Top neighborhoods for bar hopping
Tokyo offers neighborhoods with distinct drinking cultures. Choose based on the vibe you want: high-end, craft-focused, lively, or atmospheric alley bars.
Neighborhood highlights:
- Shibuya: Youthful energy, a mix of trendy cocktail bars and late-night venues. Great for a dynamic night out.
- Shinjuku (East & Golden Gai): Golden Gai’s tiny themed bars are iconic; Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho offer variety.
- Ginza: Upscale hotel and craft cocktail bars with refined service and plush settings.
- Roppongi: International crowd, many hotel bars and late-night spots for a cosmopolitan scene.
- Ebisu & Nakameguro: Laid-back, neighborhood cocktail bars with stylish interiors and creative drinks.
- Asakusa & Ueno: More traditional and izakaya-focused, with intimate local drinking experiences.
Bar-hopping tips:
- Start in denser areas like Golden Gai or Shibuya Center-gai to minimize travel.
- Plan 2–3 stops; Tokyo bars are stylish but often small, so space is limited.
- Use public transit: trains stop around midnight to 1am, so check last train times or ride-share options.
Pick a neighborhood that fits your energy for a smoother, more enjoyable night out.