When it comes to enjoying a night out, Tokyo, Japan, has a wealth of exciting opportunities available!

Whether your idea of a night out means having a peaceful dinner at the Tokyo Skytree, exploring the street food alleys of Ginza, or touring around Tokyo in a go-kart – Tokyo has it all!

Here’s a quick hitlist of some of the best things to do in Tokyo at night so you can get a sneak peek of the stuff we’re going to cover in this post:

1. Tokyo Tower
2. Shibuya Crossing
3. Golden Gai Street / Omoide Yokocho
4. Sumida River
5. Shinjuku
6. Odaiba waterfront
7. Tokyo Dome City
8. Tsukiji Fish Market
9. Joypolis Amusement Park
10. Kabukicho
11. Rikugi-en Gardens,
12. Tokyo Disneyland
13. Street Food In Yarakucho And Ginza
14. Tokyo Skytree
15. Teamlab Borderless or Teamlab Planets
16. Go Karaoke
17. Dine at a ninja restaurant
18. Robot Restaurant
19. Konica Minolta Planetarium
20. Shinbashi

Tokyo’s nightlife is full of adventure and one of the best places on earth to create memories that will last a lifetime!

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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20 Best Things To Do In Tokyo At Night

1. Revel At Tokyo’s Skyline From The Tokyo Tower

One of the most iconic experiences to have in Tokyo at night is to visit the Tokyo Tower (Nippon denpatō, 日本電波塔) and revel in the stunning views of the city skyline.

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) in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation deck!

The Tokyo Tower is especially beautiful at night, when the city is illuminated with a dazzling array of lights and colors. Visitors can take an elevator up to the observation deck, which is located at a height of 150 meters above ground level.

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, capable of hosting 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. The second floor contains even more food options, like McDonald’s and Pizza-La.

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 is an exquisite Japanese-style restaurant near Tokyo Tower if you want to savor the local cuisine either before or after your nighttime visit up the tower. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients to create their dishes, but it’s actually their signature dashi broth that makes the trip worthwhile!

Chefs combine katsuo (skipjack tuna), kombu kelp, and maguro (bluefin tuna), simmering the mixture for 12 hours before finally drizzling yuzu citrus fruits. It’s a must try if you’re a foodie!

Pro Tip: To make the most of your visit to the Tokyo Tower, it’s important to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. The tower can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s best to book early to avoid long lines and crowds.

2. Feel The Bustle Of Shibuya Crossing

One of the most exhilarating and iconic experiences to have in Tokyo at night is to explore the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing. 

Shibuya Crossing (Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten, 渋谷スクランブル交差点) 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 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 neon lights of Shibuya help to create a vibrant and 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 highly recommend you explore the surrounding area, which is 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 – There are several exciting shopping opportunities throughout Shibuya, especially if you like Japan’s Kawaii (cute) culture. If you like Hello Kitty, you’ll be right at home! A lot of the shops here stay open late into the night. 
• Visit a karaoke bar – Karaoke is a popular pastime in Japan, and Shibuya has no shortage of karaoke bars where you can sing your heart out with friends.
• Relax and stroll – After a day of shopping, relax at Sasaki Park, Meiji Jingu Shrine, or Yoyogi Park, a great place to take a nighttime stroll and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Alternatively, you could explore the Museum of Yebisu Beer and the surrounding noodle shops!

You’ll find Shibuya Crossing in front of the Shibuya Station Hachikō exit.

3. Yakitori At Golden Gai In Shinjuku

Golden Gai (Shinjuku gōruden-gai, 新宿ゴールデン街) is a small area in Kabukicho, Tokyo. Six narrow alleys run through the heart of Shibuya Crossing, offering plenty of things to enjoy as you walk around the intersection at night.

You can enjoy the best in local and international alcoholic beverages at small bars, hit the dance floor at one of the raving clubs, or enjoy a delicious meal at several of the exciting eateries! 

