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Best Things to Do in Tokyo at Night (Nightlife)

Japan's capital and economic and cultural center

Updated: September 1, 2024

Introducing sightseeing spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy Japan at night, such as Tokyo’s nightlife district and observatories with spectacular views!

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About Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the economic, cultural, and political center of the country. Tokyo has 23 special wards. These wards represent the diverse culture, history, and contemporary charm of Tokyo. Here are some of the most popular wards and tourist destinations in Tokyo for visitors.

Tourist Spots

SEASONAL

1. TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Halloween party ~

TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Halloween party~ Projection Mapping Event

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Minato-ku

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Projection Mapping Vantage point

TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Halloween party~
TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Halloween party~
TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Halloween party~

“TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Halloween party~” is a projection mapping event held at the Main Deck of Tokyo Tower. During the event, beautiful night views serve as the backdrop for projections on the windows, showcasing images that reflect the four seasons of Japan. This time, the theme is “Halloween Party,” starting with tranquil autumn scenes featuring falling leaves, chirping insects, and swaying pampas grass. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts as lively music accompanies the appearance of Halloween characters like witches, bats, and jack-o’-lanterns, transforming the space into vibrant Halloween colors. Visitors can enjoy a smooth transition from the serene mood of autumn to the lively excitement of a Halloween party, complete with immersive sounds and visuals.

Map IconAddress

2-8, Shiba-Koen 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo

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Event Period Friday, September 13 - Friday, October 4, 18:00-22:20
Saturday, October 5 - Thursday, October 31, 17:30 - 22:50
Official Site TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ~Halloween party~

SEASONAL

2. TOKYO LIGHTS

TOKYO LIGHTS Unique light show combining the latest technology and tradition

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Shinjuku

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Show

TOKYO LIGHTS
TOKYO LIGHTS
TOKYO LIGHTS
TOKYO LIGHTS

TOKYO LIGHTS is a light event held in Tokyo, featuring spectacular projection mapping at Meiji Jingu Gaien. The event showcases an exclusive light show that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional culture on the backdrop of an important cultural property. Attendees can experience immersive live entertainment blending light art, visuals, music, performers, and AI, creating a unique and extraordinary atmosphere. This event offers a chance to experience a new “light” of TOKYO, providing a breathtaking escape from the ordinary.

Map IconAddress

1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0013

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Event Period September 14 (Sat) - September 16 (Mon), 2024

6:00 PM Main Venue: Registration and Doors Open
4:00 PM Early Access to the Food and Beverage Area Only
Official Site TOKYO LIGHTS

SEASONAL

3. アートアクアリウム

Art Aquarium Goldfish and light fuse to create contemporary Japanese art

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Ginza

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Art Aquarium

Art Aquarium
Art Aquarium
Art Aquarium
Art Aquarium
Art Aquarium
Art Aquarium

Art Aquarium is a unique exhibition space that combines contemporary Japanese art and aquarium art. The exhibit revolves around traditional Japanese fish, especially goldfish. The goldfish on display swim amidst colorful lighting and artistic aquarium designs. Visitors can appreciate the beauty of these underwater creatures in a fantastic atmosphere.

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Ginza Mitsukoshi, 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Entrance reception/same-day tickets: 9th floor of the new building)

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Access Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line
"Ginza Station" A7 exit is immediate
Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
5-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station (Exit 9)
Toei Asakusa Line/Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
"Higashi Ginza Station" 2 minutes walk via the underground passage in the direction of Ginza Station
JR
9-minute walk from Yurakucho Station (Central Exit/Ginza Exit)
Official Site Art Aquarium

4. 新宿

Shinjuku Located in the heart of Tokyo, a vibrant city where business and entertainment merge

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Shinjuku

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City

Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s main commercial districts, with a mix of business, entertainment, and shopping. At night, neon-decorated buildings create a lively atmosphere, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs welcome visitors. For Japanese people, Shinjuku is known as a great place for after-work drinks and weekend shopping.

Best Things to do in Shinjuku at Night

Best Things to do in Shinjuku at Night

Map IconAddress

Shinjuku City Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

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5. 渋谷

Shibuya A city known as a gathering place for young people's culture and a trendsetter.

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Shibuya

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City

Shibuya
Shibuya
Shibuya
Shibuya
Shibuya
Shibuya

Shibuya is the center of youth culture and fashion, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in particular is world famous. At night, the streets are teeming with young people, bustling with activity for shopping, dining, and entertainment. For locals, Shibuya is where new trends begin, and is a popular gathering place for friends and a date spot.

Best Things to do in Shibuya at Night

Best Things to do in Shibuya at Night

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Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

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6. 銀座

Ginza Tokyo's leading commercial area for luxury brand shopping

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Ginza

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District

Ginza
Ginza
Ginza
Ginza
Ginza
Ginza

Ginza is an upscale district of Tokyo known for its luxury brand shopping, museums, and top-notch restaurants. At night, it offers an elegant atmosphere and a relaxed, adult atmosphere. For Japanese people, Ginza is the place to celebrate special occasions and find exclusive gifts.

Best Things to Do in Ginza at Night

Best Things to Do in Ginza at Night

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Chuo-ku, Tokyo

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7. 丸の内

Marunouchi Upscale business district in the heart of Tokyo

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Marunouchi

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District

Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi

Marunouchi is the business and financial center adjacent to Tokyo Station. Lined with office buildings, the district takes on a more relaxed atmosphere at night, when businessmen can be seen relaxing in the upscale restaurants and bars. For Japanese people, Roppongi is known not only as a place for business, but also as a place to enjoy fine dining and shopping.

