Shinjuku Golden Gai - Inside Tokyo's Last Postwar Bar Alley

Step into Shinjuku's Golden Gai, a six-alley pocket of postwar Tokyo where nearly three hundred tiny bars - some seating only five people - have survived bulldozers, economic collapse, and eighty years of change. In this episode, we trace the neighborhood's path from black-market rubble and red-light district to creative haven for writers and filmmakers, and finally to today's mix of longtime regulars and curious travelers from around the world. Along the way, we point you toward a beloved 24-hour ramen counter known for its dried-sardine broth, and Kameya, a fast and friendly stand-up soba counter in nearby Omoide Yokocho. We'll also guide you to Hanazono Shrine, the yakitori alleys of Omoide Yokocho, the neon spectacle of Kabukicho's Godzilla head, and the calm greenery of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - everything you need for a full night, and a quiet morning after, in this corner of Shinjuku.Visit NorthStarTravelers.com to explore our other podcast shows and browse gear recommendations for wherever your next journey takes you.