Entertainment, Tokyo

Tokyo nightlife ideas:

Very generally, the ares of Tokyo can be characterized as follows:

Roppongi - Popular with Xpats, many foreigners in Japan on a short stay. Types of bars vary greatly, Dance clubs, live venues, small bars, Izakaya... some reputable, some considered dangerous.

Shinjuku - Red light district, but more "local" in it's club scene, great intimate small bars.

Shimokitazawa - Hip youthful club scene, DJ's, Rock, culture centre.

Shibuya - Trendy bridge and tunnel club scene extending to Aoyama.

Koenji - Small live rock venues, Punk, Metal, etc...

Shinbashi - Traditional older guy kind of hangout (loosen up that tie!), unpretentious and comfortable. Great small greasy restaurants, Izakaya. Casual bars.

Ginza - Often mischaracterized as expensive (which it can be), but also hosts small hip bars and restaurants of reasonable cost that cater to younger professionals, art types, trendy style industries, etc...

The Cavern Club is a great place to visit for either Beatles fans or anyone interested in having a good time joining in for a fun night out. The club has live music, with the "Silver Beats" playing most nights - an exclusive Beatles selection of songs. The band is actually pretty good, and one guy even looks a little like John Lennon. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming; the night we were there the band played the Beatles birthday song for both a Japanese man and a foreigner.

An ex-boxer who I've been told is homeless dons all of his gear some late evenings and spars with gloved customers for around $10 US in a small raised plaza in a [literally] red light/lantern area North East of the Shinjuku train station. Why woud you be insane enough to box an experienced professional? The catch - he doesn't hit back. He'll go a good few minutes with you; attempting to duck your punches while making sure he blocks anything that might connect..

Watching people box this man was mesmerizing. The best competitor challenged in front of a group of fellow Japanese businessmen. He was obviously drunk, and the pro dodged his swings with ease. The one connection he made bounced his glove off of the other's, landing on his eye. That's right, he hit himself - knocking his own contact out. The laughter bursting from everyone [especially his co-workers] surrounding the plaza translated perfectly - without needing to know a word of Japanese.

Dress Code: Be in good physical condition. Or sit on a low wall, beer in hand, and watch for free.

Of course, Tokyo has a great nightlife. Or should I say eveninglife as it is amazing how quiet it can be in the middle of the night. There are several places where the Japanese celebrate special events or are just going crazy on music. Karaoke is truely Japanese and might be intresting to do in the land of origin. It is always good for a few laughs. In Tokyo there are also many concerts of worldfamous bands and artists and thus intresting to visit (if tickets are still available). An exclusive example where you can find a lot of entertainment after a exhausting day of shopping: the Ginza.

A fast paced musical show featuring a cast that has men playing women's parts in the show (like Kabuki), but also has women castmembers. Stage moves and transforms constantly. It is unlike anything you would see in the U.S. and was recommended by a friend that lives in Tokyo. A fun nightclub show with an unusual twist.

Dress Code: Casual to dressy casual.

This venue is great for live music.

Dress Code: Anything

Good place for a drink after a long day if you don't wann go out.
Good live music

Dress Code: relaxed, but it's not a Pool bar.