Top 17 Drinking Districts for Nightlife in Tokyo

This ramshackle cluster of tiny bars and eateries in Shinjuku sprung up during the post-war years. Following a fire that destroyed much of the area in 1999, it was rebuilt as the popular drinking den known as “Memory Lane”. It’s easy to access from JR Shinjuku station’s east exit, with a pedestrian underpass to your left leading to the entrance.

Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku Nishi-shinjuku 1-chome 2

【URL】http://shinjuku-omoide.com/

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This covered alleyway is packed with lively pubs, trendy wine bars and quaint eateries, with glowing akachochin lanterns lighting the way. It’s a popular destination to begin an evening out, with everything from grilled meats to Japanese-inspired mushroom dishes on offer. Ebisu Yokocho is easily accessed from the East Exit of Ebisu Station.

Ebisu Yokocho

Ebisu Yokocho

Ebisu Yokocho

Ebisu Yokocho

Tokyo Shibuya-ku Ebisu 1-7-4

0362688799

【URL】http://www.ebisu-yokocho.com/top.html

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Do-c Shibuya Ebisu

1-8-1 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku Tokyo

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Originally established as a flea market following World War II, this cluster of alleyways accessed from the north side of Kichijoji Station is now known as a dining and nightlife hub. Standing-room-only bars and tiny eateries serve cold beers, taiyaki pancakes and grilled meats, with so many choices you can spend an entire night hopping between them.

Kichijoji - Hamonica Yokocho

Kichijoji - Hamonica Yokocho

Kichijoji - Hamonica Yokocho

Harmonica Alley

Tokyo Musashinoshi Kichijoujihonchou 1

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Nicknamed “Salaryman Heaven”, this area between Shinbashi and Yurakucho stations is lined with standing-only bars and yakitori joints that ignite once the offices close for the day. Mingle with the locals at one of the Korean barbecue houses or Chinese-style eateries, with the strip accessed from either the Shinbashi or Yurakucho Stations.

Shinbashi Yurakucho Gado-shita

Shinbashi Yurakucho Gado-shita

Shinbashi Yurakucho Gado-shita

Yurakucho

Tokyo

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The Peninsula Tokyo

1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo

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Famed for serving hoppy - a cheap, alcoholic beverage featuring shochu - this atmospheric street in Asakusa is the place to come for an old-fashioned night out. Settle in at one of the street-side tables while feasting on nikomi beef stew, with each bar having their own, unique recipe. It’s easily accessed from Exit 5 of the Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station.

Asakusa Hoppy Street

Asakusa Hoppy Street

Asakusa Hoppy Street

Asakusa Rokku Street

Tokyo Taito-ku Asakusa 2-4-3

0338430611

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Residential Hotel B:CONTE Asakusa

2-4-2 Asakusa Taito-ku Tokyo

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Translating as “Drunkard's Alley”, this ramshackle street in Shibuya is clustered with tiny bars that are designed for just four or five patrons. It’s one of Tokyo’s most iconic yokocho and dates back to the 1950s when it hosted the Tokyu Railway Corporation's head office. Nonbei Yokocho is easily accessed from Shibuya Station.

Shibuya - Nonbei Yokocho

Shibuya - Nonbei Yokocho

Shibuya - Nonbei Yokocho

Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho

Tokyo Shibuya-ku Shibuya 1-chome 25

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Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

1-24-10 Shibuya-ku Tokyo

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If you want to experience a night out with Tokyo’s salarymen, then down-to-earth Golden Gai is the place to head. Each bar has its own charm and quirky theme, with karaoke ringing through the street at all hours of the night. It’s a short stroll from Shinjuku station’s Exit 4.

Shinjuku - Golden Gai (Golden Street)

Ameyoko Shopping Street (Ameyoko)

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Tokyo Taitou-ku Ueno 6-10-7

0338325053

Depends on establishment

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Stretching from Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station, this iconic shopping street boasts more than 400 shops, including numerous bars and eateries. It’s a popular place for locals to tabearuki or “eat around”, with small portions that allow you to sample a little bit of everything. Access is from either Ueno Station or Okachimachi Station.

