What to do on a night in Tokyo? Whether you’re looking for dining and drinks, a stroll through the streets to feel the vibes, or a first-time adventure into the city’s nightlife, you can easily and comfortably find the right spot to match your mood in Tokyo. For this article, we spoke with DJ PAIPAI who spins tunes both in Japan and around the globe, and his wife Jenna Röhrs, a model and media personality, also working in event production. Together, they shed light on the pleasures of Tokyo after dark.

–What do you think is the most appealing element of Tokyo’s nightlife?
Jenna: First of all, it's safe. Even as a woman walking alone at night, you rarely feel uneasy. So, it's easy to make plans in the evening, whether you’re traveling solo as a woman or exploring the city with a group of female friends.
DJ PAIPAI: For me, it’s the sheer variety of ways to enjoy the night. Of course there are bars and clubs, but also izakayas and karaoke. With so many options, you can choose the one that best suits your mood and the people you’re with—that's what makes Tokyo so special.

Music Scene

Jenna: It’s great that there’s more than just clubs. Recently, DJ bars and record bars have been popping up, so it’s easy for people to enjoy music even if they don’t really feel like dancing. Also popular among international audiences is Blue Note Tokyo, featuring top artists every night from Japan and around the world.
Blue Note Tokyo(Multiple languages available)

DJ PAIPAI: The club scene also has a truly diverse range of genres. The history of Japanese clubs dates back to the days of disco, and some still have that vibe. Seeing people in their 60s and 70s dancing so naturally really makes me realize that music transcends generations.
Jenna: I was surprised when I first saw parapara* (laughs). I think it’s such a unique, interesting culture. Also, I wasn’t a fan of clubs until I met my husband. It was only after we met that I started clubbing, both in Japan and abroad. For first-time club goers, I think Tokyo is a city where it’s easy to join the fun.
*Parapara
A uniquely Japanese dance centered on hand movements set to up-tempo Eurobeat music.

DJ PAIPAI: Japanese clubs are generally easy to get into. Compared to overseas, cover charges and drink prices are reasonable, and you don’t see lines of security guards, so there’s a feeling that you can just relax and enjoy the music with peace of mind. With the recent increase in overseas tourists, I feel like the vibes on the dance floor have become more international. The music has a lot in common with American culture, so especially for Europeans, they can get to know a slightly different sound than what they’re used to.

Performing Arts & Traditional Culture

Jenna: For me, Tokyo’s nightlife isn’t just about the club scene, but also the chance to get a sense of a variety of cultures. Besides classical concerts and ballet, I’d also suggest traditional experiences only possible in Tokyo like kabuki or a yakatabune (pleasure boat) cruise. Friends from overseas have told me that yakatabune cruises made a big impression on them. Nowadays you can make online reservations for many events in English. Even in the middle of your trip it’s easy to schedule it into your plans, so I’d say, go for it.
Tokyo Yakatabune Boat Cruises (GO TOKYO)

Hotel Bars & Lounges

DJ PAIPAI: For a more relaxing time, I recommend a hotel bar or lounge. The night view from the upper floors is a special sight unique to Tokyo. Right now, my favorite is the night view from Fairmont Tokyo in Shibaura. The view takes in the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Bay, and even Tokyo Tower, creating a truly memorable Tokyo nightscape. Enjoying signature cocktails and food at the hotel bar or lounge is also a real treat. It’s fascinating to check out each hotel’s own unique flavors and visual style.
Fairmont Tokyo

Nighttime City Strolls

Jenna: Even popular spots packed with tourists during the day can be enjoyed more leisurely at night, when there are fewer people around. Take Asakusa, for example. When the shops are closed and the crowds thin out, you can fully appreciate the historic streets and the atmosphere of the temples. I’d recommend taking a walk from TOKYO SKYTREE to Asakusa. TOKYO mizumachi and the SUMIDA RIVER WALK are well developed, making it easy to walk across the Sumida River, and the riverside scenery is beautiful.
TOKYO mizumachi / SUMIDA RIVER WALK (GO TOKYO)

Ramen

DJ PAIPAI: Ending the night with local favorite foods is something every country has in common. In New York, it’s hot dogs and pizza, and in Germany and Barcelona, kebabs. In Tokyo, it’s ramen. Club districts like Shinjuku and Ginza have tons of famous ramen restaurants. By the way, I love ramen so much I eat it three times a week!
Jenna: I'm more of a tsukemen fan!