The Japanese street food in Shibuya is on a different level and comes packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients that will have you wondering why you bother with fast food! Consider trying:

• Takoyaki – Octopus stuffed in a delicious ball of batter.
• Melonpon Ice Cream – Japan’s favorite lemon flavor in the form of Ice-cream.
• Yakitori – Grilled chicken on a stick.

You’ll also come across small shops selling odds and ends – perfect for grabbing a souvenir!

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 vibrant atmosphere, traditional architecture, and delicious street food.

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

The alleyway is also known for its lively and bustling atmosphere, with locals and tourists alike enjoying food and drinks late into the night! You’ll definitely want to visit this area during one of your nights in Tokyo!

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!

4. Enjoy A Peaceful Night Cruise On The Sumida River

Sumida River (Sumida-gawa, 隅田川) flows through central Tokyo, passing through Adachi, Arakawa, Kita, Taito, Kōtō, Chūō, and Sumida.

Hanging around the Sumida River is a popular destination for locals and tourists who visit every spring to enjoy the Sakura (Cherry Blossoms). During the day, you can grab your friends, family, or significant other and have a picnic as the pink petals from the cherry blossoms shower and surround you with natural beauty.

And 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!

One of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences to have in Tokyo at night is to take a nighttime dinner cruise aboard a yakatabune on the Sumida River. Yakatabune are traditional low-slung boats that offer visitors and locals a traditional dinner boat cruise experience.

The nighttime cruise is a perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and offers a unique perspective on the city that is not available during the day. The 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!

In summer, you can also immerse yourself in the exciting Hanabi Matsuri (Fireworks Festival), where you can enjoy tasty foods, shop, socialize, and make memories that will last a lifetime! 

5. Take A Nighttime Go-Kart Tour In Shinjuku

A well-lived life is largely based on a collection of memories, and in Shinjuku, you’ll have the chance to add some quirky additions to your collection!

In Shinjuku, you and up to five other people have the chance to tour the streets of Tokyo by go-cart — dressed up in fun costumes such as Mario, Luigi, and other Super Nintendo characters.

While these street go-kart tours happen all day long, we prefer saving your excursion for nighttime. You’ll get a close-up look at Tokyo’s illuminated cityscape and nightlife that way! 

Concerned about your safety? The go-karts are equipped with headlights and taillights, making them easy to see and safe to ride at night.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, slip on the costumes they provide of popular characters like Mario & Luigi, Superman, or Kirby, and let your inner child enjoy every minute of the ride!

The tour is great for experiencing Tokyo in a unique way and fun way, taking you to places like Roppongi District, Harajuku Station, Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku Golden Gai, and the Tokyo Tower.

The tours will usually include a tour guide that leads you around the city, a single go-kart, opportunities to take photos in your costumes & go-karts, costume (optional), and a Bluetooth speaker for sound effects!

If this sounds like your idea of fun, you’ll definitely want to book your tour in advance! The tours can be quite popular, especially during peak tourist season, so I recommend booking early to avoid the disappointment of them running out of time slots!

6. Relax At The Odaiba Waterfront In Tokyo Bay

One of the most relaxing and scenic experiences to have in Tokyo at night is to visit the Odaiba waterfront in Tokyo Bay. This beautiful waterfront area is home to a variety of attractions, including parks, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.

At night, the waterfront comes alive with a beautiful array of lights and colors, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, which are both illuminated at night.

You’re already familiar with the Tokyo Tower, it’s the Eiffel Tower-looking structure! The Rainbow Bridge, though, certainly lives up to its name by lighting up the night sky with brilliant colors of green, red, and white – some call it the Golden Gate Bridge of Tokyo!

The Odaiba waterfront is also home to several parks and gardens, which offer a peaceful and tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Odaiba Seaside Park is a popular destination, with its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the bay.

