Once you power through those first few nights’ jet lag and stop falling asleep at 7 pm, Tokyo opens up a whole new world after dark.

I personally love walking through Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, taking in all the youthful energy. There’s SO much to do in that entertainment complex — it’s crazy! And because I’m a huge nerd at heart, I also love playing arcade games at Joypolis.

For something off-the-beaten-path, get a taste of Tokyo’s performing arts or head to Shimokitazawa for the endless number of live music clubs found there.

This is going to be a fun read because we’ll cover some of the most fun and quirky ways you can spend your time in Tokyo, the best local snacks and foods to try, and allll the night things that make this massive metropolis so special.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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Fun Things To Do In Tokyo At Night

1. See the Tokyo Tower

People who love skyline views by night will love Tokyo Tower.

This iconic landmark–the one that looks like the Eiffel Tower–is one of the tallest structures in Japan. It stands at an impressive 1092 ft (333 m), so expect breathtaking views of Tokyo from the observation deck!

At the base of the Tokyo Tower, you’ll find a 4-story building called FootTown that houses an exciting collection of restaurants, gift shops, museums, and more. Upon visiting the first floor, you’ll encounter the Tower Restaurant, big enough to seat a staggering 400 guests.

There’s also an Aquarium Gallery, reception hall, a souvenir shop, and a FamilyMart in case you need to pick up some convenience items. Three elevators on this floor will take you directly to the Main Observatory.

Here are some more places worth considering when you visit Tokyo Tower:

• Mother Farm Café – Ice Cream & Desserts. FootTown 3F, Shibakoen, Minato.
• Café Mugiwara – Sandwiches, snacks, and One Piece café.  FootTown, Shibakoen, Minato.
• Café La Tour – Beverages, snacks, desserts. FootTown, Shibakoen, Minato.
• Highball Garden – Brewery & Pub. Shibakoen, Minato.
• Seizan – Japanese-style restaurant featuring their signature yuzu dashi broth that combines tuna, kombu kelp, and maguro, simmered for 12 hours.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. The tower is usually quite busy so book early to skip unnecessary lines.

2. See Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing likely needs no introduction. For first-timers, it’s a must. 

Shibuya Crossing is the busiest scramble crossing in the world, so much so that up to three thousand pedestrians can cross the intersection together at any time every two minutes.

The intersection has even appeared in multiple movies like Lost in Translation, Resident Evil: Afterlife, and The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift.

You can become a part of history by walking in the footsteps of those before you and feeling the excitement of marching along with 2,999 other people!

At night, the crossing is especially photogenic as the bright lights of Shibuya help to create a an electrifying atmosphere that pairs so well with the throngs of crowds you’ll encounter.

After your photo-op and people-watching session, there are countless nearby attractions to satisfy your curiosity. I recommend staying and exploring Shibuya, filled with trendy shops, restaurants, karaoke bars, izakayas, and nightlife spots.

• Hachikō – You can visit the statue of Hachikō the dog outside Shibuya Station. When his owner Hidesaburō Ueno passed in 1925, Hachikō traveled to the exact location every day for ten years to wait for his owner to return.
• Shopping – What store is NOT found at Shibuya? Our must-stops whenever we’re there are Loft, Village Vanguard, Don Quijote, Uniqlo, POP MART, Bic Camera, and the Tsutaya Bookstore.
• Relax and stroll – Relax at Sasaki Park, Meiji Jingu Shrine, or Yoyogi Park, all great places to take a post-dinner stroll.
• Drink and eat – Shibuya is a restaurant hotspot. These days, you’ll find tons of Japanese and international restaurants here (there’s even a Peter Luger Steak House there). For something more casual, you could explore Yebisu Brewery (museum with beer samples!) and the surrounding noodle shops.

3. Get a taste of Tokyo’s performing arts scene

If you’re curious about traditional Japanese performing arts but don’t want to commit to a long theater experience, SUIGIAN is a fantastic, foreigner-friendly destination to immerse yourself in the traditions of Japan.

Set in a restaurant thoughtfully styled after a traditional Noh stage (yes, including the iconic pine tree backdrop), this dinner-and-show experience blends culture with seasonal cuisine.

Throughout your multi-course meal—think dishes like grilled Wagyu beef, delicate soups, and beautifully plated appetizers—you’ll be treated to multiple 10-minute performances of classical Japanese dance and music.

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If that’s not within your budget, scrap the dinner and just spring for a show!

Over in Asakusa, there’s a super cool Japanese dance cabaret show you can find there. This nightly show mixes traditional culture and contemporary music, the only one of its kind in Asakusa.

