The best thing about this Shinjuku night is that you do not need to arrive with a group. At EXBAR TOKYO plus, a standing setup, simple games, and color-coded wristbands give you easy openings to talk with Japanese locals and people from other countries. It is social without requiring you to force your way into an established crowd.

I like the unlimited drinks from 7:30 to 10:00 PM, especially because Tokyo nightlife can become expensive one drink at a time. I also like the wristband system: orange is for fun, green for language friends, pink for singles, yellow for talking with the same gender, and blue for another purpose you can write down.

The main consideration is the format. This is a standing party, not a quiet guided tour or a seated dinner, so it may feel too noisy or unstructured if you prefer a fixed itinerary. The $70 price also makes the value depend on how much you drink and how actively you take part.

Key points before you book

• Friday-night timing: The party runs from 7:30 to 10:00 PM, making it a useful first step into Shinjuku nightlife.
• Color-coded introductions: Choose a wristband linked to your purpose, from language exchange to meeting singles or simply having fun.
• Built for solo visitors: You can come alone and use games, drinks, and shared interests to start conversations.
• Unlimited alcoholic drinks: All-you-can-drink service is included during the full two-and-a-half-hour event.
• International and local mix: The crowd includes Japanese locals and people from many countries, with English and Japanese practice encouraged.
• Standing social format: You can move around easily instead of remaining at one table for the night.

Why this Shinjuku party works for solo visitors

Walking into a Tokyo bar alone can take nerve. You may not know where to stand, how to start a conversation, or if anyone wants to be disturbed. This event deals with that awkward first ten minutes by giving you a reason to speak to someone.

The color wristbands do much of the early work. At around 7:30 PM, you choose the color that fits your aim, then look for people wearing the same one. Orange signals a search for a fun time. Green points toward language friends. Pink is for singles, yellow is for talking with the same gender, and blue lets you write your own purpose.

That system is simple, but useful. You are not walking up to a complete stranger with no subject in mind. You already have a shared reason to say hello, and the party encourages conversation between people with similar goals.

I especially like the green language option. If you are studying Japanese, you can practice in a relaxed social setting rather than in a classroom. The event also welcomes Japanese people who want to practice English and international guests who want to meet locals, so the exchange can work in both directions.

You should still bring a little initiative. A wristband does not guarantee a long conversation, and the event cannot predict the exact age mix or crowd on a given Friday. One piece of feedback described a night with many people in their 30s, which may suit some people and surprise others. The available information does not promise a particular age range.

Entering EXBAR TOKYO plus at 7:30 PM

The evening takes place at EXBAR TOKYO plus in Shinjuku. The venue is described as easy to reach by public transportation, and the meeting arrangement is built around the 7:30 PM opening time. You receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided when you book.

The schedule is refreshingly clear: arrive for the start, get your wristband, and begin meeting people. The event lasts until 10:00 PM, for about two and a half hours. That gives you enough time to have several conversations without giving up the whole night.

The standing arrangement is important. You can move from one conversation to another instead of being fixed at a table with one small group. If a chat fades, you can get another drink, join a game, or look for someone wearing a matching color.

This also means comfort depends on your personal taste. A standing party is usually more active than a seated meal, and the social energy may rise as the evening continues. Wear something suitable for standing and moving around, though no dress code is provided.

Using the wristbands to break the ice

The wristbands are the most distinctive feature of the evening. Their purpose is not just decoration. They act as a quick social signal, helping you find people who came with a similar aim.

Here is what each color means:

• Orange: Looking for fun time
• Green: Looking for language friends
• Pink: Looking for singles
• Yellow: Looking to talk with the same gender
• Blue: Another purpose, which you can write down

You can choose the category that feels right, and then search for the same color. This is especially handy if you arrive alone or feel unsure about approaching a group. It also gives you a natural opening line: you can ask someone why they chose that color.

The system has limits. It does not replace normal judgment, and the pink band should not be treated as a promise of romance. It simply identifies a stated purpose for attending. Keep your expectations flexible and treat the bands as conversation starters, not guarantees.

I see the green band as the safest choice for many people. Language exchange gives you an immediate topic, and it can lead to discussions about daily life in Tokyo, travel, food, or the differences between Japanese and other languages. The event specifically encourages practicing Japanese together.

Games, drinks, and the social rhythm

Uno and Jenga provide another way into the conversation. Games are valuable here because they give you something to do with your hands while you talk. You can join a game without having to introduce yourself through a long personal story.

The games also help mix the crowd. A person who feels shy during direct conversation may find it easier to comment on a move in Uno or react to a Jenga tower. After a few minutes, the conversation can move naturally from the game to where someone comes from or why they are in Tokyo.

