Tokyo boasts some of the world’s best nightlife – top of the line sound systems pump out the beat at amazing clubs, fabulous fashions are on display and a friendly atmosphere pervades. Differences socialites will notice on night on the town include the issuing of tickets for drinks after paying in to bars and clubs. Most venues charge admission, anywhere from $3-50. Work out the exchange rate before parting with your money. This entry fee tends to provide a couple of drinks and a ‘snack’. This could be a full meal, plates of chocolate chunks, or token nuts. Another shock may be when many clubs state that they close at midnight – while bars are often open till 5am. A law exists that prevents dancing in residential neighborhoods, but is largely ignored. Flyers advertise events, and are easily picked up in CD stores around Shibuya or in any of the bars in Shinjuku-ni-chome for gay and lesbian events.

Roppongi is the city’s upscale social hub and is packed with exciting bars. Fans of ‘Lost in Translation’ will want to head to the karaoke boxes of Roppongi, such as Shidax Roppongi Club. Only those with major label recording deals should the reach for the microphone in bars, as karaoke is taken startlingly seriously, but $10 per person furnishes the enthusiastic with a private room with dancing pole, tambourine, microphones, two drinks each and, for those with Japan Airlines frequent flyers cards, miles as you sing.

Gay nightlife is crammed into the narrow streets of Shinjuku-ni-chome – 200 bars, the size of a spare bedroom, cater to an active community. Bars are stacked on top of each other like Lego blocks.