Night Out in Shibuya, Tokyo

The picture here is of Shibuya crossing, this is a light day at the worlds bussiest intersection.

Why should you go there? This is the place where some of Japan's top models wear the latest fashions, or where you will likely find a club that has Japan's next major J-pop group. It is also where CD and DVD collectors can find the best deals from small back alley shops. Plus, some of the best world restaurants are found in the area. Sydney Blue is an Australian type cafe, Sonamu has Korean, Le Cafe Blue has good French food.

Don't Miss! Hachiko. It is a dog statue. The dog apparently waited for its master at the station each night, and when the master died, it continued to wait there for him. Very Japanese, and a central meeting spot for the locals.

Dress Code: It is going to vary from place to place. Keep in mind that most Japanese (even the freaky ones) when they go out dress at the very least in what is considered Business Casual. Many places (like Le Cafe Blue) will probably be better to wear a suit to.

For a great window-shopping experience, wander the back alleys of of Dogensuka in Sibuya (just adjacent to the 109 shopping center). This is one of the densest clusters of Love Hotels in Japan, and on a Saturday Night they are lit in their full glory, hoping to attract lovers young and old (but mostly young) who have have no place to go for quality alone time. Love Hotel architecture is gaudy, cororful and meant to draw one in -- especially to appeal to women and make them willing to say, "Yes, I'll go in there". They usually have themes ranging from romantically French to passionately Italian to tropically Carribean -- offering an otherwordly, transportative experience. There is nothing seedy or hidden about Love Hotels -- see my General Tip for a discussion of how they're a normal part of Japanese life -- so they proclaim their presence with a boldness that may astonish those from more prudish cultures.
...WE walked into several lobbies of places that looked interesting: The Venetian, Hotel Lios, Festa (covered with Santa clauses on the outside!), Hotel Caribe, and a few others, though we ultimately chose Neocosmo (much to our regret as you'll read inthe General Tip).

Shibuya is the most popular nightclub area for Tokyo's young crowd, also boasting many department stores and specialty shops. The statue of the dog Hachiko in front of the station is a famous meeting place.

Roppongi is now the most famous of Tokyo's centre's for night life with many Japanese and western style bars and clubs. (Roppongi Station is on the Hibiya Subway Line).

Club Womb is the best club in Tokyo. It has the best ligthing and sound system.

DAY OFF: Irregular.

CAPACITY: 1000.

NEAREST STATION: Shibuya station of JR Yamanote line.

MUSIC STYLE: TECHNO, HOUSE, HARDHOUSE, DRUM&BASS.

DRINK PRICE: Cocktails start from 500 yen. Soft Drink 500 yen.

PIONEER CDJ: YES (CDJ1000MK2 X 2, CDJ1000 X 2)

BEST DAY TO GO THERE: Weekends of course. Depending on the guest DJ it can be very very crowded making hard to move inside the club. The first Friday of every month is "Sterne" which is currently one of the best techno event in town with Ishino takkyu and an international guest everytime!

CYBERJAPAN SAY: Techno and Progressive House fans, this is the club! Note that you must present a ID card with a picture to be able to enter. Sound system is the famous Phazon sound system (same as ex Club twilo in NY) and Club Womb have the biggest mirror ball in Japan.

http://www.cyberjapan.tv/contents/tokyoclubguide/womb_e.html

My brother lived in Tokyo for a few months in 2000. He was 22 and me 20 when I went to see him. Fond of nightlife, Shibuya was our favorite place. Crazy animation. Dont remember the places where we have been but remember Tokyo's nightlife is pretty original and sometimes it made us feel not so at ease.

Many good bars in Shibuya. Super packed places. Extremely expensive (to this point it is even surealistic sometimes: 12 euros for a beer) and the waiters and waitresses that come to harass when they dont see a beer or a glass in your hands.

Anyway, for those who enjoy nightlife, Shibuya is surely a place where you will have great fun.

Dress Code: Went there pretty casual. No problem. Thing is I am white and they are pretty well accepted there. Do not know if it is the same for black people...

Canadian Bar called none other then the Maple Leaf. Owned and operated by a Canadian (of course) for the past two years. Lovely interior with excellent pub feeling. Great canadian beer, although a little pricey(10$ a bottle), but there is plenty of good Japanese drink as well. The food is also quite nice, and reasonably priced, at least for Tokyo!! A must visit for all Cannucks!!

Maruyamacho is one of the best places to go club hoppin' in. Along this street is Harlem and Vuneos for all you B-boys and B-girls. Womb and Atom for all you trances freaks. Atom is well know for their ultimate rave nights, and Club Asia once know for it tech parties, now carries many varieties of music.

Females Foreigners will most likely will not have problems entering these clubs but as for the men, Harlem will require to have one japanese female with you to enter, due to problems they have been having with a few foreign men.

Dress Code: No special dress code for any of these clubs, but if you dress the part for the club you going to... You will get your respect.

I live in Shibuya area the central of Tokyo for Shopping and Eating place for day and night.

Most of the young people from age 15 to 25 gather here; so almost all shops and restaurants here are built to feed the need for these young people like the fashion and taste of the food.

Trance Party is very popular in Tokyo. If you browse around backstreets in Shibuya, you'll find sign boards and leaflets promoting all the trance parties in town. Prices around Yen3500, depending on DJ, but basically cheap and good. Venue is not very good though, usually they rent a community center / public hall for the function. So, do not expect fansy/luxury clubs.

Club Pure is a Hip Hop club in Shibuya. Many foreigners prefer Roppongi, but in my experience Roppongi is very dirty. It has a red light district feel to it. Club Pure is a fun, all night party, as I experienced on New Year`s Eve for the countdown. Friday and Saturday is all you can drink (nomi hodai) for 2500 yen (men) or 2000 yen (women). New Years Eve was also a good deal at 4000 yen. I have found this club to be gay friendly.

Dress Code: I don`t recall and dress code.