Japan Nightlife 101

How to Party Like a Real Local

No trip to Japan is complete without sampling the country’s legendary nightlife. From banging nightclubs to hole-in-the-wall style local bars, Japan’s major cities have more than enough to keep you entertained until dawn. In comparison to major cities in the west, the sheer number of options can truly seem overwhelming.

Those who have visited Japan in the past may have noticed that the average Japanese city-dwellers go out a lot more than their Western counterparts. There are a number of reasons for this practice; understanding the why is crucial to appreciating the variety of options. The following list is by no means exhaustive yet sheds some light on several reasons why large cities like Tokyo have so many drinking establishments.

• In Tokyo, it is quite common to go out drinking after work. Of course, this doesn’t mean just Friday night either; weekdays are still fair game and especially so if it is the boss or a client’s request. If you’re interested in reading up on boozing etiquette, I have a separate guide that you can check out.
• Home gatherings are extremely rare in the inner city. Limited residential space, coupled with a lack of soundproofing, means having guests over is frowned upon. For these reasons, the best way to avoid noise complaints is to take the gathering…