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Chiyoda city, Tokyo

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8. お台場

Odaiba Entertainment and shopping area located on Tokyo Bay

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Odaiba

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District

Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba
Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay that is home to a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, and amusement facilities. It is a popular date spot at night, with the Rainbow Bridge beautifully illuminated and the night view beautiful. For locals, it is like a resort for families and couples to enjoy on weekends.

Best Things to Do in Odaiba at Night

Best Things to Do in Odaiba at Night

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Odaiba, Tokyo

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9. 六本木

Roppongi Tokyo's premier entertainment district with an international art scene and nightlife

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Minato-ku

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District

Roppongi
Roppongi
Roppongi
Roppongi
Roppongi

Roppongi is a mature town. It is an area of fashionable restaurants, clubs, and art and cultural facilities, and is known as a center for nightlife. Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are especially popular spots to enjoy the night view. For locals, Roppongi is a place to experience a mature atmosphere and to enjoy nighttime entertainment.

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Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

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10. 池袋

Ikebukuro Large commercial area packed with shopping malls, entertainment facilities, and cultural institutions

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Toshima-ku

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District

Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is a large commercial area packed with shopping malls, entertainment facilities, and cultural institutions. With attractions like Sunshine City, it offers a variety of amusements. For Japanese people, Ikebukuro is a hub of urban entertainment with diverse ways to enjoy the city.

Best Things to Do in Ikebukuro at Night

Best Things to Do in Ikebukuro at Night

Map IconAddress

1 Chome Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0022

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11. 東京スカイツリー

Tokyo Skytree Japan's highest radio tower with a panoramic view of the city of Tokyo

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Oshiage

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Vantage point

Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Sky Tree is known as the world’s second tallest structure, standing at 634 meters. At night, it is illuminated with beautiful illuminations and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo nightscape. At night, the atmosphere is especially magical, providing an unforgettable view for visitors.

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1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045

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12. 東京タワー

Tokyo Tower Red and white radio tower overlooking the city of Tokyo

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Minato-ku

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Vantage point

Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower

Completed in 1958, the 333-meter tall Tokyo Tower was once the tallest structure in Japan. Its red and white steel structure is an iconic landmark in the Tokyo landscape. At night, it is illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere. For the locals, it is a symbol of growth and reconstruction, and is beloved by many Japanese.

Map IconAddress

2-8, Shiba-Koen 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo

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13. 浅草

Asakusa Tourist attraction filled with Japanese charm

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Taito-ku

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City

Asakusa
Asakusa
Asakusa

Asakusa is one of the oldest areas in Tokyo and a place where one can experience traditional Japanese culture. Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and attracts many tourists. On Nakamise Street, visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese souvenirs and food. Asakusa is an area where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of old Tokyo.

Best Things to Do in Asakusa at Night

Best Things to Do in Asakusa at Night

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Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

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14. 中野

Nakano A town that combines a friendly downtown atmosphere with the convenience of the city

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Nakano

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City

Nakano

Nakano, one of Tokyo’s 23 wards, is a vibrant area located in the heart of the city. It has convenient transportation and is a popular residential area. In particular, the area around Nakano Station is home to many commercial facilities, offering an abundance of shopping and dining options.

Map IconAddress

Nakano-ku, Tokyo

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Tokyo's Local Cuisine

1. 江戸前寿司

Edomae Sushi Sushi made with fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay

Edomae Sushi is made with fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay and is a symbol of Tokyo’s sushi culture. The artisanal skills of the sushi chefs are evident in the nigirizushi and makizushi, and the high-end sushi restaurants in Tsukiji Market and Ginza are particularly famous.

2. ラーメン

Ramen Various ramen from all over Japan

Tokyo is teeming with a wide variety of ramen restaurants. You can enjoy a variety of soups, such as soy sauce, salt, miso, and tonkotsu (pork bone). Tokyo’s ramen is especially popular among tourists because of its unique style and abundance of toppings.

3. うな重

Unaju Grilled broiled eel on a bed of rice

Unaju is extremely popular. Unaju is a dish consisting of grilled broiled eel on a bed of rice. In particular, unajyu served at long-established restaurants that have been in business since the Edo period offers a traditional taste.

4. もんじゃ焼き

Monjayaki Famous Teppanyaki Cuisine

Monjayaki is a teppan-yaki dish famous in downtown Tokyo, especially in the Tsukishima area. Ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, and meat are mixed into a thin batter and grilled on a teppan grill. It is a homey and familiar dish for locals, as they enjoy grilling it by themselves.

5. ちゃんこ鍋

Chanko-Nabe One-pot meals eaten by sumo wrestlers in their rooms on a daily basis

Chanko-nabe is a nabe dish served at the famous sumo stables in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo. It is nutritious and hearty, with plenty of meat, fish, and vegetables. Chanko-nabe is known as a dish used by sumo wrestlers to improve their physical strength.

6. 油そば

Aburasoba A kind of ramen without soup

Aburasoba is a type of ramen with no broth, a dish in which noodles are tossed with sauce. In Tokyo, there are many restaurants specializing in this dish, and with a wide variety of toppings, it is a fun way to customize the dish to your own taste.

7. 天ぷら

Tempura Fried dishes with fresh seafood and vegetables

Tempura in Tokyo is a deep-fried dish made with fresh seafood and vegetables and characterized by the Edo-mae technique. Its crispy texture and simple seasoning that makes the most of the flavors of the ingredients are appealing.

8. 深川めし

Fukagawa-meshi Rice cooked with clams

Fukagawa-meshi is a dish that originated in the Fukagawa district of downtown Tokyo. Typical dishes include rice cooked with clams and rice topped with miso soup with clams. This dish began as a fisherman’s dish and is still loved by the locals today, a simple yet delicious dish that shows the bounty of the sea.