Shinjuku Golden Gai, Bar district in Kabukicho, Japan
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a network of narrow alleys lined with tiny bars and eateries in the Kabukichō entertainment district of Tokyo, Japan. The two-story wooden structures stand shoulder to shoulder, forming a maze with steep staircases and hand-painted signs.
The district arose shortly after World War II as part of the black market trade in bombed-out Tokyo. It survived several demolition plans during the 1980s and was later recognized by the city as a cultural asset worth preserving.
Many owners know their guests by name and have run their establishments for decades with regular patrons. The tiny spaces often seat only five or six people, encouraging conversation among everyone present.
The alleys come alive after dark and most establishments do not open until late evening. Some bars charge a small seating fee and ask guests to request permission before taking photographs.
Several buildings were faithfully reconstructed after a fire in 2016, preserving the post-war appearance. Individual bars sometimes lack toilets and share communal facilities at the end of the alley.
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