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If you find yourself in the Akihabara area instead, you’ll find a super intimate samurai-themed show here. This 60-min performance features live music and actors reenacting legends inspired by the life and death of a heroic samurai, who, according to folklore, was later reborn as a spirit.

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They serve dinner, but honestly, you’re better off grabbing a bite nearby before the 8pm show.

4. Enjoy a live music club in Shimokitazawa

Golden Gai? Totally played out. You’ll mostly find foreigners/tourists there now.

Skip the crowded, tourist-heavy Golden Gai and head to Shimokitazawa for a more local, laid-back vibe. Known for its indie spirit, the area is packed with cozy bars, live music venues, and craft beer spots.

Given that ~8% of all of Tokyo’s music clubs is located in this part of town, you’re certain to find a club that suits your music tastes.

Many venues double as casual bars, making it easy to grab a drink while soaking in the tunes. Some places may have cover charges, but that’s because they feature live music.

For a unique jazz-meets-speakeasy experience, check out No Room For Squares, hidden behind a Coca-Cola fridge door. There’s no menu here—just tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll craft something on the fly.

Another cool spot is Shimokitazawa Daisy Bar, a small venue and bar where you can catch independent bands and immerse yourself in the underground Japanese music scene.

5. Experience one of Omoide Yokocho’s izakayas

Next up is Omoide Yokocho, also known as “Memory Lane” or “Piss Alley”.

This narrow alleyway is located in Shinjuku (just an 8-10 minute walk from Golden Gai) and is known for its small but mighty businesses, many of which are izakaya restaurants.

Omoide Yokocho is lined with a variety of small bars and restaurants, many of which have been in operation for generations. You can sample a wide range of affordable and traditional Japanese foods, including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), ramen, and oden (a hot pot dish).

Our personal favorite place to eat here? The small soba shop called Kameya.

Want to experience nightlife in Shinjuku but don’t know where to begin? You can opt for this super popular Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku.

Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways—a small group of no more than 8 people means that you can easily access even the tiny local bars with just a few seats.

6. Go on a night cruise along the Sumida River

Hanging around the Sumida River is already a popular thing to do (especially during cherry blossom season), but when the stars come out to play at night, there’s a new set of activities to do and sights to see along the river!

A super cool way to spend the evening is to take a nighttime dinner cruise aboard a yakatabune on the Sumida River. Yakatabune are traditional low-slung boats that offer travelers a traditional dinner boat cruise experience.

These boats are equipped with comfortable seating and large windows, which offer unobstructed views of the city lights and illuminated bridges. As you cruise down the Sumida River, you can enjoy a delicious dinner with all-you-can-drink drinks, surrounded by views of Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Bay.

7. Take Shinjuku by go-kart

If you’re a big Nintendo fan, you can do the ultra-touristy thing and cruise Tokyo’s streets in a go-kart, dressed as Mario, Luigi, or even Superman.

While you can do this during the day, doing this at night will be much more fun. Zipping past the glowing skyscrapers through Harajuku, Roppongi, and Shinjuku at night will have you feeling like starring in your own video game.

Safety-wise, the go-karts come equipped with headlights, taillights, and plenty of visibility, so you can focus on having fun.

Most tours include the essentials—your go-kart, a costume (optional but highly encouraged), and enough stops for photos to make all your friends back home jealous.

This nighttime excursion is insanely popular, especially during peak tourist season, so do yourself a favor and book in advance.

8. Relax at the Odaiba Waterfront

For a more relaxing Tokyo experience at night, the Odaiba waterfront in Tokyo Bay is hard to beat. This spot is pure magic after dark, with the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower lighting up the skyline in a way that feels straight out of a movie.

The Rainbow Bridge is a showstopper, glowing in red, green, and white—like a neon love letter to Tokyo. Think Golden Gate vibes but with a splash of extra Tokyo flair. And yes, the Tokyo Tower (you know, the Eiffel Tower lookalike) adds its own twinkling charm to the view.

Odaiba isn’t just about pretty lights, though. The Odaiba Seaside Park offers a peaceful escape, with gardens and postcard-worthy bay views perfect for a quiet stroll. If you’re craving more action, the Aqua City Odaiba shopping center has you covered with shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep you entertained.

For date night vibes, don’t leave without a spin on the Daikanransha Ferris Wheel. Once the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, it’s still a must for soaking in the sparkling beauty of the bay from above.

9. Immersive Fort Tokyo

Immersive Fort Tokyo is a cutting-edge entertainment complex blending live theater, interactive games, and immersive storytelling into one unforgettable experience. It’s one of Odaiba’s newest attractions and absolutely worth your time.

