Tokyo, like most metropolitan cities in the world, never sleeps. The sun might have set and most shops might have been closed, but there are still lots of things you can do to enjoy your night in Tokyo.
Want to know more about where to get the best night views in Tokyo? Well, sit tight and hold on!
About Tokyo’s Night Activities
For those of you late owls, 24 hours in a day seems to be never enough. Luckily, Tokyo has the best of both worlds. You can enjoy your sightseeing during the day, and take a stroll during the night hours with a different view!
Here are a few spots and the activities you can do in those areas:
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is home to the locally loved Golden Gai district. Here, in the small alleyway, laid hundreds of small izakayas and eateries that open till late night (or until the next morning). There are also other establishments such as clubs and hostess clubs which is located in the well-known Kabukicho District.
Sadly, most of the establishments in this area only cater to a few regular customers. However, some of the establishments do put out signs and English menus to show that they also accept foreign customers.
Shibuya
Shibuya is the perfect place to shop and eat! Since Shibuya is in close proximities with Harajuku and Omotesando, it is quite full of Tokyo’s youngsters. Although most shops close after 21.00, other restaurants open until early morning!
Other than eateries, Shibuya also has lots of bars and nightclubs. There is also the infamous Love Hotel Hill near Shibuya station, which got its name from the number of love hotels that are located in the area. The night establishments in Shibuya are open to foreigners and was said to be less seedy than those in Kabukicho District
Ginza
This area is where you could find high-class shops and other branded items. That also applies to the night establishments in this area. Moreover, the clubs in Ginza is mostly reserved for business CEOs and meant as a place to find “connection” for business purposes. Foreigners who could not speak Japanese might not be able to enter these places.
Roppongi
Roppongi is probably the best place for you party animals! It is one of the places in Tokyo that is concentrated with foreigners living in the area. Known for the many nightclubs that filled this area, a lot of both local and foreigners comes to Roppongi every night.
However, in the recent years, there has been a lot of reports saying that there has been a few crime happening in the area. It mostly consists of spiked drinks, hidden fees, and fights between bar patrons.
Night Walks
Tokyo could be quite romantic at night, with all the lights turned on and the city seems to glow. However, not every part of Tokyo would be lighting up at night. Below is a list of recommended place that you can visit for a night walk during your visit to Tokyo.
Asakusa
Although the Senso-ji Temple itself will be closed at 17.00, you can still take a stroll through Kaminarimon Gate and the Nakamise street during the evening. The temple grounds would be open at all times and illuminated, thus gathering visitors all day long.
Odaiba
Another spot with a beautiful night view! Odaiba is a man-made island off the coast of Tokyo, about 40-60 minutes ride from Tokyo Area. From the coasts of this island you can have a breathtaking off in Rainbow Bridge, and both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. Plus, you could also go to the Odaiba Onsen Monogatari to enjoy a dip in the many baths they have available all-night!
In my opinion, the most beautiful night lights in Tokyo happens every winter. Tokyo is famous for the many illumination spots during the cold winter months. For more information about things that you can do during winter, click this link here!
Tokyo Night View
Here is a list of places that you can go to enjoy Tokyo’s Panoramic View during the evening:
- Tokyo Tower
Standing at 250 meters above ground level, the Special Observation Deck in Tokyo Tower is the perfect place to get a view of Tokyo during night time. Adding to that, the tower itself will be lit up during the night, and the theme for the illumination would also change according to the season.
Fee
Main Deck (150 m)
900 yen
Special Observation Deck (250 m + 150 m) 2,800yen
Location
Tokyo Tower
Hours
21.00 - 22.30
- Tokyo Skytree
Located near Asakusa, this tower offers you a view of Tokyo city from 350 meters above ground level. You can enjoy the view of the city through the winding glass hall that will take you another hundred meter to the peak of the tower.
Price
Combo ticket (both observation ticket)
4,000 yen
Single ticket (350m observation deck ticket)
3,000 yen
Location
Tokyo Skytree
Hours
08.00 - 22.00
- Telecom Center Observatory
Located in Odaiba, this building unique shape is inspired by France’s Arc de Triomphe. On the top level of the building, you can get a better view of the Rainbow Bridge, and most of Tokyo. Plus, the fee is way cheaper than the Skytree and Tokyo Tower observation deck.
Price
Adult 500 yen
Child 300 yen
Location
Telecom Center Observatory
Hours
15.00 - 21.00
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
This is the only place where you can get a free view of Tokyo from an observatory center! Located in Shinjuku, this place is divided into the North and South Observatory Center. It is open until late night, so you can visit it anytime you want.
Price
Free
Location
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
Hours
North Observatory Center
09.30 - 23.00
Closed every 2nd and 4th Monday
South Observatory Center
09.30 - 17.30
( -23.00 when the North Observatory close)
Closed every 1st and 3rd Tuesday
- World Trade Center Building
One of the first skyscrapers in Tokyo, this building stands at 163 meters above ground level and offers you a breathtaking view of Tokyo’s area since it’s located in the center of Tokyo.
You can buy the tickets for the observatory deck on the internet to get a cheaper price!
Price
620 yen
(500 yen online)
Location
World Trade Center Building
Hours
10.00 - 20.30 (entry until 20.00)
More tips
Here’s the thing:
Sometimes, you do not know where to go once you finished your itinerary for the day.
Sometimes when you have finished your sightseeing trip, you might still want to go see something else. But then, more often than not, you don’t know where to go and what to do.
Don’t worry!
I got the right solution for you: Hire a Private Guide! Look, if you have a guide with you, they will be able to recommend you the best places to visit after your day trip. Moreover, you would save yourself from the trouble of navigating Tokyo all by yourself.
If you are planning to hire a guide, I recommend you to get one from GoWithGuide! They have a list of recommended guides that would help your travel needs. Their excellent customer service would also make sure that you get the best guide to fit your needs.
Here in this article, I have reviewed a few night activities and places where you can get the best night view in Tokyo. Here’s to a great trip in Tokyo!
