go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Japan

Nightclub entertainment in Japan

  1. A

    Sam & Dave

    Like its sister bars around Japan, Sam & Dave's vacillates between being somewhere fun to shake your ass, and just another boozy big-beat meat-market nightclub. Hope for a good crowd and you could be lucky, whatever you fancy. It's best Fridays and Saturdays.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Metro

    This is one of the most popular and vibrant clubs in town. It holds a variety of themed events and occasional live bands or international DJ events. It's inside exit 2 of the Keihan Marutamachi Station.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Womb

    A perennial favourite, 'Oomu' (as pronounced in Japanese) has DJs spinning house, techno and drum 'n' bass, and the four floors get packed on weekends. Picture ID required at the door.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Air

    DJs spin mostly house here, and the crowd tends to be happy and friendly – though not huge on dancing. Keep an eye out for Frames (フレイムス) – the entrance to the basement is inside. Bring your ID.

    reviewed

  5. E

    New Lex-Edo

    The Lex was one of Roppongi's first discos and recently had a facelift. It's still the place where visiting celebrities – who get in for free – end up, but even noncelebs get three free drinks.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Ruby Room

    This dark, sparkly cocktail lounge is on a hill behind the Shibuya 109 building. The Ruby Room hosts both DJs and live music, and is a fun place for older kids hanging in Shibuya. If you dine at Sonoma (ソノマ), the restaurant downstairs, you get in for free.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Muse

    With a friendly, international crowd, multilevel Muse has something for everyone – packed dance floor, several bar areas, cosy alcoves big enough for two – but also pool tables, darts and karaoke. Women usually don't pay a cover, which includes a drink or two. It's near the Hobson's on the corner of Nishi-azabu Crossing; there's a neon 'Bar' sign marking the entrance.

    reviewed

  8. H

    BuL-Let's

    This mellow basement space plays worldwide trance and ambient sounds for barefoot patrons. Beds and sofas furnish this carpeted club, but don't get the wrong idea – it's not all tranquillity and deadbeats.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Harlem

    Bust a few hip-hop moves with Tokyo B-boys and B-girls. Be aware that Harlem maintains a (questionable) policy of not admitting groups of foreign males, so guys, come with a girlfriend.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Electric Lady Land

    An intimate concert venue purveying the underground music scene in a cool, postindustrial setting. Nationally known bands perform in the 1st-floor hall, while the 3rd floor sees more up-and-coming acts.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. K

    Grand Café

    This hip underground club hosts a variety of electronica-DJ events. There's a comfy seating area and several dance floors. Look for the blue sign at street level.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Karma

    A long-standing club in Kita that is popular with Japanese and foreigners alike. On weekends it usually hosts techno events with cover charges averaging ¥2500.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Club JB's

    Club kids (aged 20 and over) come for an excellent sound system and famous DJs.

    reviewed

  15. N

    World

    World is Kyoto's biggest club and it naturally hosts some of the biggest events. It has two floors, a dance floor and lockers where you can leave your stuff while you dance the night away. Events include everything from deep soul to reggae to techno to salsa. Drinks from ¥500.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Onzieme (11)

    Those eager for a taste of Osaka nightlife at its craziest should head to the city's largest and most lively club. An assortment of local and internationally acclaimed house, hip-hop and techno DJs showcase their talents nightly, with the posh interior reminiscent of some of the more famous London establishments. Don't miss the monthly Hollywood parties with DJ Bento and friends.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Love Jamaican

    This fully legit reggae and hip-hop club is a hive of after-hours mayhem thanks to a classy sound system, generous drink deals and a manicured young crowd.

    reviewed