Tokyo's nightlife and entertainment options run the full gamut, from grand Kabuki theatres and cinemas to broom-cupboard bars and live music venues (known as "live houses"). The distinction between restaurants, bars and clubs in the city's sakariba (lively places), such as Ginza, Shibuya or Shinjuku, is a hazy one, with many places offering a range of entertainment depending on the evening or customers' spirits.

On the cultural side, you can sample all Japan's major performance arts in Tokyo, from stately No , the oldest in its theatrical repertoire, to Buto , the country's unique contribution to contemporary dance. However, if you only have the energy, or budget, for one such cultural experience, then save it for Kabuki , with its larger-than-life heroes, flamboyant costumes and dramatic finales. Information about these and other performances is available in the English-language press, notably Tokyo Journal , and from Tokyo TIC . Alternatively, ring Teletourist (tel 03/3201-2911; 24hr) for recorded details of what's on. Tickets are available from theatres and ticket agencies .

Bars and izakaya
The authentic Japanese bar - smoky, cramped, exclusively male and always expensive - is the nomiya , often containing nothing more than a short counter bar, generally run by a mama-san , a unique breed who both charm and...
read more >>

Clubs and discos
The chameleon-like nature of the city's nightlife, fuelled by an insatiable appetite for new trends, means that Tokyo is one of the most exciting, but also unpredictable places in the world to party. While some clubs weather the vagaries of...
read more >>

Gay bars and clubs
Take advantage of the relatively open gay and lesbian scene in Tokyo; in the rest of Japan (even in big cities like Osaka), things are a lot more cliquey and closeted. Even so, compared to London, San Francisco or Sydney, Tokyo's scene is a...
read more >>

Live music, film and cultural events
There's always plenty going on culturally in Tokyo, though language can be a problem when it comes to performance arts. Colourful extravaganzas like Takarazuka or the more traditional Kabuki are the easiest to enjoy, but even the...
read more >>

Tokyo City History City Transport

Information Orientation Shopping

Listings Eating Nightlife & Entertainment

Arrival Soaking in Tokyo Modern Architecture Best Of