All alcoholic drinks are included between 7:30 and 10:00 PM. The phrase all you can drink is a major part of the price, but you should still pace yourself. Two and a half hours is plenty of time for the drinks to add up, and the main purpose of the night is meeting people, not simply drinking as quickly as possible.

The available information does not specify the exact drink menu. It does indicate that the drinks are part of the admission fee, and one attendee specifically praised their taste. Another described the drinks as inexpensive in the setting. I would treat the beverage value as a bonus to the social program, rather than booking this solely for a particular cocktail or beer.

The crowd: Japanese locals and an international mix

This party is aimed at an international crowd, with Japanese locals and people from different countries meeting in the same room. That mix is its strongest reason to book. You get a chance to speak with someone who lives in Tokyo, then compare that conversation with people who are visiting from elsewhere.

The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed and easygoing. Staff encourage people to make friends, and one attendee singled out the friendly support and smooth organization. Quyn was also praised by name for helping make the evening enjoyable.

The crowd can change from Friday to Friday. You might find a strong language-exchange focus, a group mainly interested in casual conversation, or a mix of both. One evening had many people in their 30s, so anyone expecting a very young party should keep that in mind.

The event is not designed around sightseeing or local history. You will not receive a guided tour of Shinjuku. Its value is social: meeting people you would probably never encounter during a standard Tokyo itinerary.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, this is not a cheap night at a bar. The price includes all fees and taxes, admission, and unlimited alcoholic drinks for the entire 7:30 to 10:00 PM session. It also pays for a planned social setting, rather than leaving you to walk into Shinjuku alone and hope for the best.

The value is strongest if you intend to stay for most of the two and a half hours and make active use of the event. If you have several drinks, join the games, and meet people who become part of your Tokyo plans, the price can compare reasonably with a night of separate bar purchases.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol or plan to stay only briefly. No private transportation is included, and there is no separate sightseeing component. You are paying mainly for the all-you-can-drink arrangement and the organized chance to meet people.

I would compare this price with your likely alternative. If the alternative is an expensive solo night, several awkward bar entrances, and no clear way to meet locals, the event has a practical advantage. If you already have a social group or prefer exploring bars on your own, the $70 fee may be harder to justify.

Who will enjoy this more, and who may not

I would recommend this evening most strongly to solo visitors, people staying in Tokyo for a short time, and anyone who wants a social night without arranging plans in advance. It also suits language learners who want to practice Japanese or English with real people in a casual setting.

It can work well for a first night in Tokyo because the timing is clear and the activity ends at 10:00 PM. Afterward, you can continue into Shinjuku if you meet people you like, or return to your hotel without committing to a late-night program.

Couples and groups can attend, but they may need to make a deliberate effort to mingle. If you spend the whole evening talking only with the people you arrived with, you will miss the central purpose of the event.

This is not the right pick if you want a quiet bar, a food-focused experience, a seated dinner, or a guided look at Shinjuku. The standing format and alcohol-centered schedule are central to the evening, not minor details.

Practical details for a smoother night

The party operates on Fridays from 7:30 to 10:00 PM, with dates listed through February 18, 2027. Check your confirmed booking for the exact date and arrival instructions.

Because the event uses a mobile ticket, keep your confirmation available on your phone. The venue is near public transportation, and private transportation is not included, so plan to make your own way there and back.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted. The cut-off uses Tokyo local time.

The event is listed as suitable for most people to participate in. No special accessibility details are provided, so contact the provider if you need information beyond that general statement.

Should you book the Friday night event?

Book it if you are comfortable meeting strangers, want unlimited alcoholic drinks, and would like a structured way to meet Japanese locals and international people in Shinjuku. The color wristbands and casual games make the first conversation easier, while the standing format lets you move on if a connection does not click.

Think twice if you do not drink, dislike standing parties, or want a carefully planned cultural activity. At $70, this is best understood as a social night with drinks, not a sightseeing tour.

For a solo visitor who wants company and does not want to spend Friday night guessing which Tokyo bar will welcome them, it is a sensible choice. Arrive ready to talk, choose your wristband honestly, pace your drinks, and give the evening time to develop.

FAQ

Where does the party take place?

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

What days and times is the event available?

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

How long does the experience last?

The party lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Are drinks included in the price?

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

Can I attend alone?

Yes. The event is specifically intended for solo visitors who want to meet Japanese locals and international people.

What are the wristband colors for?

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 that you can write down.

Are games included?

Yes. Uno and Jenga are among the games used to help people start conversations.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The venue is near public transportation.

Is a mobile ticket available?

Yes. The experience includes a mobile ticket, and booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.