We recommend shelling out the money for the Eido Oiran and Sherlock Holmes experiences. It’ll be like no show you’ve ever seen before.

Your base ticket comes with a handful of super cool experiences like the Alice In Borderland-inspired game where you get to wear a fake collar and take part in a “life-threatening” game and much more. 

With that said, Eido Oiran and the Sherlock Holmes experience are immersive masterpieces that standout above the rest!

You can snag discounted tickets on Klook here.

10. Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome City is a jam-packed entertainment complex perfect for people young and old. You might have trouble choosing between the number of unique spots available in this area!

There are so many family-friendly things to do, including an amusement park, a baseball stadium, a concert hall, and a shopping center.

The amusement park, known as Tokyo Dome City Attractions, features a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a haunted house set in a classic Japanese-style house (sounds terrifying already if you ask me!).

Then there’s the LaQua shopping center, or CuBar Lounge that combines drinks with the fun of ten-pin bowling!

The Big O Ferris wheel is a unique one too. It’s a Ferris wheel where you can enjoy a hearty bout of karaoke! If you’re afraid of heights, you can sing the fears way.

Finally, work up the courage and test your nerves of steel on the Thunder Dolphin – a monstrous rollercoaster that travels through (literally) the LaQua business building.

You can buy a 5-ride ticket for Tokyo Dome City Attractions here.

11. Play all the games at Joypolis

Joypolis is a massive indoor amusement park by Sega, perfect for video game fans. It’s packed with rides, simulators, VR experiences, and arcade games featuring iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, House of the Dead, and Attack on Titan.

You’ll also find some quirkier interactive attractions, such as a laser maze and a walkthrough haunted house (Japan’s haunted houses are next-level scary). Don’t miss Halfpipe Tokyo if you love thrill rides — this snowboarding-inspired ride is Joypolis’ #1 attraction and is the first-ever “DigitaReal attraction”.

Think you’re going to want to play a lot here? Opt for the Tokyo Joypolis passport — it gives you access to thrilling rides, including 3D attractions and over 20 games.

Why we love it: The Joypolis passport gives you unlimited readmission to the park during the day, so take the time to explore Odaiba, then come back as you please!

12. Learn about Tokyo’s red light district

While Tokyo is known for its bright lights and bustling energy, one of the more controversial and interesting experiences to have in Tokyo at night is to explore Kabukicho (Kabuki-chō, 歌舞伎町), Tokyo’s red light district.

This area is located in Shinjuku, home to restaurants, pachinko slot machine establishments, and bars. Unknown to most, this area is also known for its Japanese-only host and hostess clubs.

While they carry the name club, they are more so social establishments where you go only to have drinks, converse, and make a temporary emotional connection with attractive men or women. No romantic interests exist, and relationships do not extend outside the clubs. Sounds intriguing right?

While you probably won’t be partaking in a night at a host/hostess club, you can learn a lot more about these clubs with a free night walking tour of Shinjuku (we did the one with Tokyo Localized and it was so good and informational!).

Not only will you learn about Kabukicho’s host/hostess club culture, but you’ll also hear all about love hotels! Ooh la la!

13. Visit Rikugi-en Garden

Rikugi-en (Garden of the Six Principles, 六義園) is a spectacular attraction to add to your nighttime Tokyo itinerary if you have the desire to see some nature on your trip!

Normally, the gardens are closed to the public in the evenings, but during certain seasons (fall and spring), the garden holds special night viewings that offer a rare chance to see a different side of Rikugien.

During these special viewing times, the garden is illuminated with soft and subtle light, creating a magical atmosphere among the flora. The Autumn Evening Illumination (in the fall) and the Springtime Special Nighttime Viewing (during the spring) are not to be missed!

You can also enjoy a cup of green tea at the teahouse, which is super relaxing if you’ve been go-go-go all throughout Tokyo.

Bring a jacket and a good camera that can handle low light for this one!

14. Spend your whole day at Tokyo Disneyland

One of the most exciting and entertaining experiences to have in Tokyo is to spend the whole day at Tokyo Disneyland. This iconic theme park needs no introduction!

Disneyland is easily the most magical thing you could do in Tokyo (if you believe in the Disney magic that is!).

Tokyo Disneyland is divided into seven themed areas, similar to many other Disneylands in the world. When you’re here, you NEED to ride the Beauty and the Beast ride, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. They’re the most popular rides here!

At night, the park transforms into a magical wonderland of lights and colors, offering a unique experience for everyone who makes it til nightfall. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks.

