[The Complete Guide to Tokyo Nightlife] A Night Out in the City That Never Sleeps

If you’re sightseeing in Tokyo at night, be sure to include observation decks, landmarks, and other great night view spots in your plan.
From Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree to glowing high-rise districts and romantic views where city lights shimmer on the surface of the Sumida River or Tokyo Bay, you’ll find different kinds of night scenery in every area.

Tokyo’s entertainment districts are packed with places to eat and drink that stay open late.
In lively areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya, you’ll find everything from stylish bars to casual, neighborhood-style pubs lined up side by side.
Whether you want to chat with friends or sip a cocktail solo and unwind, it’s easy to choose a vibe that fits you.
Beyond izakaya, there are also show restaurants and jazz clubs, so you can pair your drinks with all kinds of experiences.

“Shime ramen” is ramen eaten at the end of a night out—after drinks or dinner—as the “finale” to the evening.
It’s a uniquely Japanese tradition that many people love as a post-drinks finish.
The classic move is to leave the bar and head to a ramen shop with your group.
The hot soup and noodles really hit the spot, helping you feel pleasantly settled while leaving you with that hard-to-beat sense of satisfaction that keeps you coming back.
Tokyo, in particular, has plenty of ramen shops open late at night and even until morning, so you can pick a bowl that suits your taste. Enjoy Tokyo nights the way locals do.

In Shinjuku after dark, you can enjoy sightseeing and experiences that only a neon-lit entertainment district can offer.
Shinjuku Kabukicho, often called “the city that never sleeps,” is lined with lounges, clubs, and concept cafés and is known as one of Japan’s biggest nightlife hubs.
At a host club, for example, polished male hosts entertain women with quick conversation and attentive service.
At a kyabakura, glamorous women help you unwind with smiles and friendly talk.
These venues aren’t just places to drink—they’re entertainment-rich spaces with a stage-like feel, where you can step into a world unlike everyday life.
Shinjuku also has show restaurants such as the Samurai Museum, along with many other distinctive, one-of-a-kind spots.

At night in Shibuya, laughter and conversation from the crowds mix with the sound of traffic, wrapping the entire area in big-city energy.
The neighborhood’s symbol, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, glows with neon and dazzling giant screens.
At SHIBUYA SKY, an observation facility near the crossing, you can look down on the bustle from 230 meters above ground and enjoy a dreamlike night view.
With plenty of bars and nightclubs, it’s also a great place to lose yourself in music and dancing.
And because karaoke and game centers stay open late, Shibuya is perfect when you want to keep the fun going until morning.

Roppongi is known as a sophisticated, adult-oriented neighborhood with a wide range of nightlife options.
From the observation deck at Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View, you can take in sweeping night views that include Tokyo Tower and the Odaiba area—perfect for a romantic moment.
Museums and galleries also stay open into the evening, letting you enjoy art and night views in a single night.
Nightclubs where you can catch top DJs and show clubs featuring sexy, powerful performances are also scattered around, and many people spend lively nights out with music and drinks.
With its urban glamour and international feel, Roppongi is an ideal choice when you want a night that feels a little out of the ordinary.

Tokyo Tower was built in 1958. Located in Minato City in central Tokyo, it offers sweeping views of the city from its observation decks.
Because the tower is relatively close to the ground and there are buildings at similar heights, you can clearly see illuminated skyscrapers, expressways, bridges, and more from the observation floors.
The tower itself, lit up at night, is also a beautiful sight.

Odaiba Seaside Park features an approx. 800-meter manmade beach called Odaiba Beach, where you can enjoy water activities, as well as the Isohama Zone, a rocky shore area where you can fish.
Sunsets and night views from the park are especially beautiful. With views of the Rainbow Bridge and surrounding high-rises, it’s a distinctly Tokyo scene—and its romantic atmosphere has also made it a well-known date spot.

An indoor observation deck at an elevation of 250 meters, located on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower.
From a fully glass-enclosed space with an 11-meter-high ceiling, you can take in 360-degree views of Tokyo’s cityscape.
There’s also the open-air Sky Deck on the rooftop at 270 meters, where you can feel the expansive scenery with a real sense of openness.
The highlight is the dreamlike night view of illuminated landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the Rainbow Bridge.
The panoramic city lights are breathtaking—once you see this jewel-like sparkle, you won’t forget it.

