Roppongi is an area that never sleeps and is constantly reinventing itself for the future.
I first wrote this Roppongi nightlife guide in 2018, and since then, it has been viewed by many people.
However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roppongi area has undergone significant changes. As Roppongi is an ever-evolving neighborhood, I've updated this guide with the latest information for 2024.
It is usual for tourists to spend time exploring Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills, sightseeing The National Art Center of TOKYO, eating at fancy restaurants, or shopping at high-class brand shops by day in Roppongi.
As night falls, this high-end shopping and culture district transforms into Tokyo's legendary nightlife district for a crowd of both foreign and local party-goers and night club touts seeking nocturnal adventures.
For me, as a local of Shibuya where Roppongi's neighboring town, Roppongi is one of my favorite destinations that always offers me a variety of nighttime activities: dining, bars, clubbing, singing at karaoke and more.
For this reason, I wrote this Roppongi nightlife guide for tourists to enjoy it as the locals do! The 2024 edition includes the latest hot spots, making it more comprehensive than the 2018 version.
If you are staying at a hotel in Roppongi, I'd definitely recommend you go out at night and soak up the atmosphere of this legendary Tokyo nightlife district at least once.
If you wonder where to go at night in Tokyo more briefly, read the Tokyo nightlife guide as well as this Roppongi nightlife guide!
Features of Roppongi Nightlife
Roppongi, located at the heart of Tokyo, is a popular nightlife area for Japanese people. It's also a popular destination for tourists due to its number of hotels. Roppongi is quite interesting for the city's transformation from day to night. As night falls, Tokyo Tower begins to illuminate the streets, and young people returning from work and foreigners start to fill the city.
Like how I mentioned in the Tokyo Nightlife Guide, Roppongi is a symbol of Tokyo's deep nightlife culture.
You might have read or heard that Roppongi can be compared to other famous nightlife districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, but the way you enjoy the night slightly differs. I'd love to recommend Roppongi to those who want to experience a night filled with adventures to unique bars and packed night clubs.
In the past, most stores were open until late at night. While many shops still stay open late after the pandemic, there are also some that close without going past midnight.
Roppongi was once known as an adult playground, but as the development of Shibuya, formerly a hub for young people, progressed, adults have started enjoying nightlife there as well.
In fact, many local Tokyoites enjoy hopping from nightlife areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku to Roppongi for an extended night out.
"Nightlife hopping" across different districts is one way locals enjoy Tokyo's nightlife scene. For information on nightlife in Shibuya and Shinjuku, please refer to the articles below as well as this Roppongi nightlife guide.
Shibuya Nightlife Guide - What to Do in Tokyo at Night w/Map
Shinjuku Nightlife Guide: HOW To Enjoy The BEST Spots
In this Roppongi nightlife guide, I'll be introducing 6 must-do things at night based on my personal experience. Why don't you explore this great nightlife city alongside your Tokyo adventure?
Where to go in Roppongi? - Roppongi’s Nightlife Zone Map
Source: The night view of Roppongi / flicker
Let's start by learning about the nightlife zones in Roppongi and their characteristics. Each zone has its own features, so having a rough understanding of them can greatly help you maximize your Roppongi night.
Northern Roppongi downtown
The northern parts of Gaien Higashi Street are lined with large shops at the center and the area surrounding Don Quixote. There are many international bars here, but at the same time, there are also many persistent izakaya (Japanese pub) touts. Probably a dangerous zone in Roppongi.
Southern Roppongi downton
South of Gaien Higashi Street is filled with many famous clubs such as V2 and Esprit (covered below). Beside night clubs, there are also karaoke shops, and it is the most active area in Roppongi.
Across Midtown (Many restaurants & Bars)
Across from Midtown is a slightly more quiet area compared to downtown, and once you enter a back alley, it's filled with small, fancy bars and restaurants.
Nishi Azabu (Many more upscale resturants and bars than Roppongi)
Walk 10 minutes towards Roppongi Hills from Roppongi Crossing to enter the Nishi Azabu zone. Famous as one of the top luxury zones in Tokyo with many fine dining restaurants and bars. Often frequented by Japanese celebrities and politicians.
1. Hitting Roppongi’s best night clubs
Don't you want to up your dance game by leveling up from the dance floors of Shibuya to the best clubs in Roppongi?
Regardless of your musical preferences, Roppongi night clubs have you covered from Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, EDM, you name it. It's best to visit on Friday, Saturday, or before a public holiday night.
