Guide to Tokyo Nightlife: Best Places to Visit
By Sergio Razo
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, has built a reputation of having some of the most popular nightlife spots in the country, a few are even world renowned. Nightlife in Tokyo is concentrated in four major areas: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, and Ginza. While this is a guide to some popular bars, clubs, and Izakayas, we suggest you do your own research as well.
Izakayas
Izakaya, which basically translates to “stay-drink-shop”, is unique to Japan’s nightlife experience. Izakayas are a part-bar-part-restaurant hybrid, great for groups to get cheap drinks and some comfort food after work or school.
There are two common types of Izakayas: franchised establishments, and local, independent ones. Izakayas tend to be bunched together and are pretty recognizable with neon signs and traditional lanterns, usually located on strips and busy streets. The good thing about Izakayas is that they are pretty dense, so if you see one that’s full, chances are you’ll find an empty one next door.
Tip: There’s usually a bunch of Izakaya near train stations.
Depending on the Izakaya, foods vary from tempura and sashimi to meat-skewers and fried food platters. There’s also a large variety of drinks such as: beer, sake, highballs, and sours. Izakaya chains usually have menus in English, but it never hurts to ask the local ones if they have any, and if not you can always point out what you’d like.
Even though drinks and appetizers are relatively cheap, around $3-$5 USD, it’s always smart to carry some cash around, especially if you're going to a local Izakaya. Some Izakayas also offer an “all you can drink” option called ‘nomihodai’ and an “all you can eat” option called ‘tabehodai’ for a flat rate, usually around $8-$17 for nomihodai and $30 for both.
Izakayas usually close before midnight, which makes them great spots to chill out, drink, get a bite to eat, and still catch the train back home. However, if you have plans to stay out, Izakayas are a great place to pregame and start your night before going to bars and clubs.
Tip: Google Translate has a helpful feature where you can take a picture, highlight, and translate kanji, hiragana, and more!
Bars
Bars are also relatively easy to find and usually don’t have cover charges but if you want to check out some of the unique bars Tokyo has to offer, here are three that are a must see:
Golden Gai is a hidden alley of miniature bars near Shinjuku Station, dating back as early as the 1950s. Even though each of these mini bars hold about 4 to 7 people, between the six alleys there’s over 200 altogether. A great cozy place to start off your night and experience a casual yet intimate experience with locals and other foreigners. Drinks range between $4-$7.
Tip: Look above and for staircases, some bars are stacked up on each other!
2. Tasuichi
If you happen to find yourself in Shibuya, Tasuichi is a modern sports bar with TVs, English menus, and cheap drinks as low as $3.75. It’s also surrounded by other small bars such as Coins Bar, Shibuya Bar The Legless Arms, BEATCAFE, and some Izakayas in case you get hungry.
The famous Tokyo Pub Crawl is the best way to drink, dance, and gather with travelers and locals and is a must-have experience in Tokyo. The Tokyo Pub Crawl usually starts at the Propaganda Bar in the Roppongi area, and travels to about 4 other locations, lasting about 4 to 5 hours. Even though the crawl usually happens Friday and Saturday nights, definitely check the website when you plan to book, since there’s occasional special events and themes such as the “Cherry Blossom Party”.
Even though barhopping is a great way to meet new people and familiarize yourself with Tokyo’s nightlife, here’s a few guidelines that you should remember:
The trains stop at midnight and won’t start back up until 5am, so if you’re going to be out past then, have a plan.
There isn’t uber or lyft and cabs tend to be pricey.
Always be aware of your surroundings and remember to have a good sense of judgement.
Clubs
Clubs in Tokyo can be harder to find unless you have people to show you around or you do some research of your own. Clubs in Tokyo are a little pricey compared to bars, usually because they charge a cover fee to enter.
1. Alife
Alife is a three-floor club in Roppongi, each with their own atmosphere and music genres, also conveniently near Roppongi Station. The entrance fee is about $32 and has lockers to store your personal belongings.
2. Club Camelot
If you happen to be in Shibuya, Club Camelot is a club that also has three floors, plays a variety of different music, and a good mix of locals and travelers. Cover charge is about $32 for men and $14 for women and also includes a drink voucher.
3. Ageha
Ageha, which translates to “swallowtail butterfly” is a nightclub like no other. Ageha is in Koto City, the farthest club and away from the nightlife areas, mainly because it holds up to 5000 people. Ageha is basically a music festival with a huge stage, food trucks, and lounge areas, perfect to spend the entire night, however could be on the pricier side, around $35 for admission. This club often features famous DJs, so be sure to do your research to see who’s playing!
Tip: Carry cash for cover charges, many clubs don’t accept card.
Although Japan has great izakayas, bars, and clubs to try always be conscious of your surroundings, respectful of the locals and the environment, and overall have good judgement. Whether you’re mentoring students or doing some other work, at the end of the day you’re a representative of Come On Out and a guest in someone’s homeland. For tips on Japanese etiquette, refer to the previous blogs and faqs.
FAQs
How much cash should I bring on a night out to club, barhop?
$40-$50 and more if you expect to go to multiple clubs.
Is public drinking allowed?
Totally legal to pick up a alcoholic drink from the store and drink it at a park, but walking while drinking and even eating is not the social norm.
Are there public restrooms?
There aren’t many public restrooms, usually the only ones are in train stations, however you have to buy an entrance ticket.
What if I’m sensitive to cigarette smoke?
Be aware that cigarrete smoking in Japan is very common, they even smoke inside some bars and izakayas, so if you’re sensitive to smoke, try to keep your distance or carry a face mask.