One of my favourite sights in Tokyo was the quirky oasis of Golden Gai, home to over 200 bars, most with room for only 5 or 6 customers. Many bars are themed according to their owners’ interests, including various classic bands, obscure films, a psychoanalysis bar, and a Hawaiian one (below).

It’s a warren of narrow alleyways, close to the hectic, neon-lit hub of Shinjuku but completely different in feel. We drank in Albatross, with wine red walls, a stag’s head and lots of chandeliers.

The area is a glimpse of a lost Tokyo – the two storey, ramshackle buildings, built on alleyways only an arms length wide, are typical of post-war Tokyo, before they were bulldozed to build the prosperous shopping streets of today. This overhead shot shows the unique little patch of buildings perfectly.

Picture by てらたにこういち