Solo nights get way easier in Shinjuku. This all-you-can-drink meet-up is built for people coming in on their own, so you can break the ice fast with games and light language practice. I also like that the vibe is international, with chances to chat with both Japanese locals and visitors from around the world, plus unlimited drinks included for the main party window.
The only real catch is that it is a standing-style party, so you will want to be comfortable mixing and moving through the crowd. The night runs smoothly with friendly support, and a staff member named Quyn gets specific praise for keeping things fun and well-organized.
Key things to know before you go
- All-you-can-drink window (19:30-22:00): Alcohol is included during the party time block.
- Wristbands for easier conversations: Pick a color and meet people with the same purpose at the start.
- Games that lower the language pressure: Uno and Jenga are part of the lineup.
- Solo-friendly crowd: It is designed for people joining alone and still wanting good conversation.
- One main stop, one clear plan: You go to EXBAR TOKYO plus for the whole event.
- Friday night timing in Shinjuku: Expect a focused 2.5-hour social burst rather than a long tour.
Entering Shinjuku without the awkward start
Shinjuku at night can feel like a lot when you arrive solo. Loud places, quick conversations, and menu language that moves faster than your brain. This party is designed to solve that first 20 minutes problem.
The biggest win is the structure. You are not just dropped into a bar and told to mingle. Instead, you show up, get a wristband, and use the color system to find people with similar intentions. It is a simple trick that works because it turns vague small talk into something more specific, like practicing language, making friends, or keeping the vibe focused on your current goal.
Second win: the drinks are handled. Alcohol is included as all-you-can-drink between 19:30 and 22:00, which makes it easier to relax, stay present, and actually talk. If you have ever worried about spending too much while trying to socialize in Tokyo, this setup takes that edge off.
Possible drawback to plan around: because it is a standing party, you should expect to be on your feet most of the time. If you prefer seated events or quiet conversation, you might find it a little more energetic than you like.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tokyo.
The EXBAR TOKYO plus stop and the 19:30 rhythm
Your whole experience centers on one location: EXBAR TOKYO plus. That matters more than it sounds. One venue means you can arrive, orient quickly, and put your energy into meeting people instead of moving around the neighborhood.
Here is the practical timeline based on the event schedule:
- Friday evenings, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Drinks included 19:30-22:00
- Total duration is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes
Most nights like this run in a steady flow, and you will likely feel the rhythm as the games and conversations build. The goal is to keep the night from stalling into awkward pauses. When the group is doing something together, it is easier to jump in even if your Japanese is still in progress.
Also, this is a mobile ticket event, so bring your confirmation on your phone. The venue is also described as near public transportation, which is key in Shinjuku, where walking between stops can add up fast.
Wristbands that help you talk, not just stand
One of the most practical parts of the evening is the wristband system. You select a color wristband, then you can match with others who have the same color, so it is easier to start conversations around the same time, listed as around 19:30.
The color meanings you can use are:
- Orange: For Fun Time
- Green: language Friends
- Pink: Single
- Yellow: Talk with Same Gender
- Blue: Others, where you can write down your purpose
This is not just a cute gimmick. It gives you instant prompts. If you pick green, you can steer the conversation toward language practice without having to force it. If you choose pink or yellow, you can keep the social vibe aligned with what you want tonight.
If you are traveling solo, this system is especially useful. You do not have to work up the courage to approach random groups. You can approach a person with the matching wristband color and the conversation starter is already there.
Unlimited drinks, plus a bar that feels less intimidating
This party includes alcoholic beverages during the main window, listed as 19:30 to 22:00. That inclusion changes how the night feels.
Without drink pressure, it becomes easier to:
- relax into the social part of the evening
- stay longer without constantly recalculating your budget
- keep the mood friendly while you practice Japanese or English
Tokyo bar culture can be intimidating when you are alone. People talk in quick clusters. Eye contact can feel intense. This experience leans into the “talk first” approach, and the free-flowing drinks help smooth the first contact.
One more detail worth noting: the event is standing-style, which can make the bar feel more crowded in a good way, but it also means you will want to be mindful of your personal space and movement.
