Although there are many places throughout Japan with nightlife spots, Tokyo is probably the best known city for nightlife in Japan. The city seems to always be in motion, and the lights are always bright and twinkling. Salary-men and businessmen gather at bars and izakayas after a long day's work, and the younger generation go out to eat and dance at various clubs. If you want to get a glimpse into Tokyo culture, exploring the city at night is a must!

Here are some of the things you can experience as a part of nightlife culture.

Izakayas 

Izakayas are Japanese gastropubs that are usually very casual and used as places to get drinks after work. Typically, many Japanese businessmen and salary-men congregate here after work to share drinks or relax with a beer solo. Izakayas usually also offer a selection of bar snacks and even full on entrees, so you can enjoy something delicious to eat while enjoying your drink. There is an abundance of izakayas throughout the streets and districts of Tokyo, and is a perfect spot to stop by when craving some beer and foods on any casual day. Osaka Kushikatsu Tentekomai is a great izakaya for cheap, fried food and drinks. Don't worry! It's located in Tokyo despite the name.

Quirky Bars

While any city with a nightlife scene has many bars and drinking spots, Tokyo is known for its many themed and unique bars, as well as many hidden, hole-in-the-wall bars. They have bars centered around art and photography, and some where they harbor birds that fly around freely in the bar itself. Some bars also feature a variety of different shows, and some just feature the alcohol served as the main attraction. Sometimes the bars get crowded very quickly, but with an abundance of other cool bars to check out, you're never really strapped for choice. Check out Gen Yamamoto for a fancy, traditional take on cocktails or Neko Bar Akanasu for drinks while cats roam around, akin to the famous cat cafes in Japan.

Unique Nightclubs

Tokyo has many nightclubs that stay open late so your exploration of the nightlife can lead well into the night. These nightclubs tend to be popular with the younger generation, but anyone who enjoys dancing and loud music may enjoy popping into one for the night. Those who enjoy a different kind of nightclub, complete with swanky music and a sophisticated touch might enjoy the clubs that function more like lounges. However for those who still prefer a classic nightclub complete with flashing lights and rhythmic beats, check out places like ageHa and ALIFE.

Karaoke

Karaoke is a big part of Japanese culture in general, but also a big part of nightlife culture. Many Japanese people enjoy a night of karaoke and drinks after work for a bit of unwinding. Unlike many western style karaoke places where singing is done publicly on stage in a bar scene, Japanese karaoke is done in little booths or rooms that are typically rented out per hour. There are even interesting karaoke booths now being offered where the rooms are themed, making for an interesting and enjoyable karaoke experience. Check out Karaoke Kan if you're familiar with the movie Lost In Translation as the karaoke bar was featured in it, or Big Echo karaoke for one of the aforementioned themed karaoke rooms.

With all the interesting spots to check out, there shouldn't ever be a shortage of things to do at night in Tokyo. Check out Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, or Ginza district in Tokyo as they are well-known for all their nightlife spots!