Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [117]
Maduro (Map; 4333-8888; 4th fl, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku; admission around ¥1500; 6pm-2am Sun-Thu, to 3am Fri & Sat; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 1c & 3) Inside the labyrinthine Grand Hyatt Tokyo, this sleek, swanky lounge is a chic spot to kick off your evening with a champagne or scotch. There’s live music nightly, but arrive before 9pm to avoid the cover.
Mogambo (Map; 3403-4833; www.mogambo.net; 1st fl, Osawa Bldg, 6-1-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku; 6pm-6am Mon-Fri, 7pm-6am Sat; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 2 & 3) A small shot bar with a campy jungle theme, Mogambo attracts an international crowd with its long list of cocktails. It’s on the southern side of Roppongi-dōri, a block south of Roppongi Crossing.
SuperDeluxe (Map; 5412 0515; www.super-deluxe.com; B1 fl, 3-1-25 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku; admission varies; 6pm-late Mon-Sat; Hibiya & Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 1b & 3) Hard to categorise, easy to love, SuperDeluxe morphs from lounge to gallery to club to performance space from night to night. Check the website for current events to see what’s on, but you’re guaranteed to run into a fabulous mix of creative types from Tokyo and beyond.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Tokyo is very much the centre of the Japanese arts world, with the best of everything. On the nightlife front, there are those who maintain that Osaka is more cutting edge, but then Osaka offers nowhere near the diversity of entertainment options available in Tokyo – from kabuki to avant-garde theatre, cinemas, live houses, pubs and bars. Click here for more information on Japanese theatre.
Cinemas
Going to the cinema in Tokyo can be surprisingly expensive. You can save several hundred yen by buying discounted tickets at convenience stores, but most theatres offer steep discounts on admission (¥1000 rather than ¥1800, for example) on the first day of the month, and a similar ‘ladies’ day’ discount on Wednesdays. Check the Japan Times, Metropolis or the Tokyo Journal to see what’s playing while you’re in town. Imported films are usually subtitled in Japanese, so the sound tends to be in the original language.
Cinema Rise (Map; 3464-0051; www.cinemarise.com, in Japanese; 13-17 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) Screening international indie cinema.
Shinjuku Piccadilly (Map; 5367-1144; www.shinjukupiccadilly.com, in Japanese; 3-15-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; 10am-midnight; Marunouchi & Toei Shinjuku lines to Shinjuku-sanchōme, exits B7 & B8) With more than 600 seats, including several two-person private viewing booths outfitted with surround sound and leather sofas (¥30,000 per screening).
Tōhō Cinemas Roppongi Hills (Map; 5775-6090; 6-10-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku; adult ¥1800-3000, child ¥1000; 10am-midnight Sun-Wed, to 5am Thu-Sat; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 3) Nine-screen mainstream multiplex with luxurious reclining seats and all-night weekend screenings.
Yebisu Garden Cinema (Map; 5420-6161; Yebisu Garden Pl, 4-20-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku; 10am-11pm; JR Yamanote line to Ebisu, east exit to Skywalk) Screens mainstream and independent films. Tickets are numbered as they’re sold and theatregoers are called in by number, preventing competition for seats.
Music
In Tokyo, you might have the luxury of seeing up-and-coming performers playing in intimate venues. Check the latest issue of Metropolis or Tokyo Journal or pick up some flyers at record shops Click here in Shibuya to see who’s playing around town. Ticket prices generally range from ¥5000 to ¥8000, depending on performer and venue.
DANCE CLUBS
You’ll find the greatest concentration and diversity of clubs in Roppongi; if you can find a flyer at local record shops or on club websites, most clubs will knock ¥500 to ¥1000 off the cover. Cover charges usually include a drink or two. If IDs are required, the minimum age is usually 20.
Ageha (; off Map; 5534-1515; www.ageha.com; 2-2-10 Shin-Kiba, Kōtō-ku; admission ¥3000-4000; 10pm-5am Tue-Sat; Yūrakuchō line