Tokyo Nightlife, Japan

Tokyo is undeniably known to be one of the world’s most prominent cities. This vastly populated metropolitan area is home to not only Japanese locals, but students, expatriates and “gaijins” or foreigners as well.

Towering modern and industrial structures surround this megacity which lives up to its name of being the richest urban area in the world. By day Tokyo is a bustling business and financial hub with renowned hotels establishments and industrial enterprises in soaring edifices.

As the clock ticks close to 5 pm and the dusk arrives, the city starts to come alive and awakens. It calls an invitation to experience the great heights of Tokyo nightlife. The streets begin to light up with a colorful array of paper lanterns and vivid neon lights. Tokyo becomes even more energetic as people coming out after a day’s work start to engage in the city’s night of fun and entertainment.

Night spots and entertainment districts are on every corner: the Kabuki-cho area is famous for its bars and nightclubs, the Shibuya is the place for the latest and trendiest clubs for the young and on the edge; the Akasaka has a wide variety of restaurants hotels and clubs with a more local and neighborhood feel; and the up market area of Ginza and Roppongi famous for its high-end mall night clubs and restaurants and an ideal place for Westerners to hang out.

Tokyo city’s nightlife caters to students,  yuppies and business people 20 years and up. Each club and nightspot offers a different mood and atmosphere and suits any lifestyle from the local and hip to the posh and   exclusive.

Visitors can try Magambo, a high-spirited African-themed bar. A place where Westerners frequently hang around, it’s also a place where fun never seems to stop especially on Fridays.

Bar Ambrose, at the so called “Pyramid” building, offers the usual after-work gig for yuppies. The bar becomes jam-packed from 8 pm to the dawning hours of the morning.  

Tourists can also go to Bar Milwaukee or Hobglobin; these English-style pubs are frequented by none other than Englishmen in Tokyo.

Get the sounds of America’s 70’s and 80’s cover tunes played by Japanese bands at the Bauhaus. It offers a great deal of fun and entertainment.

While most bars and clubs are located behind closed doors, in Tokyo’s gay district Advocates Café is a small corner bar that’s really a crowd-favorite.

Guests can also have a taste of Italian right in the heart of Tokyo. Charleston and Son’s offer great Italian dishes served in an outdoor patio, a treat enjoyed by both locals and foreigners.

 La.mama is the place for people who enjoy local and international “indie” music. Dubbed as a great ‘live house’, this joint features talented upcoming artists in a spacious setting. It gives a completely new and different vibe from what other pubs or club venues can offer.

Open to non-members on scheduled nights, Le Baron de Paris offers its guests an evening of dance and sophistication. The venue is host to Tokyo’s beautiful people and exclusive members. The leather couches, dim red lights and intimate dance floor all blend together to spell class and style.  

The Wodka Tonic takes its pride on its versatile bartenders who serve a wide range of cocktails only with the finest ingredients. It also serves small tapa-style plate dishes that are simply irresistible.  

Jazz enthusiasts and aficionados can try the famous Blue Note and the Cotton Club. These high-end clubs offer a nice and more elegant change for the usual Tokyo nightspot.  Opened in 1988 the Blue Note still continues to make jazz waves and draws famous jazz performers. The minimalist-style décor of wood and blue shades give the perfect cozy setting. The Blue Note also serves classic and diverse Japanese and European dishes as well. Tokyo’s installment of the Cotton Club in 2005 has been an attraction to local and international jazz performers. While the ballroom showcases a nostalgic remake of the Harlem Theater, the fine and classic dishes served are undoubtedly Japanese; a mix of culture blending together.

 So see what Tokyo really is in the lights of fun and entertainment. These are just few of the sights to see and places to hop in. You’ll be mesmerized by Tokyo’s vivacity as each hour passes. Tokyo offers nightlife like no other. Experience the highs of Tokyo City until the break of dawn and you’ll surely have a Tokyo night of your life!