Tokyo Nightlife: Places and Districts to Go Out in Tokyo

  The Bright Lights of Tokyo

There are few sights anywhere in the world that can compare with Tokyo at nighttime. To say that it ‘comes alive’ visually is to massively understate the point: it explodes into a dazzling vision of bright colors and flashing lights.

And its nightlife is little different: if nothing else, a trip down to Harajuku, where the city’s teenagers flaunt their extreme fashion tendencies, confirms that the Japanese are an incredibly style-conscious people. Similarly, in the bars and clubs of Ginza, Shinjuku and Roppongi (three of the main districts to head to for the best Tokyo nightlife), the locals dress to impress.

Roppongi is possibly the most foreigner-friendly, a fact that’s reflected in the higher prices you’ll come across in its bars and clubs. But its pricey drinks and cover charges pale in comparison with what you’ll encounter in Ginza, Tokyo’s most exclusive and expensive nightlife district.

In addition to the red-light district of Kabukicho, Shinjuku also houses many of the leading live music venues in Tokyo with a few small, cozy venues that lay on some good local bands and make for brilliant evenings out. Gigs generally finish before 23:00, leaving plenty of time to head elsewhere.

The district of Shibuya is a little more on the hip, alternative side. Less obviously sleazy than Shinjuku, it’s also the place to head to for the city’s best dance music. If you’re looking to rub shoulders with the young and painfully trendy, there are dozens of great places to choose from.

For something a bit more cultural, there are a number of theatres in Tokyo offering the chance to take in ‘Kabuki’, (Japanese theater). Kabuki, while compelling, is not something that should be entered into lightly: performances can last up to five hours, meaning it may well be starting to get light by the time you emerge. Those who don't think they will last the duration can purchase a ‘hitomakumi’ ticket for the fourth floor, which permits you to watch just a portion of the performance.

Apart from the city itself - which undoubtedly provides one of the most evocative backdrops to a night out anywhere in the world - what really makes Tokyo nightlife come alive are the locals. After a hard day’s work, few people really let go like the Japanese, and a night out in Tokyo is frequently just a little on the crazy side…

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