Izakaya (Pub) Tour
Kagurazaka is one of Japan's premier entertainment districts, boasting around 500 dining establishments. Among these are restaurants of such high quality that they are featured in the Michelin Guide, accounting for more than half of such establishments in Shinjuku Ward and about 8% in all of Tokyo.
Known historically as a geisha district, Kagurazaka is famous for its high-end ryotei (Japanese restaurants) that have entertained political and financial dignitaries.
Additionally, influenced by the presence of the Tokyo French Institute, many Western restaurants have gathered here, earning it the nickname 'Japan's Montmartre.' This area, rich in history, attracts food connoisseurs from both Japan and abroad with its cultural allure.
Would you like to explore the hidden gems of Kagurazaka, a renowned gourmet district, with a local guide to discover wonderful izakayas known only to locals? Despite being one of Tokyo's premier culinary destinations, Kagurazaka remains a hidden treasure for foreign travelers, largely unknown to them. With most izakayas only offering Japanese menus, you won't have any trouble ordering as the guide will translate for you.
Why not enjoy delicious food and drinks while engaging in conversations with the local guide about Kagurazaka, Tokyo, and Japan's history and traditional performing arts? Of course, such conversations might also lead to engaging with strangers seated next to you. A delightful dining and conversation experience in Kagurazaka will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory, making you want to revisit Kagurazaka without question.
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The Kagurazaka area has approximately 500 dining establishments, making it one of Japan's premier entertainment districts.
In the Kagurazaka area (Tansu district), there are 552 businesses registered in the 'accommodation and food service industries' (source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 2014 Economic Census). Since most of these businesses are presumed to be dining establishments, it is believed that there are about 500 restaurants in the Kagurazaka area (Tansu district). Moreover, the 'accommodation and food service industries' in Shinjuku Ward have the highest number of businesses (6,207) among Tokyo's administrative wards. It can be said that the Kagurazaka area accounts for 9.0% of this, making it one of Japan's leading dining areas.
The abundance of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants is a hallmark of Kagurazaka
In addition to the number of dining establishments, the quality of restaurants in the Kagurazaka area is also highly regarded. For example, there are 20 restaurants in Kagurazaka that are listed in the Michelin Guide. This represents 51.3% of all Michelin-listed restaurants in Shinjuku Ward and 7.8% of those in all of Tokyo. Considering that the Kagurazaka area accounts for only 9.0% of Shinjuku's dining establishments and just 0.63% of those across Tokyo, it's clear that the restaurants in Kagurazaka are of a remarkably high standard.
Geisha District Hospitality Culture
The presence of high-quality dining establishments in the Kagurazaka area can be partly attributed to its history as a Hanamachi (geisha district). Kagurazaka has been used for entertaining and hosting banquets for the political and financial elite, often involving geisha hospitality. The existence of high-quality ryotei (Japanese traditional restaurants) used for such entertainment has elevated the standard of other dining establishments in the area, attracting many gourmets who appreciate superior service and high levels of culinary expertise. Additionally, the abundance of restaurants fosters a competitive environment that necessitates continual improvement, contributing to a positive cycle of increasing quality across Kagurazaka.
The Abundance of Izakayas and Bars
Due to the demand for entertainment in the geisha district, Kagurazaka has developed into a nightlife hub, resulting in a high presence of dining establishments that serve alcohol, such as izakayas (Japanese pubs) and bars. According to Tabelog, Japan's largest restaurant review site, there are 411 registered dining establishments within a 500m radius of Kagurazaka Station, of which 67 are izakayas and 74 are bars.
The Presence of the Tokyo French Institute Led to an Influx of Western Restaurants in Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka is not only home to Japanese restaurants such as ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) and izakayas (Japanese pubs) but also boasts a significant number of Western eateries. According to Tabelog, a popular restaurant review site, there are 79 Western dining establishments, including French and Italian restaurants, registered within a 500m radius of Kagurazaka Station. One of the reasons for the abundance of Western restaurants in Kagurazaka is attributed to the establishment of the Institut français de Tokyo (Tokyo French Institute) in 1952. The presence of the institute has led many French people to move to Kagurazaka, influenced by French culture and the area's resemblance to the slopes found in France, sometimes earning Kagurazaka the nickname 'Montmartre of Japan'.
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The Historical Development of Kagurazaka
Let's also delve into the historical background that led to the accumulation of numerous dining establishments in Kagurazaka. The Kagurazaka geisha district has a history that dates back to the Edo period and is known as the only geisha district that was spared from the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Consequently, Kagurazaka became one of the most prosperous areas in Tokyo, earning the nickname 'Yamanote Ginza.' Although Kagurazaka was also burned during the Pacific War, the area's pre-war prosperity enabled a rapid reconstruction from the ashes within a few years.
Izakaya (Pub) Tour Information
Meeting point
Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Kagurazaka (T05) Station, Exit 1b
Tour Duration
Approximately 2 hours. The meeting and dispersal times will be decided after consulting with the customer.
Accessibility
We aim to have as many people as possible participate in our izakaya tour. However, since izakayas serve alcohol, participation will be limited to customers over the age of 20.
Those in wheelchairs are welcome to join, but please consult with us in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate you. However, please understand that the number of izakayas accessible by wheelchair is limited, and we may not be able to guide you to your desired restaurant.
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Would you like to walk through the charming Kagurazaka with a local guide who has lived in the area for about a quarter of a century? We will take you to Kagurazaka and Tokyo's history, wonderful places, and delicious shops that only locals know about.Would you like to explore the hidden gems of Kagurazaka, a renowned gourmet district, with a local guide to discover wonderful izakayas known only to locals? Despite being one of Tokyo's premier culinary destinations, Kagurazaka remains a hidden treasure for foreign travelers, largely unknown to them. With most izakayas only offering Japanese menus, you won't have any trouble ordering as the guide will translate for you.
Why not enjoy delicious food and drinks while engaging in conversations with the local guide about Kagurazaka, Tokyo, and Japan's history and traditional performing arts? Of course, such conversations might also lead to engaging with strangers seated next to you. A delightful dining and conversation experience in Kagurazaka will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory, making you want to revisit Kagurazaka without question.