Tokyo Dazzles at Night Tokyo Dazzles at Night

Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters. To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.

Produced by Reuters Plus for

Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters. To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.

TOKYO

DAZZLES AT NIGHT

Tokyo is an ever-changing city, one designed to bridge the gap between the traditions of the past, the needs of the present, and hope for the future. Its ability to contain all these things simultaneously makes it one of the most exciting and unique cities in the world. Entertaining at any given time, the night is when Tokyo truly shines. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, make sure not to sleep on the city’s nighttime scene, and, if you need a little help, we have your evening itinerary covered.

Cocktail bars

For world-class cocktails, head to The SG Club, founded by award-winning cocktail maestro Shingo Gokan. Ranked in THE WORLD’S 50 BEST BARS 2023, The SG Club masterfully showcases Japan’s unique flavors through its cocktails. Why not try ‘Another Sky,’ a delightful cocktail that features Gokan’s own-brand shochu? If you want to visit a bar where Japan’s literary greats once sat and mused, head to Kamiya Bar. Considered a ‘Tangible Cultural Property’, Kamiya Bar was founded in 1880 and was frequented by literary greats such as Tayama Katai and Osamu Dazai. Its unpretentious nature allows you to relax as you sip on its original quick-brewed brandy, ‘Denki Bran’, for only ¥400 (approx. $2.60). Haruki Murakami wrote of the iconic jazz bar DUG in his novel, ‘Norwegian Wood.’ With over 60 years of history, it is a great place to listen to music, relax, and enjoy your drink, whether it’s a vodka tonic or something else.

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Japan is renowned for its alcohol excellence, from sake to whisky to umeshu (Japanese plum wine), and Tokyo sports some of the best locations to enjoy the country’s unique libations.

After The German we caught a bus to Shinjuku and went to an underground bar called DUG behind the Kinokuniya book-shop. We each started with two vodka and tonics.

A very Japanese experience

If there is one thing you won’t feel in Tokyo, it’s boredom. There is always something to do, a show to see, music to listen to, entertainment to be found, the options are endless.

At Suigian you can enjoy exquisite Japanese kaiseki dining while indulging your cultural curiosity for the arts by taking in one of the venues' many performances. Suigian’s stage is home to many traditional performances, from Noh theater to ancient Japanese court music. If you want to go beyond watching and truly engage with Japan’s historic arts, try Discover Kabuki, where a Kabuki actor will guide you through the artform allowing you to understand and appreciate this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A more modern, and extremely popular, way to spend your evening is at one of Tokyo’s many, many, game centers. They are scattered throughout the city offering guests a chance to play a fantastic array of arcade games such as crane games, taiko drumming, and, the classic, Street Fighter. To discover the future of gaming head to the digital amusement park RED° TOKYO TOWER. Located inside Tokyo Tower, you’ll find games ranging from immersive VR simulations to interactive puzzle solving. You can even pilot a robotic frame in Robot Fight and crush your opponents! If you visit during a full moon, you can witness the tower’s limited light up before venturing inside to unlock the future of entertainment. If, at the end of the night, you’ve missed the last train and can’t hail a taxi, don’t worry, because Tokyo’s manga kissa (manga cafes) have you covered. Open 24/7, spots such as Hailey’5 cafe are where weary guests can stay overnight surrounded by thousands of manga. You can get comfy, take a rest, and even eat ice cream or take a shower!

Sento

After a long day of sightseeing, what better way to unwind than a dip at a Japanese public bath, otherwise known as a sento? Public bathing is a longstanding tradition in Japan, and Tokyo has a great mixture of small neighborhood sento as well as super sento facilities. The latter are relaxation wonderlands, boasting onsen, saunas, massages, and even restaurants.

Spa LaQua is one of Tokyo’s super sentos, offering more than just a dip in the hot waters; it also comes with relaxation spaces, spa treatments, and restaurants and cafes selling healthy delicious meals. Just around the corner from Tokyo Dome, it’s the perfect spot to wind down after a concert or baseball game. For a more traditional experience, Myojin-yu is the place to go. For a modern take on an old tradition head to Kogane-yu, which boasts a DJ booth and beer on tap. Bonus, it’s tattoo-friendly.

