Nightlife Districts
No trip to Tokyo would be complete without a night out, and ideally more than one.
Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities on Earth and has a legendary nightlife.
You can begin your evening at a tachinomi stand bar, drink and dine at a cozy izakaya, enjoy seasonal cocktails at an only-in-Tokyo mixology counter, venture into a hole-in-the-wall rock or hip-hop club, sing all-night karaoke à la Bill Murray in Lost in Translation, and dance until morning to the beats of DJs from around the world.
Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi all have very different things to offer and usually an adventure or two.
Nightlife District: Shibuya
As one of Tokyo’s most densely packed and brightly-lit central districts, it’s no surprise that Shibuya stays up late, with countless eateries, boutiques, watering holes, clubs, arcades and karaoke bars catering to night owls well into the small hours.
If you’re going to miss the last train (most trains and subways only run until around the midnight hour), this is the place to be.
Shibuya is especially popular with Tokyo’s youth but is relatively accessible to and full of non-Japanese locals and visitors as well. With dozens of clubs featuring top local and international DJs, Shibuya is one of the city’s dance music hubs.
Shibuya is host to clubs such as Trump Room, Womb, and ClubAsia as well as a great drinking spot by the crossing.
There are also countless smaller establishments well worth checking out, including the character-filled Nonbei Yokocho, an old-fashioned area of tightly-packed side streets filled with charming tiny bars and intriguing restaurants.
Nightlife District: Shinjuku
Shinjuku is another city-within-the-city that never sleeps.
For Golden Gai and tiny bars as well as the red light district, Shinjuku is the place to head to. The Kabukicho section of Shinjuku is Tokyo’s most well-known red-light district. Despite the area’s shady reputation, it can be an interesting and rewarding district to explore. Amongst the madness, you can find great little bars and restaurants, as well as local music venues and more.
Nightlife District: Roppongi
Roppongi is a real mishmash, filled with everything from upscale bars, jazz venues, and Western-style clubs, to countless dive bars along with more sleazy establishments. Some places are slightly worn-in, but the area is always packed on weekends. You also have an option if you’re looking for a big night out. Just beware of being hustled into bars with extortionate prices.
Girls nights, early entry and guest cards handed out near local stations are a great way to save. A couple of drinks vouchers can balance out seemingly expensive entry fees too.
If all that doesn’t sound quite like the night you had planned, an izakaya might be the one for you. With plenty of food, it’s the perfect environment for catching up with friends. And an all-you-can-drink/eat options are great if trying to stick to a budget. However, if it’s summer, there’s nothing better than grabbing a few drinks from the conbini and sitting by a river. You will make friends, go on adventures and get to see Tokyo in a whole new light. Never has a night out gone by without the suggestion of karaoke, be it from a friend, colleague or random stranger. There are countless establishments, some reputable, some less so—but as with your singing, enthusiasm is what counts.
Contact us and we will tailor a perfect Japan itinerary for you.
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