Tokyo
After Dark
Tokyo comes alive at night, when workers pour out of their offices and into izakaya (Japanese taverns), up-and-coming DJs and musicians fill the dancefloors and live houses, and visitors enjoy the city lights over a glass of world-class whisky.
t A performer at Tokyo’s high-energy Robot Restaurant
Quirky Nights
Even if you’re not keen on the club scene, it’s worth venturing out into Tokyo after dark to try one of the city’s many unique evening experiences. Where else in the world can you enjoy dinner and a robot show, as at the Robot Restaurant (www.shinjuku-robot.com/sp)? Or order cocktails with a side of spiritual advice at Vowz (www.vowz-bar.com), the cozy Shinjuku bar run by Buddhist monks?
Izakaya
Izakaya are down-to-earth taverns where you eat as you drink (rather than vice versa), ordering a few dishes at a time. Places like Shirube Shimokitazawa (2 Chome-18-18-2 Kitazawa) stay largely traditional but with a modern twist, while others like Gonpachi (www.gonpachi.jp/nishi-azabu) add live performances to the izakaya formula.
LGBT+ Tokyo
Tokyo has undoubtedly the most active LGBT+ scene in Japan, and most of it is centered in an area of Shinjuku known as “Ni-Chome“. As well as the highest concentration of gay bars in the world, you’ll find community culture in places like Okamalt, an LGBT+ book café (2-Chome-18-10). Spring is a great time to visit, as many venues have special events or promotions to celebrate Tokyo Rainbow Pride.
Join the Club
When Tokyoites go clubbing they make a night of it – the last train home is so early that you may as well dance until 5am. Though the city is particularly famous for its shoebox-sized venues, there are a few exceptions, including mega-club ageHA (www.ageha.com), and the Shibuya district’s ever-popular Womb (www.womb.co.jp).
Tokyo Live!
Tokyo is teeming with places to hear live music of all kinds. Head to Shimokitazawa to hear local emerging artists, while fans of mainstream J-Pop should check out the AKB48 Theater in Akihabara.
DISCOVER Tokyo Your Way
NIGHTLIFE DISTRICTS
Shibuya
Young, cool, and vibrant, Shibuya nightlife is a microcosm of the city. Whether you want a jazz café, a nightclub, or karaoke, you’ll find it here.
Roppongi
This district is famed for its hedonistic club scene, and is particularly popular with expats (see Roppongi).
Shimokitazawa
Come here for vinyl-only DJ sets, live music, and laidback bars. This relaxed district is the place to go to find the trends of tomorrow.