The Best Clubs in Tokyo

Tokyo Nightlife Guide

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Aug 29, 2009 Karen Dion

Tokyo's nightclubs are amongst the best in the world. Here is a guide to the top three.

Tokyo’s nightlife is one of the best in the world, most travel guides focus on the bars and clubs of the ex-pat centre Roppongi, but the best nightclubs are to be found elsewhere.

While Tokyo clubbers were saddened by the 2008 closure of one of its oldest and best nightclubs Yellow, there are still plenty of spots to choose from, so many that clubbers are spoiled for choice. Here are three of the very best.

AgeHa, Shin-kiba

Since its opening in 2002, ageHa has hosted almost all of the biggest names in trance, techno, R&B and house. Tiesto regularly plays here, as do Armin van Buuren and Danny Tenaglia.

Located in a giant building in an industrial district a little outside of Tokyo itself, ageHa can be reached by a free shuttle bus that regularly leaves from, and returns to, Shibuya.

The inconvenience of the location and bus journey should not put anyone off visiting, as to experience ageHa is to experience the definition of ‘Super Club’. With four dance floors accommodating up to 5000 people, an open air swimming pool, four bars, an outdoor dance tent and a store, ageHa is clearly the biggest club in Japan.

Womb, Shibuya

Womb claims a superlative of its own: Japan’s biggest mirror ball. In contrast to the spacious, warehouse feel of ageHa, Womb’s setting is cavernous. Clubbers, directed by only a discreet sign outside the entrance, arrive from a quiet Shibuya street near Love Hotel Hill and ascend a staircase onto a dark, sticky pulsating dance floor that can hold up to 1000 people.

Womb is a highly respected club, featuring regularly in 'world's best clubs' lists and drawing international artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Sven Vath and John Digweed.

Besides the great music, Womb is also known for its sophisticated laser system and may be recognized as the club featured in the 2006 movie Babel.

Warehouse, Azabu-Juban

A little less well known, Warehouse is a rewarding alternative to, and just a short walk from, the popular nightlife centre of nearby Roppongi. The style of music here depends upon the night but it can always be relied upon to provide some of the most diverse clubbing experiences in Japan.

One of the more colourful clubs in Tokyo, Warehouse is well known for its go-go dancers and regular themed nights such as ‘Pink! Poledance Night’, ‘Bikini Night’ and the ‘Tokyo Decadence’ fetish party.

Some Basic Information about clubbing in Tokyo

Cover charges for all clubs depend upon the night but usually run from ¥2,000 to ¥4,000.
The legal drinking age in Japan in 20 and all clubs check ID at the door.
The Tokyo Metro is closed between 12am and 5am, making either staying out late or getting a taxi home essential.

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Womb, Shibuya