Shinjuku gets easier with this bar party. It is built for solo travelers who want to meet people fast, without the usual language wall, thanks to guided conversation and group games. You get a fun night in one of Tokyo’s busiest nightlife areas, with Japanese locals and international guests mixing in.

I also like the unlimited drinks included from 19:30 to 22:00, which keeps the vibe relaxed and the focus on meeting, not math. One consideration: it is a standing-style party, so if you want a seated, quiet hangout, this format may feel a bit hectic.

Key Points You Should Know Before Going

• Solo-first setup: designed to help you break the ice quickly, even if you show up alone
• Unlimited drinks window: included all you can drink from 19:30 to 22:00
• Wristband matching: choose a wristband color tied to your purpose, then find others with the same color around 19:30
• Icebreaker games: UNO and Jenga help start conversations without awkward small talk
• Friendly staff support: the team helps keep things moving, including mention of staff member Quyn
• International crowd in Tokyo: a mix of Japanese and international guests, with many people in their 30s

Why This Shinjuku Party Works for Solo Travelers

If you have ever walked into a Tokyo bar alone and felt like everyone already had a group, you will understand the appeal here. This party is structured to do the hard part for you, so you can focus on chatting rather than figuring out how to join the social scene. It is specifically aimed at people coming solo, including international visitors who want a more natural way to meet others.

The night is built around conversation starters you do not have to overthink. Instead of hoping someone notices you, you have games, language practice prompts, and a simple system for matching with people who share a similar goal for the evening. That means you can show up as a solo traveler and still end up in real conversations.

I also appreciate that the vibe is described as easy going and well organized. This matters more than people think. A good social event removes friction: timing makes sense, the space feels manageable, and staff are around to keep things flowing.

One more thing, Shinjuku can be intimidating for first-timers. Having a clear schedule and a clear group dynamic is a big confidence boost.

EXBAR TOKYO plus, Friday Nights, and the Drink Flow

Your party starts at 19:30 and runs until 22:00, in a timeframe that works well for a Tokyo evening. The whole experience is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to meet people and play a couple of games, short enough that you are not stuck late wondering what happened to the night.

The venue is EXBAR TOKYO plus, where you can have a comfortable time to drink and chat. The format is an international party, and the emphasis is on mixing Japanese locals and international guests rather than a stiff, formal exchange. It also happens on a Friday, when Shinjuku’s energy is at full volume.

On the drink side, this is where the value becomes obvious. The alcohol is included as all you can drink for the 19:30 to 22:00 window. That turns the event into one fixed price, not a choose-your-own-adventure of how much you can afford. In Shinjuku, that kind of clarity helps you relax and actually socialize.

From what people highlight, the drinks taste good, and the overall mood stays friendly. That is important, because unlimited drinks can sometimes mean watered down or sloppy. Here, the positive comments suggest the quality is decent and the pacing is kept under control.

The Wristband System: Matching by Purpose at 19:30

The wristband part is clever because it gives you an instant topic and a reason to talk. You choose one color wristband, and then you find others with the same color around 19:30. You are not just walking up and hoping for a connection.

The example color meanings include:

• Orange: for fun time
• Green: language friends
• Pink: single
• Yellow: talk with same gender
• Blue: others, where you can write down your purpose

You can use this however you like, but it is especially helpful if you do not want to get stuck in broad, wandering conversations. If you picked Green, you can steer the chat toward language practice without awkwardness. If you picked Pink, you can keep it more direct from the start.

Practical tip: decide your color before you arrive. Even if you are flexible, having a plan stops you from overthinking in the first minutes, which is exactly when people are most likely to hesitate.

Also, since the party is standing style, having something to do and someone to match with makes moving around much easier. You can circulate, meet a few people quickly, then linger where the conversation feels natural.

Games That Actually Break the Ice (UNO and Jenga)

This is not a silent mixer, where you stand awkwardly and wait for someone to rescue you. The party includes game time, with UNO and Jenga called out as part of the fun.

Games do two things at once. They lower the pressure because you are not solely relying on conversation. And they create short, repeatable moments where you can talk between turns. It is easier to say a few sentences, laugh, and then switch back to the game than to force an ongoing chat from scratch.

If you are interested in practicing Japanese, the game format also gives you a natural reason to repeat simple phrases. You might find yourself asking how to say something, learning a quick word, or just using whatever you know to communicate your move. That kind of practice feels less like homework and more like real life.

One detail worth noting is that the party encourages practicing together, not just watching the activity happen. In other words, it is set up so you participate, not just spectate.

And yes, staff matter here. Comments highlight friendly, helpful support, including praise for Quyn. When the person running things keeps the energy up, it is easier to meet people because you are not waiting for the next push.

The Crowd Mix: Japanese Locals, International Friends, and Age Range

This party is designed for a mixed audience, including Japanese locals and internationals from many different backgrounds. That means the conversations can go in a lot of directions, from travel stories to language practice to simply comparing what you are curious about in Tokyo.

