Out & About: What to Do in Tokyo at Night
By Adrianadayl Pourraid O. | May 13th, 2024
Are you curious about Tokyo’s nightlife but feel overwhelmed with its never ending options? If you are wondering what to do in Tokyo at night, you're not the only one! Tokyo is the largest city in the world, so looking for things to do can be intimidating especially when you don’t know where to start.
Bars and clubs can be the first things that come to mind when thinking about what to do in Tokyo at night. However not everyone is looking for that; some don’t drink, others want an early night in or perhaps some time for self-care. Your needs will change according to your company or lack thereof. That being said, we all want to understand how things work, how to get to places, when things start or end, potential costs and how accessible things are. If you’re interested in Tokyo’s nightlife, then look no further because we have compiled a list of diverse activities suited for everyone’s needs, as well as provided essential information such as opening times, location, price points, what to expect and who we recommend these spots for.
This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning about Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.
Will I survive Tokyo without Japanese?
First things first, we should address the question that is in everyone’s mind: What can I do in Tokyo at night without the assistance of a Japanese speaker? The short answer is: everything! That being said, there are some things you should keep in mind. Despite Tokyo being a city where only 2% of its population speaks English, more often than not people will try to help. So if you find yourself in a situation where you’re needing assistance, don’t be shy and ask for it. That being said, it is always good to know Useful Japanese Phrases just to get by and to make sure you are respecting Japanese culture, if you need help you can always look at our Guide to Japanese Culture.
English Assistance
If you are looking for linguistic familiarity, some venues cater to the needs of tourists by offering an English menu or having English speaking staff. Finding English options is rare in Tokyo but you are more likely to find them in frequented areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Usually there will be some type of visual queue outside, like a sign or a menu on display with english options. Furthermore, if a spot has some foreigners around, that is always a great indicator of how accessible it is to travelers and foreigners.
However, there are many spots that do not have an English menu nor English speaking staff. If the crowd is mainly Japanese, the chances of them having English options is pretty low. Just to be safe, we recommend having a translation app on hand to avoid any misunderstanding. Looking up reviews online is a really helpful tool, as many people mention if they provide English services or not.If you are learning Japanese, or want to try out some small talk, challenge yourself and put your knowledge to the test. Even if it’s not perfect, people will appreciate the fact that you tried.
Things to look out for
Despite Japan being a very safe country in general, there are some places that try to scam foreigners or tourists. Something you should be wary of is the “foreigner tax”. If you see this written on a sign outside, or you get told that when entering a bar or club it’s safe to stay away from places like those. Additionally, some places might hike up the price in their English menus, so it’s always a safe bet to ask for a Japanese menu. If a Japanese menu is too intimidating for you, having a look at their online menu (with a little help from Google Translate) can always be very helpful.
What to Do in Tokyo at Night: 7 Options off the Beaten Path
Speakeasy
Speakeasy bars are hidden-in-plain-sight bars. Having originated in the prohibition era, these bars usually have concealed entrances, secret passwords and a great ambiance. If you are looking for what to do in Tokyo at night and enjoy unique bars with an interesting concept, this place would be ideal for you.
Igu & peace
This lowkey speakeasy has an entrance that looks like a bookshelf. To open the door to the bar, locate the book to your right that reads “open this book” in Japanese この本を開く (Kono-pon o hiraku) and press the iguana on the button. You’ll see a red light on the bookshelf in front of you turn on and then you can proceed to push the door. The bar has a very unique interior and there is an Industrial feel to the bar. There’s a wide selection of drinks, and if you’re feeling hungry they even have a food menu.
Best for: Introverts, couples looking for somewhere to chat, and small groups of friends
Open Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 17:00 - 23:00
Friday to Saturday: 17:00 - 02:00
Access: 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 1 Chome−5−2 Shibuya SEDE 4F
Nearest Station: Shibuya
Entrance Fee: 500 yen (includes a complimentary entree)
Average Drink Cost: 500-700 yen
Reservation: Online (but walk-ins are okay!)
Website: https://iguandpeace.com/
Learn Japanese. Make friends. Enjoy Japan.
Save up to 30 - 60% on your Japanese lessons while learning online or in the heart of Tokyo
with Japan Switch!
Listening Bars
Tokyo is infamous not only for speakeasy bars, but also for their incredible listening bars which usually have an extensive collection of unique vinyl records. No matter what your music taste might be, there will be an option for you. So if you want to spend a night immersed in music, this spot is perfect for you.
Record Bar Analog
If you wondering what to do in Tokyo at night and are looking for a more intimate environment, Record Bar Analog is the place to go. You can enjoy vinyl records being played on a good sound system. Apart from having a great selection of vinyls, they also make amazing cocktails (ask for their Moscow mule). To further enhance the experience, you get one token upon arrival which is valid for a song request. In the middle of the bar you will find an impressive selection of vinyls, they have everything from jazz, old school hip hop, city pop, and even more modern vinyls. You can browse their carefully chosen selection until you find something you like and ask the bartender to play it for you. The bar is dimly lit, which creates a very relaxing and private ambiance.
Best for: Introverts, couples, and small groups of friends.
Open Hours:
Friday-Sunday: 19:00-03:00
Monday-Thursday: 20:00-03:00
Access: 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dōgenzaka, 2-chōme−20−9 3F
Nearest Station: Shibuya Station
Entrance Fee: Free
Average Drink Cost: 800-1200 yen
Tip: The venue closes before the first train, so it's recommended to have other spots in mind if you are planning to stay in Shibuya until 5 AM.
Website: https://analog-recordbar.com/
Night Spas in Tokyo
Tokyo also provides a ton of other options available until late night that do not include drinking, which include sports, traditional Japanese theatre, and even spas. Despite some of these spots not having English options, if you're looking for what to do in Tokyo at night besides bars, these options will give you unparalleled experiences and guarantee a great stay in Tokyo.
Spa LaQua
Are you looking to take a break from the crowds? Do you need time to recharge after walking and exploring all day long? If so, consider going to Spa LaQua. This Spa is open for a total of 22 hours and it offers a variety of different amenities, from soaking in their hot springs to having facial beauty treatments. You can expect a whole night of visiting saunas, onsens, relaxation facilities and restaurants. If you are a shy or private person, freight not! The Spa lounges are separated by gender, which means that you can comfortably relax in a safe environment. There are a total of 5 floors to explore, so stop by and enjoy a bit of quiet in the centre of Tokyo. It is important to highlight that this establishment is only available to people who do not have any tattoos.
Best for: Solo travellers and couples.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11:00-09:00
Access: 〒112-0003, Tokyo, Bunkyo, Kasuga 1 chōme−1−1 Tokyo Dome 5F-9F
Nearest Station: Korakuen Station and Suidobashi Station
Entrance Fee: 3,230 yen for adults. Other prices can be viewed on the website
Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/spalaqua/
Togoshi Ginza Onsen
What if you do have tattoos but still want to have the Japanese hot spring experience? If you are looking for a tattoo friendly onsen, Togoshi Ginza Onsen is the place for you. This onsen is affordable, popular with the locals and has a very traditional style. If you are looking to relax, immerse yourself fully in the culture and enjoy a local experience, Togoshi Ginza Onsen is highly recommended. Make sure to properly wash yourself before you get in the hot spring bath, which uses a combination of hot water and sodium bicarbonate which has beneficial properties to the skin. You’ll leave the hot spring feeling soft and relaxed.
Best for: Solo travellers, couples, people who sleep early.
Open Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 15:00-01:00
Friday: Closed
Sundays/Holidays: 08:00-12:00 (noon)
Access: 〒142-0041 Tokyo, Shinagawa City, Togoshi, 2-chōme−1−6. The onsen is right next to a coin laundry and has a japanese sign that reads 戸越銀座温泉 (Togoshi ginza onsen)
Nearest Station: Togoshi Station
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Extra Costs: Towels and toiletries (sold at the front desk)
English Support: Some
Tip: We recommend leaving 30 minutes before your last train unless your hotel is at a walking distance from the Onsen
Website: http://togoshiginzaonsen.com/information/index.html
Cultural Activities
Kabukiza
If you are planning on finishing the night early and are looking for what to do in Tokyo at night, Kabukiza is a great option if you are interested in Traditional Japanese Theater. Starring an all male cast, these shows are a unique experience which can be solely experienced in Japan. There are many genres to Kabuki, but the most popular are plays that are centred on historical events, known in Japanese as jidaimono. Another very popular genre is sewamono, or plays focused on domestic events. Lastly, shosagoto is a dance drama, which includes a mix of pure traditional Japanese dance and classical dance. If you want to put your Japanese skills to the test, this is a great opportunity to do so as they only perform in Japanese. Additionally, these shows go on for hours, so if you plan to go to one make sure your schedule is empty.
Best for: Solo travellers, couples, Japanese speakers, and early sleepers
Open Hours: Usually 10:00-18:00 but opening hours and days will vary so check the website
Access: 〒104-0061 Japan, Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 4 Chome−12−15
Nearest Station: Higashi Ginza Station and Ginza Station
Ticket Price: 1000-2000 yen
Reservation: Reservations are possible online and by phone but not necessary
Website: https://www.kabukiweb.net/
Night-time Amusement Center in Tokyo
EST Shibuya
If you find yourself wondering what to do in Tokyo at night and are you looking for an entertaining evening running around, playing sports, and having fun, then you should give EST Shibuya a try. This amusement centre has a ton of different options to choose from: billiards, pool, darts, bowling, games and even a cafe. If you want to channel your inner kid and stay up all night long playing games, you should definitely go to EST Shibuya.
Best for: couples, small groups of friends.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11:00-05:00 (Closes after the first train starts running)
Access: 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya 1-chōme-14-14.
Nearest Station: Shibuya Station
Average Costs: Check the website for the pricing of different activities. All activities are less than 1000 yen.
Website: https://www.shibuyaest.co.jp/
Mocktails
Low-non Bar
If you want to know what to do in Tokyo at night, there is a new kind of bar in Tokyo. These bars that serve drinks with low or no alcohol. If you are in the mood of socializing and being healthy at the same time, which seldom go hand-in-hand, you should pay Low-non Bar a visit. The bar has a very classic and timeless feel and an interior that is definitely one of a kind. There is a variety of unique drinks to choose from. If you want to sip on your mocktail and strike up a conversation with strangers or your significant other, Low-non Bar is the place to be.
Best for: Couples, solo travellers both extroverted and introverts.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 17:00-23:00
Access:〒101-0041 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Sudachō, 1 chōme−25−4.
Nearest Station: Akihabara Station.
Average Drink Cost: 1000-1500 yen
Website: https://orchardknight.com/bar/low-non-bar
Special Night Events in Tokyo
If you have niche interests and are looking for rare events that are not popular or happen once a year, we have some recommended spots that are worth checking out. It is safe to say that some events can be challenging to find for different reasons including language barriers or lack of information. In these cases, social media applications like Instagram or Tiktok can be extremely helpful tools, as they provide a first-person experience or recommendations.
For example, if you are looking for raves but do not know where to find them, you could have a look at different techno clubs, check the performing DJs’ profiles, and find parties that are more underground or exclusive. You could also look at pictures or reels that influencers take of seasonal festivals, so you have an idea of what to expect, how crowded they are or what to bring.
Underground raves
If you are a lover of techno or house, or do not enjoy mainstream events or music, you might be asking yourself what to do in Tokyo at night and where to find events that show a glimpse of the Tokyo underground scene. In Tokyo, it’s all about who you know. Getting to know DJs or partygoers will give you access to parties that are otherwise impossible to find. So when you’re in these spots, try to mingle and make friends.
Mitsuki
Mitsuki is very well known for their line ups and DJs. More often than not they play house music but there are some special events where techno, drum & bass or even rap can be heard. The venue is very lowkey and compact, so expect to bump shoulders with your fellow ravers. That being said, make sure you keep it respectful and follow the rave culture. The interior is very unique and the people in attendance are friendly and easygoing. It’s highly recommended to check their instagram profile to see their line up and entry costs.
Best for: Solo travellers, a small group of friends, and Japanese speakers.
Open Hours: Always changing according to the week and the event, go to their instagram profile to see when the event of your choice starts.
Access: 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dōgenzaka, 1 chōme−22−12 B1F
Nearest Station: Shibuya Station
Average Entrance Fee: 1000-2000 (depends on event)
Average Drink Cost: 700-1000 yen
Dress Code: No specific dress code but avoid going in fancy attire or your casual exploring clothing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitsuki_tokyo/
Traffic
This venue always throws a variety of different parties but it is extremely well known in the underground rave scene in Tokyo. If you are planning on going to Traffic, make sure you check their instagram account to get an idea of what type of music will be played. A lot of the secret location parties are thrown here, so make sure you keep up with their stories as the party flyer is only posted there. The place itself has a really interesting layout and crowd, definitely a great recommendation for underground lovers.
Best for: Solo travellers, a small group of friends, and Japanese speakers.
Open Hours: Always changing according to the week and the event, go to their instagram profile to see when the event of your choice starts.
Access: 〒106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 1-chōme−4−48 B2F
Nearest Station: Roppongi Station and Nogizaka Station
Entrance Fee: 1000-2000 (can vary depending on event).
