Best Clubs in Tokyo | A 2023 Guide to Top Bars and Nightclubs (Top 20)

Tokyo is filled with an almost unlimited number of the best places to sing, dance, or party the night away.

Whether you start at Shibuya station or farther out from the central area of clubs, you will find that getting to any of them is quite easy with Tokyo’s efficient transportation network. Nightclubs can range from the biggest club to tiny hole in the wall five seat pub-style bars.

Our goal in this article is to list a great place and the most popular clubs to visit. You don’t have to worry about missing the last train as some clubs will offer a free shuttle bus service.

Tokyo’s club scene is something that truly has to be experienced to fully understand the dance clubs and neon lights that the city has to offer.

Here are our top 20 clubs where several of our staff writers have spent an evening or two at the center of the main dance floor.

Overview of the Top 20 Bars And Best Nightclubs in Tokyo

1. WARP Shinjuku

Located in the middle of Shinjuku’s red light district, the Kabukichi, WARP is a recent addition to the nightlife scene of Tokyo. It’s a convenient five-minute walk from the Robot Restaurant and only a seven-minute walk from the train station.

WARP Shinjuku Via Tripadvisor

WARP is one of the top destinations for hard-hitting sound amid four separate futuristic dance floors. This comes complete with LED screens, four bars, VIP tables, and three levels for the most stellar display.

Performances range from local DJs to hip-hop and international pop stars. The high energy and fast-paced atmosphere of WARP is a hodgepodge of clubbers and international tourists.

2. Harlem

For 100% hip-hop all night long, Harlem is your spot. Not only is it one of the top places for Tokyo nightlife, but it may also be one of the most famous in all of Japan. The whole scene roots itself in history and jams every night with hungry hip-hop fans of all ages.

Harlem Club Via Tripadvisor

Nestled in Shibuya, Harlem has been in operation since 1997, building a reputation for having primo hip-hop. They book both local and international DJs, MCs, and other such musical artists.

Harlem is famous for its wall of hard-hitting sound, with perfectly tuned bumping bass.

3. Sel Octagon

Located in the heart of Roppongi (midtown Tokyo), Sel Octagon has a festival of ambient sound with big EDM. However, they offer a fantastic production value with glittering light displays.

There are lasers, LED lights, and high-end VIP tables with bottle service.

They’ve recently renovated the place to make the main floor more spacious and added another lounge floor.

SEL Octagon Via Tripadvisor

While their sound system isn’t as stellar as other clubs mentioned here, it’s not too shabby. It’s very full and provides a satisfactory auditory experience.

Roppongi Midtown Night Illumination

The only drawback with this place is its location. It’s a little difficult to find because it hides inside a building across from Roppongi Midtown.

If you don’t know where you are or where you’re going, it will be like finding a needle in a haystack. Google maps is a must.

4. RAISE

The basic premise of RAISE is a Las Vegas-style display of fashion and trendiness. They accomplish this with huge confetti cannons along with having the best bottle service in Tokyo. They feature top-of-the-line performers with monolithic laser lighting.

RAISE Ginza Official

Located in Ginza, RAISE has a swanky persona, adhering to a strict dress code policy with high-priced entry fees. So, it’s very elite, and it brings up a bunch of pitfalls because of it.

The door staff will refuse entry to anyone who doesn’t match their dress code, especially those with obscene or exposed tattoos.

5. 1 Oak Tokyo

One of Tokyo’s most influential disco nightclubs is 1 Oak Tokyo, located in Roppongi, Minato. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a New York City nightclub, booking the hottest hip-hop MCs and live DJs throughout the week.

When guests arrive, the impressive interior of the entryway leads to the main floor, where dancing occurs.

On either side of the dance floor are two wide rows of booths for seating. There is additional seating on the second floor.

1 Oak Tokyo Official

They also have two private rooms, a karaoke room, and an incredible sound system. The lighting and design make the place laid back but also very lively and full of action. Anyone looking for a night of swank on the town, 1 Oak Tokyo is the place to go.

