Night Out in Ginza, Tokyo

Ginza is a tough nut to crack if you are a foreigner visiting for the first time to Japan. Unless you've got somebody to show you around I recommend staying in the safer zones like Roppongi or Azabu-juban. First off...bring your visa card!!! This place is the most expensive district in one of the most expensive cities on earth. Went to dinner at a French restaurant and walked out with a $500 USD bill for two! (the place was actually written up as being affordable...I'd hate to see unaffordable). Some of the cities best restaurants though (if you can afford them). As for nightlife options...there aren't many unless you are a Japanese CEO with a serious bankroll. These guys come here for the really high end hostess clubs. However there isn one good option if you are dying to check the scene here. Club Genius is pretty desent almost any night and attracts a good crowd of very attractive hostess type girls. Dress to impress...there is a lot of money rolling around here. The club closes at the insanely early hour of midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weekends (hello?!!?)

P.S. Skip Kabuki. It's just plain weird. Opt for a tea ceremony instead.

Dress Code: Dress to impress...suit if you brought one.

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The ancient Japanese theater, the Kabuki, is definitely to see....also because you can have an English translation on-line. Wonderful masks and costumes, strange format and acting style (you really cannot describe it, you must see it!!), it is absolutely wonderful.

Dress Code: no jeans, it would be best to be a bit well dressed. We went there at New Year,and we were quite elegantly-dressed, although not with evening ball dress, not as much!!

The most expensive area in the world! No kidding. One of my business associates and I went for dinner at a restaurant in the Ginza and had two drinks each and shared some tempura. The bill was 90 bucks!

The Ginza is home to a lot of shopping, dining, and drinking places (albeit mostly shopping from what I saw) and they are all expensive. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every bite of food I ever had there, probably moreso than in other areas of Tokyo, I just didn't have the money to afford it on a daily basis.

The shopping can be interesting, SOny has a store there which showcases some interesting items. Jewelry is plentiful in the area but a bit pricey.

The place in the picture was the movie theatre I loved to visit. you buy your ticket on the ground floor and take an elevator up to the theatre you are in. See my tips page for viewing movies in Japan for more information.

Dont miss real Kabuki theater at Kabuki-za Theatre, near the Higashi ginza station. It is fun for those who like a little culture on their trips.

Dress Code: Most places will require at least business casual from the foreigners, some places though will require a suit.

Also, don't feel bad if someone tells you a place is for Japanese only. This means either that you don't meet their dress code or that they cater to a select business crowd which you are not a part of.

Ginza is the area where you will find the nightlife spots. There are many bars, cinemas and gambling places.
When we visited Tokyo for the first time one of those gambling places burnt down. Over 40 people were killed, because of the lack of emergency exits. So please be carefull where to visit...

Tokyo is a city full of vibe and energy and there's never a dull moment. For some late night action just head down to Roppongi, the red light district, where you'll find tourists and travellers from around the globe. This is a picture of the Ginza crossing at night, I have never seen so many people!

Chill out at Ginza and Roppongi at night!! Very happening places to party.

The Hard Rock Cafe is located in Roppongi.... so, HRC fans, take note!

Dress Code: Dress well, please. The Japanese are one of the most best-dressed people in the world!!! And they are still holding on to this untarnished record of theirs. So, please don't fail them.... ;-)

Ginza is mainly for the adult and rich people. Most of the shops and restaurants here sells expensive label goods and good.

You can find almost everything in Japan here.

This is the best or worst place for men, depending on your point of view.

Dress Code: Suit and tie, even in bed.