All We Can Drink and Make Friend Can Come Alone Party in Shinjuku

Shinjuku’s Friday night scene can feel like a hard door to open when you are alone. This 2.5-hour international party gives you an easy starting point: arrive at EXBAR TOKYO plus, take a drink, choose a wristband, and use games or shared interests to start talking.

I like the color-coded wristbands, since they give you a simple reason to approach someone. I also like the standing format and free-flowing alcoholic drinks, which make it easier to move around instead of being stuck at one table. The catch is that this is a social party, not a guided tour, so shy people may still need to make the first move.

Key points at a glance

• Friday night in Shinjuku: The party runs from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., a useful time for adding nightlife to your Tokyo plans.
• Color-coded conversation starters: Pick orange for fun, green for language friends, pink for singles, yellow for talking with the same gender, or blue for another purpose.
• All-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages: Drinks are included during the full party period, while private transportation is not.
• Games make introductions easier: Uno and Jenga help replace awkward small talk with something you can do together.
• A standing international crowd: You can move between conversations and meet people from Japan and many other countries.
• Useful for solo visitors: The event is designed for people arriving alone, with a mobile ticket and a venue near public transportation.

What this Shinjuku party is really about

This is less a sightseeing activity and more a social shortcut. You will not spend the evening learning about Tokyo landmarks or moving between several bars. Instead, you spend the full session at EXBAR TOKYO plus, meeting people, drinking, playing games, and practicing Japanese or English.

That focus matters. Tokyo nightlife is easy to enjoy once you have company, but walking into a Japanese bar alone can feel awkward when you do not speak much Japanese. This event removes some of that pressure by putting international and Japanese participants in the same room with a shared reason to talk.

The format is intentionally casual. You can come alone, choose the kind of interaction you want, and move around during the evening. The party does not appear to assign you to a fixed table or a formal conversation group. That freedom is useful if you enjoy meeting many people, though it means you should not expect a personal host to introduce you to everyone one by one.

The event currently carries a 4.9 rating from 359 ratings, with a 99 percent recommendation figure. That is a strong signal for a social activity, especially since the most praised points are consistent: friendly staff, a relaxed mood, a good mix of nationalities, and activities that help people begin talking.

Arriving at EXBAR TOKYO plus at 7:30 p.m.

Your evening begins at EXBAR TOKYO plus in Shinjuku. The listed hours are Friday from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., and the activity includes admission, all fees, and taxes. A mobile ticket is provided, so you can keep the booking on your phone rather than dealing with a printed voucher.

The venue is near public transportation, which helps in a district known for its many streets, stations, and exits. Shinjuku Station itself can be confusing, so allow enough time to find the exact venue rather than arriving at 7:29 p.m. The provided information does not identify a specific station exit or a private meeting transfer, so check the booking details carefully before leaving your hotel.

Once inside, expect a standing-style party. This is important to understand before booking. You will be able to move from group to group, but there may not be a reserved seat for the entire night. People who like quick introductions and changing conversations should find this useful. If you need a quiet table, a formal dinner, or a structured tour with a fixed schedule, this setup may not suit you.

The venue’s role is simple but effective: it gives the group one place to gather, drink, and talk. You are not paying for a food tasting, a nightclub performance, or a tour of Shinjuku. The value comes from access to a ready-made social setting.

Choosing a wristband that does some of the talking

One of the more thoughtful touches is the color wristband system. At about 7:30 p.m., you can select a color based on what you hope to find during the evening:

• Orange means you are looking for fun time.
• Green signals interest in language friends.
• Pink is for singles.
• Yellow is for talking with the same gender.
• Blue is for another purpose, which you can write down.

This is not a complicated activity, but it solves a real problem. Walking up to a stranger and asking why they came can feel forced. A wristband gives you an opening line and lets you spot people with a similar aim before you approach them.

The colors also help you set expectations. Choose green if you want to practice Japanese or English. Choose orange if you mainly want a light night out. Pink may appeal to people open to dating, while yellow gives you a way to seek same-gender conversation. Blue is the flexible option if your purpose does not fit the other choices.

I would treat the wristband as a conversation aid, not a guarantee. Someone with a green band may be happy to chat in English, Japanese, or both, but the activity does not promise formal language lessons. Likewise, a pink band does not turn the night into a dating event. The system helps people find common ground, while the actual quality of each conversation depends on who is there that Friday.

Free-flowing drinks from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

The $70 price includes alcoholic beverages throughout the party period. That means you can order drinks during the full two-and-a-half hours without paying separately for each alcoholic drink. Admission, taxes, and other listed fees are also included.

This can be good value if you plan to spend an evening drinking in Shinjuku anyway. A few drinks in Tokyo can quickly add up, and here the cost also covers the social setting, games, and organized event. You are paying for an evening rather than simply buying entry to a bar.

Still, do the math based on your own habits. If you do not drink alcohol, the main financial benefit is lost, since the included beverage detail specifically covers alcoholic drinks. The provided information does not explain the full range of nonalcoholic options, food availability, or whether drinks include every item on the venue menu. Ask the provider if those points matter to you.

There is also a practical reason to pace yourself. Free-flowing drinks can make it easier to talk, but the event works best when you can still follow conversations and move safely between groups. The party runs until 10:00 p.m., giving you time to continue elsewhere in Shinjuku if you wish, but the booking does not include private transport afterward.

The drink quality appears to be part of the positive experience. One account specifically praises the taste of the drinks, while another describes them as inexpensive and says the staff encourage people to make friends. The useful takeaway is not to expect a cocktail class or a specialist tasting. Expect straightforward drinks that support a social evening.

