10 Best Things to Do in Tokyo at Night

• By Gallen Ray Canillo Canillo
• December 13, 2024December 13, 2024
• With 0 comments

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is known for its vibrant cityscapes tied with its rich history and culture. While most visitors love to explore the city during winter and spring, Tokyo at night in all seasons is definitely a hidden gem.

When the sun sets, the city transforms into a bustling metropolis that offers endless fun and goes beyond food, nightlife, and culture. If you are planning to visit Tokyo, Japan and want to make the best out of it, here is the ultimate guide to the top things to do in Tokyo at Night!

Things to do in Tokyo at night

What visitors don’t know is that Tokyo at night is even more magical than in daylight. It wasn’t dubbed as the city that never sleeps for nothing. Below are the top Tokyo nightlife destinations and activities that visitors should not miss out on!

1. Stroll Through Shibuya Crossing

If you love exploring the streets and enjoy taking photos for Instagram, Shibuya Crossing is definitely a place for you. Known for its Instagrammable aesthetic, Shibuya Crossing is one of the most famous intersections in the world where hundreds of people cross in every direction.

For the best experience, watch the sea of motion unfold while taking a sip of coffee at the Starbucks located in the Tsibuya Tsutaya Building. Not only is it famous for its picturesque ambience, but you can also explore the food scene around the area. 

2. Party All Night Long Around Golden Gai

If there is one place that you must never skip when in Tokyo, it’s the Golden Gai District in Shinjuku. It’s a nightlife haven for people who love to party and go bar hopping. For sure, getting wasted in a beautiful city is never a bad idea!

This tiny district is home to over 200 bars open 24/7, each with unique themes and different kinds of fun to offer. And if you prefer a cozy and laid back ambience, for sure, you will find a place you fancy. It’s also a hotspot for locals and foreigners who love to meet new people!

3.  Visit Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower

They say the best way to appreciate the city is through a panoramic view. Well, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree are the best spots for a complete 360 view experience. Tokyo Tower, with its iconic orange lights, offers an unforgettable sight of the sprawling skyline.

Tokyo Skytree, on the other hand, is the tallest building in Japan. And it lets you have an overlooking perspective of the whole Kanto region. If you think the view of Tokyo night is already majestic, you would not believe your eyes if you visit these places.

4. Take a Late Night Tokyo Karaoke Session

Karaoke is one of the leisure activities Japanese people love to do. While you can find a lot of beautiful spots around the city, Akihabara is the best place to visit. It has its fair share of spots that have unique themes and concepts.

Believe me, Karaoke night in Tokyo is one of the best things to do around the city. Most spots are open from 9 AM to 5 AM, but take note that it’s more expensive during nighttime. However, the hustles of city lights add more spice to the experience.

5. Watch Shinjuku Street Performers at Night

Aside from its vibrant food scene, Tokyo is known for its love for entertainment and home to world renowned talents. If you love the sights and sounds of busking, Shinjuku will be worth a visit or two. 

Wherever you stroll around the area, you will find free performances from dusk onwards. Most of them flock in front of the station, facing across from the Shinjuku Southern Terrace Mall. What’s even more fun is that some performers are known online, so don’t be shocked when you see a lot of fans cheering for them.

6. Explore Omoide Yokocho

Now for people who want to have a taste of the good old days, Omoide Yokocho is for you! It is a place where you can have an experience of Tokyo’s retro charm, while enjoying traditional foods in pubs.

Many of the restaurants around Shinjuku are open all night, so the fun never sleeps. Imagine you are in an old Japanese drama, this is the type of experience that Omoide Yokocho is famous for.

7. Experience Shinjuku Lightshow

Don’t be surprised that most of the best places to visit are located in the Shinjuku area. Shinjuku is famous for the world’s largest projection mapping show and it was even featured in the Guiness Book of World Records.

Starting in 2024, the light projection shows are now taking place every night on the side of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Number 1.It runs from 7 PM during winter and from 7:30 PM during summer until 9:30 PM.

8. Midnight Shopping at Don Quijote

Tokyo is undeniably one of the best places to shop, whether luxurious or budget items. If you want to bring something home, Don Quijote is where you find the cheapest goods. It is a popular place for discounted items, and operates 24 hours a day!

9. Night Cruise at Tokyo Bay

Night cruising at Tokyo Bay is definitely a hidden gem. This is a perfect way to experience the city from a different perspective. Be ready to get mesmerized by the cinematic view because you will pass through some of the most iconic landmarks of Tokyo like the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline. 

What I recommend for visitors is to book cruises that offer traditional cuisine. It’s a different kind of experience!

10. Watch Tokyo Baseball Games

If you are lucky enough to visit Tokyo during baseball season, usually March to October, don’t hesitate to buy a ticket. Japanese people love baseball, and it’s the best place to meet locals.

Conclusion: 10 Best Things to Do in Tokyo at Night

If you think Tokyo in the morning is already beautiful, then Tokyo at night will elevate the experience even more. It’s just that there are lots of things to do in the city and daytime is not enough to live in the moment.