The very best 12 nightlife spots in Tokyo, Japan
Welcome to the nocturnal wonderland of Tokyo, where the city's vibrant nightlife scene will make your heart twinkle brighter than the neon lights in Shibuya! If you're looking to find the cream of the crop in terms of after-dark delights, be sure to check out this article's top picks. From hidden gem izakayas serving up tantalizing yakitori to bouncing clubs where you can dance like nobody's watching, Tokyo's eclectic nocturnal tapestry is waiting to sweep you off your feet. So, gear up, party people, for a wild night out among the best 12 nightlife spots Tokyo has to offer!
Save destination1. Shibuya
Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan
Ah, Shibuya, the bustling heart of Tokyo where chaos and quirky fashion collide! Step into this neon-lit district and prepare to be engulfed by a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells – a sensory overload you never knew you needed. Join the flux of fashionable youth as they dance through the famous scramble crossing, take shameless selfies with the faithful Hachiko Statue, and indulge in retail therapy in the towering temples of consumerism that line the streets. Shibuya is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the hypnotic blend of tradition and trendiness that Japan effortlessly embodies!
Learn more2. Ebisu
Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0013, Japan
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo lies the neighborhood of Ebisu, a charismatic and dynamic place that can only be described as a mischievous blend of hipster chic and refined elegance. Expect to find an abundance of stylish boutiques, trendy cafes, and quirky izakayas that will make you feel like you've accidentally stumbled upon a secret hub for cool kids. With its ever-present atmosphere of easygoing sophistication, Ebisu is undoubtedly the neighborhood where you can sip your artisanal coffee while admiring an avant-garde sculpture and pretending you know more about contemporary art than you actually do.
Learn more3. Roppongi
Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
Welcome to Roppongi, where the allure of the vibrant nightlife meets the tranquility of cultural indulgence. This district is a delightful juxtaposition of eye-catching neon lights, convivial bars, and a maze of streets that will have you saying, "Who needs a map, anyway?" Whether you're seeking a wild night out or a leisurely stroll through art galleries, Roppongi is the self-proclaimed magician that can effortlessly transform from a sophisticated top hat into a rowdy party bunny.
Learn more4. Harajuku
Harajuku, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Welcome to Harajuku, the vibrant and quirky neighborhood in Tokyo that'll make you question whether you've stumbled into a fashion show or a real-life anime convention. Prepare yourself for a delightful assault on the senses, as pastel-haired locals rock ridiculously oversized bows, while others casually channel their inner Gwen Stefani with Harajuku-inspired fashion. And don't forget to feast your eyes on the mind-boggling selection of crepes that will leave you wondering if Godzilla himself would feel full after devouring just one.
Learn more5. Kabukicho
Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Welcome to Kabukicho, Tokyo's wild and vibrant neighborhood that will make your head spin faster than a bullet train! Here, you'll find a kaleidoscope of neon lights, countless bars, and more eccentric characters than a Japanese game show. Brace yourself for a sensory overload as you wander through bustling streets, where Godzilla towers over the city like a tipsy giant lizard who's had one too many sakis!
Learn more6. Azabu-Juban
Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045, Japan
Welcome to Azabu-Juban, the vibrant neighborhood in Tokyo where modern meets traditional with a splash of quirky! Get ready to feel like a character in a Haruki Murakami novel as you stroll the streets lined with eclectic boutiques and cafes offering matcha-flavored latte with a side of existentialism. Don't miss the chance to squeeze into the narrowest izakaya in town, where you might find your elbows making fast friends with the elbows of the person sitting next to you while enjoying a sake and contemplating the mysteries of life and "Godzilla" movies.
Learn more7. Golden Gai
Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−1−6 2F
Welcome to Golden Gai, Tokyo's delightfully cramped neighborhood where bars are smaller than your dreams of becoming a sumo wrestler after gyoza night. Nestled amongst its narrow alleyways are over 200 minuscule watering holes, each exuding more character than a samurai with a talking sword. Prepare to be packed like a polar bear in a sauna, but fear not, for the memories you'll make here will be more unforgettable than an attempt at karaoke after one too many sake shots.
Learn more8. Daikanyama
Daikanyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0034, Japan
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Daikanyama is the hip and happening neighborhood that effortlessly straddles the line between trendy and pretentious. With its beautifully designed fashion boutiques, charming cafes, and artsy bookstores, Daikanyama has become the go-to place for fashionistas and coffee snobs alike. So, grab your oversized sunglasses, a questionable beret, and get ready to embark on a journey where coffee is only enjoyed ironically, and shopping is a serious sport.
Learn more9. Ginza
Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Welcome to Ginza, the glitzy playground for shopaholics and high-end fashionistas in Tokyo. Prepare to have your credit card screaming for mercy as you immerse yourself in this posh paradise of luxury boutiques and flagship stores. Don't forget to bring your sunglasses, as Ginza's neon lights glimmer brighter than the smile on a kid's face in a candy store.
Learn more10. Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, 1-chōme-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Welcome to Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley in vibrant Tokyo that transports you back in time faster than a DeLorean on steroids! Picture yourself squeezing through the crowd as you navigate this maze of nostalgic eateries, cheekily known as "Piss Alley" by the locals (don't worry – it has significantly improved its sanitation game since then). Prepare for an adventure where the aroma of grilled skewers, raucous chatter, and the occasional spattering of yakitori sauce will surely tickle your taste buds and catch you vividly reminiscing about simpler times.
Learn more11. Shinjuku
Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
Welcome to Shinjuku, Tokyo's urban jungle on steroids! Brace yourself for a neighborhood that's a vibrant mix of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and a never-ending parade of people. Prepare to get lost in its labyrinthine streets, where even Google Maps gives up and tells you to figure it out yourself like a true adventurer. Shinjuku is a rollercoaster of sensory overload, a place where chaos and order somehow coexist, leaving you both exhilarated and slightly disoriented.
Learn more12. Akihabara
Akihabara, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0006, Japan
Welcome to Akihabara, the electrifying capital of Tokyo's geekdom! Boasting more colorful lights and neon signs than a UFO invasion, this district is an otaku's paradise, guaranteed to make your inner nerd squeal with delight. Dive into the bustling streets and prepare to be bombardified with endless shops selling everything from virtual girlfriends to life-sized robotic dinosaurs.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Tokyo, Japan by plane is to fly into Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which is located approximately 60 km east of Tokyo city center. Several airlines operate direct and connecting flights to Narita from major cities around the world, including New York, London, Sydney, and Singapore.
Car
Driving from all around Japan to Tokyo can be an option, however, it is not advisable due to heavy traffic during peak hours, as well as limited parking space in the city center. If driving is still the preferred option, highways such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway take you straight to the main attraction sites.
Train
There are several train options for travelling to Tokyo, but the best way is to take the shinkansen, or bullet train. The shinkansen provides high-speed rail service connecting major cities in Japan, including Tokyo. The train departs from Shin-Osaka Station, which is located in southern Osaka.
Boat
While there is no direct sea route to Tokyo, ferries are available from cities such as Osaka and Kobe to Tokyo's Harumi ferry terminal, located about 2 km southeast of Tokyo Bay. The journey by ferry takes around 17 hours from Osaka and 25 hours from Kobe, but offers beautiful oceanic views.
Bus
The best way to get to Tokyo by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in Japan, such as Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya. The bus journey from these cities takes around 6-9 hours to reach Tokyo. The buses usually depart from the main bus terminal in each city.