Golden Gai

March 4, 2008, Golden Gai, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. "Goruden gai" (originally a mispronunciation of "golden guy"), is a series of tiny counter-bar nooks, each seating perhaps 5-10 people at most. The mysterious and unique atmosphere of these alley bars is beyond compare, but unfortunately most - if not all - are closed to strangers. A rainy walk through the quiet back streets provides a fascinating glimpse into a few cozy watering holes and the occasional sound of laughter from behind a sealed door, but the rest remains an enclosed and impenetrable private world.

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[midnightradio1]

You sound like you copired the discription of the are from a guide book.You can enter most of these bars as i go to this area every year on vacation from los angeles and im a Gaijin.Most are owned or run by artist.Such as painters rock musicians poets and such.Always colorful

[mtfalk]

Although my text isn't plagiarized at all (I'll take your guidebook comparison as a compliment), the idea that these bars are exclusive to locals was indeed influenced by information that I read on the internet and elsewhere. In any case, your point is taken; another poster suggested something similar. Next time I'm in Japan I'll have to stroll right into one of these places.

[1garysan]

Wonderful video. A very intimate view of the goings on in the street and its bars. Just beautiful.

I especially like these type of streets when its been raining.

[COLOMBEtomoko]

なんだ？外人ばっかじゃねえか。

[Riven55555]

perfect atmosphere with the rain pattering and the clinking of glass. would love to visit here one day

[MissFoffion]

What happens if a stranger try to get in? Do they just refuse to let you in? 

[Vandal49]

I've never had a problem either (though I don't think you'll find lots of English speakers if that's what you're hoping). I don't think it's a mispronunciation of "guy" either. The gai part is kanji（街） that means neighborhood/area.

[Nazhuret99]

Yeah, there's no "locals only / no foreigners" vibe at all here. Maybe one or two out of the couple hundred.

We walked right into a few and they had no problem chatting with us.

One of them we even stayed in till about six in the morning the night before halloween. The bartender and his friends were taking pictures with us wearing samurai hat mask things.

Great fun and don't be intimidated!

[eighty5er]

I found it pretty easy to just open a door and ask if I could come in. The cover charges are pricey though.