Tours/Kabukicho/Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide
Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide
5.0(5)Kabukicho2–3 hours
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(3)
+6 photos
At a glance
Duration
2–3 hours
Price from
$39 / person
Location
Kabukicho
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews
Languages
CMN, JA, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Smappa! Group
Meeting point
Meet at CIne City Square just in front of The Tokyu Kabuki-cho Tower.IN FRONT OF THE STARBUCKS ON THE STAIRS here it is a google maps pin drop https://maps.app.goo.gl/dk5fTH8gnUY4hVDY8The guide will show the sign with "Smappa Group" in hand.
Description
Explore the deep side of the Kabuki-cho district with local experts. You will learn the history of Kabuki-cho while sipping the excellent sake at a bar in Golden-Gai, which is owned by our company, and wandering around the area.
You can choose and customize where to visit from some unique options, such as a traditional shrine located around the neon lights and billboards in Kabuki-cho, a modern art gallery next to a bar, a craft beer pub, and more!
Around late March to early April, when it is filled with beautiful Cherry blossoms in Japan, we will take you to the best places to enjoy them at night!
You are always welcome to ask any questions about the city; it is our pleasure to share the story and the culture of Kabuki-cho.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun
Start times
9 times a day, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 20–59)
$39
Senior (ages 60–65)
$39
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide
Itinerary
Cine City Square
15 min
You will see the center of the city from the square where we meet up, engaging with the origin and the history of Kabuki-cho with the detailed explanation with our guide.
Kabukicho District
Pass by
With the guide talking about their daily lives working in Kabuki-cho, you will experience the culture of the city.
Kabukicho Benzaiten
10 min
You will visit the small shrine rooted in the local lives in the city. Our guide will provide you with a rich explanation of its origin.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
60 min
Walking into the bars owned by our company, and let's drink. You can choose from a variety of beverage options, including both alcohol and non-alcohol.
Admission included40 min
At a craft beer pub run by our company, you will have a Q&A session with the guide, enjoying selected craft beer and small meals. You are welcome to ask anything as long as it is related to the place you visited during the tour or the history and culture of Kabuki-cho!
Hanazono Shrine
20 min
This is one of the famous places where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms around late March to early April.
Walking through the shrine, you will be blessed with the atmosphere of night cherry blossoms!
What's included
Included
Personal translator / guide
Not included
Bottled water
Dinner
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
5 reviews
5
5
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Tokyo
Starting price $39 is 51% below the typical $79 for tours of similar length in Tokyo
Excurgo comparison of 4,170 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide take?
Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide lasts about 2–3 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide cost?
Prices start at $39 per person for this Kabukicho experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with 9 departures a day between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Can I cancel Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet at CIne City Square just in front of The Tokyu Kabuki-cho Tower. IN FRONT OF THE STARBUCKS ON THE STAIRS here it is a google maps pin drop https://maps.app.goo.gl/dk5fTH8gnUY4hVDY8. The guide will show the sign with "Smappa Group" in hand. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide offered in?
The experience is available in CMN, JA, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 4 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Kabuki-cho Tour with Local Guide worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 5 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Smappa! Group.
Reviews(5)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
s_m
June 27, 2026 · via Viator
I often come to Shinjuku, but I do not want to go on a "guide tour...
I come to Shinjuku a lot, and I wonder what I would discover if I ventured on a guided tour. That's why I joined.
It turned out to be a great answer!
The theme is to tour the main spots of Kabukicho, and if you wish, you can also stop by the affiliated restaurants.
The guides, as well as the staff at the shop that we visited this time, were all very nice and nice. (There was no atmosphere at all that forced us to enter the shop.)
It seems that many participants are from overseas, but I think it is an experience that even Japanese people can fully enjoy!
J
Jo_W
March 23, 2025 · via Viator
Kanpai!
Chika and Tiger were awesome tour guides! We learned a lot about Kabukicho and Japanese culture. Plus having recommendations at each stop was so helpful! They customized our stops based on our tastes and taught us how to order in Japanese. We went to places we would not have known existed without them!
ありがとうございます!
M
MomokoS45
February 21, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Great for hanging out with friends overseas
I went with a friend from overseas! My friend is a big fan of Yakuza and wanted to experience something unique to Kabukicho, but I didn't know much about it, so I asked him to help me out.
We had a lot of fun hanging out at restaurants and host clubs in Kabukicho and Golden Gai!
The guide was really knowledgeable about Kabukicho, so he took us to some hidden shops that are hard to find, and it was a great memory.
Both the guide and the host spoke English, so my friend seemed to enjoy herself from start to finish!
I was grateful that they were able to plan things flexibly based on our budget.
I'll definitely ask him to help me out again when my overseas friends come to visit.
Golden-Gai is a really interesting area.... Went to places I'd never think to check out. The vibe was laid-back, and the drinks were top-notch. Shoutout to Chika, our guide, for making it a night to remember. Great for anyone up for something a bit different!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your review!
We are honored to be a part of your journey and make a memorable night with you.
R
rebeccakX2466IM
February 13, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
MUST DO!
Had a blast on this bar-hopping tour! Found some cool spots that aren't your typical hangouts. Our guide, knew her stuff and made it feel like we were just out with friends. If you're into exploring offbeat places, this is right up your alley!
Operator response
Thank you for your review! We are glad that you could enjoy Kabuki-cho as if you were hanging out with friends! Looking forward to your visit again.
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