6. V2 Tokyo

V2 Tokyo is a flashy club overlooking central Roppongi, and it offers beautiful panoramic views of Tokyo’s nighttime skyline.

Actually, it sits in the center of Minato City on the top floor of Roseville. Guests can shop, indulge in their specialized line of mixed cocktails, and dance the night away.

V2 Tokyo features a host of varying genres, but it’s mostly EMD tracks spun by guest DJs.  

V2Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

It’s very spacious with enough room for 1,000 people and over 300 seating arrangements. Many famous international celebrities visit here too.

There are several floors complete with a welcoming and professional staff. V2 Tokyo also has a late-night pizza parlor along with decent bottle service. Plus, they have a massive crystal chandelier in the shape of flowers covering the ceiling of the dance floor.

7. WOMB

Ranked 47 in DJ MAG’s top 100 nightclubs, WOMB is the place for techno. Depending on the DJ, they will feature jungle, house, happy hardcore and so much more!

They recently renovated the interior design to include an upgraded lounge floor along with new lighting and a VIP balcony overlooking the main dance floor.

Its layout, design, and energy lend themselves to creating lifelong memories. WOMB has been in operation since 2000 in Shibuya. So, this is more of a place for young people than anyone over 40 years old. However, all ages are welcome to come.

WOMB Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

There are two downsides to visiting WOMB, however. First, the weekday DJs are often locals who play strange and cheesy music. The other is that you have to know where you’re going in order to find it.

8. Circus Tokyo

Circus Tokyo is its own tour de force. Opening in 2015, this underground club calls the Shibuya area its home and is a major hub for serious music fans.

They always feature an unbeatable lineup of artists, and first-time guests almost immediately become loyal regulars.

Circus Tokyo has varying events in differing genres, but they maintain deep underground rave elements at their base.

Circus Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

Their goal is to ensure every guest leave entertained and satisfied. However, their crowning feature is the dance floor. It’s narrow and compact, set before the DJ turntables.

But, the wall of bass that comes shooting out makes the space perfect for dancing or tapping your foot.

9. Zeus

In central Roppongi, Zeus is a nightclub named after the Greek god. Because of his notorious connections with thunderstorms, they try to recreate this with their lighting, musical presentations, and ambiance. Whether you want to dance or enjoy cocktails, the interior décor accommodates.

Zeus features plentitudes of VIP seating and two medium-sized dance floors along with three private rooms. One of the private rooms is specifically for karaoke. Plus, the entire staff is very multilingual and international. This includes their VIP services and promoters.

Zeus Via Tripadvisor

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in how they party Tokyo-style, Zeus will be your prime destination. This is ideal for single men between the ages of 20 and 45 years old, but all ages and genders are welcome.

10. Club Camelot

Club Camelot is a solid option for experiencing a basic disco-style nightclub in Shibuya. They have three large dance floors with great VIP options, including table and bottle service. Their hired DJs cover the gamut of clubbing music genres.

Shibuya Area Tokyo

You’ll often hear R&B, hip-hop, and house, but they’ll also play some international top 40 selections and other types of techno. However, EDM is king here. But this is a fairly large club, accommodating 2,000 people.

Club Camelot Via Tripadvisor

There are some restrictions on being able to enter Club Camelot. First, no one under the age of 20 years old is permissible.

You must come dressed to the nines, and if the door staff doesn’t think you fit the feel and ambiance of Club Camelot, they won’t let you in. This includes any kind of tattoo.

11. IBEX Tokyo

For those who want more variety in their music preferences, IBEX is the place to visit. They feature typical hip-hop and techno, like other nightclubs, but they also present Dancehall, Reggae, Soca 90s and AfroBeats. This gives IBEX a more exotic, tropical feel from the Caribbean right in the heart of Tokyo.