Haneda Airport is Japan’s largest airport, officially named Tokyo International Airport.
It has three terminals, each with an observation deck where you can watch planes take off and land up close, plus shopping and a wide range of restaurants.
At the “Stardust Stage” on the south-side observation deck of Terminal 2, approx. 4,000 LED lights embedded in the floor light up at night.
The runway also feels wonderfully romantic, with the aircraft lights and guidance lights shining as planes take off and land.

At the heart of Tokyo Skytree Town is Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter-tall broadcasting tower and major sightseeing attraction. Inside the tower are two observation areas: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
The daytime views are impressive, of course, but the beautiful night scenery—glowing high-rises and Tokyo Tower included—is also a major draw.
Don’t miss Tokyo Skytree itself, beautifully lit up at night.

Konica Minolta Planetarium “Manten” (Ikebukuro) is a popular spot for everyone from families to couples, letting you enjoy a beautiful starry world without leaving the city center.
The vivid, deep star field projected by a state-of-the-art optical projector onto the dome’s level, step-free interior feels so real it’s like looking up at the actual night sky.
On the fully flat “Grass Seats” (limited to three groups) at the very front of the dome, or the plush white “Cloud Seats” (limited to five groups), you can lie back and gaze at the stars at your leisure.

A boathouse in Shinagawa with over 170 years of history. You can enjoy yakatabune dinner cruises—long loved since the Edo period—year-round.
For private charters for groups of at least 20 people, multiple courses are available with different meal offerings.
The roof area of the boat is a deck with panoramic views, where you can take in Tokyo landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge.

Roppongi Hills is a landmark in the international, sophisticated neighborhood of Roppongi.
At the very top of its Mori Tower on the 53rd floor, you’ll find the Mori Art Museum.
It hosts a wide range of special exhibitions through its unique perspective on cutting-edge global art, architecture, and design, and also runs programs such as the “MAM Collection,” which showcases works from its collection, and “MAM Screen,” which screens video works alongside its exhibitions.

A large-scale entertainment complex spread across a vast site that includes Tokyo Dome, famous as a baseball stadium.
Alongside the massive Tokyo Dome, you’ll find an amusement park, restaurants, shops, a hotel, and more all in one place.
There’s no admission fee for the amusement park, so you can easily hop on rides by paying for attractions individually. LaQua also houses shopping, dining, and a natural hot spring spa.
At night, the whole area is beautifully decorated with illuminations.

A never-sleeping hot spring facility located Approx. a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station and Approx. a 9-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit).
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s known for letting you enjoy natural hot springs anytime right in the city.
From “Kamiyo no Yu” water brought in from Nakaizu to a women-only moisturizing bath and high-concentration carbonated baths, the facilities are designed to soothe both body and mind.
Admission includes loungewear and towels, which makes it easy to drop in with nothing in hand.
There’s also an on-site restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine and ethnic dishes, making it a great place to enjoy a meal or drinks after a soak.
Other amenities include a rooftop sports bar & fitness area (free with admission), plus paid facilities such as a sauna, hot stone spa (Healing Terra), and aroma esthetics.

BLUE NOTE TOKYO is a jazz club and live music restaurant in Minato City’s Minami-Aoyama, Approx. an 8-minute walk from Omotesando Station.
It opened in 1988 as a sister venue of the renowned New York jazz club Blue Note.
Its biggest appeal is enjoying performances up close by top-tier artists from Japan and around the world in a classic setting.
With live shows spanning jazz, soul, R&B, and more on daily and weekly rotations, you can experience powerful, immersive performances in a well-equipped space.
Food and drinks are also a highlight, with light meals and original cocktails you can choose based on your mood and the occasion—perfect for a special night out.
Please note that reservations are generally required (walk-ins are possible if there are openings on the day), and membership registration is required.

