Tokyo

The sheer diversity of nightlife in Tokyo is breathtaking. Rickety street stands sit yards away from luxury hotels, and wallet-crunching hostess clubs can be found next to cheap and raucous rock bars. Whatever your style, you'll find yourself in good company if you venture out after dark.

Most bars and clubs in the main entertainment districts have printed price lists, often in English. Drinks generally cost ¥800–¥1,200, although some small exclusive bars and clubs can set you back a lot more. Be wary of establishments without visible price lists. Hostess clubs and small backstreet bars known as "snacks" or "pubs" can be particularly treacherous territory for the unprepared. That drink you've just ordered could set you back a reasonable ¥1,000; you might, on the other hand, have wandered unknowingly into a place that charges you ¥30,000 up front for a whole bottle—and slaps a ¥20,000 cover charge on top. If the bar has hostesses, it's often unclear what the companionship of one will cost you, but you can bet a lot. Ignore the persuasive shills on the streets of Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, who will try to hook you into their establishment. There is, of course, plenty of safe ground: in hotel lounges, jazz clubs, Irish-themed pubs, sake bars, and sedate retreats where the social lubricant flows past millions of tonsils nightly.

Major nightlife districts in Tokyo include Aoyama, Ginza, Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinbashi, and Shinjuku. Each has a unique atmosphere, clientele, and price level.

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  • 1. New York Bar

    Shinjuku-ku

    Even before Lost in Translation introduced the Park Hyatt's signature lounge to filmgoers worldwide, New York Bar was a local Tokyo favorite. All the style you would expect of one of the city's top hotels combined with superior views of Shinjuku's skyscrapers and neon-lighted streets make this one of the city's premier nighttime venues. The quality of the jazz and service equals that of the view. With the largest selection of U.S. wines in Japan, drinks are priced as you might expect, and there's a cover charge of ¥2,200 after 8 pm (7 pm on Sunday). Local jazz bands play on Sunday.

    3--7--1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 163-1055, Japan
    03-5322–1234
  • 2. Agave

    Minato-ku

    In this authentic Mexican cantina, your palate will be tempted by a choice of more than 550 kinds of tequilas and mescals—making this the world's largest selection. Most of the varieties here aren't available anywhere else in Japan, so the steep prices may be worth paying. Foods are mostly Mexican appetizers.

    7–18–11 Roppongi, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 106-0032, Japan
    03-3497–0229

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 3. Ahiru Beer Hall

    Don’t let the name “beer hall” confuse you: this Harmonica Yokocho institution is shoulder-to-shoulder snug, as many of the best yokocho watering holes in Japan are, helping to make it a very convivial place for Belgian beers on tap, as well as sake and spirits. To go with your drinks, try the fish-and-chips. It’s a small portion but done well.

    1-1-2 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo-to, 180-0004, Japan
    0422-20--6811
  • 4. Aiiro Cafe

    Shinjuku-ku

    Almost every great gay night out begins at this welcoming street-corner pub with a large red shrine gate, where the patrons spill out onto the street. This is the perfect place to put back a few cocktails, meet new people, and get a feeling for where to go next. The crowd is mixed and very foreigner-friendly.

    2--18--1 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0022, Japan
    03-6273–0740
  • 5. Akaoni

    Shibuya-ku

    The emphasis here is nama, unrefined, unpasteurized sake. About 80 kinds from 60 brewing companies are available daily. You may want to sample this unique beverage while in Tokyo, since you won't find it at home: nama is short-lived, too delicate and fresh to transport or export, so it's not widely available overseas. You can accompany your choice with authentic Japanese fare, served here as small bites. Reservations are recommended.

    2–15–3 Sangenjaya, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 154-0024, Japan
    03-3410–9918
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  • 6. Arty Farty

    Shinjuku-ku

    Cheap and cheesy, Arty Farty is a fun club, complete with a ministage and stripper pole. Those with aversions to Kylie Minogue or Madonna need not bother. The crowd is mixed and foreigner-friendly.

    2--11--7 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0022, Japan
    03-5362–9720
  • 7. Baird Beer Taproom Kichijoji

    Baird Beer, one of Japan’s leading microbrewers, opened this taproom in 2019. In keeping with Kichijoji’s hip vibe, it’s a small venue, but it packs a big punch with a fantastic line-up of Baird’s year-round and limited release beers. Those include the hop-heavy Suruga Bay IPA, rich Kurofune Porter, and refreshing Wheat King Witte. It all goes well with the American soul food on the menu, such as tacos, burritos, and chili nachos.

    2-10-15 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, Tokyo-to, 180-0003, Japan
    0422-24--8691

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 8. Bar Albatross

    Shinjuku-ku

    This tiny, artsy bar adorns its walls with paintings and deer heads, along with its many chandeliers, attracting crowds with its friendliness and affordability. The clientele will likely be an eclectic mix. Luckily its sign will light your way in Golden-Gai's tiny alleys.

