Nights on the Town, Tokyo Style

Stepping out for a night on the town is different for locals in Tokyo.

Instead of spending the evening at one restaurant, they may move between two or three different places. They’ll eat, drink and stay out until midnight, just before the trains stop running. Many others carry on, singing at karaoke bars until the trains start again at 5:00 am.

“There are some good reasons why people in Tokyo socialise this way,” says Yukari Sakamoto, culinary expert and author of the dining guide Food Sake Tokyo.

“Japanese living spaces tend to be small, so very few people entertain at home,” Sakamoto continues. “If your friends live in different parts of the city, it’s easier for everyone to meet up somewhere central. At the same time, people can have very stressful jobs, so at the end of the day, they want to relax and have fun. Going to different venues helps them extend the evening.”

To ensure you enjoy an authentic Tokyo night on the town, Four Seasons can arrange a personal guide for your group—like a local Japanese friend set to show you the city’s best.

Sakamoto points out, “If you don’t speak Japanese, going out with a culinary interpreter is a smart way to ensure you order the best dishes and that you really appreciate the ingredients and the preparation methods.”

To inspire your next night out in Tokyo, consider one of our three different itineraries: for a Casual, Fun Night Out; a Smart, Stylish Night Out; or a Chic, Sophisticated Night Out.

For a complete overview of dining, shopping and attractions, Four Seasons Concierges have created Tokyo Now, a guide to what’s hottest in the city.

To start planning your trip, visit Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo.