Tokyo is a big city. There are many many things to do here. I have been out and about the city on most days, trying new things like live-music venues, gaming stations and exciting places for nightly dinners. Trust me, there’s ALOT. There are expat-friendly spots, 8pm to 8am places like Hyungboo, theaters, and authentic old Tokyo streets for endless wandering.
There are memorable spots that you seriously cannot miss if you are traveling here for a week or so. I have compiled some of my favorite places, the best nightlife activities, and also took some recs from the aficionados on the web. Here are things I recommend you try during your evenings and nights in Tokyo:
- Yakitori and Drinks into the Night
At Toriton in Tokyo, indulge in yakitori and delicious drinks well into the night. With its small yet inviting atmosphere, it’s a gem for yakitori lovers. The menu boasts a variety of options beyond yakitori, including mouthwatering ala carte dishes like sushi and mountain jellyfish. Despite its cozy size, the spacious seating accommodates large groups. Offering a rich and satisfying menu, Toriton ensures a delightful dining experience with prices averaging ¥3,000–4,000 per person. Keep the long queue in mind though; this place is quite popular.
- Travel to Harajuku
At night, Harajuku transforms into a vibrant hub of activity for shopping and food. Explore Takeshita Street’s eclectic shops and eateries, where colorful lights illuminate the lanes. Here the Japanese crepes or street food delights make it to most food bloggers YT and Instagram videos. Also check out the themed cafes. Harajuku, Tokyo at night promises a cool blend of culture, fashion, and culinary delights.
- Check out Mori Tower for art and city views
The Mori Art Museum in Roppongi has an impressive collection from both local art legends to foreign favorites and is one of the city’s most venerated art galleries. It stays open until 10 pm. Once you’ve had your fill of the art, you can head to the indoor viewing deck on the 52nd floor to view the city from 250 meters above sea level. It looks like a whole new world, a universe suspended upside down, as though you’re standing above the stars. The view really makes it one of the best things you could do in Tokyo at night.
- Visit a Karaoke spot in Shibuya
What can you do in the world’s Karaoke capital but sing your heart out? Karaoke places in Tokyo offer everything from single-person booths to halls meant for more than 50 people. At night, although there is a Karaoke place on almost every street the Karaoke Kan chain, with branches near every major station in Tokyo, is popular for its all-you-can-drink-till-dawn deals. A trip to Tokyo would surely be incomplete without spending a night at these ebullient establishments. I would recommend KaraokeKan as the machines there are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
- Wander at Sensoji or the Asakusa Kannon Temple
It is quite peaceful to wander near the Sensoji area at night. Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple located in the Asakusa District and its significance cannot be overstated. During the day visits to this holy place are tempered by formidable crowds and street vendors. But thankfully, this temple keeps its grounds open at all hours. During the nighttime, with the entire temple lit only by lanterns and a noticeably diminished crowd, the reverence and contentment it evokes can be felt in all its gracious magnitude.
- Arakicho
Arakicho, adjacent to Yotsuya Sanchome, comes alive as the sun sets, with its vibrant array of restaurants lighting up the streets. It is a former geisha district transformed into a haven for snack pubs and also jazz music. Often hailed as a preserved slice of old Tokyo frozen in time, Arakicho offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Cap off your Arakicho exploration with a visit to Bar C-Shell, known for its speciality in whiskey.
- Go see the Gundam Statue
This 18-meter tall recreation of a character in a novel is an excellent representation of Japan’s piety to fictional worlds. Once you’ve visited the cosplayer on Harajuku street in the daytime, make your way across the Rainbow bridge to the Odaiba district to take in the magnificence of this ode to sci-fi. It changes position every half an hour, going in and out of ‘destroy’ mode and at night it is quite thrilling.
- Go on a Bar Crawl
Tokyo’s take on bars, or izakayas, are small places that only seat up to 10 people at a time and are generally squeezed into a labyrinth of alleys, with hundreds in a single location. Shibuya is preferred for a youthful experience whereas Asakusa is ideal if you prefer your drinks with a glimpse into the traditional Japanese nightlife experience. Golden Gai located just outside Shinjuku station is a network of six streets with as many as 200 bars and a variety of experiences. Check out Rock Bar Mother in Shinjuku, where live shows occasionally take the stage, catering to enthusiasts of rock and metal music.
- Game Bar Glück
At Game Bar Glück, immerse yourself in a world of entertainment as you explore their extensive collection of board games. Located in Tokyo, this bar offers a cozy ambiance perfect for gaming enthusiasts. From classics to modern favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as you sip on drinks and engage in friendly competition. For an arcade experience, Hirose Entertainment Yard is quite a popular recommendation.
- Take to the City’s Waterways
Okay, I know, looking at water is not associated with Tokyo’s amazing nightlife, but hear me out. This is really something to do once in Tokyo. It is easy to forget that Tokyo was once segmented with rivers and canals, the way we picture Venice to be. More than a hundred rivers and canals are hidden beneath the city, under its many highways. I recommend taking a Yakabutane, a private Japanese boat out to the rivers (if you can squeeze it into your budget). They’re beautifully decorated in the traditional style with tatami mats and low tables. The view of Tokyo they provide is astonishingly charming. You can also take a look at the Tokyo Bay Cruise for night time cruising.
- How about a Club instead of a Bar?
With its pulsating dancefloor, eclectic music selection, and inviting nooks for quiet moments, Atom Tokyo promises an authentic Japanese club experience. They have an entrance fee posted on their website too.The venue boasts stellar music and ambiance. For a change of pace, venture to WOMB, a sprawling dance club renowned for its house music and top-tier DJs. While less focused on socializing, WOMB guarantees an unforgettable night of music and energy, attracting a diverse crowd. Whether you’re seeking lively interactions or simply want to dance the night away, Tokyo’s nightlife scene has something for everyone.
- Relax in an Onsen or a Sento
After a long day of travel and sightseeing, can you imagine anything better than to relax in an onsen? They’re public baths, often containing water from natural springs heated by the high volcanic activity in Japan. Most of them stay open overnight. They are strictly segregated by gender. Onsen baths are coveted for their healing properties and how most Onsen baths are created and crafted like art themselves. has a good rep among the Japanese.
13. Enjoy an Izakaya at Takamaru Denki
Takamaru Denki presents an exceptional izakaya experience with an open kitchen and complimentary appetizers. Although prices are relatively high and we spent close to 18,000 yen for five meals, the quality justifies it. Opting for the 5,500 yen course, inclusive of two hours of all-you-can-drink is also delightful. Signature dishes like grilled eggs and soup dumplings have exquisite flavors. The sours are also something to definitely try!
14. Spend the night in a Manga Cafe
In Tokyo, manga cafes offer a unique experience for manga readers. One Piece, Naruto, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, One Punch Man, Black Clover – you name it and the cafes have it! Step into these cozy havens filled with shelves of manga from floor to ceiling. For a modest fee, enjoy unlimited access to manga, comfortable seating, and even amenities like snacks and drinks. Whether you’re diving into a new series or revisiting old favorites, manga cafes provide an immersive escape and also provide overnight stay in private booths.
Tokyo truly comes to life at dusk, its lights glittering across its many rivers, streets and towers. Take some time out on your visit to Tokyo to enjoy the nightlife and experience an entirely different city from what you saw during the day. Also, stay safe, visit with friends, keep someone posted and steer clear of places that may charge the “foreigner tax”.
– by Lakshmi Karlekar
Mizu City 
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