[QUOTE=jpatokal]Is this the same Shimbashi we're talking about? There are massive numbers of bars, karaoke boxes and dodgy adult entertainment joints sprawling all the way to the Ginza from behind the station. Very much geared for the stressed-out/company-oriented salaryman though, so not necessarily of much interest (or accessible) to the foreign visitor.
QUOTE]

Ok you got me. Yes there are drinking establishments/karaoke, etc in Shimbashi. My point was similar to what you stated above, it is probably not much interest to the average foreign visitor or even foreigner living in Japan for that matter. After all, I lived in Japan for 6 years working at both foreign and Japanese companies and none of my collegues ever said "Let's go drinking in Shimbashi!"