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Tokyo Nightlife

Tokyo's mixture of neon and lamp-lit streets illuminate the city's vibrant nightlife. With plenty of bars and club nestled in Tokyo's back alleys, some stacked upwards a few stories high, even seasoned visitors can't run out of new watering holes. Nightlife distinctly varies by district; in Roppongi, you can dance the night away with locals in a mega club or sing your heart out in a karaoke booth. In Shinjuku, you can hop from one izakaya to another or explore the city's vibrant gay district. Alternatively, splash the cash at some of Japan's most illustrious and exclusive bars and lounges in Ginza. Tokyo is a playground, fit to accommodate any night that takes you.

Bars in Tokyo

Bar Gats

An intimate bar that specialises in warm sake. It has no menu – the bar staff here will pick sake that they think you would like for you. Snacks (otsumami) are available to accompany every pot of warm sake.

Address: Shibuya-ku, Maruyamacho 17-2, Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 6317 3254
Website: http://the-sho.com/gats.html

Brooklyn Parlor

A bar, cafe and late-night spot rolled into one, this cozy haunt has adopted a New York hipster aesthetic, with wooden floors, leather armchairs, shelves filled with books and dim lighting. It's a popular hangout day and night - be prepared to queue at busy times. Drinks include imported microbrews and sophisticated cocktails, and food offerings are American-style - burgers, pasta, steaks, sandwiches. 

Address: , 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 6457 7763
Website: http://www.brooklynparlor.co.jp

Buri

This standing bar has more sake than you could drink in a lifetime. Let the bartender be your guide, although we suggest you give the frozen version a go. This place starts early and finishes late, so be sure to pace yourself if you want to go toe to toe with the locals. The grilled snacks should at least help soak up some of the booze.

Address: Shibuya-ku, 1-14-1 Ebisu-nishi, Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 3496 7744

Clubs in Tokyo

Sound Museum Vision

This Shibuya basement club is one for true night owls. There are four floors, namely Gaia, Deep Space, White and D-Lounge, with each floor has a different vibe catering for whatever mood you're in at any given point of the evening. Gaia is the main floor, known for its custom-made sound system, while Deep Space plays underground tunes. The White and D–Lounge floors are designed for clubbers looking to have a breather.

Address: Shibuya, 2-10-7 B1F Dougenzaka, Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 5728 2824
Website: http://www.vision-tokyo.com

Womb

Since 2000, Womb has been bringing dance music to the streets of Tokyo. Long lauded by dance music aficionados as one of the best nightclubs on the planet, its three levels, lofty space and massive mirrored disco ball make Womb the only place to party the night away.

Address: Shibuya, 2-16 Maruyama-cho, Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 5459 0039
Website: http://www.womb.co.jp

ageHa

Tokyo's largest club has three dance floors, several bar areas for kicking back, and even an outdoor pool if the mood takes. There are regular shuttle buses from Shibuya to its out-of-centre location, but don't let that put you off. The party here is on a par with the best clubs in London, Berlin and New York.

Address: Koutou-ku, 2-2-10 Shinkiba , Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 5534 2525.
Website: http://www.ageha.com

Live music in Tokyo

Blue Note Tokyo

The Blue Note has become something of a jazz classic in Tokyo, with the likes of Tony Bennet, Chick Corea and Sarah Vaughan having graced its stage. Each candle-lit table offers an intimate setting to dine on French cuisine and see the world's best jazz artists perform. While tickets aren't cheap, few jazz clubs rival the experience had at this New York-style venue.

Address: Minato-ku, Raika Bldg 6-3-16 Minami Aoyama, Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 5485 0088
Website: http://www.bluenote.co.jp

Liquidroom

A 900-capacity venue complete with a coffee lounge and a gallery, Liquidroom has a busy calendar featuring local and international bands, from up-and-coming artists to mainstream performers. It is definitely one of the best places for live music in Tokyo.

Address: Shibuya, 3-16-6 Higashi, Tokyo,
Telephone: +81 3 5464 0800
Website: https://www.liquidroom.net/

Classical music in Tokyo

Dance in Tokyo

Theatres in Tokyo

Music and Dance in Tokyo

Culture in Tokyo

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