I'm sure you know, but don't show up around 9-10 PM expecting anything. Be sure to show up around 1-2 AM during the peak hours, and no need to worry about being the only foreigners in the club because there are plenty of popular clubs for tourists.
Source: Pixtabay
Roppongi Night Club Customers
Night clubs in Roppongi are usually filled with wealthy businessmen and women ranging from their mid-20s to 30s. There are also many clubs with a healthy crowd of foreign residents and tourists, making for a more mature crowd compared to Shibuya. On rare occasions, you might even see Japanese celebrities or foreign celebrities, since One Direction and Lady Gaga have both been clubbing in Roppongi during their visits.
Roppongi Night Club Price
Entrance fees vary on weekdays, weekends (including Friday), and even the time (often discounted if you enter by 10 PM). Guys can get in on weekends for around 3000 – 4000 yen ($27 – $36) with a drink ticket included. Girls, on the other hand, can usually get in for free or at most around 2000 yen.
Best Roppongi Night Clubs
V2 Tokyo
V2 Tokyo is the most popular night club in Roppongi.
This is proven by the often over-hour wait to get in on the weekends and having seen several international celebrities such as Justin Bieber and One Direction. Located 3 minutes on foot from Roppongi Crossing, high above the ground, offering a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo night sky.
They even have multilingual staff, making it one of the best locations for tourists to enjoy a night club.
Customer Segment: Extremely popular among locals, so often filled with locals. Male to female ratio is 7:3, and due to its popularity, many foreign residents visit.
Music Genre: HIP HOP, R&B, HOUSE, EDM
Price
Men: 2000-3500 JPY
Women: Free
VIP Room: from 20,000 JPY
<Information>
Address: Tower of Vabel, 1F/B1F, 7 Chome-13-7 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5474-0091
Hours: 9 PM–5 AM
Website: https://www.v2tokyo.com/
1 OAK TOKYO
The world-famous night club "1 OAK" has finally opened its doors in Roppongi, Tokyo!
With branches in Los Angeles and New York, you should be able to properly jam to the wide selection of music from Hip Hop to Electric.
The fancy, worldly brand name has also been grabbing the attention of classy, sophisticated people from the city and should be a great match for any high-rolling tourist.
Customer Segment: Due to its worldwide popularity, there is a higher ratio of foreigners. Foreign and Japanese celebrities often visit as well.
Music Genres: HIP HOP, Electric
Price:
【Regular Weekdays & Weekends】
Men: 4,000 JPY - 2 Drinks
Women: 2,500 JPY - 2 Drinks
Entrance before Midnight
【Only on Regular Weekdays & Weekends】
Men: 2,000 JPY - 1 Drink
Women: 1,000 JPY - 1 Drink
<Information>
Address: 1 Chome-4-5 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-5572-7535
Hours: 11 PM–5 AM
Hours (Fridays, Saturdays): 10 PM–5 AM
Website: http://1oaktokyo.com/
Source: Google Map by iz L
Maharaja Roppongi
During the economic “bubble” era of the 1980s-90s when the economy was booming, discos were extremely popular in Tokyo. Maharaja Roppongi is a club that recreates the atmosphere of that era.
It has a slightly retro vibe that you won't find at other clubs. Although I'm not from the bubble generation myself, the luxurious interior and dedicated lighting here make me feel like I've stumbled into that era. The non-daily vibe is quite appealing.
Customer Segment: Mainly catering to the over-50s bubble generation, but recently attracting younger crowds in their 20s-30s as well. Enjoyable for all ages and genders.
Music Genres: A wide lineup ranging from old J-POP to the latest hits. Gets everyone grooving across generations.
Price:
【Mondays to Thursdays】
Men: 3,500 yen - 1 Drink, 2,000 yen - 1 Drink (7 PM-8 PM)
Women: 2,500 yen - 1 Drink, 1,000 yen - 1 Drink (7 PM-8 PM)
【Fridays, Days Before Holidays】
Prices are the same, but the regular entrance fee includes 2 drinks. Happy Hour from 7 PM-8 PM is 1 drink.
【Sundays】
Prices vary depending on the event.
<Information>
Address: 6F, Rokumon Building, 6 Chome-1-3, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6804-1798
Hours (Mondays to Wednesdays): 7 PM–12 AM
Hours (Thursdays and Fridays): 7 PM–5 AM
Hours (Saturdays): 7 PM–12 AM
Hours (Sundays): 2 PM–6 PM, 6:30 PM–11:30 PM
Website: http://maharaja-r.jp/
Source: Google Map by Benito Garcia
JUMANJI55
JUMANJI55 is a club known for its abundant events, with a decent crowd even on weekdays. You'll spot foreigners here as well.
