Walk, walk, walk
Tokyo never sleeps. A true 24-hour city, the capital arguably shows its most attractive sides after dark, when nightlife hubs and entertainment districts throughout the metropolis come alive. Many of the city’s nocturnally vibrant neighborhoods are compact, convenient, and safe to explore on foot, with a diverse range of venues often found in close proximity to each other.
Hopping between districts is easy, too, with neighborhoods like Ginza and the Tokyo Station area, or Akasaka and Roppongi, located only about 15 minutes’ walk apart.
Last train time
When you’re out and about at night—and perhaps have had a few drinks—it’s easy to lose track of time. But in Tokyo, it pays to be mindful of the fact that the city’s trains stop running at night.
Specific “last train” times vary by line and location, with detailed train schedules available online. Note that while the trains on most lines run until around midnight, not all late-night departures travel all the way to the last station. Delays and last-minute timetable changes at the end of the day are also far from unheard of, so it pays to plan accordingly.
Also keep in mind that the evening rush hour on weekdays is from around 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you want to save your energy for exploring the nocturnal city, avoiding the packed trains during this time is recommended.
Getting around
after midnight
When getting around the city after the end of train service, taxis are the most common form of transportation. Cabs are widely available at night and will take you anywhere in the city regardless of the hour. Note that a late-night surcharge is in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The easiest way to catch a cab is to board one at a taxi stand by a train station. Taxi apps are also convenient, especially when you find yourself some distance from the nearest station. When hailing a cab on the street, be mindful of the characters displayed on the LED screen by the front window. 空車 means “available,” while cars marked 割増 (“late-night surcharge”) can also be hailed. For more details on how to ride taxis in Tokyo, check out this pageon GO TOKYO, the city’s official travel guide.
And for those times when you prefer to breathe in the evening air, convenient and eco-friendly mobility options abound, among them share bicycles (see more on these on the GO TOKYO site) and e-scooters. Do note, however, that piloting these—or any other type of vehicle—under the influence is illegal in Japan. Before getting on an e-scooter, read the rules on the Tokyo Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs website—and be sure to drive safe, especially at night.
Winning the wee hours
As for what to do late at night, your options are legion. Many bars and clubs in districts such as Shibuya and Roppongi stay open until the trains start running again the next morning. Combining quality music and drinks with a vibrant atmosphere, these places often offer a taste of Tokyo nightlife at its most authentic and are usually more than welcoming of newcomers. To avoid disappointment, make sure to check venue opening hours and closing days in advance.
Whether you are planning a quick pub crawl or are gearing up to crisscross the neon-lit capital by taxi, exploring Tokyo at night is one of the best ways to truly feel the pulse of the city. And now that you know how to get around, all you need is a plan.
