Samurai Guide Sho’s Kichijoji Food&Drink Night Local Tokyo Story
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
A modern samurai Sho who has been drinking his way through Kichijoji for many years will skillfully handle “chopsticks” and “sake” instead of a sword, and guide you on a night training journey through Kichijoji.
Carefully selected by the local samurai Sho at three training grounds , you will experience the humanity of the alleyways, the craftsmanship of the shop owners, and the smiles of the drunkards.
This place is truly a modern castle town.
It is a Tokyo local experience story, spent together with Samurai Guide Sho.
By the end of the journey, through interactions with the local people who live in Tokyo and with those who joined the tour and trained alongside you, a samurai spirit will surely be ignited in your heart as well.
Reservations accepted until 15:00 on the day!
It’s only 15 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line, and the tour starts in Kichijoji at 18:30.
It finishes around 21:30, which is perfect timing to catch a train back to your hotel in the city center.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age: 20 years old (legal drinking age in Japan)
Walking involved; comfortable shoes recommended
This tour focuses on local, independently owned restaurants and bars. Due to the nature of these venues, the specific places or order may change on the day because of closures, full capacity, or private bookings. In any case, the overall experience, atmosphere, and duration of the tour will remain the same.
The organizer is not responsible for any health issues, injuries, or loss/damage of personal belongings during the tour. Please take care of yourself to fully enjoy the experience.
For the comfort of all participants, please refrain from disruptive behavior. If such behavior continues after a warning, the tour may be terminated without refund.
English guidance will be provided using the latest translation device, ensuring accurate and polite communication. For basic phrases such as ordering at bars, the guide can provide direct assistance in simple English.
We serve substantial food dishes at every bar we visit. The menu changes daily depending on the chef and seasonal ingredients, so the types and number of dishes may vary from day to day. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Japanese bar food commonly contains: • animal products • seafood-based broth • alcohol in sauces and seasoning Because of this, we are not able to meet vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or halal requirements.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Meet the Samurai and Begin Your Training — Samurai Night in Kichijoji 18:30── In front of Baskin-Robbins, JR Kichijoji Station North Exit. There appears a man clad in an indigo haori — a samurai named Sho, a “Modern Samurai” living in today’s world. What begins under his guidance is not just an ordinary bar-hopping night. It is — “The Night of Samurai Training.”
Hamonika Yokocho Kichijoji
The First Training: Become One with the Nostalgic Yokocho The training begins with a kanpai in a retro bar inside Harmonica Yokocho. This bar warmly welcomes visitors with not only Shogun-class Japanese whisky, but also beer, wine, sake, and every drink you could wish for. Our seats (4 seats + standing) are reserved, offering the perfect view to take in the atmosphere of the yokocho. After absorbing the spirit of the alley at the first stop, we shall set off for the next training — the next bar.
What‘s Included
3rd Stop = Sushi Bar (Sushi platter / assortment)
2nd Stop = Craft Beer Bar (1–4 dinner dishes)
1st Stop = Harmonica Yokocho Bar (1–2 dinner dishes)
Drinks are ordered freely and paid individually. About ¥1,000 per drink. Credit cards accepted.
Optional food orders (~¥1,000 each; small portions, card accepted, order freely, skip ok)
Options
Samurai Guide Sho’s Kichijoji Food&Drink Night Local Tokyo Story
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Side of Kichijoji Only Locals Know
ITARU N,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kichijoji is such a cool neighborhood, and this tour showed me sides of it I would never see on my own. We visited hidden alleys, small bars, and lively food spots — the kind of local experience you’ll never get from typical tourist tours. Sho (the Samurai guide) made everything easy and fun. He knows the owners, the menus, and the history behind each place. It felt more like hanging out with a local friend rather than joining a tour. I joined alone, but I felt completely comfortable the whole night. The drinks, the food, the atmosphere, and the people were all amazing. If you want a truly local Tokyo night, this is the one. Highly recommended!
The Best Craft Beer We Would’ve Never Found on Our Own
YUICHI O,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We absolutely loved this tour. Sho took us to a local craft beer bar that we would never have discovered by ourselves, and the fresh draft beer there was incredible. The atmosphere felt so local and authentic, and we enjoyed learning about the neighborhood while walking between spots. It didn’t feel touristy at all — just a genuine experience with great drinks and great company.
I joined Sho’s Kichijoji...
KEN K,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I joined Sho’s Kichijoji bar tour and I had a really good time. Sho is very kind and easy to talk to. He explained Japanese culture in simple English, so I could understand well. We visited small local bars and the atmosphere was very nice. The food and drinks were delicious too. I want to join his tour again next time I come to Tokyo!
A Real Tokyo Night with the Modern Samurai
Chikara E,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This Kichijoji Bar Hopping Tour was one of the best experiences of my Tokyo trip! Our guide Sho, the Modern Samurai,took us to three hidden local bars in the alleys of Harmonica Yokocho. The food and drinks were amazing, but what I loved most was connecting with locals and learning about Japanese salaryman culture. Drinking Sho’s favorite craft beer with local people was truly memorable. Highly recommend if you want to experience the real Tokyo night beyond Shibuya and Shinjuku!
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Operated by Discover Western Tokyo