This club has been in operation for a very long time and is often bustling with locals, which is why I've picked it up.
However, in my honest opinion, it is of lower quality compared to the other clubs listed here. The clientele is noticeably worse, and there seem to be more incidents and troubles in my experience.
For me, it is not a priority club, and I'm only recommending it as a place to visit if other clubs are full and you can't get in. I hope you understand this.
When you visit here, it would be a good idea to check their Instagram in advance to see what events they are hosting.
Customer Segment: Mainly lively with people in their 20s to early 30s.
Music Genres: Electro, All-Mix
Price: Varies by event, but often free entry for women and a reasonable 1,200 yen for men.
<Information>
Address: Marina Building, 3 Chome-10-5, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5410-5455
Hours: 7 PM–1 AM
Website: https://jumanji55.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jumanji55.official/
2. Hitting best bars & restaurants in Roppongi
A great way to get started before you go clubbing in Roppongi is by hitting up the great bars and pubs first. Having 1 drink at the bar or pub to get you started and then heading to the club is a common local routine.
Most of these places are like locals' hidden gems, so you won't be going to an overly crowded spot - save that for the night clubs.
They all have unique concepts, making it a great way to learn about the culture of Roppongi as well. I'll be introducing my recommendations based on personal experience in this Roppongi nightlife guide.
Source:Pixtabay
Best Japanese Izakaya in Roppongi
Roppongi has many fashionable and luxurious bars and only a handful of izakaya style pubs. If you want to visit various izakaya, neighboring cities like Shibuya and Shinjuku might be better. But there are still some great izakaya in Roppongi that I’d love for you to enjoy the unique feel.
Warayaki Ya
A popular local izakaya that is famous for its traditional Japanese straw-roasted (or Warayaki in Japanese) seafood, which goes great with sake and beer.
Their signature dish and my favorite is the seared bonito sashimi (katsuo no tataki). With a homey vibe, you might as well forget clubbing and enjoy great food & drinks instead. The budget is around 3,000-4,000 yen per person.
<Store Information>
Address: Roppongi Gohdi Building 1F, 6 Chome−8−8, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5410-5560
Hours: 5 PM–11 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 4 PM–11 PM
Website: https://x.gd/XQeun
Source: The appearance of Warakiya/ Official website
Bird Man
Literally a hidden store with no signs or anything, Bird Man, located in Midtown, is a yakitori izakaya. It might be difficult to find for first-timers, but is definitely worth the search.
Their yakitori using Miyazaki prefecture's free-range chickens is unforgettable once you try it. If you go, you must order the tsukune (meat balls)! The budget is around 4,000-5,000 yen per person.
<Store Information>
Address: 7 Chome-5-7 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 03-6804-2442
Hours: 5 PM–11:30 PM
Website: https://teyandei.com/?page_id=1029
Source: The entrance of Bird Man/ Official website
Best Restaurants for Dates and Anniversaries
Towers in Ritz Carlton Tokyo
The restaurants inside the most luxurious hotel in Roppongi Midtown, Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, allow you to enjoy both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree in one sitting alongside your meal.
The budget is a bit on the higher side, around 5,000-6,000 yen for lunch and 10,000-20,000 yen for dinner, but it's an undoubtedly special choice for your Tokyo stay. You can indulge in the finest cuisine and service in a lavish atmosphere.
<Store Information>
Address: 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6434-8711
Hours: 7 AM–11 AM, 11:30 AM–4 PM, 5–10:30 PM
Website: https://towers.ritzcarltontokyo.com/
Source: The interior of Towers / Official website
The Moon in Roppongi Hills
The Moon allows you to enjoy a wonderful night view alongside your French dinner. Many dishes have been made with an art and food fusion in mind to stimulate both your vision and taste.
A budget of around 5,000-6,000 yen for lunch and 10,000-15,000 yen for dinner should be sufficient. It's perfect for a special dinner date. You're sure to create lasting memories while taking in the Tokyo night scenery.
<Store Information>
Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 52F, 6 Chome−10−1, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-6152
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3470-0052
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM
Website: https://thesun-themoon.com/moon/
Source: The interior the Moon in Roppongi Hills/ Official website
Lively Bars in Roppongi
In addition to clubs and izakayas, Roppongi is also home to many lively bars filled with people. Here are 3 of my recommended spots in this Roppongi nightlife guide.
