Music & Nightlife

Your guide to the best clubs, live music, gigs, concerts and festivals in Tokyo

Interview: Minami Kizuki
Music

Interview: Minami Kizuki

The ‘shimauta’ singer on her collabs with Yussef Dayes and bringing the folk melodies of the Amami islands to new audiences
Interview: Samm Henshaw
Music

Interview: Samm Henshaw

The South London soul singer on his new album and kicking off his 2026 world tour in Japan
Interview: Atarashii Gakko!
Music

Interview: Atarashii Gakko!

The relentlessly energetic pop-punk foursome on their tenth anniversary and what Japanese food they can’t live without
Hikaru Utada, Kenshi Yonezu deliver pop perfection with collab hit 'Jane Doe'
Music

Hikaru Utada, Kenshi Yonezu deliver pop perfection with collab hit 'Jane Doe'

The two titans of pop team up for the first time for 'Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc'
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Greenroom Festival
Music

Greenroom Festival

With the motto ‘Save the Beach, Save the Ocean’, this outdoor party at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse celebrates beach and surf culture, with an...
Wu-Tang Clan
Music

Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan will say goodbye to Japanese audiences with ‘Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber’ at K-Arena Yokohama this May. The show – the...
Women In Music – Equal Stage
Music

Women In Music – Equal Stage

Billboard Japan and Spotify are teaming up to spotlight women artists this June with a mixed bill featuring some very big names. Billed in alphabetical order,...

The best of the Tokyo music scene

Best live music venues in Tokyo
Music

Best live music venues in Tokyo

Tokyo has one of the most exciting local music scenes in the world, with top-notch talents on display any night of the week
Best jazz bars in Tokyo
Music

Best jazz bars in Tokyo

Tokyo is Asia's jazz capital, with great shows taking place daily in tiny bars and mega-clubs
Best listening bars in Tokyo
Nightlife

Best listening bars in Tokyo

These music bars are known for their curated playlists, extensive vinyl collections and quality sound systems
Time Out Café & Diner
Restaurants

Time Out Café & Diner

The physical outpost of Time Out Tokyo’s online empire brings a dash of cosmopolitan class to the Ebisu area – and it’s a great hangout, too

More things to do after dark

Best night views in Tokyo
Things to do

Best night views in Tokyo

Want to gaze out at the mesmerising Tokyo skyline? Check out these great views of the city after dark
Best bars in Golden Gai
Bars and pubs

Best bars in Golden Gai

The atmospheric alleyways at Golden Gai in Shinjuku are crammed with countless little bars of varied themes – perfect for a night of bar-hopping
24 hours in Tokyo
Things to do

24 hours in Tokyo

How to enjoy the perfect day – and night – in Tokyo, from sushi before sunrise to clubs, cocktail bars and onsen bathing