Magic Dining Bar OSMAND is a show restaurant in Roppongi, Minato City, Approx. a 2-minute walk from Roppongi Station on the subway.
It features one of Japan’s largest magic-only theaters, where you can watch authentic magic and shows by professional magicians active around the world.
All performers and staff speak English, so international visitors can fully enjoy the mysterious atmosphere.
The drink menu includes a wide lineup, from cocktails to wine. Food focuses on creative Italian cuisine, with a broad selection of dishes.
You’ll also find plenty of unique items that capture a magical worldview, such as “Metamorphic Magic” and “Berry Butter Beer.”

KUJIRA ENTERTAINMENT in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho is a new-style show restaurant where you can step into a cyberpunk world.
It’s known for its neon-lit futuristic space and productions that make use of large screens.
Along with shows that reimagine Japanese culture through a modern lens, you can enjoy a range of acts, including an attraction where zombies roam and idol shows.
The food is supervised by the renowned Daikanyama restaurant “In,” and you can also savor sweets by an in-house pastry chef and authentic cocktails crafted by the bartender.
Original shisha created by a shisha sommelier is another highlight.
Hours are from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am the next morning, making it a great spot to enjoy Tokyo nights even if you’re starting late.

A rooftop bar where you can spend a special time with breathtaking views over Tokyo’s iconic skyline, including Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree®.
Relax with drinks and comfortable music as Tokyo’s scenery shifts moment by moment from sunset to night.
By purchasing a web ticket, you can reserve sofa seats in advance.
Standing tables with an open, airy feel are also popular and can be used without a reservation.

A spacious venue with 164 seats, featuring a lively open kitchen, a 13-meter-long bar counter where you can also enjoy drinks standing, and private rooms with views of Tokyo Tower.
The menu blends Spanish and Italian dishes such as pasta and tapas with elements of an American diner. A wide selection of wines is another highlight.
It’s also a nice plus that it stays open until 2:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and nights before public holidays.

HUB Shinjuku Kuyakusho-dori is part of the HUB pub chain, widely supported—especially by people in their 20s and 30s—as an easy place to enjoy a reasonably priced drink.
Inside, multiple monitors let you watch a variety of sports, with a focus on soccer and rugby.
At HUB, the idea is to enjoy drinks and conversation while getting caught up in the excitement of the game.

A retro, old-school drinking area in Shinjuku Kabukicho, where Approx. 300 small shops in wooden row houses line narrow alleys. It’s well known as a place where you can feel Japanese culture up close.
Most bars are so small they fill up with just a few people at the counter, which makes it easy to get close to the staff and other customers. Even if you go alone, the homey atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy a fun drink.

A next-generation entertainment food hall that opened in April 2023 with a “festival” theme.
Located on the 2nd floor of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, it’s an experiential facility that blends food, music, and visuals.
The overall atmosphere is lively, with nightly performances and events that entertain visitors and create a true festival mood.
Collaborations with traditional arts such as wadaiko drums and Awa Odori dance are also among the highlights.
Across an approx. 1,000㎡ floor, 10 restaurants come together, serving everything from Hokkaido to Kyushu and Okinawa, plus Korean soul food.
Along with a wide variety of dishes like yakitori, rice bowls, and kushikatsu, you’ll also find plenty of local “B-grade gourmet” comfort foods that highlight regional character.
Because many shops close at 5:00 am the next morning, you can keep hanging out until the first train.

A cozy stretch along the train tracks near Shibuya Station, lined with just under 40 small izakaya.
There’s a wide variety, from places serving Japanese home-style and countryside dishes to wine bars and bistros.
Hours vary by shop, but it’s generally open from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am. Some places open at 4:00 pm, while others stay open past 12:00 am.

If you’re going out at night in Tokyo, try experiencing the “behind-the-scenes” side that doesn’t show up in guidebooks—places only locals know. One way to do that is by visiting a snack bar found along yokocho alleys.
A “snack” is a type of bar where the owner serves and chats with customers across the counter.
The owner is often a woman and is commonly called “Mama” or “Mama-san” by customers.
Many regulars keep coming back because they’re drawn to Mama’s personality, and a warm, family-like community often forms around her.
That said, travelers who don’t speak Japanese may be turned away if they drop in casually, so please be aware.
If you’d like to try a snack bar, we recommend joining the snack tour introduced in the article below.