MEZZO TOKYO
MEZZO TOKYO is a bar where you can enjoy reasonably priced drinks under 1,000 yen each. There's also a DJ booth, allowing you to experience a club-like atmosphere.
With a diverse food menu as well, it's recommended not only for solo drop-ins but also for spending quality time with friends or a significant other. I frequent this place myself, considering it a hidden gem bar in Roppongi.
The friendly staff and welcoming vibe make it an appealing spot even for first-timers. It's a great place to enjoy delicious drinks and food at reasonable prices.
<Store Information>
Address: 5 Chome-1-7 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6438-9711
Hours (Mondays): 6 PM–12 AM
Hours (Tuesdays to Fridays): 12 AM–5 AM, 6 PM–12 AM
Hours (Saturdays): 12 AM–7 AM, 6 PM–12 AM
Hours (Sundays): 12 AM–7 AM
Website: https://mezzo.tokyo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mezzo_tokyo/
Source: Google Map by Trouble jeff
Bar Propaganda
“Bar Propaganda" is an international bar frequented by people from all over the world. It's popular as a relaxed bar on weekdays and a lively, club-like bar on weekends.
When I visited, there were many foreign customers, so I felt that both the staff and Japanese customers were accustomed to the English-speaking environment. It should be a comfortable spot for overseas visitors as well.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F, Your Roppongi Building, 3 Chome-14-9 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3423-0988
Hours: 5:30 PM–5 AM
Website: http://propaganda6.tokyo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propaganda_roppongi/
Source: Google Map by WISE DUDE
Hobgoblin Roppongi British Pub
"Hobgoblin" is an authentic British pub in Roppongi, boasting an extensive drink menu including beers imported from the UK as well as hearty pub fare like fish and chips.
The large screens inside often broadcast sports like soccer, always drawing a lively crowd of spectators. It's a homely pub that I recommend for sports fans as well.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-16-33 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3568-1280
Hours: 5 PM–12 AM
Hours (Saturdays and Sundays): 12 PM–12 AM
Website: https://www.hobgoblin.jp/
Source: Google Map by Kim
3. Viewing the Best Tokyo Night Scenery in Roppongi
Everyone loves a beautiful view combined with nighttime attractions. It's great for dates, setting the mood, and for tourists like yourself.
Being located alongside beautifully lit buildings in Roppongi, and a nice walk from the stations.
Why not enjoy one of the best nighttime views Tokyo has to offer from the Roppongi Hills building in this Roppongi nightlife guide?
The Observation Deck in Roppongi Hills
Located inside the Roppongi Hills Building, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo from this observation deck. Open until 10 PM, making it ideal for seeing the night city and sky as well.
With admission for the observation deck being 2,000 yen for adults and 1,400 yen for students, it should be a great spot to bring a date before heading to a bar or pub.
<Information>
Address: 52F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6 Chome−10−1, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032
Closed: None
Hours: 10 AM–10 PM
Website: https://tcv.roppongihills.com/en/enjoy/intro/
Mouri Garden
Mouri Garden is a 4,300 square meter large classic Japanese garden with a long history, built as a feudal lord's estate in the Edo era.
With its ponds and brooks, this is a place to wander and savor the changing scenery throughout the seasons. You can take a break here away from the city's tall buildings in Roppongi.
<Information>
Address: 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Closed: None
Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: http://www.roppongihills.com/green/
Source: Mouri Garden Official Website
4. Shopping Spots You Must Go To
A sleepless city, Roppongi has you covered with its 24-hour shopping spots. There are also stylish shops with attached cafes that stay open late. In this Roppongi nightlife guide, I've listed some of the best spots to go shopping at night.
Donki Quijote Roppongi
Open 24 hours, Don Quixote is a huge shop located 3 minutes walking from Roppongi Crossing. Great for buying gifts, food, anything you can think of. You'll often find people drinking alcohol they bought around midnight.
<Information>
Address: 53 Chome-14-10 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
Closed: None
Phone: 0570-010-831
Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: https://x.gd/8EMBO
Roppongi Tsutaya Books
Tsutaya has Japan's most famous bookstore, with features such as a Starbucks. This Tsutaya opens until 11:00 PM. Other than books, you can buy stylish magazines, furniture, CDs, and DVDs. Great for when you want to relax at a cafe during your stay at a Roppongi hotel.
