Shibuya has enjoyed immense popularity as a hub of Japanese youth culture, both past and present. The famous Scramble Crossing, especially lively on Halloween, is a world-renowned spot.
As seen in the popular anime "Jujutsu Kaisen ~Shibuya Incident" where it served as the main stage, this town is frequently featured in various works (personally, I love the fantastical depiction of the Scramble Crossing in the anime film "The Boy and The Beast" (2015) by director Hosoda Mamoru!).
It's also a town that has always led Japan's art and music scenes, housing everything from large-scale cultural complexes with art museums, mini theaters, and concert halls, to small live houses.
With ongoing large-scale development, this area always showcases fresh and fascinating faces whenever you visit. It's brimming with izakaya pubs, bars, night clubs, and the powerful energy of a sleepless city running 24/7. Let's convey the joys of a Shibuya-style night out!
The Night Club Scene in Shibuya
The pace of change in Shibuya is truly lightning fast, and night clubs have undergone dramatic transformations along with the times. In September 2022, the closing of two major clubs "SOUND MUSEUM VISION" and "Contact," considered Shibuya icons, made headlines.
VISION was a legendary club known for hosting major overseas rappers like Travis Scott and A$AP Rocky, but had to withdraw due to the redevelopment around Shibuya Station.
Yet new clubs keep opening right away, keeping Shibuya's club culture constantly thriving! To fully enjoy a Shibuya night out, aim for Friday and Saturday nights after midnight when the locals gather.
Before midnight on weeknights, there may not be many people yet, so it's a good idea to start at an izakaya or bar for a relaxed time before heading to the clubs.
Night Clubs with a Luxurious Vibe
TK NIGHTCLUB
Source: TripAdvisor
"TK NIGHTCLUB" has one of the largest floors in Shibuya and is highly rated on TripAdvisor as the current hottest night club. Its luxurious black and gold interior design, with clean spaces even in the restrooms, is a big reason for its immense popularity, especially among women.
The attentive staff service and delicious drinks also earn high praise. Popular DJs host events every day, playing the latest hit songs.Known for its safe environment, it's recommended even for club newbies.
<Store Information>
- Address: Chitose Kaikan B1F, 13-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station A2 Exit
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 03-5456-2400
- Hours: 22:00-28:30
- Website: https://tk-nightclub.com/
CÉ LA VI Tokyo
Source: TripAdvisor
Born in Southeast Asia and expanding to Singapore, Dubai, Taipei, and now Shibuya Tokyo, "CÉ LA VI" is an upscale social venue offering mixology cocktails, modern Asian cuisine, and ultimate entertainment all in one.
The sky music terrace (club lounge) on the 17th floor overlooks Shibuya with powerful sound and moving lights, immersing you in a stylish, extraordinary experience amidst the glittering night scenery.
<Store Information>
- Address: TOKYU PLAZA SHIBUYA 17F, 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Direct access via Shibuya FUKURAS pedestrian deck from JR Shibuya Station West Exit
- Closed: Sundays & Mondays
- Phone: 0800-111-3065
- Hours: 22:00-4:00
- Website: https://www.celavi.com/ja/tokyo/
Night Clubs Recommended for Hip Hop Fans
LAUREL TOKYO
Source: TripAdvisor
If you want to enjoy hip-hop music, head to "LAUREL TOKYO." Every day, a diverse lineup of DJs including overseas guests take the stage, covering everything from J-RAP, US-RAP, the latest hits to nostalgic numbers, attracting a wide range of age groups and tourists.
The "neo-luxury" interior concept offers luxurious VIP seats perfect for immersing yourself in the music. Foreign guests can enter for free until 3:30 am (check for special events), which is a nice perk.
<Store Information>
- Address: SK PLAZA Bldg. B1F, 1-17-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from Keio Inogashira Line Shibuya Station West Exit
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 03-6277-5503
- Hours: 22:00-29:00
- Website: https://laureltokyo.jp/
Club Harlem
Source: TripAdvisor
"Club Harlem," established in 1997 at the peak of Shibuya's club culture boom, is considered a sacred place in Japan's hip-hop scene. Its presence remains strong, attracting 160,000 visitors annually and renowned both in Japan and overseas.
Featuring top Japanese DJs and actively inviting overseas artists, you can experience real-time hip-hop parties every night with the latest vibes.
Check the schedule as events are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, including weeknights!
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-4 Maruyamacho, Dr. Jeekahn's 2F-3F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 6-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station A0 Exit
- Closed: Irregularly
- Phone: 03-3461-8806
- Hours: 22:00-
- Website: http://www.harlem.co.jp/
Night Clubs Focused on Sound Quality
CLUB VIZEL
Source: TripAdvisor
"CLUB VIZEL" is a playground for adults seeking quality sound. Located right in Shibuya Center Street at the very core of Japan's youth culture scene near the Scramble Crossing, this large club delivers powerful visuals from a massive LED panel and cutting-edge sound system that will shake you to the core.