People also mention it as an international language exchange, with chances to practice English and Japanese. If you are hoping to make friends through actual interaction, not just exchanging a quick hello, this kind of format tends to deliver.

Age-wise, a highlight from the feedback is that many attendees are in their 30s. That can be reassuring if you are around that age range and want the conversations to feel like they move at a similar pace. Of course, age is not the only factor, but it helps set expectations.

What you are likely to notice is that the crowd feels relaxed. The event is described as an easy going opportunity to meet people, hang out, and practice language. That matches the standing social style. It is social, but not frantic.

Price and Value: Is $70 Worth It?

At $70 per person, the key question is what you get for that money in Shinjuku. Here, the pricing is straightforward. All fees and taxes are included, and alcoholic beverages are included during the 19:30 to 22:00 window.

That changes the math. If you were to pay separately for entry plus drinks at a typical Tokyo bar, the total can climb quickly. Instead, you are paying for a structured social night with included drinks and activities. You are also getting a ready-made way to meet people, which is hard to replicate on your own unless you already know the right places and routines.

The other value point is time. Two and a half hours is long enough to meet several people and go beyond polite greetings. In a city like Tokyo, where planning can feel like its own mini-project, having a fixed schedule is a real benefit.

My advice for value: treat this as a planned social event, not just a bar night. If you show up expecting a structured way to meet friends and you actually take part in the games and wristband matching, you will likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

What to Expect From the Night, Step by Step

Here is the flow you should expect, based on how the event is structured.

First, you arrive on a Friday evening and get oriented at the venue, EXBAR TOKYO plus. Around 19:30, you use the wristband system to connect with people who chose the same color purpose. That is where the event shifts from just being in a room to actually being an interaction.

Then you start chatting. The party is set up to encourage conversation between Japanese locals and international guests, with language practice in the mix. You do not need to be fluent. You just need to be willing to try.

Next comes the games. UNO and Jenga are simple enough that you can join quickly, even if you are not great at Japanese yet. The game format keeps the group energy moving and makes it easier to talk between turns.

All evening, the drinks are part of the deal. The unlimited alcohol runs from 19:30 to 22:00, so you can settle in and focus on meeting people rather than constantly deciding what you can afford.

Finally, you wrap up around 22:00. The end time is clear, which helps you plan the rest of your night in Tokyo, whether that is more bar hopping or calling it a day.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This party is a strong match if you are:

• Traveling solo and want a built-in way to meet people
• Interested in practicing Japanese or English in a relaxed setting
• Social, but not in the mood to guess how to join groups at random
• Looking for a Friday night plan in Shinjuku that feels organized

It is also a good choice if you like the idea of structured icebreakers like UNO and Jenga, because games reduce the pressure to be funny or perfect.

You might consider a different type of activity if you:

• Hate standing events and crowds
• Want a quiet, slow-paced hangout with minimal noise
• Do not drink at all, since the event’s included value focuses on the drinking window

Even then, if your main goal is meeting people and you do not mind the standing format, you might still enjoy the language matching and game time. Just know the event is designed around the party atmosphere.

Tips to Make Your First 15 Minutes Count

The first quarter hour is where most people either click or overthink. Use the wristband system to get moving immediately. If you choose a color aligned with what you want, you will have a conversation hook that feels natural.

If language practice is your goal, set a tiny target for yourself. For example, aim to ask a basic question in Japanese, learn one useful phrase, or explain what you do in your home country. Small wins add up fast in a group setting.

Also, lean into the games. Even if you feel shy, games give you a role. UNO and Jenga make it easy to join the action without a long introduction.

One more practical point: plan your arrival so you are ready before 19:30. The matching happens around then, and that is when the event is easiest to join.

And if you end up having great conversations, you can keep it going after the games. A group social event is not just the schedule. It is the connections you build in that schedule.

Should You Book This Shinjuku Meet-Friends Party?

Book it if you want a Friday night in Shinjuku that is made for solo people, with unlimited drinks, an easy wristband matching system, and game-based icebreakers. The ratings are extremely strong, and the feedback points to good organization, friendly staff, and an international crowd that actually chats.

Skip it if you hate standing-style events, want a seated meal, or prefer a quieter experience where you can control the pace. This is designed for social energy, not slow romance and not passive sightseeing.

If your goal is simple, meet people, practice language, and enjoy a structured night out, then this is the kind of plan that saves you time and stress. For solo travelers, that alone can be worth a lot.

FAQ

What day and time does this party run?

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

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the party take place?

The stop listed is EXBAR TOKYO plus in Tokyo.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included as all you can drink during 19:30 to 22:00.

What else is included in the price besides drinks?

All fees and taxes are included.

Is private transportation included?

No, private transportation is not included.

How does the wristband system work?

You select one color wristband, and then you find the same color wristband around 19:30. The colors correspond to different purposes like fun time, language friends, single, same gender conversation, or other goals.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.