Uno, Jenga, and low-pressure introductions

Games are the other main tool for breaking the ice. Uno and Jenga are familiar, easy to join, and require little explanation. They give you something to do with your hands while you begin talking, which can be a relief if approaching a new group feels uncomfortable.

These games also create natural movement. You might start with one group, play a round, then move to another conversation. That fits the standing format better than a formal language exchange in which you remain with the same partner all night.

The activity encourages people to practice Japanese and English together. You could use a game as a gentle way to test a few Japanese phrases, ask about someone’s home country, or compare daily life in Tokyo with life elsewhere. You should think of this as casual practice, not a classroom. There is no stated lesson plan, language level, or guaranteed language partner.

The interactive part seems to be a major reason the evening feels organized rather than random. The schedule runs from start to finish, and the event includes staff support. Quyn is specifically praised for helping create a strong night, while other feedback points to friendly and helpful staff. Since staff assignments can change, I would not book solely on the hope that one particular person will be present.

Meeting people from Japan and around the world

The mix of people is the heart of the event. You can expect Japanese locals and international participants, with opportunities to hear different accents, compare travel plans, and discuss life in Tokyo. The group may include people in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. One account notes that many participants on a particular night were in their 30s, so this is not necessarily a student-only party.

That age range can be a plus if you want conversation beyond backpacker talk. It can also vary from Friday to Friday. The activity does not promise a set group size, fixed nationality mix, or age bracket.

You may meet people who are eager to practice English, Japanese, or another language. You may also find people who simply want a drink and a social night. That variety is part of the appeal, but it means you should come with flexible expectations.

I like this kind of setting for the first or second night of a Tokyo stay. You can pick up local suggestions, learn how people spend a Friday in the city, and perhaps make plans for another day. At the same time, do not assume every conversation will continue after the party. The event creates chances to connect, but lasting friendships still require a little follow-up from you.

How the 2.5-hour format affects the night

Two and a half hours is long enough to settle in without taking over your entire evening. The first part gives you time to arrive, select a wristband, and begin meeting people. The middle portion is likely the busiest for conversation and games. By 10:00 p.m., you can call it a night or continue exploring Shinjuku independently.

The fixed Friday timing is both a benefit and a limitation. It is easy to plan around if Friday is open, but there is no listed Saturday, weekday, or daytime alternative. If your Tokyo schedule is tight, confirm that you can reach the venue by 7:30 p.m. and stay through the included drink period.

The event is particularly useful if you are traveling alone and want company without committing to a full dinner or a multi-day group tour. You can attend for one evening, meet a wide range of people, and keep your daytime plans flexible.

The main drawback remains the social effort required. An organized setting can make introductions easier, but it cannot remove every awkward moment. If you are very shy, set yourself a small goal: speak with three people, join one game, or ask one person about their reason for choosing a wristband. That is enough to make the evening worthwhile.

Who gets the best value from the $70 price

I see the strongest value for three kinds of people:

• Solo visitors who want company for one Tokyo night.
• People interested in casual Japanese or English practice.
• Social drinkers who would otherwise spend money at a Shinjuku bar.

The price is less attractive if you avoid alcohol, dislike standing events, or want a detailed cultural activity. You are not receiving private transportation, a meal, a guided city walk, or a guaranteed language lesson. The fee is mainly for drinks, entry, and a structured chance to meet people.

For someone who would order several alcoholic drinks and values an organized social setting, $70 can be reasonable in central Tokyo. For someone who plans to have only one drink, the cost depends heavily on how much you value the introductions and event structure.

The strong rating and repeated positive points support the idea that the event delivers its basic promise. The atmosphere is described as relaxed, staff are regarded as friendly, and the international mix is a central strength. Just keep the product clear in your mind: this is a party with language exchange elements, not a polished guided excursion.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the mobile ticket makes entry straightforward. The experience is near public transportation, but private transportation is not included. Plan your route to EXBAR TOKYO plus before the start time, especially if you are unfamiliar with Shinjuku.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied activity information. No special accessibility details are provided, so contact Welcome Tokyo if you need information beyond that general statement.

The cancellation policy is friendly if your plans may change. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the event do not qualify for a refund.

Bring your phone for the mobile ticket and arrive ready to participate. The color wristband is useful only if you actually use it as an opening for conversation. A little initiative will make more difference than trying to find the perfect group immediately.

Should you book this Friday night?

Book it if you are comfortable with a standing party, want to meet people without arranging your own night out, and will make reasonable use of the included alcoholic drinks. The wristbands, games, and mix of Japanese and international participants give you several ways to begin talking, even if you arrive alone.

Skip it if you want sightseeing, food, seats, quiet conversation, or a formal language lesson. You should also think twice if you do not drink alcohol, since that is a major part of the $70 value.

For the right person, this is a practical way to turn a solitary Friday in Tokyo into a social one. Choose your wristband honestly, join a game early, and give yourself permission to move on if one conversation goes nowhere. That simple approach fits the event far better than waiting for the perfect introduction.

FAQ

When does the Shinjuku party take place?

It runs on Fridays from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where is the party held?

The event takes place at EXBAR TOKYO plus in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included on an all-you-can-drink basis from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Can I attend alone?

Yes. The activity is designed for solo visitors who want to meet people from Japan and around the world.

What do the colored wristbands mean?

Orange is for fun time, green is for language friends, pink is for singles, yellow is for talking with the same gender, and blue is for another purpose you can write down.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.