The Other Side of Shinjuku

This dinner and drinking experience takes place in Shinjuku, the heart of Tokyo's dining and drinking districts. You'll start your experience at a tiny, 8-seat yakitori shop that is only open for a few hours each night. Established by a husband and wife team nearly 40 years ago, the wife took over running the shop on her own when her husband's health declined several years ago. A long established clientele and 6 consecutive appearances on the annual Top 100 yakitori shops in Tokyo keeps the shop full nearly every night, but also makes it difficult for newcomers to join in. Your host Aya is a long-time customer of the shop who will introduce you to the owner and customers alike as you enjoy a full course yakitori meal, drinks, and friendly interaction with the regulars. The shop closes at 9:00pm, at which point you and the remaining regular customers help shut down the shop before heading to the nearby Golden Gai area to enjoy a few rounds of drinks and lively conversation.

Establishments like this yakitori shop, with excellent quality food, a long list of regular customers, and few seats can be nearly impossible for visitors to Japan to enjoy on their own. Aya, a foodie who grew up in Tokyo and has arranged a variety of difficult-to-organize experiences for company CEOs and other VIPs, gets you rare access to this cozy shop and an opportunity to mingle with the owner and regulars. Her background as an interpreter and her bubbly personality is your ticket to enjoyable interactions with strangers who are yet to become friends. This opportunity to make new friends goes beyond the restaurant, as you build comradery by helping close up the shop and move to the Golden Gai bar district to continue engaging in conversation and drinks with your new friends. This is how Tokyo bonds are built — through shared time, tight spaces, and good sake. If you've ever dreamed of being part of a real life "Midnight Diner," this is the perfect experience for you.

Aya – born and raised in Tokyo, - is a bilingual English–Japanese speaker with over 15 years of experience learning and teaching English communication. Friendly, vibrant, and energetic, she loves sharing not only Tokyo’s sights but also the hidden culture and stories behind them. Aya is passionate about helping guests feel at home, making your journey not just a tour, but a heart-to-heart experience in Japan.

A desire to meet new friends and converse with locals in a friendly, casual environment. A hand towel as many restrooms in Japan do not offer paper towels. If you'd like to order additional food or drinks, you may do so at your own expense.