The whole atmosphere of the place is relaxed and laidback with a homey, safe feel to the ambiance. Everyone on the staff, including the owner, is very welcoming and professional. Their top ambition is to ensure every guest feels right at home with warmth and friendliness.

IBEX Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

This is ideal for those who want an “old school” experience. So, while anyone 20 and older can come in, those who were young during the 90s and early 2000s will enjoy it best.

They also feature an art gallery along with rentals for parties, practicing, and even weddings.

12. Odeon Tokyo

Odeon Tokyo is a big package of fun that resides smack dab in the middle of Minato in Roppongi. This is one of the top destinations for nightlife in the country and has been in existence for the last 12 years. They present only the best house and techno DJs worldwide, covering Chicago House to EDM.

However, it’s not uncommon to hear 70s disco, old school, top 40, or hip-hop on occasion. They offer a wide swath of events to suit almost any musical preference.

They feature parties every night of the week, gearing them toward international guests and tourists.

Odeon Via Tripadvisor

The inside splays with luxurious furnishings and stunning décor as well as having an advanced sound system comprising the most up-to-date technology. It’s cozy but large and burgeons with a friendly international staff. It’s a world-class clubbing experience you won’t find anywhere else.

13. Contact

Another great club in the heart of Shibuya is Contact. What makes them stand out against other bars and nightclubs is how each one of its four floors contains its own atmosphere, décor, theme, and ambiance. They host the hottest music stars and ones from the underground scene.

This is a members-only place, but it isn’t elitist and it’s very easy to register. You can sign up through Contact’s website and receive membership instantly.

There are three tiers: general, silver, or gold. No one under 20 years old is permissible, and they have a no-camera, no-drink policy on the dance floor.

Contact Via Tripadvisor

Signing up for Contact’s membership gives discounts on admission and the ability to earn points toward free admission. You can also use the membership card as an ID, which means you can keep your ID safe in another location rather than risk losing it by accident after a night of wild partying.

14. Ce La Vi Tokyo

One of Shibuya’s most elite nightclubs is Ce La Vi. They have some of the best views of the skyline along with international accommodations, luxury cuisine and premium mixed drinks.

Even though the main floor of the club is rather tiny, it packs a punch with sound and experience.

However, when the patio doors open in summer, that’s the best time to come to Ce La Vi. The whole space burgeons with people, great tunes, and a high-class vibe. While reservations aren’t a requirement to enter the club, Ce La Vi highly recommends them.

Ce La Vi Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

Ce La Vi does have a strict dress code and will refuse entry if they don’t believe any patron doesn’t fit their ambiance.

But, it’s not as dire as other clubs mentioned in this list. They will not allow anyone in who’s wearing a tank top, sandals, shorts, or anything the door staff deems as “casual.”

15. ATOM Tokyo

For the last 15 years, ATOM’s Friday and Saturday night parties pack with people. However, their weekday events are something to behold. But, the security staff tends to be overly aggressive, and the crowds can be unbearable any day of the week.

While they don’t have a strict dress code, there are a few caveats in being able to enter ATOM. First, people wearing tank tops or exposing their tattoos will receive a denial of entry. This includes anyone who arrives completely inebriated. There are other prohibitions as well.

ATOM Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

Photography and excessive misogyny are not permissible; the security staff does eject people at will. In fact, if anyone on staff deems behavior as inappropriate, they will remove the offender quickly.

16. TK Shibuya Tokyo

TK Shibuya Tokyo is one of the largest single-floor nightclubs in Tokyo. Even though it can only hold 1,000 people at one time, it’s in a prime location and easy to find; just a skip away from the train station.

They invite some of the world’s most famous DJs, dancers and MCs presented in a space of ultimate luxury.

TK Shibuya Via Tripadvisor

This is a Mecca for partygoers, and it comes highly rated across many social media platforms and online travel sites. However, their website is down at the time of this writing, but you can find them on places like Yelp or Facebook.