Nighttime views

Tokyo is a city of wonders, and one of the best things to do is simply find a good place to soak it all in.

One of the city's newer nighttime spectacles is the Guinness World Record Breaking projection mapping that takes over the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. The building's facade transforms into a canvas for jaw-dropping visual designs, one of the most popular being Japan’s famed Godzilla rampaging across the building. The display changes with regular new artwork added so there’s always something new to see! Head to LaLaport Toyosu, where you can shop all day then admire the city skyline by night. From here it's a short stroll to the nearby Gururi Park, where you can view the famous Rainbow Bridge from the park’s restaurant which remains open till 21:00 on weekends. At KITTE Marunouchi Rooftop Garden you can admire the dazzling architecture of Tokyo Station lit up at night as you stand above and watch the trains whizz by through a spectacular, futuristic, urban landscape. If you want to take things higher, visit SHIBUYA SKY located above Shibuya Scramble Square* to see Tokyo’s stunning skyscraper-filled skyline unfold beneath you as you descend the rooftop escalators. Alternatively, you can see the city rise up from the water with a traditional yakatabune boat. Centuries ago, these boats were used as pleasure boats for the wealthy, they now tender sightseeing trips through Tokyo’s harbor and rivers whilst guests enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.

KITTE Marunouchi Rooftop Garden - Closes at 23:00 except Sundays and public holidays (closes at 22:00)

LaLaport Toyosu - Restaurants closes at 23:00

SHIBUYA SKY - Closes at 22:30 / Last entry 21:20 *Admission fee required

Festivals

At any given time of the year, there is something in Japan worth celebrating. Tokyo’s calendar is full of festivals that you can revel in.

During springtime, visitors flock to see the cherry blossom, but little may they know that one of Tokyo’s oldest festivals also occurs around this time. The Kurayami Festival, held at Okunitama Shrine, puts on quite the display with late night floating processions, horse racing, musical activities, and long-held religious ceremonies. The summer heat in Tokyo is accompanied by a cacophony of fireworks and chanting as locals and visitors alike revel in celebrations that take place across the city. For an immersive experience head to Tsukiji Honganji Temple Bon Odori Festival where you can dance to the beat of the Taiko drums. It’s conveniently located right next to the former site of the famous Tsukiji fish market and is one of the best places in Tokyo for great seafood. As the weather cools and the trees are set ablaze with golds, reds, and oranges, many head to Mt. Takao for the Autumn Leaf Festival. The mountain is filled with the smell of street food, the spectacle of yosakoi dancing, and the sound of orchestral performances.

Kurayami Matsuri Floating Processions

From its basement bars to its skyscraper restaurants, centuries old experiences to cutting edge entertainment, Tokyo is a city filled from top to bottom with culture and novelty that is bound to leave you wishing the night would never end.

Shibuya

SG Club Hailey'5 Cafe SHIBUYA SKY

Tokyo Station

KITTE Suigian

Asakusa

Kamiya Bar

Shinjuku

DUG TMG Building

Tokyo Tower

Toyosu

RED° TOKYO TOWER

DUG

Kamiya Bar

DUG

Suigian

RED° TOKYO TOWER

GiGO

Game center

Hailey'5 Cafe

Spa LaQua

Lalaport Toyosu Gururi park

Spa LaQua

Myojin-yu

Kogane-yu - Photograph credit : Yurika Kono

SHIBUYA SKY - Closes at 22:30 *Admission fee required

Kurayami Matsuri Floating Processions

Tsukiji Honganji Temple Bon Odori Festival

Takao Autumn Leaf Festival

Kurayami Matsuri

SG Club

I come here once in a while, they don’t make you feel embarrassed to be drinking in the afternoon. Haruki Murakami - Norwegian Wood

GiGO

Game center

Listen on

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