<Information>
Address: Keyakizaka Street, Roppongi Hills, 6 Chome−11−1, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5775-1515
Hours: 9 AM–11 PM
Website: https://store.tsite.jp/roppongi/
Source: the appearance of Tsutaya cafe Roppongi / flicker
5. Enjoying Roppongi's Best Night Entertainment Shows
Maybe you are tired of clubbing and want to enjoy something stimulating besides talking with locals at an izakaya in this Roppongi nightlife guide. Why not visit a staple for the nightlife district - night shows?
You can enjoy drinks just like clubs and bars, and even a light meal while viewing something definitely only available in Japan. Just like the Kabukicho Robot Cafe, these night shows can be an alternative way of spending your night. I'll be introducing two of the most entertaining shows in Roppongi.
ROKUSAN ANGEL
A booming popular girls dance show, which at first visit may seem like a 'strip club' due to the poles and jacuzzi bars, but it isn't. Unlike regular shows, the girls will dance and then come to your seat, giving you a chance to talk with them one-on-one.
This place was formerly known as "Burlesque Tokyo." Almost all of the girl dancers are now huge SNS influencers with a massive fan following, and you'll be surprised at the idol-like status fans place them in. Show tickets are 6,500 yen with 1 free drink included.
<Information>
Address: Nittaku Building B2F, 3 Chome−8−15, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6447-2037
Hours: 5:30 PM–11:30 PM
Website: https://rokusanangel.jp/
Source: Google Map by SR
Kingyo Roppongi
A famous cabaret show pub that has been in Roppongi since the early 1990s, Kingyo Roppongi offers mesmerizing performances on a neon light-filled stage that changes by season, presented by wonderful dancers, half of whom are actually transgender (a very Kingyo trait to have these transgender dancers).
The show costs 5,500 yen. You'll need to order drinks and food separately to enjoy the show with your preferred beverages and meals. Recently, it has been quite popular on TripAdvisor, with many tourists filling the seats.
<Information>
Address: Taisho Building, 3 Chome−14−17, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3478-3000
Hours: 6 PM–11 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 3 PM–9 PM
Website: http://www.kingyo.co.jp/
Source: the atmosophere of Kingyo Roppongi / Official website
6. Eating Out After Drinking in Roppongi Nightlife
After a long night of enjoying the Roppongi nightlife and expending energy, you'll want to indulge in some great late-night snacks and meals for recovery.
Roppongi has many nightclubs, bars, pubs, and other night attractions, making it essentially a sleepless city. So there's a handful of restaurants that you can visit during the midnight hours or early morning as covered in this Roppongi nightlife guide. I'll be introducing some of my favorite spots.
Tsuru Ton Tan (Udon)
Tsuru Ton Tan is a super famous and popular udon noodle shop. You may like noodles for a recovery meal after drinking? It's a Japanese cultural practice to eat noodles after a night of drinking alcohol.
This shop is often crowded from around 4 – 5 AM with people finishing their clubbing nights, but it's open until 8 AM on weekends. So if you went to a bar or pub earlier and still have plenty of time to avoid the peak hours, get your noodles here.
<Information>
Address: Roppongi 3-Chome Building, 3 Chome−14−12, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5786-2626
Hours (Mondays): 11 AM–12 AM
Hours (Tuesdays to Fridays): 12 PM–8 AM, 11 AM–12 AM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 12 PM–8 AM, 10:30 AM–12 AM
Website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/roppongi/
Source: the appearance of Tsuru Ton Tan / Official website
AFURI ROPPONGI
Located at the heart of Roppongi Crossing, making it a great access point no matter where you spent your night, Afuri Roppongi is a famous ramen shop.
Their number one ramen is the Yuzu Salt ramen which offers a refreshing meal, great for after drinking.
There are only 20 seats, so it's quite small and often crowded with a line even at midnight. But it is totally worth the wait, and you might as well experience another aspect of Japanese culture by lining up for something delicious!
<Information>
Address: UF Building 4, 1F, 4 Chome−9−4, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3408-8088
Hours: 11 AM–11 PM
Hours (Fridays to Saturdays): 11 AM–5 AM
Website: https://shop.afuri.com/
Tips to SAFELY enjoy Roppongi Nightlife
Here, I'll discuss some points to keep in mind for safely enjoying the nightlife in Roppongi covered in this guide.
Roppongi is generally a safe area, but it's also one of the areas in extremely safe Japan that sees relatively more incidents compared to others.
However, don't worry. As long as you visit the places listed in this guide and follow the points below, you'll be able to safely enjoy the best of Roppongi's nightlife town.
Do not follow any staff that claim to take you to a nice night club or bar on the street
Do not follow any staff that claim to take you to a nice night club or bar on the street. Everyone wants to enjoy the night without any trouble.
