Tokyo’s nighlife scene has been capturing hearts for decades. As the dusk settles, the city comes alive witn neon lights, inviting those eager nighowls to let their hair down and take to the dance floor, or order their local favourite to enjoy at one of the busy night markets. The nightscape in Tokyo in truly enchancting. Now, Tokyo’s nightlife isn’t overwhelmingly busy or chaotic; instead, it is serene and relaxing with bouts of excitement and energy here and there.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Before you dive into the good stuff, here are some things to remember:
Places to Stay for the Best Nightout
To explore Tokyo to your heart’s content, choose your accommodation carefully. The accommodation sector here doesn’t disappoint. From hotels to traditional guesthouses, you can choose from a variety of options. For tourists visiting Japan, Tokyo apartments are a promsing choice as well. You have diverse options, including the likes of Oakwood Hotel and Apartments Azabu Tokyo.
Events
Tokyo’s calendar is busy; there’s always something exciting happening here. Check the event schedule to find out what’s on during your time here. If you visit during spring, cherry blossom festivals are a must-see; they paint the city in soft pink and white. Autumn brings colorful foliage and various cultural events. Likewise, during winter, you have Christmas celebrations, markets, and lightup events. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to discover some exciting event – sake festivals, beer festivals, firework displays, and live music events.
Rooftop Bars and High Rise Venues
Tokyo never misses the mark when it comes to attracting tourists. Rooftop bars and high rise dining venues are another draw for tourists wanting to explore Tokyo’s nightscene. There’s a diverse selection of city-view bars and rooftop restaurants to choose from. Now, these are not exactly budget options; Tokyo’s high rise venues tend to be more upscale than your average dining venues. However, the elevated views and sophisticated ambience make it worth the splurge.
Attractions
Most tourist attractions in Tokyo stay open until late at night. Once you’ve had your fill of bars, pubs, and dinner, you can visit museums, galleries, and aquariums. Among these late night attractions are Tokyo Tower, Sumida Auqarium, and Mori Art Museum. If you decide to visit Tokyo Tower, combine your visit with a Tokyo Bay dinner for a memorable nightout.
Kakidai, Tokyo Tower Afterglow 2, CC BY-SA 3.0
Meet Locals
Visit street markets and small food joints to mingle with locals. These places are often crowded with residents looking for a break from the day’s hustle and bustle. Akabane, Ebisu, and Shinjuku are a few of the spots where there are more locals than tourists. Small restaurants and cafes serving local fare are often inexpensive and bring you the most authentic and unique experience.
Keep on Partying
Tokyo’s party scene doesn’t stop spinning until the small hours. If you’re someone who never tires of dancing and can keep going until someone literally drags you off the dance floor, Tokyo’s clubs are exactly where you need to be. Clubs, pubs, and bars are scattered throughout the city, but you find the best nightlife scene in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi.
Guided Tours
For those who are new to the city, guided tours guarantee the best experience. There are diverse tour options with varying durations. Your options include Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku, Tokyo Pub Crawl, Shibuya Night Bar Hopping Walking Tour in Tokyo. Tokyo After 5: Savouring Culinary Delights of Japan, Experience Tokyo by Night, and Tokyo Allstar Food Tour. Don’t forget to do your own research to find out what’s available; talking to locals and your hotel concierge can also provide valuable recommendation.