15. … or at Tokyo DisneySea

For an experience that’s truly unique to Japan, go to Tokyo DisneySea instead!

Unlike other Disney parks around the world, Tokyo DisneySea is not based on traditional Disney characters and stories, but instead focuses on a nautical and adventure theme.

The park is divided into seven water-themed areas including Fantasy Springs, Mediterranean Harbor, the Arabian Coast, the Mysterious Island, and other unique areas.

While there are less rides compared to Disneyland, the theming of this park is incredible. There’s so much to look at!

16. Get street food in the Yarakucho And Ginza area

Yarakucho and Sunumachi Ginza are among the best locations to visit for authentic Japanese street food made by the hands of locals.

Sunumachi Ginza, in particular, is a street in Ginza measuring 674 yards long and comes packed with street food vendors from beginning to end! While you’re here, pop into the shops and really soak in the local energy!

You won’t find too many tourists here, which is actually a huge plus.

Yurakucho, similarly, is a foodie’s paradise. Adjacent to the Ginza neighborhood, Yurakucho is home to izakayas and bars that occupy virtually all of the free space under nearly 700 meters of track on both sides of Yurakucho Station.

Most of the restaurants face towards the west side of the train tracks, although there is a good selection of them around the east side south of the station, as well.

There are plenty of street foods to try at either of these places, and here is a list of some foods you can consider ordering:

• Oden – Hot fish cake filled with tofu, daikon radish, vegetables & potatoes, and more.   
• Karokke  – Deep-fried claim croquette with a crispy coating stuffed with clam and potato.
• Yakitori or Yakiniku – Skewered grilled chicken (Yakitori) and skewered beef (Yakiniku).
• Tayaki – Fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste from sweetened adzuki beans.
• Mitarashi dango – Skewered rice dumplings drenched in sweet soy sauce.
• Melon pan – Sweet, melon-flavored bread with a crunchy outer crust and soft inside.
• Menchi Katsu – Deep-fried, juicy ground beef patty with a crispy outside coating.
• Takoyaki –  Ball-shaped doughy snack filled with chopped octopus and a soy sauce drizzle.

17. See digital art at a Teamlab exhibit

We’re personally obsessed with Teamlab Borderless or Teamlab Planets digital art exhibits.

These immersive installations use cutting-edge technology to create hypnotizingly cool, interactive displays that’ll transport you to otherworldly realms.

We first visited teamLab Borderless in 2018 — it was wonderful back then, but it’s probably come a long way since then! At teamLab Borderless, you can explore a surreal world of light and sound, where digital art and technology come together to create a truly epic experience.

teamLab Borderless’ theme is that artworks flow between rooms, while teamLab Planets is more sensory where you walk through water and interact with installations. Both are must-visits, but Borderless is more exploratory, and Planets is more tactile.

Both museums are super popular (especially on weekends and holidays), so I recommend booking your tix ahead of time.

Arrive early and allow plenty of time to explore the exhibits! Both Teamlab Borderless and Teamlab Planets are large and complex installations, and it can take several hours to see everything.

18. Enjoy city views from Tokyo Skytree

Here’s another illuminated cityscape viewing opportunity for those of you who live for bird’s eye views of major cities!

Tokyo Skytree is an observation and broadcasting tower that stands at 634 meters tall.

Once you take an elevator to the top of the tower, you can enjoy epic views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas. On a clear night, you can see as far as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay!

The Tokyo Skytree also has restaurants and cafes to enjoy while you’re here. There’s also an aquarium here too.

If you’re feeling up to it, head up to the upper observatory, where you’ll discover a glass-covered skywalk shaped like a spiral. You can ascend for 16 ft. (5 m) up to the highest point of the platform. A section of the glass flooring allows you to look down at the bustling streets of Tokyo below you.

19. Have a private karaoke party

Karaoke is a pastime that pretty much all Asian people enjoy — including us Asians in the western world too! If you’ve never tried karaoke, now is the time!

There are many great places to go karaoke in Tokyo, ranging from small and intimate bars to large and flashy karaoke centers with private rooms, fog machines, and even dancefloors. Here are a few popular options:

Karaoke Kan: This popular karaoke chain has locations throughout Tokyo, and is known for its extensive song selection and private karaoke rooms.

Big Echo: Another popular karaoke chain, Big Echo offers a wide range of private karaoke rooms and a large selection of songs in multiple languages.

Shidax: This karaoke chain is known for its stylish and modern karaoke rooms, as well as its large selection of food and drinks.

Karaoke no Tetsujin: This karaoke center is located in Shibuya and is known for its high-tech karaoke rooms, which feature touch-screen controls and advanced sound systems.

