8 best nightclubs in Tokyo for every occasion

With a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace and club lounge, Cé La Vi just about covers all the bases when out for a glitzy night on the town. The venue occupies the 17th and 18th floors of Shibuya’s Tokyu Plaza and still feels like a relatively new development in the neighbourhood since its opening in December 2019 came just a few months before the Covid-19 restrictions.

Weekends here often see an international crowd ranging from university students to business people in their 40s, who usually rock up for VIP bottle service rather than the music – primarily remixes of popular hip-hop songs from the 2010s to now. The club lounge has a predictably steep entrance fee on Fridays and Saturdays (¥3,500 for men and ¥2,000 for women), but you’ll forget about your gripes when you’re looking out at one of the best skyline views Shibuya has to offer. 

The swanky shopping district of Minamiaoyama seems an unlikely location for a basement party, but the first-class sound system at Vent combined with its cult following of music lovers makes this event space one of the best of its kind.

Having the main performance floor and bar area separate from each other means you're free to mingle without having to shout over the speakers, or you can take your drink towards the front of the stage and fully immerse yourself in the live music.

The weekly crowd varies depending on the event that is scheduled for the night, but the venue is typically filled with immaculately dressed models and the occasional celebrity doing their best to keep a low profile. Despite appearances, however, Vent has a down to earth vibe with friendly people and good music varying from acid jazz to techno. 

Since its opening in the summer of 2022, Baia has rapidly ascended to become Tokyo's clubbing zenith, having previously hosted industry giants like Fabolous and DJ Skrillex. Weekends consistently see long lines snake outside its doors, a testament to its burgeoning popularity. But it's not just the party people who are captivated; the entrancing turquoise neon lights have a magnetic pull, beckoning even the most reserved souls.

Baia owes its impressive design to renowned New York artist Roy Nachum, realised in collaboration with the creative brains behind 1Oak Tokyo. The club sprawls magnificently over four levels, boasting a capacity to accommodate 1,000 guests. Regular themed nights coupled with a diverse music policy ensure that the club is constantly vibing.

Opened in October 2024, Zouk Tokyo illuminates the city's nightlife as Ginza’s largest nightclub. Spanning two underground levels and boasting a 1,000-person capacity, this 600sqm venue is distinguished by its 9-metre high pillarless architecture, enabling a spacious atmosphere.

A lavish ¥200 million were invested in the ceiling's 'Mothership' lighting system, a symbol of Zouk, crafted by a renowned team from Barcelona. This, alongside the top-tier sound system, ensures guests a powerful auditory and visual experience that's synonymous with Zouk’s international establishments.

Some clubs will only open their doors during the weekends – Womb isn’t one of them. Almost every night is a party at Womb, with music ranging from electric house to hip hop blasting through the speakers across the three-storey venue. Each night of the week has a different theme; certain nights are reserved for bass music with some trap and hip hop while others are soundtracked by a mix of electro house. 

Fees vary, but prices generally start from ¥1,500 and you can often get a discount if you pull out the event’s digital flyer (available on the club’s social media channels) at the door.

Anyone who's anyone has been to 1 Oak, a buzzy club that first appeared in New York City before it opened locations in Los Angeles, Dubai and Tokyo. The VIP tables take up most of the floor space, leaving very little room to dance, but there’s no such thing as a dead night here. Prepare to wait in line if you’re looking to go in after midnight – the club regularly hosts high-profile guest artists by the likes of Bruno Mars, Travis Scott and Russ. 

After a lengthy hiatus during the pandemic, hideaway bar and music venue Aoyama Tunnel has reopened and is ready to welcome back the city’s alternative partygoers. As its name suggests, the nightlife venue is located behind a black and yellow entryway at the head of the Aoyama Tunnel. 

The space has undergone a renovation, so it looks a bit different from the grungy DJ bar you may remember. The art on the walls has been replaced with different pieces and new sofas have been added as well. Even the sound system has been upgraded with Taguchi amps and the acoustic design has been adjusted so that people in every corner of the space will be able to hear the live music better. 

Regular events feature DJs of all ages and backgrounds, though house music is the predominant genre here. Admission fees hover between ¥1,000 and ¥1,500 depending on the night. 

Even if you’re trailing home after a long day, convinced you don’t have the energy to stay out any longer, walking past Aoyama Hachi’s lively party on an otherwise quiet street is likely to draw you in for one last drink. This club takes up the entirety of a four-storey building, each floor decked out in a different colour scheme. It might sound overwhelming, but Hachi is actually one of the smallest underground clubs in Tokyo and features a range of genres including hip-hop, house and rock.

Aside from the booty-shaking tunes, one of its main attractions is on the second floor where you’ll get a view out over Roppongi-dori, which is especially beautiful in the evening. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to join one of the special early-morning Asa-Hachi events. They’re held around the time of the first train in the morning and partygoers get to dance to the sunrise.