Bar-hopping in Shimbashi after sunset

Home to Tokyo’s first railway terminal, and just a stone’s throw away from the Imperial Palace and the red brick Tokyo Station, the historical Shimbashi district is well-known as a place where you can find both business and pleasure. Shimbashi teems with cheap restaurants and izakayas that draw in crowds of after-hours office workers, keen to loosen their ties, let down their hair, and enjoy a cold beer or three. An entertainment hub as well as a casual dining paradise, Shimbashi is the place to unwind after work, especially for high-rise employees in the neighboring Marunouchi financial district. Shimbashi is also close to major Tokyo landmarks such as Tokyo Tower,Hama-rikyu Gardens, and the upscale shopping district of Ginza.

Two drinks are also included in the tour, but don’t let that stop you from sampling a wide array of craft beers, spirits, and sake. When you’re ready for something sweet, try Japan’s traditional taiyaki, a hot grilled fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste.