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Shinjuku Golden Gai (新宿ゴールデン街) is a small area of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan^[1], famous both as an area of architectural interest, and as a nightlife area. It is composed of a network of six narrow alleys, connected by even narrower passageways which are just about wide enough for a single person to pass through. Over 200 tiny shanty-style bars, clubs and eateries^[2] are squeezed into this area.

Overview

Golden Gai is situated a few minutes walk from the East Exit of

Typically, the buildings are just a few feet wide, and are built so close to the ones next door that they nearly touch. Most are two-storey, having a small bar at street level, and either another bar or a tiny flat upstairs, reached by a steep set of stairs. None of the bars are very large, but some are so small that they can only fit 5 or 6 customers at one time^[3]. The buildings are generally ramshackle, and the alleys are dimly lit, giving the area a very scruffy and run-down appearance. However, the area is not a cheap place to drink, and the clientele that the area attracts is generally well off.

Bars in Golden Gai are known in particular for the artistic quality of their patrons. Golden Gai is well known as a meeting place for musicians, artists, directors, writers, academics and actors, including many celebrities

Golden Gai was known for prostitution prior to 1958, when it became illegal. Since then it has developed as a drinking area, and at least some of the bars can trace their origins back to the 1960s[2]. In the 1980s, many buildings in Tokyo were set on fire by Yakuza, so the land could be bought up by developers^[5], but Golden Gai survived because some of its supporters took turns to guard the area at night^[5].

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