Tokyo has one of the most lively nightlife scenes and draws in a diverse group of travelers from all over the world.
Yet, each bar listed below exudes something special that makes it an attraction within itself. A little inside tip, Tokyo is known for its gems. Sometimes, you’ll stumble across a hidden bar or a club very much considered as a local secret. Spoiler: each serves up tasty drinks too! But let’s be honest, walking around and waiting for the right place to catch our eye isn’t a foolproof plan. That’s why we’ve got your planner covered with all the best bars – hidden or otherwise – for a fun stay in Tokyo.
Aoyama Tunnel
This is the party you’ve been waiting for.
Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 4 Chome−5−9 青山ビル B1F
Looking for the perfect dance club/bar? Try out Aoyama Tunnel, the ideal spot for partiers and music lovers! With a DJ playing nearly every night, Aoyama Tunnel will put you in the best kind of trance. Not to mention, the drinks are delicious and well-priced, if you manage to get a sip in between songs you just won’t want to miss dancing too.
New Sazae
Don’t miss the perfect place to dance it all out!
Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−18−5 新宿石川ビル ２階
New Sazae is a great place to meet new people and have a night of unforgettable fun. It is located in Ni-chome, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly areas in Japan. The neighborhood itself is diverse across race, ethnicity, and sexuality; making it an enjoyable place to go for a night out. Though the bar has been standing for decades, once you’re inside this groovy spot you’ll never want to leave.
Namikibashi Nakamura
Sake is a MUST, and there’s nowhere better to try it.
Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 3 Chome−13−5 Bprレジデンス渋谷 2階B
You can’t mess with a classic, and you can’t miss out on one either. Namikibashi Nakamura, a local sake bar in Shibuya, has many options for sake and all at a reasonable price. This place is well-liked by locals so it’d be a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning a little more about local life. The icing on the cake is that there’s great food here too!
Record Bar Analog
The best music bar in Japan (no, that’s not an exaggeration!)
Japan, 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 2 Chome−20−9 道玄坂柳光ビル 3F
Record Bar Analog, located just a short walk from Shibuya Station, is a must-visit bar while in Japan. Its aesthetic is a dream for any vintage lover, with retro decor covering the place from wall to wall: old turntables, speakers making the music blast authentically to the time period. Aside from all that, this bar has drinks you’ll be coming back for, notably the Cucumber Gin Tonic.
Albatross G
The place you never knew you needed.
1 Chome-1-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Last, but certainly not least, is a new favorite amongst artists, students, and travelers alike. Albatross G is a combination between a bar and a mini-museum, plus a rooftop. This three-story building is great for a date night, especially if you’re both interested in seeing Japanese art with perfectly crafted drinks just a floor away. As Albatross G becomes more and more popular, it’s clear this is a place you can’t miss when visiting Japan!
