From Shinjuku Kabukicho, Japan’s largest entertainment district, to Ginza’s exclusive club district, Roppongi’s international night spots, Shibuya’s youth culture, and Yokohama’s Isezakicho. We will provide you with a thorough guide to the diverse nightlife towns of the Kanto region.
📍 Shinjuku Kabukicho
Origin/History
The history of Kabukicho begins with the ruins of the area after the war. In 1946, a plan was launched to redevelop this area, which had been devastated by air raids, as an entertainment district. The name originates from the concept of constructing a Kabuki theater during the planning stage. The name “Kabukicho” was officially decided in 1948. Although the Kabuki theater was never built, its name remains, and it has developed into one of the largest entertainment districts in Asia. Currently, it is a busy downtown area that attracts approximately 300,000 visitors a day.
Features
The largest entertainment district in Japan, packed with restaurants, bars, clubs, movie theaters, hotels, etc. Golden Gai, in particular, is popular with foreign tourists as a bar district that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era. It is conveniently located right next to Shinjuku Station and is known as a place that anyone can enjoy 24 hours a day. In recent years, public safety has improved, and the number of areas that families and tourists can visit safely has increased.
Recommended spots
Access
1 minute walk from the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station. Directly connected to Shinjuku Station on all Tokyo Metro lines. Approximately 15 minutes by JR Chuo Line rapid train from Tokyo Station, and also accessible from Shinjuku Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line).
Precautions
There are many people at night, so you need to be careful about pickpockets and pickpockets. If you are persistently approached by a tout, ignore them or ask for help at a police box near the station. We recommend group activities rather than walking alone late at night. Many bars in Golden Gai have a charge, so be sure to check before entering.
📍 Ginza
Origin/History
Ginza derives its name from the fact that there was a silver coin mint (Ginza Government Office) during the Edo period. After the Meiji era, it developed as a symbol of Japan’s modernization and became Japan’s leading high-class entertainment district, with many high-end shops and clubs. After the war, many nightclubs catering to Allied military officers opened in the area, and it is still known as Japan’s most exclusive club district.
Features
An area where Japan’s best luxury clubs and bars gather. The quality of the cabaret clubs and clubs is said to be the best in Japan, with one building serving as a clubhouse. On the other hand, in recent years there have been many foreign luxury brand stores and Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a place where you can enjoy shopping during the day and socializing for adults at night.
Access
Directly connected to Tokyo Metro Ginza Station. About 5 minutes walk from JR Yurakucho Station. It is within walking distance (about 15 minutes) from Tokyo Station.
📍 Roppongi
Origin/History
Roppongi began after the war as a gathering of nightclubs and bars for the occupation forces. There are various theories about the origin of the name, but the most famous theory is that it was because there were six large trees. Since the 1990s, large-scale redevelopments such as Roppongi Hills have transformed the area into an international business and entertainment district.
Features
An international night spot that is popular among foreign tourists and expatriates. Complexes such as Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown offer a wide range of choices from fine restaurants to clubs and bars. It is characterized by many clubs and bars that are easy to enter even for foreigners. There are also plenty of museums and movie theaters, making it possible to spend a cultural evening.
Access
Directly connected to Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Oedo Line. About 10 minutes by taxi from Shinjuku.
📍 Shibuya Center Gai
Origin/History
Shibuya began to develop in the 1920s, and with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it exploded as a city for young people. As the center of the city, Center Gai became the epicenter of Japanese youth culture.
Features
Center of youth culture. This area, symbolized by the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is a place where fashion, music, and subculture intersect. There are many shops aimed at young people, such as reasonably priced izakayas, bars, and tapioca shops, making it perfect for people who want to casually enjoy the nightlife. The night view from Shibuya’s new landmark “Shibuya Scramble Square” is also a must-see.
Access
1 minute walk from JR Shibuya Station Hachiko exit. It is also served by various Tokyo Metro lines.
📍 Yokohama Isezakicho
Origin/History
It is the largest entertainment district in Yokohama, and has developed along with the prosperity of Yokohama since the opening of the port at the end of the Edo period. The name “Isezaki Town” is said to come from Sakichi Iseya, who was the landowner of this area. Even after the war, it remained a bustling central downtown area of Yokohama, extending from around Kannai Station to the entire Isezakicho shopping district.
Features
There are many restaurants in the area from around Kannai station to Isezakimachi shopping district.) The location is close to Yokohama’s unique Chinatown and Red Brick Warehouse, making it easy to combine with sightseeing. There are many bars with a port town atmosphere that you can enjoy together with the night view of Minato Mirai. In recent years, redevelopment has progressed and the area is being reborn as a more sophisticated area.
Access
Short walk from JR Kannai Station. Approximately 3 minutes from Yokohama Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line. It is approximately 25 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Tokaido Line.
📝 Summary
The Kanto region is home to a variety of entertainment districts unlike any other in the world. The overwhelming scale of Shinjuku Kabukicho, the luxury of Ginza, the international atmosphere of Roppongi, the youthful energy of Shibuya, and the port town atmosphere of Yokohama. Enjoy the nightlife of Tokyo and Yokohama to the fullest according to your travel style.