Tokyo Nightlife

An intimate bar that specialises in warm sake. It has no menu – the bar staff here will pick sake that they think you would like for you. Snacks (otsumami) are available to accompany every pot of warm sake.

A bar, cafe and late-night spot rolled into one, this cozy haunt has adopted a New York hipster aesthetic, with wooden floors, leather armchairs, shelves filled with books and dim lighting. It's a popular hangout day and night - be prepared to queue at busy times. Drinks include imported microbrews and sophisticated cocktails, and food offerings are American-style - burgers, pasta, steaks, sandwiches. 

This standing bar has more sake than you could drink in a lifetime. Let the bartender be your guide, although we suggest you give the frozen version a go. This place starts early and finishes late, so be sure to pace yourself if you want to go toe to toe with the locals. The grilled snacks should at least help soak up some of the booze.

This Shibuya basement club is one for true night owls. There are four floors, namely Gaia, Deep Space, White and D-Lounge, with each floor has a different vibe catering for whatever mood you're in at any given point of the evening. Gaia is the main floor, known for its custom-made sound system, while Deep Space plays underground tunes. The White and D–Lounge floors are designed for clubbers looking to have a breather.

Since 2000, Womb has been bringing dance music to the streets of Tokyo. Long lauded by dance music aficionados as one of the best nightclubs on the planet, its three levels, lofty space and massive mirrored disco ball make Womb the only place to party the night away.

Tokyo's largest club has three dance floors, several bar areas for kicking back, and even an outdoor pool if the mood takes. There are regular shuttle buses from Shibuya to its out-of-centre location, but don't let that put you off. The party here is on a par with the best clubs in London, Berlin and New York.

The Blue Note has become something of a jazz classic in Tokyo, with the likes of Tony Bennet, Chick Corea and Sarah Vaughan having graced its stage. Each candle-lit table offers an intimate setting to dine on French cuisine and see the world's best jazz artists perform. While tickets aren't cheap, few jazz clubs rival the experience had at this New York-style venue.

A 900-capacity venue complete with a coffee lounge and a gallery, Liquidroom has a busy calendar featuring local and international bands, from up-and-coming artists to mainstream performers. It is definitely one of the best places for live music in Tokyo.