Tokyo Nightlife Is Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi

Golden Gai in Shinjuku is six alleys of tiny bars (6-10 seats each), each with its own character — some welcome foreigners, some don't, cover charges vary. Omoide Yokocho next door is the yakitori-and-beer alley version.

Shibuya runs the dance club scene: Womb, Contact, Sound Museum Vision book international electronic acts. For cocktails: Bar High Five in Ginza (master bartender, reservations only), Gen Yamamoto in Roppongi.

Roppongi is the international nightlife district — louder, more tourist-facing, plenty of English. Tokyo trains stop at midnight (restart 5 AM). Plan around the last-train hour or commit to staying out until dawn.