In addition to the parks and gardens, the Odaiba waterfront is also home to a variety of shopping centers and entertainment venues. The Aqua City Odaiba shopping center is a popular destination, with its wide range of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Why not take a ride on the Daikanransha (Ferris Wheel) while you’re here? With an impressive height of 377 ft (115 m) and a diameter measuring 328 ft (100 m), it’s certainly one for the bucket list! In fact, it held the position of the tallest Ferris wheel when it was first built in 1999 (it now stands as the 12^th tallest in the world).

7. Spend All Night At The Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome City (Tōkyō Dōmu Shiti, 東京ドームシティ) is a vibrant place situated in Kōraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo. You might have trouble choosing between the number of unique spots available in this area!

This entertainment complex is located in the heart of Tokyo and offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, 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 thrilling 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!).

The baseball stadium, known as the Tokyo Dome, is home to the Yomiuri Giants baseball team and is a popular destination for sports fans. The stadium also hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

The concert hall, known as Tokyo Dome City Hall, is a popular destination for music fans and hosts a wide range of concerts and events featuring both Japanese and international artists. There can be lots of concerts during certain times of the year, so make sure you check beforehand so that you can catch your favorite band!

The shopping center, known as LaQua, is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including a spa and a hot spring facility.

The Big O Ferris wheel is a unique ride where you get a spectacular view of the entire Tokyo skyline while at the same time enjoying a hearty bout of karaoke! Afraid of heights? Sing the fears way with a sweet lullaby or energetic electric guitar!

The CuBar Lounge is an exciting establishment that combines the best of your favorite alcoholic beverages with the fun of ten-pin bowling! This bowling alley serves draft beers, smooth whiskeys, and a collection of exciting cocktail mixes that will explode with delicious flavor and satisfaction.

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! Remember to try it after enjoying your favorite drink and not before, alright?

8. Browse The Tsukiji Fish Market For Seafood Rareties

Find yourself jet-lagged and wide awake at 3 or 4 am local Japan time? There’s only one place you should have on your mind at this hour, and that’s Tsukiji Fish Market (Tsukiji shijō, 築地市場)!

This iconic fish market is loved by both locals and tourists who travel far to see the tuna auctions in action.

Jōnai-shijō is the inner market area and acts as a wholesale market where you’ll find around 900 dealers operating small stalls, auctions, and other activities.

Despite being primarily famous for its seafood trade, the Tsukiji Fish Market has plenty of opportunities for normal people like you or me to purchase goods too.

Jōgai-shijō is the outer area of the market and contains a mixture of retail and wholesale establishments, restaurant suppliers, grocers, and some of the best sushi restaurants across Japan! If you’re a sushi connoisseur on the hunt for the best sushi around, you won’t want to miss this one! 

The surrounding restaurants get their ingredients straight from the market, so expect to enjoy your favorite serving of fresh octopus, salmon, mackerel, sea bream, or tuna to flop around on your plate!

There are plenty of sushi counters and any stand will be good here. No need to hunt or stand in line for hours unless you’re a diehard foodie (in which case you can wait in line for Sushi Dai or Daiwa-Zushi).

Want to experience this place on a deeper level? Opt for the highly recommended and best-selling Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour.

9. Embrace Your Inner Child At The Joypolis Amusement Parks

Joypolis (Joiporisu, ジョイポリス) is the collection of indoor amusement rides and attractions established by Sega, one of Japan’s and the world’s most historical video game companies.

This massive indoor amusement park is a must-see for anyone who loves video games, where you’ll encounter some of Sega’s iconic game characters, themes, and other Sega-related franchises.

Joypolis is home to a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, simulators, and virtual reality experiences. The park also features a variety of other interactive attractions, such as a laser maze and a haunted house.

And of course, a video game amusement park wouldn’t be complete without arcade games! There are many games to enjoy, like Sonic the Hedgehog, House of the Dead, a competitive PvP (player vs. player) virtual reality shooter, and popular anime-style games, including Attack on Titan.