Foreign visitors may be approached in English with lines like "Let me take you to a good club." It's absolutely essential not to follow along.
A great way to avoid this is by simply not following any staff claiming to take you to clubs or bars while walking around. Many will approach you, but a language barrier or miscommunication can lead to unwanted trouble, so it's best to avoid it outright to stay safe.
Do Not Make Trouble in Clubs
Despite Roppongi night clubs attracting a majority of mature adults, there are occasional gang-like groups of unruly kids. Just be on the lookout for these troublemakers.
As well, do not be rude or persistent with locals after drinking, especially those who are already heavily intoxicated. Even I have gotten into trouble in Roppongi clubs a few times.
Many clubs and crowded bars have security guards who may impose strict penalties for causing trouble. And more, when terrible trouble occurs in less famous clubs or bad hostess bars, residents of the underworld may be called in to "mediate" the trouble.
Do Not Try Cabarets and Hostess Bars without understanding the fee structure
Although I haven't explained it in this article, Roppongi has many places where women serve customers (Not a sexual service). Some travelers may want to try such places.
However, such places in Roppongi tend to target the luxury customers and are generally very expensive. The fee structure is often unclear, and if you spend an hour there without understanding thier systems, you will most likely recieve a bill that will make you want to complain.
If you go to such places, be sure to check the fee structure well in advance.
Do Not Go to Unlisted Bars and Clubs
Many new bars and nightclubs open in Roppongi, but just because they are new doesn't mean it's advisable to visit them.
Among these newly opened establishments, there could be illegally run businesses or outright scams targeting tourists and locals. The best way to avoid any trouble is to stick to the popular and famous clubs, especially the places mentioned in this Roppongi nightlife guide.
If you do find an unlisted place you want to visit, make sure to do a simple Google search and at least find the establishment online before going in.
FAQs on Roppongi Nightlife
Lastly, as a local Tokyoite, I'll answer some frequently asked questions from visitors regarding enjoying the nightlife in Roppongi covered in this guide.
What is the Dress Code for Roppongi Night Clubs?
For most Roppongi clubs, smart casual attire is the basic dress code.
For men, I recommend pairing jeans or chino pants with a polo shirt or button-down shirt. For women, a dress or stylish top and skirt combination would be suitable.
However, be mindful that many clubs prohibit sandals or short pants, so take note.
Especially at famous and popular clubs, the dress code tends to be stricter. It's generally safer to dress up as much as possible.
Some high-end clubs may even require suits. I recommend checking the club's website or SNS in advance to confirm the dress code.
Is It Okay for Women to Go to Roppongi Clubs Alone?
As Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, it's okay for women to go to clubs in Roppongi alone. I've personally seen many women visiting clubs solo as well.
That said, for safety reasons, it's still best to go with friends if possible. Especially at late hours, try to move in groups as much as you can.
Roppongi clubs do attract some men with the intent of picking up women. Watch out for strangers persistently trying to talk to you or refusing to leave you alone.
If you encounter any unpleasant situations, don't hesitate to immediately consult the club staff. Many clubs have female staff members you can safely approach.
Do I Need to Tip at Roppongi Clubs?
As you know, Japan doesn't have a tipping culture, so tipping is not required at Roppongi clubs.
However, if you give a tip, it is likely that they will go out of their way to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. If you receive good service, giving a tip might be a good option.
What Other Areas Should I Visit Combined with Roppongi?
Since you're already in Tokyo, I recommend exploring other nightlife areas in addition to Roppongi. Shibuya and Shinjuku, in particular, are popular nightlife spots comparable to Roppongi.
Shibuya has many sightseeing spots you can enjoy during the day as well. So I recommend enjoying shopping, sightseeing, and nightlife in Shibuya first, then heading to the clubs in Roppongi afterward.
Since buses and trains won't be running late at night, if you plan to stay out late at the Shibuya clubs and bars, take a taxi over to Roppongi.
Be sure to also check out my article on Shibuya nightlife. It's sure to be a fulfilling Tokyo trip where you can fully experience the nightlife in both Shibuya and Roppongi!
Once you learn the night life of Roppongi it’s hard to go back. That is how fun and charming Roppongi area at night is. If you ever visit Tokyo, it is definetly worth coming at least once.
If you’re worried going alone, you can take part in a night tour hosted by MagicalTrip where a local guide will take you and some other foreigners to a night you can never forget.
Be sure to experience Roppongi's nightlife and create special memories during your time in Tokyo!