Aburi Miso Ramen Mensho Shimbasamiya Shibuya is a ramen shop facing Dogenzaka in Shibuya.
Popular items include “Aburi Miso Ramen” and “Aburi Ajitama Miso Ramen,” letting you enjoy traditional Sapporo-style miso ramen from Hokkaido.
The shop uses a secret miso blend made from 13 ingredients, searing vegetables and garlic over high heat to bring out a toasty aroma and deep richness.
With bold flavor and great noodles, it’s perfect as a post-drinks finish.
For a second round of enjoyment, try switching up the flavor mid-bowl by adding the garam masala (an Indian spice) on the table.
Hours are: Mondays 11:00 am to 3:30 am the next morning; Tuesdays–Thursdays and Sundays 11:00 am to 4:30 am the next morning; Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 am to 6:30 am the next morning.

Dotonbori Kamukura is a major Kansai-based ramen chain that started in Osaka.
The Shinjuku location in Kabukicho is a short walk from Shinjuku Station on multiple lines and is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 am the next morning.
The No. 1 most popular item is its signature “Oishii Ramen.”
Its secret soy sauce-based soup is filled with plenty of napa cabbage, adding natural sweetness for a one-of-a-kind flavor.
It’s mild, easy to eat, and simple yet never gets old—an approach that has earned many fans.
Light and easy on the stomach, it’s perfect after drinking, and also recommended for women and those with smaller appetites.
With table condiments like garlic chive kimchi and grated garlic, plus plenty of paid toppings, you can customize your bowl to your liking.

Hakata Menbo Aka no Ren Nishi-Azabu (Main Branch) is a long-running ramen shop with over 40 years of history, located along Roppongi-dori Avenue in Minato City, Tokyo.
Its appeal is being able to enjoy Hakata tonkotsu ramen—one of Japan’s three major ramen styles—right here in Tokyo.
Inside, the casual, yatai-style atmosphere feels authentic, and the shop is lively at all hours.
The signature is its carefully crafted “soy sauce-based, milky-white tonkotsu broth” paired with “extra-thin, flat noodles,” a combination the shop has pursued since it opened.
Made daily in a large Goemon cauldron over the course of a full day, the soup is rich yet clean on the finish, pairs beautifully with the noodles, and is delicious.
A popular order is the classic “Raamen,” and if you have room, adding extra noodles (kaedama) is also recommended.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 am the next morning; closed on Sundays.

Udagawa Cafe is a long-running Shibuya café located Approx. a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit.
Since opening in 2001, it has been known as the original night café, open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 am the next morning, with food and drink orders accepted until 4:00 am.
Inside is a stylish space filled with vintage furniture, and the overall dim lighting creates a nostalgic atmosphere.
Its cozy feel is a big reason for its popularity, making it easy to use for many situations—girls’ nights, dates, reading, or meetings.
Hand-dripped coffee with a rich yet clean taste, plus a wide menu of food and sweets, are also highlights.
In particular, the house-made “Shibuya Keema Curry” and “Pork Ginger” are so good they’ve earned plenty of repeat customers.

cafe AALIYA is a long-running café famous for French toast, located across from Isetan at the corner of the Shinjuku-sanchome intersection.
It closes at 11:00 pm on Fridays and 10:30 pm on weekdays, with last orders 30 minutes before closing.
Look for the colorful entrance at the bottom of the stairs leading underground. The interior offers a relaxing space with a calm, casual feel.
The café’s signature French toast is thick, slightly crisp on the outside, soft inside, and lightly sweet.

THE SUN & THE MOON Cafe is a museum café on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Minato City, Tokyo.
It’s also recommended as a break spot after enjoying the Mori Art Museum or Tokyo City View inside the tower.
At an elevation of 250 meters, you can relax while taking in spectacular views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree.
Another distinctive feature is the contemporary artwork on display inside, themed around “light,” so you can enjoy food and drinks while appreciating art and the night view.
Menus vary by season, but offerings include light meals like burgers and pasta, plus coffee, specialty tea, and craft beer.
Hours are 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, with food orders accepted until 9:00 pm and drink orders until 9:30 pm, making it an easy place to stop by even later in the evening.