One of the most popular attractions at Joypolis is Halfpipe Tokyo, a thrilling ride that combines elements of snowboarding and skateboarding. The ride takes visitors on a thrilling journey up and down a giant halfpipe, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

After an energetic day of gaming, it’s time to indulge in some food and dessert (not necessarily in that order). You can enjoy a sweet snack by picking up your favorite flavor at the Dippin Dots ice cream store or sitting down for a warm meal at the D-Lounge or Frame Café.

Think you’re going to want to play a lot here? Opt for the Tokyo Joypolis ticket — it gives you access to thrilling rides, including 3D attractions and over 20 games. This passport gives you unlimited readmission to the park during the day, so take the time to explore Odaiba then come back as you please!

10. Talking A Free Walking Tour Of 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 and is known for its vibrant nightlife, adult entertainment, and unique cultural experiences. Namely, this area is famous for its Japanese-only host and hostess clubs.

Host clubs are ones that cater to male customers only, while hostess clubs are for female customers.

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! Love hotels are places where couples can pay a small fee and gain access to a room filled with heart-shaped pillows and beds, dim lighting, and other features that make it romantic to set the mood. Ooh la la!

11. Have A Night Visit To Rikugi-en Gardens And Koishikawa Kōrakuen

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!

This beautiful garden is located in the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo and is known for its stunning natural beauty and traditional Japanese design. Normally, the gardens are closed to the public in the evenings, but during certain seasons, the garden holds special night viewings that give visitors 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 and romantic atmosphere. The Autumn Evening Illumination (in the fall) and the Springtime Special Nighttime Viewing (during the spring) are not to be missed!

The layout of Rikugien Gardens consists of a little, serene pond with beautiful trees and a rolling hill to help your stress roll off your shoulders. It’s a fantastic getaway if you need a space to forget about your long day, collect your thoughts, or soak in something other than urban city vibes!

Visitors can also enjoy a cup of green tea at the teahouse, which offers a peaceful and tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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

12. Spend The 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 is located in Urayasu, Chiba, and 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, each with its own unique attractions and entertainment. Some of the most popular attractions at Tokyo Disneyland include Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shows and parades throughout the day, featuring beloved Disney characters and music.

At night, the park transforms into a magical wonderland of lights and colors, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. From the nightly fireworks show to the illuminated attractions, Tokyo Disneyland at night is a sight to behold.

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 themed areas including Mediterranean Harbor, the Arabian Coast, the Mysterious Island, and other exciting areas, each with its own distinct atmosphere and attractions. While there are less rides, the theming of this park is incredible. There’s so much to look at!

Pro Tip: You can buy Disneyland tickets in advance on Klook to save a lot more money than buying directly from the Disney site. This is where I purchase all my Disneyland tickets for Asia! They are legit and you’ll get your Disneyland tickets immediately via email.

13. Get Street Food In The Yarakucho And Ginza Neighborhoods

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.

14. Enjoy Breathtaking Views Of Tokyo From The 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 (Tōkyō Sukaitsurī, 東京スカイツリー) is an observation and broadcasting tower situated in Sumido and boasts magnificent aerial views of Tokyo. This iconic tower is located in Sumida, Tokyo, and is the tallest structure in Japan, standing at 634 meters tall.

Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy stunning views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas. On a clear night, visitors can see as far as Mount Fuji and the Tokyo Bay!

The Tokyo Skytree also features a variety of restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views. There’s also an aquarium here too.

If you’re a photographer at heart, Tokyo Tower is the perfect place for taking snapshots of the sunset as it says its goodbyes to the Tokyo skyline.

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.

15. See digital art at Teamlab Borderless or Teamlab Planets

One of the most unique and captivating experiences to have in Tokyo at night is to visit the Teamlab Borderless or Teamlab Planets digital art exhibits. These immersive installations use cutting-edge technology to create stunning, interactive displays that transport visitors to otherworldly realms.

At Teamlab Borderless, visitors can explore a vast and surreal world of light and sound, where digital art and technology blend seamlessly to create a truly unforgettable experience. The exhibit features a variety of rooms and installations, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere.