Games like Uno and Jenga that actually break the ice
Instead of relying on forced introductions, the party includes game time. You will have games like Uno and Jenga, plus activities that encourage conversation and language practice.
Games do two things at once:
- They keep people engaged, so you are not stuck waiting for someone to talk to you.
- They lower the barrier to participation, since you can contribute even when your Japanese is limited.
I like this approach because it makes conversation feel natural. You are reacting to the game and the group, not performing. And once you have one or two easy interactions, the rest of the night usually gets easier.
A lot of value here comes from how well this kind of game schedule removes the social risk of joining alone. You are still meeting people, but the room is helping you do it.
Who this Shinjuku night suits best
This is a strong match for you if:
- you are traveling solo and want a built-in way to meet people
- you like language exchange, even if you are not fluent
- you want a fun Friday night in one of Tokyo’s most social districts
- you feel nervous walking into bars alone
It can also work if you are meeting a friend later. You get a head start on the evening, and you are not wasting time waiting for your plans to start.
The crowd is described with specific energy in some feedback. One note calls out that many people were in their 30s, suggesting it can feel like an adult social scene rather than a youth-only party. That may be a big plus if you are looking for conversation that stays a little grounded.
Value check: is $70 a good deal for this setup?
For $70 per person, you are getting:
- a 2.5-hour party experience
- all fees and taxes included
- alcohol included during the party window (19:30-22:00)
In Tokyo, even one or two drinks at a bar can add up quickly. The real value here is not only the alcohol, it is the structure. You are paying for a social format that supports solo travelers: games, wristband prompts, and an international mix.
The “cost” you should account for is opportunity style. You are spending an evening on a standing group event, so it is best if you actually want that energy. If you want a quiet drink or a sit-down dinner night, another type of outing may fit better.
How the night feels in practice
Think of it as a guided social hour plus a longer chat window. You start with the wristbands, and the event moves through activities to help the group mingle.
Expect:
- friendly, organized staff support
- a relaxed but active group atmosphere
- conversation built around shared purpose (color wristbands)
- chances to practice Japanese while meeting people from different backgrounds
A detail that stands out from the feedback: people repeatedly mention that the event is engaging from start to finish, and that staff are friendly and helpful. Quyn is specifically mentioned with thanks, which is a good sign that someone on the team is actively making the experience smoother rather than just running it in the background.
What is not included, and how to plan around it
A few basics are not included:
- private transportation
So if you are coming from elsewhere in Tokyo, plan your own route to EXBAR TOKYO plus via public transit. The event is described as near public transportation, which helps. You will want to arrive early enough to settle in before the main social push.
Also, the listing clearly says alcohol is included during the party window. Food is not mentioned in the provided details, so you might want to eat beforehand or plan to grab something nearby if you get hungry mid-event.
Quick FAQ for first-timers
You are going to ask the right questions before you go, so here they are.
FAQ
What day and time does the party run?
It runs on Fridays, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM (with alcohol included from 19:30 to 22:00).
Where does the experience take place?
The event stop is at EXBAR TOKYO plus.
Is the ticket digital?
Yes, you get a mobile ticket.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included as all-you-can-drink during 19:30 to 22:00.
How does the wristband system work?
You choose one wristband color. The same color wristbands help you talk with people who share that purpose around 19:30. Example meanings include Orange for fun time, Green for language friends, Pink for single, Yellow for same gender conversations, and Blue for other purposes.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. The party is specifically described as ideal for solo visitors to meet new friends from Japan and around the world.
Should you book All We Can Drink and Make Friend in Shinjuku?
Book it if your goal is a low-stress Friday night in Shinjuku where you want to meet people quickly. The combination of wristbands, game-based icebreakers, and unlimited drinks makes it much easier to socialize than a typical bar crawl.
Skip it if you want a quiet, seated experience. Because it is a standing-style party, you need to be comfortable with a more active social setup.
If you are excited to practice Japanese, meet international friends, and let the night run on an easy plan, this is one of the simplest ways to do that in Tokyo.
