Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [118]
Air (Map; 5784-3386; www.air-tokyo.com; B1 & B2 fl, Hikawa Bldg, 2-11 Sarugakuchō, Shibuya-ku; admission ¥3000-4000; 10pm-5am, closed Tue, Wed & Sun; Tōkyū Tōyoko to Daikanyama, main exit, or JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, south exit) DJs spin mostly house here, and the crowd tends to be happy and friendly – though not huge on dancing. You can find a decent map on its website. The entrance to the basement is inside Frames. Bring your ID.
BuL-Let’s (Map; 3401-4844; www.bul-lets.com; B1 fl, Kasumi Bldg, 1-7-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku; admission from ¥1500; from around 7pm; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 2) This mellow basement space plays worldwide trance and ambient sounds for barefoot patrons. Beds and sofas furnish this carpeted club, but don’t get the wrong idea – it’s not all tranquillity and deadbeats.
Club 328 (Map; 3401-4968; www.3-2-8.jp; B1 fl, Kotsu Anzen Center Bldg, 3-24-20 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku; admission ¥2000-2500; 8pm-5am; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 1b & 3) DJs at San-ni-pa (Japanese for the numbers 3-2-8) spin a quality mix, from funk to reggae to R&B. With its refreshing un-Roppongi feel and a cool crowd of Japanese and gaijin, 328 is a good place to boogie ’til the break of dawn. Admission includes two drinks. It’s on Roppongi-dōri just off Nishi-Azabu Crossing.
Club Asia (Map; 5458-2551; www.clubasia.co.jp, in Japanese; 1-8 Maruyamachō, Shibuya-ku; admission ¥2500; 5pm-5am; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) This massive techno-soul club is popular with those on the younger end of 20-something. Events here are usually jam-packed no matter what night it is. There’s also an OK restaurant serving Southeast Asian food.
Harlem (Map; 3461-8806; www.harlem.co.jp; 2nd & 3rd fl, Dr Jeekahn’s Bldg, 2-4 Maruyamachō, Shibuya-ku; admission ¥2000-3000; 10pm-5am Tue-Sat; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) Bust a few hip-hop moves with Tokyo B-boys and B-girls. Be aware that Harlem maintains a (questionable) policy of not admitting groups of foreign males, so guys, come with a girlfriend.
Muse (Map; 5467-1188; www.muse-web.com; 4-1-1 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku; admission ¥3000; 9pm-late Sat & Tue-Thu, 8pm-late Fri, 7pm-late Sun & Mon; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 1b & 3) With a friendly, international crowd, multilevel Muse has something for everyone – packed dance floor, several bar areas, cosy alcoves big enough for two – but also pool tables, darts and karaoke. Women usually don’t pay a cover, which includes a drink or two. Near the Hobson’s on the corner of Nishi-Azabu Crossing there’s a neon ‘Bar’ sign marking the entrance.
New Lex-Edo (Map; 3479-7477; www.newlex-edo.com; B1 fl, Gotō Bldg, 3-13-14 Roppongi, Minato-ku; admission women/men ¥3000/4000; 8pm-5am; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 3) The Lex was one of Roppongi’s first discos and recently had a facelift. It’s still the place where visiting celebrities – who get in for free – end up, but even noncelebs get three free drinks.
Ruby Room (Map; 3780-3022; www.rubyroomtokyo.com; 2nd fl, Kasumi Bldg, 2-25-17 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya-ku; admission ¥2000; 9pm-late; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) This dark, sparkly cocktail lounge is on a hill behind the Shibuya 109 building. The Ruby Room hosts both DJed and live music, and is a fun place for older kids hanging in Shibuya. If you dine at Sonoma, the restaurant downstairs, you get in for free.
Salsa Sudada (Map; 5474-8806; www.salsasudada.org; 3rd fl, La Palette Bldg, 7-13-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku; 6pm-6am; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 3) Experienced salsa dancers can kick up their heels here for hours, while beginners can take lessons offered on Sunday nights. International dancers