Tokyo

Tokyo’s best known nightlife districts are Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Roppongi:

Northeast of Shinjuku Station lies Kabukicho, Japan’s largest red light district, with hundreds of hostess clubs, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and massage parlors. Large bill boards and neon signs brightly light the streets. The district is generally safe but adult shops and posters of scantily clad women are not uncommon. Most establishments in Kabukicho target a Japanese clientele, and some charge expensive cover fees. Located in one corner of Kabukicho, Golden Gai is an old-fashioned district of narrow alleys with many small bars.

Shibuya commands a younger local audience, who patronize the numerous nightclubs, bars, dance lounges and restaurants that it has to offer. Shibuya is also home to the Love Hotel Hill with a high concentration of love hotels. Shibuya is somewhat less seedy and more easily accessible to foreign tourists without Japanese language knowledge than Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district.

Ginza is the premium upmarket district, featuring fine dining restaurants, chic bars and night clubs, as well as upscale host and hostess bars. Expect hefty bills. Note that some establishments are rather exclusive and not easily accessible to foreign visitors without Japanese language skills.

Roppongi is the most accessible nightlife district for foreign tourists. A large concentration of foreign-friendly nightclubs, bars and restaurants can be found in the area. Although generally safe, there have been increasing reports of vice and bad practices at Roppongi, such as exorbitant hidden fees charged by bars and clubs, aggressive touting, spiked drinks and fights.

• Upcoming nightlife events in Tokyo

Looking for more information on Tokyo nightclubs? Check out our club guides below.

Don’t forget – we also have a free mobile app that you can download here. Use the app to see who’s spinning, sign up for guestlists, buy tickets, and book bottle service!