell for years to come.
Japanese Cocktails, Izakaya Food and Drink Prices
Enjoy food and drinks with friends. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
Your Tokyo nightlife tour will be incomplete without food! Savour the flavours of Tokyo with a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, from sushi and sashimi to yakitori and ramen. Discover Tokyo’s unique drinks and cocktails, crafted with precision and creativity, and try local favourites and experimental concoctions that reflect the city’s innovative spirit. Alejandro will also introduce you to must-try dishes and drinks that capture the essence of Tokyo’s culinary scene. The flagship Kichijoji crawl includes a selection of Japanese cocktails, and anything extra is paid as you go, at roughly 500 to 700 yen a drink. Vegetarian and vegan food is available if you tell Okawari ahead of time.
Making Friends With Tokyo Regulars
The Okawari experience centres on the people you meet along the way. Engage in lively conversations, share stories, and make connections that transcend cultural boundaries. Many clients have formed lifelong friendships during their Okawari tours, and these shared experiences often lead to lasting bonds and cherished memories. Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with Tokyo’s residents. Learn about their lives, traditions, and perspectives, enriching your understanding of the city.
Okawari Travels Tours and Prices
Okawari Travels offers a variety of unique and immersive tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are the three main types of tours you can choose from. Prices are listed in US dollars, and guests must be 20 or older, the legal drinking age in Japan.
1. Kichijoji Hidden Bar Hopping
Dive deep into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife with the Kichijoji Hidden Bar Hopping tour, also called the Kichijoji Bar Crawl. This tour takes you to the best hidden bars, izakayas, and nightlife spots in Kichijoji and Harmonica Yokocho, providing an authentic local experience. It runs for four hours, from 19:00 to 23:00, Tuesday to Sunday, with a maximum of eight guests, and costs US$120 per person. Perfect for those who want to explore Tokyo’s social scene and make new friends along the way.
2. Private Tour: Local Bar Hopping
For a truly personalised experience, opt for the Private Tour: Local Bar Hopping, a private night out for a group of up to eight. Tailored to your preferences, this tour allows you to choose the types of venues and activities you want to explore. Whether you’re a foodie, a cocktail enthusiast, or someone looking for a relaxed night out, this tour can be shaped around your group. It runs for four hours from 19:00, Tuesday to Sunday, adds two hours of unlimited food and drinks to everything in the group tour, and costs US$750 per group. For a fully custom route, message Okawari directly.
3. Sakura Sips: Cherry Blossom Bar Crawl, 20 March to 10 April
Experience the beauty of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season with the Sakura Sips Tour. This seasonal tour starts with a drink and photo stops under the cherry blossoms of Inokashira Park at golden hour, then moves into the bars of Kichijoji and Harmonica Yokocho for 1.5 hours of unlimited drinks, Japanese cocktails and a full food course. It runs from 20 March to 10 April only, depending on the blossoms, from 17:00 to 22:00, with a maximum of ten guests, and costs US$140 per person. A must-do for those visiting Tokyo in spring.
Okawari also runs a Tacos and Beers bar crawl in Shimokitazawa (three hours, from US$100 per person), a Tokyo Halloween Bar Tour in Kichijoji around 30 and 31 October, and a New Year’s Eve countdown tour on 31 December.
Planning Your Night: Kichijoji Station Meeting Point and Last Trains
Pub crawls and nightlife with Okawari Travels. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
Alejandro meticulously plans each tour to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, from selecting the best venues to timing the visits perfectly. Benefit from Alejandro’s insider tips and tricks for navigating Tokyo’s nightlife. From ordering in Japanese to understanding local customs, you’ll feel confident and comfortable. Understanding the nuances of language and culture is key to a successful night out, and Alejandro’s fluency in Japanese and deep cultural knowledge ensure a smooth and immersive experience. The Kichijoji tours meet at Kichijoji Station (Park Exit), and Alejandro messages the exact spot the day before. Tours start on time, and bookings are paid in full and non-refundable unless Okawari cancels for severe weather or an emergency.
Getting Home on the Last Train
Exploring pubs and izakayas with friends. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
With Alejandro’s guidance, you’ll navigate Tokyo’s nightlife with ease. You can learn the best routes, how to use public transport, and tips for staying safe and comfortable. The route is timed so you can catch the last train, which usually leaves around midnight, even if you are staying across the city in Asakusa, Ueno or near Tokyo Station. Stay tuned for new and exciting tours from Okawari Travels relating to Tokyo bar crawls. Alejandro is always exploring new areas and venues to keep the experience fresh and exciting. Okawari Travels is continuously expanding its offerings, so look forward to new destinations, themed tours, and unique experiences that go beyond Tokyo.
Can’t make it to Tokyo just yet? Join Alejandro on Twitch for live tours and experiences. Get a taste of Tokyo’s nightlife from the comfort of your home. Alejandro engages with his viewers during livestreams, answering questions and sharing insights. It’s a great way to connect and learn more about Tokyo’s nightlife.
Contact Alejandro
Have questions or want to book a tour? Contact Alejandro directly through the website or social media, where the quickest route is a direct message on Instagram. He’s always happy to help and provide information. Follow Okawari Travels on social media for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Stay connected and be part of the Okawari community.
Alejandro, Founder of Okawari Travels. Photo Credit: Okawari Travels
Ready to book your tour? Visit the Okawari Travels booking page for all the details and to secure your spot on an unforgettable nightlife adventure.
Enjoying Tokyo’s nightlife tour with Okawari Travels offers a unique and immersive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. With Alejandro’s guidance, you’ll discover hidden gems, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this Tokyo bar crawl. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary adventure: book your Okawari tour today and see Tokyo like a local on a night tour.