Average Drink Cost: 700-1000 yen
Dress Code: Usually there is no dress code but this will depend on the party, so make sure you read carefully.
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/traffic .tokyo/
What to do in Tokyo at Night: Seasonal Events
Cherry Blossom Illuminations in Meguro River
Viewing cherry blossoms in Japan is a one-in-a-lifetime experience. In the daytime, people attend festivals or have picnics under the cherry blossom trees. Out of all the festivals, the cherry blossom festival in Meguro is one of the most popular ones in Tokyo. At night, they illuminate the cherry blossom trees and set up lanterns. Visitors usually stroll relaxedly by Meguro River and enjoy the calming view. This option does require some patience as there are big crowds that form, so be prepared to queue and walk very slowly.
Best for: Couples and small groups of friends
Duration: Roughly on March 29th to April 7th (Important: these dates will change depending on the blooming season)
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 17:00 to 20:00
Access: Meguro River
Nearest Station: Nakameguro Station
Entrance Fee: Free
Tip: We recommend seeing the cherry blossom blooming season forecast before you make any concrete plans
Hanabi (Fireworks Festival) in Sumidagawa
The Hanabi Festival in Sumidagawa is a massive event that is known for its huge crowds. The reason for its popularity is their stunning firework show where approximately 20,000 fireworks go off. In addition to enjoying the show, you can also enjoy trying some of the many different food options available like yakisoba, takoyaki, mochi and many more. Additionally, you could also take advantage of the Hanabi festival by renting a yukata and wearing it for the evening. If you are curious about this event and want to know what to expect, you can go on social media and have a look at the videos and pictures taken of the event.
Best for: Couples and small groups of friends.
Open Hours: The firework show begins at around 19:00 and lasts for a total of 90 minutes.
Access: There are various viewing points. The official website has a map of the viewing points
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/ (only available in Japanese)
Halloween in Shibuya
Halloween in Shibuya is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Huge crowds gather in the centre of Tokyo to show off their unique costumes, take pictures and mingle in the streets. Some people go there to simply catch a glimpse of intricate costumes and others like to participate by dressing up. In recent years, however, there have been stricter rules implemented by the Japanese authorities. There is a drinking ban on Halloween day, meaning that selling alcohol in convenience stores is prohibited and people cannot drink on the street. Furthermore, in 2023 celebrating Halloween in the streets of Shibuya was prohibited. That being said, if you are looking for what to do in Tokyo at night during halloween, you can check out our Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Japan.
Best for: Extroverted solo travellers, couples, small groups of friends.
Duration: October 31st
Nearest Station: Shibuya Station
Entrance Fee: Free
Winter Illuminations: Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu
Christmas is considered a holiday exclusively for friends and couples in Japan. On that day, couples and friends go to parties, they order KFC and eat strawberry shortcake. Nevertheless, people in Tokyo love Christmas time. During Christmas time, the city is lit up at night with illuminations everywhere and the atmosphere seems cosier. If you want to know what to do in Tokyo at night during Christmas, a well known winter event is Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu. You can expect to walk 800 metres alongside trees lit with blue-only illuminations. There’s a reflective coat on the street which causes the light to bounce off of it, intensifying the blue hue. They also host a Christmas market with a variety of seasonal foods, so you can snack while you explore. If you are in Tokyo around Christmas time, we definitely recommend stopping by and enjoying this unique experience.
Best for: Couples, small groups of friends, and solo travellers.
Duration: Normally starts the 1st of December and goes on until the 25th (changes on a yearly basis)
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 17:00-22:00
Access: Shibuya Park Street to Yoyogi Park Keyaki Namiki.
Nearest Station: Harajuku Station
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: https://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp/en/
Mingling with Japanese Locals
You might be interested in getting to know some locals but are feeling unsure of how to strike up a conversation. Maybe you want to learn about Japanese culture, language, and history. Perhaps you want to level-up your Japanese and have a conversation in a real-life scenario, or simply want to make new friends and meet people. Talking to new people can be intimidating, so here are some bars and events that can help you get rid of that awkwardness by fostering environments that are meant for connection and social interaction.
Meeting Tokyo Locals
Tasuichi
This bar is known for its popularity with foreigners. There are tourists but the bar is particularly known as the hang-out spot for foreigners that live in Japan. There are also a lot of Japanese locals who venture into the bar. Since this bar is reputable for its foreign customers, most Japanese people who go here will be able to speak english or willing to speak it. The crowd is very international, the staff is very friendly and they can speak in English. It’s a very social bar so it does get crowded, so if you like international environments and are in the mood to make some friends we definitely recommend stopping by.
