Some travelers report that they find Tokyo is boring at night because many shops close by 8 pm. Actually, things are not that bad if you go to the right places. there are plenty of fun things to do after dark. You can enjoy the dazzling night views, visit Japanese spas, watch traditional performances, or explore shopping streets.
To learn more about what we recommend you do during your time in Tokyo, keep reading for more travel inspiration.
1. Enjoy a Breathtaking Bird's-eye View of Tokyo's Night
The view from the top is perhaps the most popular way to appreciate Tokyo's dazzling beauty at night. Many observation decks in towers and tall buildings will be open until around 22:00, providing great vantage points for lovely night views.
Popular observation decks are those located at the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Sunshine 60 in the Ikebukuro district.
In addition, several skyscrapers have restaurants on their top floors from where you can enjoy good food and also good views of the city, such as the Tokyo Skytree, Mori Building etc. Top-floor restaurants are an especially good way of seeing the city views at night, but they are usually on the high-end side.
Some notable districts where top floor restaurants are common, include Marunouchi, Shiodome and Shinjuku.
2. Visit Bustling Shinjuku at Night
One of the most exciting districts in Tokyo is Shinjuku, where you'll find Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest stations in the entire world. The area is full of restaurants and shops that stay open until late. We suggest finding somewhere to have some traditional Japanese dinner.
For those looking for late-night shopping, Don Quijote (locally referred to as Donki) is a good place to start because this discount chain store is actually open 24 hours a day. It sells anything from Japanese cookware, drinks, and snacks to souvenirs and cosmetics.
3. Relax in a Typical Japanese Onsen or Spa
Onsens, or hot springs, as well as spas, are very popular in Japan. For a relaxing evening in Tokyo, why not check yourself into a spa or a hot spring? There are a range of late-night spas that stay open either 24 hours or until the early morning hours, dotted around the center of Tokyo as well as on the city's outskirts. Not all of the spas do have natural springs, but there are a range of those that do.
Many of Tokyo's spas offer both natural hot springs and saunas as well as open-air baths, jacuzzis, massage facilities, beauty treatment facilities, and cafés. Asia Highlights can help you pick the right spa for you, and book your treatments ahead of time so that you can focus on relaxing and making the most of your time in Tokyo.
4. Watch an Incredible Sumo Wrestling Show
Sumo is a must-see if you are visiting Japan, and there are many options for enjoying this in one of your evenings in Tokyo. Whether you're more interested in watching an actual tournament, or whether you want to watch a sumo entertainment show (with dinner), there are options for either.
Asia Highlights can help you find the best sumo experience for you. Just let our team know what you're interested in doing, and our Japan experts can help you book.
If you prefer, Tokyo is also full of other entertainment, including comedy nights, dance cabaret shows showcasing traditional Japanese performing arts, or other dancing shows to give you more insight into Japanese culture and Tokyo's nightlife.
5. Take a Leisure Stroll at Obaida Seaside Park
If you're looking for a little walk after dinner, we highly recommend heading over to Odaiba Seaside Park on the edge of Tokyo Bay. From this manmade beach, you will be able to see Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge, and the other beautiful lights of the city.
There is even a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty!
6. Enjoy Senso-ji, Tokyo's Oldest Temple, at Night
If you're staying in Akihabara, Senso-ji and the nearby streets are great to explore at night. Even though most shops are closed, the temples and streets are well-lit, creating a serene atmosphere with fewer crowds. You'll mostly find locals taking leisurely evening walks there.
For a fantastic aerial view of the temple, head up to the 8th floor of the building across from the temple's entrance gate where you'll discover the Asakusa Observatory. From there, you can admire the illuminated Tokyo Skytree in the distance.
The main hall remains open to see, and a spotlight lights up the beautiful huge lantern at the entrance. The lights stay on until 11pm every night, so if you'd like to see it in the evenings without the crowds, we recommend stopping by.
7. Check Out the World-Famous Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya is one of the most vibrant districts, and even if you've already been through in the daytime, we also recommend a visit in the evening. This is where you will find the famous Shinjuku Crossing. We recommend visiting this iconic crossing made famous by a multitude of films. Did you know that as many as 3,000 people cross the crossing at one time?
This is also where you will find the (in)famous love hotels, and we recommend checking out one of the many Izakayas for an authentic Japanese dinner of gyoza, Japanese dumplings, yakitori, Japanese grilled chicken skewers, karaage, which is Japanese fried chicken, pickled vegetables, sashimi, or even tempura — Japanese deep-fried foods.
It is worth looking into getting a guide to take you around, which Asia Highlights can arrange, or just walking around and seeing what interests you!
8. Enjoy a Boat Cruise and Dinner in Tokyo Bay
A different way to enjoy Tokyo's scenery in the evenings is by taking a boat cruise in Tokyo Bay. There are a number of different operators that offer tours, ranging from 2 to 3 hours in duration. Boats leave from many different piers depending on which is more convenient for you, including Hinode Pier, Asakusa Pier, Hamarikyu Pier, and Odaiba Marine Park Pier.
You can get a boat with or without dinner, ranging between US$30 and US$70 in price depending on whether you want to have dinner on board. Our team at Asia Highlights can help you find the best possible boat cruise for your needs, so please reach out to us and let us know what your preferences are.
9. Marvel At or Go Up Tokyo Tower
To see one of the best sights of the Tokyo skyline, we recommend visiting Tokyo Tower, which looks a little like the Eiffel Tower. In the evening, this tower lights up and is an amazing addition to Tokyo's night scenery.
While less high up than Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower's location is incredible and worth visiting as a result, given that the surrounding area is more lit up. After you've enjoyed the views from the street, if you'd like to see Tokyo from higher up, it is also possible to make a reservation to enjoy a top deck tour in the evenings, particularly during peak tourist season (spring and fall).
It's a great way to spend an evening, get a feel for the sheer size of Tokyo, and enjoy the lights. For an additional challenge, you could take the stairs up, which is not an easy feat but very rewarding. With a few breaks it can take around 20 to 30 minutes to get to the top.
Visit Tokyo with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights can help you plan perfect evenings and days in Tokyo. Whether you'd like for us to suggest activities for your evenings in Tokyo, or whether you know exactly what you want to do during your time in Tokyo but just need help to plan your trip, we recommend getting in touch with us. See some most popular Japan itineraries:
- 5-Day Tokyo Highlights
- 11 Days in Japan: Great for First-Time Visitors
- 7 Days in Tokyo: Culture, History and Entertainment
To continue reading more about visiting Japan and Tokyo, we have a few other resources that can help give you insights into traveling to Japan and Tokyo in particular.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
