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Tokyo Nightlife

As one of the world’s most dazzling cities, even long-term visitors can't run out of new watering holes. From the small and smoky bar to the wallet-busting lounge, Tokyo knows how to show you a good time. If it’s cultural evenings you’re after, you won’t be disappointed either. Fully embracing the legacy of the pleasure-loving inhabitants of old Edo, modern Tokyo continues to host an astonishing number of festivals, rituals and celebrations.

The Tourist Information Centre (tel: (03) 5321 3077; www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp) and the English-language magazine Metropolis (www.metropolis.co.jp) publish listings of events, concerts and exhibitions, as well as the latest nightlife hotspots. The English-language booking agencies, Ticket Pia (tel: (03) 5237 9999; http://t.pia.co.jp) and Lawson Ticket (http://l-tike.com), are the major ticket merchants in Tokyo, with outlets located around the city. Events are regularly sold out and bookings should be made well in advance.

Bars in Tokyo

Azabu Kusafe

Tucked away in an assuming street, behind an unassuming door, you’ll find this cosy Japanese speakeasy that specialises in the spirit shochu. With late-night opening, a rustic brick bar and bottles that look like they’ve come straight from an alchemist’s personal collection, Azabu Kusafe is the place to discover shochu in Tokyo.

2-3Fl. 2-25-13 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 3498 3181.

Goshiki

A quick glimpse at the English words chalked onto the blackboard may give you the impression that Goshiki wants to be a traditional English pub, yet the sleek counters and minimalist décor focus your attention on what the place is really all about: beer. Goshiki means “beer cuisine” and this place prides itself on stocking plenty of the golden liquid fresh from local microbreweries.

B1F, 6-1-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 3405 4480.
Website: www.beer-cuisine.com

New York Bar

Yes, this is where Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray exchanged lingering looks in Sofia Coppola’s legendary Lost in Translation. It’s a slice of the Big Apple in the heart of Tokyo, with stunning views across the lights and crossroads of Shinjuku. If your wallet can bear it, there’s even a 'Lost in Translation' cocktail to try.

3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5322 1234.
Website: www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com

Clubs in Tokyo

alife

Alife is a huge multi-level disco palace in Tokyo, with a strict dress code and a high admission charge. Its location in thronging Roppongi gives you plenty of options for eating and drinking before you hit the dance floor.

1-7-12 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5775 5500.
Website: www.e-alife.net

SECO

For a more intimate clubbing experience in Tokyo, beneath Shibuya’s train tracks no less, check out SECO. Expect a lively crowd and an ever-changing line-up of international DJs.

3-23-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 6418 8141.
Website: www.secobar.jp

Womb

For over a decade now, Womb has been bringing dance music to the streets of Tokyo. Its three levels, enormous dance floor and, so the legend goes, largest mirrored disco ball in Japan, make Womb the place to dance the night away.

2-16 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5459 0039.
Website: www.womb.co.jp

Live Music in Tokyo

Blue Note Tokyo

The Blue Note has become something of a jazz classic in Tokyo, with an impressive line up of artists with prices to match. Find details of upcoming artists on their website.

Raika Bldg, 6-3-16 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5485 0088.
Website: www.bluenote.co.jp

Blues Alley Japan

For a smooth take on the blues, head to the basement of the Blues Alley Japan. Spend a relaxing evening in this jazz club and forget about traipsing around Tokyo by dining here as well.

B1 Hotel Wing International Meguro, 1-3-14 Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5496 4381.
Website: www.bluesalley.co.jp

Club Quattro

Right in the heart of trendy Shibuya, Club Quattro tends to pride itself on encouraging up-and-coming artists as well as established stars. Expect both local and international acts in this mid-sized, rock-music venue.

32-13 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 3477 8750.
Website: www.club-quattro.com

Classical Music in Tokyo

New National Theatre Tokyo

This gleaming complex displays classical opera as well as ballet. Information is freely available in English, and its location in Shinjuku means that it’s easy to find food and bars nearby to make the most of your evening out.

1-1-1 Hon-machi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5351 3011.
Website: www.nntt.jac.go.jp

Suntory Hall

For classical music in a spectacular location in Tokyo, look no further than the grand Suntory Hall. With hanging lights and a resplendent organ, Suntory Hall knows how to coordinate a concert.

1-13-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 3584 9999.
Website: www.suntory.co.jp/suntoryhall

Dance in Tokyo

Tokyo International Forum

The vast glass and metal complex that is the Tokyo International Forum certainly keeps itself busy. Here, alongside routine conventions and exhibitions, you’ll also find inspiring ballet, antique fairs, orchid exchanges and musical concerts.

3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5221 9000.
Website: www.t-i-forum.co.jp

Theatre in Tokyo

Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre

Contemporary Japanese theatre tends towards the obscure, and the language barrier is an additional dissuasion. Far more accessible are the extravagant review-style performances of the glamorous, all-female Takarazuka troop, held at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre.

1-1-3 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: (03) 5251 2001.
Website: www.kageki.hankyu.co.jp

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