Best for: Extroverted solo travellers or small friend groups.
Open Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 17:00-02:00
Friday-Saturday: 17:00-03:00
Access: 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho 33-14
Nearest Station: Shibuya Station
Average Drink Cost: 500-800 yen
Tip: If you are worried about how crowded it may be or perhaps are just curious about how the venue is, the official website has a live camera
Website: https://www.tasuichi.co.jp/
Voyager Stand Shibuya
Voyager Stand Shibuya is incredibly popular with both foreigners and locals. It’s open every single evening and they play a wide variety of music. In the bar, the crowd is extremely international and you have really high chances of talking to Japanese locals. If you speak some Japanese, this could be a great place to start. Most Japanese locals who visit this bar speak some English, so you can ask if you can practice some Japanese with them.
Best for: Solo travellers or small friend groups.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 19:00-01:00
Access: 〒150-0044 Tokyo, Shibuya, Maruyamachō 2-6 2F
Nearest Station: Shibuya station
Entrance Fee: If you follow them on instagram, the entrance fee is 1,100 yen for all you can drink.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyager_shibuya/?hl=en
Speakeasy Bar & Food
If you want to use your Japanese skills, Speakeasy Bar and Food offers the possibility of language exchange in many different languages. Every Friday and Saturday they have their Speakeasy international party, which is meant to foster an environment where you meet new people and practice languages together in an easy-going setting.. Here you can interact with both locals and foreigners, and it is a great opportunity to practise your Japanese skills in a judgement free environment. They also throw special events every once in a while and host language exchange classes in the early hours of the evening.
Best for: extroverted solo travellers, small group of friends, Japanese speakers.
Open Hours: Friday-Saturday: 18:00-12:00
Access: 〒170-0004 Tokyo, Toshima City, Kitaōtsuka, 2-chōme−14−1 3F
Nearest Station: Otsuka Station
Average Drink Cost: 700-1000 yen
Average Food Cost: 400-800 yen
Website: http://speakeasy-tokyo.com/language-corner/
What to do in Tokyo at Night: Budget-friendly activities
Are you travelling on a tight budget? Or do you simply want cheaper alternatives but experiences that are equally as good as the previous options? Here are some budget-friendly alternatives that will make you and your wallet happy.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
If you are looking for a free alternative to Shibuya Sky, this building is definitely a great option. Located in Shinjuku, it has a panoramic view of Tokyo city and the best thing is that it’s free! It’s a memorable spot to visit and there are gift and souvenir shops along the way. It’s a picture-worthy location, so have your tripods and your cameras ready. The deck can be closed due to bad weather or other reasons, so make sure to check the website before going!
Best for: Solo travellers, small groups and couples.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 09:00-22:00 (last entry: 21:30)
Access: 〒163-8001 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2 Chome−8−1 45F
Nearest Station: Tochomae Station
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/offices/observat.html
The HUB
If you want to know what to do in Tokyo at night and are in the mood for a beer or two, you should check out THE HUB. The HUB is a British pub. This chain store is very popular in Tokyo for both foreigners and locals. They provide English menus and the food and drinks are very affordable. No matter what location you are in, it is most likely that you will have a HUB in the vicinity. So if you want a cheap meal and quick drink or two, this is the pub for you.
Best for: Small groups of friends or solo travellers
Open Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 16:00-02:00
Sundays and holidays: 16:00-00:00
Access: They have several locations, so try to find one close to you.
Average Drink Cost: 500-800 yen
Average Food Cost: 500-1300 yen
Learn Japanese for Free
Our newsletter for beginner to low intermediate Japanese students will get you on the right track to learning Japanese and saving money.
Final Thoughts
Looking for what to do in Tokyo at night can be a scary task, especially for first-time visitors. Luckily Tokyo offers a ton of different and unique activities to do at night; from mingling with locals to self-care spa nights, there's an option for everyone! Just make sure to make the most of your time in Tokyo and enjoy it to the fullest.
Related Articles:
Ultimate Guide to Japanese Customs
Ultimate Guide to Summer Festival in Japan
Guide to Japanese Friends
Ultimate Guide to Japanese Conversation
Top 15 Japanese Listening Tips
Top 40 Japanese Slang to Know
Ultimate Guide to Beginner Japanese
Guide to Japanese Language Exchange
Guide to Online Lesson Tools
Ultimate Guide to Visiting a Haunted House in Japan