17. The Room

The Room is a deviation from other nightclubs mentioned thus far. This place offers a break from the hard pounding beats of bass from the techno, hip-hop, and EDM of Shibuya.

This laidback and low-key bar is in a basement that presents smooth and slow R&B along with jazz, blues, and soul.

It’s a wonderful place for a date that’s very dark, discreet, and endearing. They have excellent mixed drinks and high-quality spirits like scotch, bourbon, rye, vodka, and gin for drinking on the rocks. Sometimes they have live performances, but most often, you’ll find a DJ.

The Room Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

18. LEX Tokyo

Yet another fabulous club in Roppongi is LEX Tokyo. This is a favorite hideaway for celebrities like models and actresses along with famous artists and other personalities.

They’ve been around since 1980 and have a long, rich history that’s just as interesting as the inside of the club itself.

LEX Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

This used to be the “Lexington Queen,” for which customers just called it the “Lex.” This place has experienced many reincarnations along with frequent passing of ownership.

But, today, it has SOTA audio, visual, and lighting equipment. The experience is indescribable and amazing in its own right.

19. Sound Museum Vision

For a more posh music experience in a very clean and subdued nightclub, Sound Museum Vision is ideal.

The main floor, called Gaia, has a world-renowned sound system that vibrates every cell of your body and every fiber of your clothing. They often feature hip-hop and techno, but they have other genres as well.

Sound Museum Vision Via Tripadvisor

There’s a gallery bar featuring fantastic artwork to coincide with the mixologist-created drinks. The intimate D lounge has the best dance floor in the place, which allows you to let down your hair.

20. Genius Tokyo

Genius Tokyo offers a more formal and classy nightclub experience in Tokyo. Seated at the heart of Ginza, this club is top tier.

Men wear suits, and women are stylishly elegant, wearing glittering dresses ready for the red carpet. This means they have a strict dress code and refuse entry to many people based on a whim.

Genius Tokyo Via Tripadvisor

However, if you can get in, it’s an enchanting and magical experience. Genius Tokyo is something akin to a black-tie event you would find on 5th Avenue in New York City. Dancing, music and amazing cocktails go around all night long.

Making The Most Of Clubbing In Tokyo

Tokyo nightclubs offer everything you want for a night out on the town. Famous DJs play good music, and the intense neon and great lighting are surrounded by hip youngsters spending a crazy night dancing. Every nightclub on our list is a great spot in itself.

From hip hop to classic 80s hits, the music is played on a superb sound system that you would expect at any popular spot.

Don’t forget to check each club’s website as some offer open mic nights, while others have live music and are great for a wild night on a vast dance floor. No matter your preferred music genre, you will be surrounded by Japanese youngsters and the wildest party animals for an unforgettable night.

If you want to experience the center of smaller clubs and venues, check out the Golden Gai area. Upscale bars can be found more in the Roppongi-Dori street areas.

The Roppongi hills are known as an exclusive area of Tokyo. The local scene is great in central Tokyo too. This is a great area to explore as it’s Tokyo’s most central spot for clubbing.

Whether you’re looking for a mega club with a pro DJ booth and hours of electronic music or a more subdued atmosphere with nice panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline, there is something for every taste.

Plan on a few days during your visit to Tokyo to make new friends, have some great drinks, and listen to the pinnacle of house music.

My fascination with Japan began several years back at a roadside bonsai stand while on vacation. I became more interested in the where and why's more than the trees themselves. My love of Bonsai led me to further research my interest in the gardens where they originated from and the places and people that surrounded those little trees. My curiosity was well rewarded upon visiting Saitama where the National Bonsai Museum was located and Omiya Village the bonsai mecca for lovers of this ancient art form. Exploring many towns and villages and even making my way to Japan's furthest southern prefecture of Okinawa. I hope to share my love of this wonderful and exotic place with all those who want to know more about Japan.