    1–1-7 Kabuki-cho, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0021, Japan
    03-3203–3699
  • 9. Bar Mugen

    Suginami-ku

    This dimly lit basement bar has become a late-night haunt for anime fans. Beer, whisky, and cocktails are on the menu, while anime figurines dot the counter, and anime plays endlessly on the bar’s TV. The owners have several thousand anime DVDs in their collection, so you never know what will be on.

    3-58-17 Koenji Minami, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 166-0003, Japan
    03-6383--1643

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 10. Bar Six

    Asakusa

    Should a cocktail be on your mind, hit up Bar Six, on the sixth floor of the Amuse Museum, and enjoy the views of the Senso-ji Complex from the outdoor balcony.

    2–34–3 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 111-0032, Japan
    03-5806–5106
  • 11. Billboard Live Tokyo

    Minato-ku

    With everything from rock and J-pop to soul and funk, this three-story joint makes one of the best food-and-live music experiences in Tokyo, all with panoramic views of Roppongi. Patrons love this venue partly because they're so close to performers like George Clinton, Dicky Betts, Neneh Cherry, and Howard Jones; they often end up on the stage dancing and singing or shaking hands. Shows usually kick off at 7 and 9:30 pm on weekdays, 6 and 9 pm on Saturday, and 4:30 and 7:30 pm on Sunday.

    9–7–4 Akasaka, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 107-0052, Japan
    03-3405–1133
  • 12. Blue Note Tokyo

    Aoyama

    This premier live jazz venue isn't for everyone: prices are high, sets short, and patrons packed in tight, sometimes sharing a table with strangers. But if you want to catch Pat Metheny and Larry Carlton in a relatively small venue, this is the place. Expect to pay upward of ¥11,000 to see major acts, and ¥6,500 to ¥9,000 for most others.

    6–3–16 Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 107-0062, Japan
    03-5485–0088
  • 13. buri

    Shibuya-ku

    Buri serves up tasty ji-zake (local sake) from around Japan in the one-cup style; think sake in a mini mason jar, pairing it with a range of tapas-like servings of sashimi, yakitori, salads, and prosciutto, albeit in a standing-room-only setting. They also have beer on tap. Just a five-minute walk from Ebisu Station, this casual bar fills up quickly on weekends, so it's best to stop in early if you want to grab a table.

    1–14–1 Ebisu-Nishi, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, Japan
    03-3496–7744
  • 14. Cabin Naka-Meguro

    Meguro-ku

    Alongside the Meguro River, a few minutes southeast of Naka-Meguro Station, the very hip Cabin—designed with what it describes as a “cotemporary rustic” theme—has an extensive range of world whiskies and rare local tipples, as well Champagne and cocktails.

    1-10-23 Nakameguro, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 153-0061, Japan
    03-6303--2220

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 15. Cocktail Shobo

    Suginami-ku

    This 100-year-old tenement house, all dark woods and creaking sounds, is one of Koenji’s most unique bars. Part library (you can pick up and read any of the hundreds of books), it also serves cocktails and bar snacks, and even has some cocktails on the menu inspired by literary legends. Although it's only open after 6 on weekdays, it's also open from noon to 3 on weekends.

    3-8-13 Koenji Kita, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 166-0002, Japan
    03-3310--8130
  • 16. Cotton Club

    Chiyoda-ku

    In these intimate and luxurious surroundings you can listen to not only jazz but also a diverse range of music: soul, R&B, J-pop, and world music. The club has such an excellent sound system that musicians such as Ron Carter record here. Fine French cuisine lures music lovers for special nights out and important business entertaining.

    2–7–3 Marunouchi, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, Japan
    03-3215–1555
    View Tours and Activities
  • 17. Debris

    Shibuya-ku

    Part cocktail bar, part event space that runs DJ nights, movie screenings, recitals, and art exhibitions, neon-lit Debris is a very chic hangout for Daikanyama’s creative set. The mixologists here can mix up classics, but also get creative with artisanal spirits from around the world. Most events have a ¥500 cover charge.

    11-12 Daikanyamacho, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 150-0034, Japan
    03-6416--4334
  • 18. Donzoko

    Shinjuku-ku

    This venerable bar claims to be Shinjuku's oldest—established in 1951—and has hosted Yukio Mishima and Akira Kurosawa among many other luminaries. It's also one of several bars that claim to have invented the popular chu-hai cocktail (shochu with juice and soda). The vibrant atmosphere feels more like a pub, and the four floors are almost always packed.

    3--10--2 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0022, Japan
    03-3354–7749
  • 19. Dragon Men

    Shinjuku-ku

    Tokyo's swankiest gay lounge, this neon-lit space would look right at home in New York or Paris.

    2--11--4 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0022, Japan
    03-3341–0606
  • 20. GB

    Shinjuku-ku

    Video monitors at this club show contemporary music hits. On weekends the place is packed with rather quiet and reserved gentlemen, mostly in their thirties and forties, and is also quite popular among foreign residents and visitors—especially before a night out clubbing.

    2--12--3 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0022, Japan
    03-3352–8972

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

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