Pasela Resorts: This karaoke center is located in Shinjuku and is known for its luxurious and spacious karaoke rooms, as well as its high-end food and drink options.

20. Visit Samurai Restaurant for an over-the-top show

At this point in time, you’ve probably already heard of, or at least read about, the Robot Restaurant show that was so kitschy and undeniably made for tourists. But it’s officially closed now, and in its place is Samurai Restaurant.

While this is a show that is completely different in theme compared to Robot Restaurant (it also takes place in the daytime whereas Robot Restaurant took place at night), it promises to be equally as wild, energetic, and random!

Along with a mythical storyline featuring samurais, evil lords, maidens, sword fights, and lots of wigs, expect two hours of over-the-top performances complete with bright lights and crazy costumes.

Similar to how Robot Restaurant used to work, Samurai Restaurant offers food too, but if you appreciate good food, you’ll probably want to skip the dinner package and eat elsewhere.

21. Dine At A Ninja-Themed Restaurant

If you’re looking for something truly offbeat in Tokyo, head to Ninja Tokyo, a ninja-themed restaurant.

Yep, you’ll be served by ninja waiters in a restaurant that feels like a secret ninja village, complete with hidden doors and secret passageways. It’s a whole experience, not just a meal.

While you’ll probably find food more delicious elsewhere, you’re here for the whole experience. And the food really isn’t too bad actually! Expect sushi, tempura, Wagyu beef, and some surprisingly fun desserts.

22. Konica Minolta Planetarium

If you’ve ever wanted to really lose yourself in the stars, the Konica Minolta Planetariums are your ticket to an unforgettable experience in Tokyo.

With top-of-the-line tech, you’ll get an insider look into the night sky, planets, and beyond—complete with music, scents, and visuals so realistic, it feels like you’re floating in space.

The reclining seats are comfy enough to make you feel like you’re lying on a cloud (or go all-in with a daybed upgrade if you really want to get cozy). Don’t speak Japanese? No problem—just grab the English audio guide to keep up with the narration.

There are a few locations around Tokyo: Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City, Yurakucho, and Tokyo Skytree Town. Pick one, sit back, and let the universe unfold before you.

23. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

There’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to entertainment — the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku! This is now Japan’s largest hotel and entertainment complex, featuring restaurants, bars, hotels, an arcade, a club and more.

Once you enter this 48-story skyscraper (with five additional basement floors), you’ll find your ticket to an immersive experience like no other.

First off, there’s the Kabuki-Yokocho Food Hall, boasting ten restaurants serving up classic Japanese cuisine like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki to Okinawa soba and Hamamatsu gyoza. Bring your friends and because this one is great for groups.

There’s also Jam17 Dining & Bar on the 17th floor, a swanky panoramic restaurant and bar offering breathtaking city views. For games and drinks, head to Namco Tokyo instead — you’ll find arcade games, a cocktail bar, and even a gachapon area with 250+ capsule toy machines.

Is a movie more your vibe? Indulge in luxury at 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku, located on the ninth and tenth floors. With extra-large seats, all-you-can-eat popcorn, and bottomless soft drinks, this cinema takes your movie night to new heights.

24. Izakaya-hopping in Shinbashi

To experience some of the most rustic izakaya in the city, head to the Shinbashi neighborhood.

For pointers on where to start, you can choose between Shinshuu Osake Mura or any of the izakaya within the New Shinabshi Building. This building is located on the west side of the JR Shimbashi Station and houses multiple izakaya in the basement. But be warned–you may be rubbing elbows with the locals, as things can get quite smoky and cramped!

Shinshuu Osake Mura is the place to be on a Friday night in Shinbashi. It’s very busy so expect lines when ordering drinks. Drinks that are worth the wait!

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Planning Your Trip To Japan?

Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!

Tokyo

• 15 Best Hotels In Tokyo Near JR Yamanote Line (With Map)
• 2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time
• The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
• Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
• 10 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
• 10 Effortless Day Trips From Tokyo For Your Japan Itinerary
• 20 Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
• Disney Tokyo vs. DisneySea: Which One Is Right For You?

Kyoto

• The Perfect Kyoto Itinerary: 5 Days In Kyoto, Japan (+ Nara and Osaka)
• 2 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Highlights Itinerary
• 7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed

Osaka

• Osaka Day Trip From Kyoto: Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan
• Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide

Japan In General

• Japan On A Budget: 45 Essential Tips For An Affordable Vacation
• Best Of Japan: The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
• 18 Popular Foods To Try In Japan
• 15 Amazing Onsen Towns In Japan To Visit On Your Next Trip

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