Top night activities in Japan
Activities after dark
The Sunset is quite early in Japan, but not interested in going home to slump in front of the television... because when the neon lights turn on, the party begins: Discover our selection of activities after dark!
Tachinomiya, Japanese bars without seats
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Health!
You can order many dishes to share in the typical Japanese bars and take advantage of the all-you-can-eat formulas to taste the many beverages on the menu.
- Bar
The bar is perhaps more appropriate than the izakaya, where everyone is at their table if you want to meet locals. It will be easy for you to find Western-style bars in large neighborhoods.
Literally " standing drinking, "tachinomiya is popular with employees. An ideal place to have a drink on the way home or staying for a chat with friends.
- Beer garden
Frequently located on rooftops, beer gardens are trendy in summer. Discover our selection of the best beer gardens in Tokyo.
- Hotel bar
Quiet in a cozy atmosphere, with a view of the illuminated city ... Hotel bars are especially popular with couples. The last stage is at the end of the evening before returning.
A table!
- Barbecue
Summer rhymes with barbecue both in Japan and in France. Groups of friends meet at the park or near a river, grill some meat, and explode some fireworks.
- Traditional restaurant
Take advantage of the evenings to test the local food! There are so many things to taste between sushi, skewers, okonomiyaki, ramen, curry... You have to choose between a chic atmosphere, a popular chain, a gourmet menu, or a family restaurant.
Open until dawn; these mobile restaurants will allow you to enjoy Japanese street food, that is to say, dishes based on fried foods and grilled meats, but also the essential ramen.
In music
Until the night's end, warm up your vocal cords to the most significant Japanese and English hits or even to French songs that the Japanese love.
- Nightclub
After a few drinks at an izakaya, Japanese clubs can be the perfect place to spend the night waiting for the first train. The Japanese are not necessarily very comfortable on the track, but the more the hour passes, the more the atmosphere heats up to the sound of the greatest American hits.
Karaoke halls are open all over Japan.
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The AgeHa club in Tokyo is the biggest nightclub in Tokyo.
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- Concert
Often organized in the early evening, concerts can be an excellent way to discover new musical horizons, from indie rock bands to J-pop icons.
- jazz club
Jazz clubs are trendy in Japan. Little unknown local artists and international references come to perform in establishments that are both chic and friendly.
The Dome during concert evenings.
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Concert at The Cellar.
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Under the stars
Here are the ingredients for a successful night festival: lanterns, traditional dances, and food stalls!
- Amusement park
With thrills, illuminated carousels, or Ferris wheel with a view, amusement parks are a compendium of magic, day and night.
It takes courage and a mind of steel to climb Mount Fuji, but the sunrise atop Japan's tallest mountain is worth the effort.
Jigoku matsuri, oni fireworks!
Noboribetsu Onsen Visitor Center
Disney parks to discover at night
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In place to watch the show
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Visits
Take a seat aboard a typical Japanese boat to explore the city from the waves. Mini-cruises in ships on the ground covered with tatami mats, sometimes with dinner included.
- Vantage point
From the top of a Ferris wheel, a skyscraper, or simply a tower-like one in most major Japanese cities, climbing up offers a splendid view of the urban lights.
The Japanese gardens offer a unique mystical atmosphere in the evening; it would be a shame to miss it. During the flowering period or in autumn, when the leaves of the trees turn red, some parks and gardens install illuminations so that the show continues after dark.
- Temples and shrines
Some temples and shrines are accessible 24 hrs a day. This is the case, for example, of Sensoji in Asakusa, where tourists gather during the day. The pagodas and buildings lit up at night are magnificent, and you can enjoy the beauty of the place in peace.
Over the seasons
When the cherry trees are in bloom, many animations are installed so that you can enjoy the shades of pink in the dark. The sakura is only in color for a fortnight; it would be a shame to deprive yourself of a moment when you can admire them.
Lanterns illuminating the cherry trees along the Meguro River, Tokyo
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In Japan, an absolute institution, fireworks often launch more than 10,000 rockets and sometimes last more than an hour. Hundreds of events are held each summer across the country.
Hanabi on Lake Shinji.
Matsue Town
The autumnal counterpart of hanami, the blushing maple leaves are illuminated by lights for night viewing!
The illuminated Rikugi-en garden
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- Christmas lights
The Christian tradition has crossed borders to come to Japan, where every winter, shopping centers set up impressive structures that attract many couples.
Illuminations at Roppongi Hills
Shows
The Japanese are passionate about baseball, and it has become the country's national sport.
- Theater
Japanese theater fascinates the whole world. Between Kabuki, Noh and Rakugo, you will have the choice! But more modern performances are also held in theaters, such as musicals. The all-female Takarazuka company is top-rated in Japan.
A symbol of the Japanese nightlife, these shows are perfect for discovering traditional entertainment and the talents of geishas.
See: The Geisha Evenings show in Kanazawa.
It's your turn
- Bowling
A viral activity with the Japanese, you will find worry-free bowling alleys open 24 hrs a day in the big cities.
You can attend a baseball game, but you can also practice your batting in cages provided for this purpose.
- Arcade room
It could be the second national sport behind baseball! Some Japanese spend entire evenings in front of their favorite arcade machine to beat their record. You can admire the players' talent, but also try to catch a stuffed animal or try out the famous dance mats.
Discover: 5 game centers in Tokyo
Deafening noise of falling metal balls and fluorescent neon lights: welcome to pachinko! This is the closest thing to a casino in Japan, the goal being to knock down as many marbles as possible before inserting them back into the game and collecting as many as possible.
Day and night, the alleys of the Maruhan in Shibuya are rarely empty of players.
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