Tokyo is the capital of Japan and a world-famous metropolis. When it comes to cities you want to visit when traveling to Japan, Tokyo is always at the top of the list. In this article, we will introduce 7 must-visit nightlife spots where you can enjoy Tokyo at night.
Highlights and characteristics of Tokyo at night
Tokyo is a world-famous metropolis and is visited by many tourists every day. “Tokyo Skytree” and “Tokyo Tower” are tourist attractions that many people know. On the other hand, Tokyo’s signature gourmet dishes such as “Monja” and enjoying meals on traditional houseboats are also popular among foreigners.
In addition to the latest trendy spots, there are also tourist spots where you can get a glimpse of good old Japan, and Tokyo’s nightlife spots are characterized by the fact that they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on the person.
Tokyo nightlife spots
Recommended #1: Tokyo Skytree
“Tokyo Skytree” is a 634m high radio tower that opened in 2012. It is the world’s tallest radio tower, and has already become a world-famous spot as a landmark that symbolizes Tokyo.
There are two observation decks: the “Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck” at a height of 350m and the “Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria” at a height of 450m. At the restaurant “Sky Restaurant 634 (musashi)” located on the floor of the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck, you can enjoy your meal while looking out at the night view of Tokyo. This is a recommended tourist spot to spend a special night in Tokyo with your loved one. If you want to eat at a restaurant, be sure to make a reservation in advance. (Reservation required)
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| Official website | https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp |
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Tokyo Skytree is lit up at night. This is a typical view of Tokyo at night, so be sure to capture it on camera.
Recommended #2: Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
“Tokyu Kabukicho Tower” is a multipurpose high-rise building that opened in 2023 in Shinjuku Kabukicho, one of Japan’s largest entertainment districts. The 225m tall building has many entertainment spaces such as a live floor, theater, movie theater, food court, and game floor.
We recommend “Shinjuku Kabuki Hall Kabuki Yokocho” on the second floor. This food hall is a fusion of food, music, and video with the theme of “Japanese festivals”. In this next-generation entertainment space that combines good old Japanese culture with the latest technology, you can enjoy dishes from all over Japan as well as from Japan’s neighboring country, South Korea.
This is a recommended spot if you want to have a fun meal with friends.
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| Official website | https://www.tokyu-kabukicho-tower.jp |
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Recommended #3: Yakatabune boats Tsurushin
A traditional activity representative of Tokyo is the Yakatabune boats ride where you can eat and drink on board. Even today, many Yakatabune boats are operated in areas near Tokyo Bay. Among them, “Tsurishin” is a popular Yakatabune boat where you can enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine, including fresh sashimi and tempura, and hot pot dishes in winter.
If going in a large group, you can also use a plan to charter a Yakatabune boat, but basically you can use a shared plan that can be used by 2 people or more. While enjoying Japanese cuisine, you will visit various sightseeing spots such as Tokyo Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Tower. The duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, so you can enjoy it at your leisure.
Prices range from 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen, and a 2 hour and 30 minute tour that includes Japanese food and all-you-can-drink is a great deal. It’s great for families, couples, and friends. It is a must-visit tourist spot for nightlife in Tokyo.
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| Official website | https://www.yakatabune-tsurishin.com |
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Recommended #4: Tsukishima Monja Street
There is a food called “Monja” (or “Monjayaki”) that originated in Tokyo. Monja is a food that has been loved by the common people since ancient times, and is still loved by many people today. In Tsukishima, Tokyo’s downtown area, there is a shopping street called Tsukishima Monja Street, where there are more than 50 Monja specialty stores.
Monja is made by yourself on your own iron plate, so you can enjoy the process of making it as well as eating it. Therefore, it is recommended to go with a friend or lover as you can enjoy it even more. In Japan, it is not uncommon for couples to go on a “Monja date”. If you don’t know how to make Monja, there’s nothing to worry about, as the staff will kindly teach you.
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| Official website | https://monja.gr.jp |
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At Tsukishima Monja Street, Monja sets for home use are sold as standard souvenirs. It’s easy to make if you have a hot plate or frying pan at home, so many people buy it as a souvenir.
Recommended #5: Tokyo Tower
“Tokyo Tower” is a radio tower with a height of 333m. Since its opening in 1958, it has become a popular tourist spot representing Tokyo. Even now that the Tokyo Skytree has been built, it remains extremely popular.
Tokyo Tower’s greatest appeal is its design, which attracts many people. Even more than 60 years after its opening, its beauty has not faded, with its design of exposed steel frames being regularly assembled, its two-tone red and white color scheme, and its illumination at night.
Another good point is that it is located close to the city center, making it easy to get to for sightseeing. Why not climb the observation deck of Tokyo Tower and spend a romantic moment with your lover?
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| Official website | https://www.tokyotower.co.jp |
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The illumination that takes place from sunset until 24:00 is also a specialty of Tokyo Tower. The illumination pattern changes depending on the season and event, so you can enjoy it over and over again.
Recommended #6: Akihabara UDX
“Akihabara UDX” is a complex building that opened in 2006 in Akihabara, which is known as a sacred place for subculture. Since it is adjacent to Akihabara Station, this facility can be used as a base for sightseeing in Akihabara.
AKIBA ICHI, located on the 1st to 3rd floors, has about 30 restaurants with a wide variety of genres, including cafes, sweets, Japanese food, and ramen. A recommended itinerary is to browse around the city of Akihabara for home appliances, video games, anime, figurines, etc., then enjoy a meal at Akihabara UDX.
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| Official website | https://udx.jp |
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Recommended #7: Shibuya Sky
“Shibuya Sky” is an observation deck located on the 45th floor to rooftop of “Shibuya Scramble Square”, a skyscraper directly connected to Shibuya Station. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, including the Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji. You can also overlook the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing at your feet.
A popular photo spot is the glass escalator that goes up to the rooftop. The futuristic atmosphere with the night view of Tokyo in the background is sure to look great on social media. The rooftop facility “SKY STAGE” has fun spots such as “CLOUD HAMMOCK” where you can relax while looking at the sky, and light and sound performances that take place after sunset.
This is a recommended tourist spot for those who want to experience the latest Tokyo and those who like a stylish atmosphere.
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| Official website | https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/ |
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