At Teamlab Planets, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of water and light, where they can wade through shallow pools and interact with stunning digital displays that respond to their movements and touch.

To make the most of your visit to Teamlab Borderless or Teamlab Planets, it’s important to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. Both exhibits can be quite popular, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment.

It’s also a good idea to 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.

Finally, be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning visuals and share your experience with friends and family. The exhibits at Teamlab Borderless and Teamlab Planets are truly one-of-a-kind, and are sure to be a highlight of any trip to Tokyo.

You can buy your TeamLab Planets tickets on Klook here.

16. Go Karaoke With All Your Friends

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. 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.

17. Dine At A Ninja-Themed Restaurant

One of the most unique and entertaining experiences to have in Tokyo at night is to dine at a ninja-themed restaurant. Yup, this concept really exists! Ninja Tokyo offers a dining experience that is unlike anything else in the world.

At this restaurant, visitors are transported back in time to feudal Japan, where they are served by ninja waiters and treated to a variety of delicious and creative dishes. The restaurants are designed to look like a ninja village, with hidden doors, secret passageways, and other surprises around every corner.

The food at ninja-themed restaurants is often just as impressive as the atmosphere, with a variety of Japanese and international dishes that are creatively presented and expertly prepared. Some popular dishes include sushi, tempura, and Wagyu beef, as well as unique and creative desserts.

To make the most of your visit to a ninja-themed restaurant, it’s important to book your table in advance, as these restaurants can be quite popular and tend to fill up quickly. 

18. Visit the Robot Restaurant for an over-the-top show

First, I must say, the Robot Restaurant show is so kitschy and undeniably made for tourists. But because it is so wild, energetic, and random, it is also somehow great!

Despite this nightly event being a tourist trap, I do recommend it if you like weird entertainment! I personally had so much fun when I went!

Get your Robot Restaurant tickets here–but skip the dinner option and eat elsewhere.

UPDATE: Robot Restaurant is currently closed with no announcements to re-open just yet. They have mentioned that they are “not dead yet” which means they’re likely to come back at some point!

19. Konica Minolta Planetarium

The Konica Minolta Planetariums are a series of planetariums located in Tokyo, Japan, that offer visitors an immersive and educational experience of the night sky. The planetariums are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows visitors to explore the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in stunning detail.

With a ticket to the planetarium, you can experience a new form of entertainment, presented with surprisingly, realistic, imagery of starry skies, complete with music, and even aromas! The wide reclining seats allow the show to be enjoyed and comfort, so you can really focus on soaking everything in with all the senses. You can even upgrade to a comfy daybed decorated with fluffy pillows, too!

The technology here is amazing, but if you’re not a native Japanese speaker, then opt for the headphones so you can listen to narration in English.

There are a few different Konica Minolta Planetariums you could choose from in Tokyo: one in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, one in Yurakucho, and one in Tokyo Skytree Town.

20. 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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Japan Travel Insurance

This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.

I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.

True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.

Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!

One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.

SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.

In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:

• emergency medical evacuation – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
• travel delay
• lost checked luggage
• adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
• electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.

Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.

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Tokyo, Japan is vibrant with nightlife opportunities for good food and even better company. Go out there and explore, and mingle with the locals, too!

Enjoy the views atop the Skytree and Tokyo Tower, stroll through the Rikugi-en Gardens, and savor every bite of street food! Happy travels.

Looking for more Japan travel tips? You may also like:

Best Of Tokyo: The Perfect 5 Days In Tokyo, Japan

18 Popular Foods To Try In Japan

Best Of Japan: The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary For First-Timers

Japan On A Budget: 45 Ultimate Tips For An Affordable Vacation

The Perfect Kyoto Itinerary: 5 Days In Kyoto, Japan (+ Nara and Osaka)

10 Amazing Onsen Towns In Japan To Visit On Your Next Trip