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Whether you’re immersed in the neon lights of Shibuya, befriending the sake-drinking salarymen in the tiny bars of Golden Gai, or checking out a robot restaurant before heading to a live music venue (or one of the countless karaoke bars the city is famous for), there really is nothing quite like nightlife in Tokyo.
Even with everything that this wonderful country offers, no Japanese tour would be complete without some time spent roaming the capital after nightfall. When dark comes in this megacity there’s something to do for everyone, whether you’re visiting to enjoy traditional Japanese culture, or to soak in the city’s electric vibe.
Read on to find out about nightlife in Tokyo.
Dining
If you’re looking for high quality eats to enjoy in the evening, there are few better cities than Tokyo. After all, there’s a reason that even on whistlestop one-week tours of Japan, enjoying the food is always a top priority.
From high-end, fine dining spots to hole-in-the-wall, cheap noodle bars, there are thousands of places to get an early evening dinner or late-night snack in the Japanese capital. Basically, if you want to tick off your list of Japanese dishes to try, there’s nowhere better to be.
If you find the options overwhelming, one of the many nighttime food tours in the city can take you to some local gems. Most restaurants serve Japanese food only, but in central areas there are a lot more international options.
Image source:Contiki
Drinks and Dancing
While excellent eateries are plentiful throughout the city, when it comes to bars and clubs you will find that there are specific nightlife districts where venues are concentrated. The best areas for nightlife in Tokyo include Shinjuku, Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya, and each has their own unique vibe.
Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Japan, and the iconic Shinjuku district is a big reason why. Coming out of Shinjuku station at night is an experience like no other. An explosion of fluorescence is followed by a certainty that life is happening here , with countless revellers enjoying the untapped freedom that comes with a night out in the big city. The bars are plentiful and busy, and you can find everything from metal music to DJs spinning hardcore techno. It’s also home to the world-famous Golden Gai district, which is known for its collection of tiny dive bars.
Shibuya shows off the best of the artsy side of nightlife in Tokyo, and is full of unique nightlife spots. The crowd is younger and edgier than Shinjuku, and when it comes to nightlife scenes you’re more likely to find something more underground here. With that said, people are very welcoming, and you’ll be able to enjoy everything from fancy cocktail bars to izakayas where locals are slamming back cheap beers. Plus, you can have a go on the famous crossing at night!
Ginza and nearby Shinbashi cater to a more professional crowd, so if you want a nightlife experience that is a little more refined, these districts are for you. The highrises that dominate this area of the city also contain bars and clubs with excellent city views, like Raise.
Roppongi has recently had a bit of a glow up, and what was once considered a slightly less frequented district is now a place where Japanese people and tourists happily go to have a few sakes. There are high end nightclubs like 1OAK alongside dive bars where you can down drinks with salarymen. And, of course, there are countless karaoke bars, so you can belt out some classics with the locals.
Cultural Highlights
Tokyo nightlife isn’t just for people who love to party. You can get stunning views of Tokyo Bay and the rest of the metropolis when crossing the famous Rainbow Bridge, or just walk around and take in the vibes of the city at night. There are also plenty of observation decks throughout Tokyo, so you can enjoy seeing it sparkle in the dark.
Late night bowling is a firm favourite pastime of locals too, and there are dozens of arcades in the central areas where you can game well into the early hours, and potentially win some unique Japanese souvenirs to take back home. The famous Tokyo Dome is one venue that is home to plenty of cool nightlife activity, with attractions like a roller skate arena, as well as lots of food and drink options.
Culture lovers can also enjoy certain art museums and galleries at night, notably the Mori Museum in Roppongi Hills, which is open until 10pm. In fact, the city has a Summer Night Museum initiative, where many museums and galleries stay open until 9pm during the peak of the warm season – another reason why summer is one of the best times to visit Japan.
Rest and Relaxation
If your ideal experience of nightlife in Tokyo includes unwinding in a hot spring, then you’re in luck: there are plenty of 24-hour onsens throughout the city. There are also spas and massage parlours to enjoy, both of which are activities many consider to be the best things to do in Japan because of the nation’s long history of using them.
There are also more practical cultural activities you can indulge in at night in Tokyo, like late-night pottery classes, or taking walks through one of the many beautiful gardens that dot the city.
What part of Tokyo has the best nightlife?
The place to find the best nightlife in Tokyo varies depending on what you’re looking for. If you want upmarket bars, you can try Ginza. If you’re looking to soak in the atmosphere or take cool pictures, Shinjuku is ideal. Shibuya is great for nightclubs, and Golden Gai is amazing if you want to get to grips with how the locals socialise.
Image source:Contiki
What is the most fun district in Tokyo?
The most fun district in Tokyo depends on what you’re looking for. Each area of the megacity has its own charms, so you’ll have to do a bit of research to figure out where your dream Tokyo night out will take place.
What is the famous bar street in Tokyo?
Golden Gai is probably the most famous collection of bars in Tokyo. Spanning six tiny alleyways in the centre of the city, this iconic location is packed full of small dive bars where you can enjoy a beer or four with the locals.