Enjoy dynamic lighting and audio that envelops you in ultimate bliss, featuring an all-mix genre selection with many familiar tunes for an enjoyable performance.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F New Shibuya Corpus, 12-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station A2 Exit
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 03-6455-3131
- Hours: 20:00-28:30
- Website: https://www.vizel.tokyo/
WOMB TOKYO
Source: Official Website
Since opening in Shibuya in 2000, "WOMB" has continued providing access to the world's finest electronic music. Ranked 2nd in the world by UK dance music magazine "Mixmag," this powerhouse club commands trust from top artists globally.
With world-class sound systems, lighting, and lasers down to the finest details, the dynamic 10m high open-air dance floor offers an immersive experience. Both domestic and international fans flock daily to seriously enjoy the high-quality music.
<Store Information>
- Address: Studio Arias 1F-4F, 2-16 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station A0 Exit
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-5459-1039
- Hours: 22:00-28:30
- Website: https://www.womb.co.jp/
Solo-Friendly Night Clubs
Club Camelot
Source: TripAdvisor
"Club Camelot" receives high praise for its staff (friendly), safety (clean restrooms and smoking areas), and delicious drinks with plenty of variety, making it a great choice for solo visitors to feel at ease.
Spread over 3 floors from B1 to B3, each designed with a distinct concept offers a completely different world to explore.
The DJ's selection covers the latest Top 40 hits, Japanese/international music, and K-POP across genres, so you can thoroughly enjoy yourself even without expertise in specific music styles.
<Store Information>
- Address: Frame Kaminanazaka BF, 1-18-2 Kaminanzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit/Hachiko Square
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-5728-5613
- Hours: 21:00-29:30
- Website: https://clubcamelot.jp/
club asia
Source: Official Website
Located in Maruyamacho, known as the mecca of Shibuya's club culture, "club asia" has been a pioneering presence since the 1990s, like the aforementioned Club Harlem.
The 1st floor stage features a 200-inch giant screen and a sound system by the American maker "Eastern Acoustic Works," immersing you in high-quality audio and visuals.
Hosting diverse live performances by various artists, as well as rock, anime songs, and more in a borderless program distinct from other clubs, club asia has cultivated a strong following.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-8 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 6-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station A0 Exit
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-5458-2551
- Hours: 23:00- (Club)
- Website: https://clubasia.jp/
Newly Opened Night Clubs
BRAND SHIBUYA
Source: Official Website
The newly revamped "BRAND SHIBUYA" just reopened on March 1st, 2024. Its focus on house music, a rarity in recent years, is refreshing and has already created buzz among locals as "a new way to enjoy Shibuya's nightlife!"
Produced by a company operating luxurious bars mainly in Tokyo, the gorgeous, refined space makes you want to linger. The cocktails crafted by the former professional bartender manager are also delicious, making it a great bar option too.
<Store Information>
- Address: Shibuya Delitower B1F, 2-23-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station A2 Exit
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6416-0111
- Hours: 21:00- *Please inquire for detailed hours.
- Website: https://brand-club-bar.com/
Things to Be Aware of at Shibuya Night Clubs
Keep Belongings to a Minimum
Many night clubs in Japan have certain dress codes, and it's considered good manners to keep your belongings minimal. While most clubs have lockers, they are limited in number and size, too small for large bags.
It's better to leave your travel bags at your accommodation or the nearest station's coin lockers (note that some station lockers are only available from first train to last). Avoid bringing bulky outerwear too.
ID Check at Entry
Most night clubs check IDs upon entry. Don't forget to bring your passport or other official ID (driver's license or national ID issued by your country).
The main purpose is to verify that entrants are 20 years old or above, the legal age for alcohol and tobacco use in Japan. Some clubs also require carrying ID in case any trouble occurs on the premises.
Ask Security Staff if Issues Arise
The intoxicating mix of music and drinks can lead some to get overly excited...so even if you stay cautious, you may unexpectedly get caught up in trouble.
In such cases, stay calm and immediately consult the security staff nearby. They are reliable allies who will respond calmly and properly.
Let's enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime "ichigo ichie" night while minding our manners and acting with moderation!
Don't Enter VIP Areas Without Permission
Most night clubs offer VIP areas with separate table seating and fees where you can lounge on sofas while enjoying food, drinks and music in an exclusive atmosphere.
Of course, the VIP areas are personal spaces only for designated guests, so entering without permission is strictly forbidden. However, it's okay to join if you're invited by someone who has reserved the VIP area. With proper ID, you can generally make reservations too, so it's worth experiencing the VIP treatment at least once.
Expect Waits on Fridays & Saturdays
Just like anywhere, Friday and Saturday nights are the most happening! After working hard Monday through Friday, people of all generations in the city flock out to let loose. So at popular night clubs, you may encounter wait times.
Be sure to check each club's website in advance for their event schedules, as some large-scale events could affect crowds. With countless clubs and bars clustered in Shibuya, it's wise to hop around and make the most of your night out!
Carry Cash
While cashless payments are becoming standard for most services across Japan, there are still situations where cash is necessary. This includes night clubs, where drink orders at the bar counter often only accept cash payment.
While aiming to minimize cash, it's safest to at least have enough cash for drinks. Some club websites may specify accepted payment methods too, so checking beforehand provides peace of mind.