Bars & Nightlife – Tokyo
Most socialising done in Tokyo is away from home, hence the infinite number of venues which offer alcohol in the city, from the ubiquitous izakaya, to the more exclusive glitzy bars. The nightlife in Tokyo rivals that of any other major international city. Whether you’re looking for a hedonistic party, superclub sounds or chilled out beats it’s all here for the taking. Lounge about or dance the night away at Tokyo’s best clubs.
Shot Bar Shadow The Golden Gai area accommodates a plethora of tiny bars in its bustling streets. Most can only fit up to eight punters at a time. Address: 1-1-8 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku
Subway: Shinjuku (east exit, Yamanote line)
New York Bar On the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel it is easy to see why Sofia Coppola filmed part of ’Lost in Translation’ here. Listen to top-notch jazz musicians whilst checking out the Tokyo skyline. Address: Park Hyatt Tokyo 52F, 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Subway: Shinjuku (west exit, Yamanote line)
Majestic Fall into Majestic at the end of a heavy night, when lounging on one of its velvet bedspreads will relieve tired feet. This bar is the latest addition to Tokyo’s sultry bed-bar scene. Address: B1F, 1-14-17 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku
Subway: Nogizaka
Sekirei Kimono-clad dancers perform nightly in Sekirei’s opulent and historical surroundings. Emperor Meiji signed the Japanese constitution here and this grand bar now plays host to a high-class clientele. Address: Meiji Kinenkan, 2-2-23 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku
Subway: Shinanomachi
Seabed Described as a chill out bar-lounge, this venue operates as a massage salon until 9pm, when barmen replace the beauty therapists. Cocktails are served late into the night. Address: Dear Nishi-Azabu Bldg 3F, 3-1-20 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku
Subway: Roppongi (exit C1)
Age-ha The Daddy of clubs in Tokyo, Age-Ha is a warehouse superclub that holds more than 4000 partygoers. A mixture of gangsta-rap and urban hip hop keep the Tokyo kids happy. Address: 2-2-10 Shinkiba, Koto-ku
Subway: Shin-Kiba
Space Lab Yellow One of the best sound systems in the city draws a Japanese-strong crowd dressed in weird and wacky outfits. The best DJs have all played a set here. Address: Cesaurus Nishi-Azabu Bldg B1F-B2F, 1-10-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku
Subway: Roppongi (exit 2)
The Room One of the smallest clubs in the area, 200 people pack into this exclusive venue. Look out for a red street light indicating the basement entrance. Address: Daihachi Tohto Bldg B1F, 15-19 Sakuragaoka, Shibuya-ku
Subway: Shibuya (Yamanote line, south exit)
La Fabrique Gauloises tobacco sponsor many signature nights at this French-themed club. Japanese customers show their enthusiasm by sporting berets in the spirit of all things Gallic. Address: Zero Gate B1F, 16-9 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
Subway: Shibuya (Yamanote line, Hachiko exit)
Bullet’s For a friendlier club experience head to Bullet’s. Sink into one of the many sofas or mattresses and listen to the abstract sounds of experimental DJs. Address: Kasumi Bldg, B1F, 1-7-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku
Subway: Roppongi (Hibiya line, exit 2)
Simoon Offering more standard R&B and reggae music, Simoon may be light relief from the electronica sound found in the superclubs. Don’t be put off by the entrance as the interior is deeply appealing. Address: 3-26-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
Subway: Shibuya (Yamanote line, east exit)