Ueno - Ameyoko Shopping Street

Ueno - Ameyoko Shopping Street

Ueno - Ameyoko Shopping Street

Ameyoko Shopping Street (Ameyoko)

4.0

2741 Reviews

Tokyo Taitou-ku Ueno 6-10-7

0338325053

Depends on establishment

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Hugging the rail tracks that link Yurakucho and Shimbashi Station, Corridor Street is lined with izakaya bars and has become a popular nampa (“girl hunting”) spot in Ginza. It’s frequented by office workers from nearby Shimbashi and Shiodome, with everything from specialist whiskey bars to simple gyoza restaurants. It’s around seven minutes’ walk from Yurakucho or Shimbashi Station.

Ginza - Corridor Gai (Corridor Street)

銀座コリドー街

東京都中央区銀座

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This street in Tsukishima is dedicated entirely to monjayaki - a delicious dish made from flour and dashi that’s topped with a myriad of different ingredients. There are more than 75 restaurants here with self-cook griddles and accompanying sauces, spices and seaweed that you can add. It’s directly in front of Tsukishima Station’s Exit 7.

Tsukishima Monja Street

Tsukishima Monja Association

Tokyo Chuou-ku Tsukishima 1-8-1-103

0335321990

11:00-19:00

【URL】http://www.monja.gr.jp/

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平安旅馆和风

中央区佃2-7-5平安旅馆 Tokyo

This street in Tsukishima is dedicated entirely to monjayaki - a delicious dish made from flour and dashi that’s topped with a myriad of different ingredients. There are more than 75 restaurants here with self-cook griddles and accompanying sauces, spices and seaweed that you can add. It’s directly in front of Tsukishima Station’s Exit 7.

Shimokitazawa - Suzunari Yokocho

Shimokitazawa - Suzunari Yokocho

鈴なり横丁

東京都世田谷区北沢１丁目

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Packed with early post-war buildings, this maze of alleyways in Oimachi houses around 60 different bars and eateries. It’s renowned for its yaki (grilled) sushi and welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of cheap watering holes where you can grab a drink. The restaurant district is just a short walk from Oimachi Station.

Oimachi - Higashikoji Inshokutengai (Restaurant District)

Oimachi - Higashikoji Inshokutengai (Restaurant District)

Oimachi

Tokyo

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Situated in an underpass on the west side of Koenji Station, this area of cheap yakitori eateries and izakayas is popular for a late-night drink or snack. Over-turned beer crates provide seating at the no-frills establishments, which can be accessed from the North Exit of Koenji Station.

Koenji Gado-shita

Koenji Gado-shita

Koenji

Tokyo

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Packed with bars and restaurants that exude a nostalgic atmosphere, Suzuran Street is a laid-back place to grab a refreshing drink once the sun goes down. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you soak up the atmosphere, with the strip just one minute’s walk from Sangenjaya Station.

Sangenjaya - Suzuran Dori (Suzuran Street)

Sangenjaya - Suzuran Dori (Suzuran Street)

Sangen-jaya

Tokyo

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Sangenjaya Tour with Local Guide in Tokyo

¥7,568

Update date：2024/04/17

the b sangenjaya

2-17-9 Taishido, Setagaya-Ku Tokyo

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Famed for its manga and anime culture, Nakano is also home to a great dining and nightlife scene, particularly around the North Exit of Nakano Station. There are bars to suit all tastes, from bohemian-style watering holes to student drinking dens and a bar dedicated solely to 80s music.

Nakano Station North exit

Nakano(Tokyo)

Tokyo

【URL】http://www.heart-beat-nakano.com/area/nakanosta_north.html

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If you’re looking for a European ambiance on your night out, head to Jiyugaoka Yokocho - a maze of narrow streets that are lined with fashionable cafes, bakeries and boutiques. There is a Venetian-style canal and gondolas for a romantic treat, with this Parisian-inspired area easily accessible from Jiyugaoka Station.

Jiyugaoka Yokocho

Jiyugaoka Yokocho

自由が丘横丁

東京都目黒区自由が丘１丁目

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Tokyo’s red light district is known as Kabukicho and serves as a hub of nightlife entertainment around the clock. In addition to hostess clubs and love hotels, it’s also packed with affordable restaurants and bars. It’s easily accessed through the large red gate entrance from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station.

Kabukicho Red Noren Gai

Kabukicho Red Noren Gai

Kabukicho Red Noren Gai