CULTURE: NIGHTLIFE IN TOKYO JAPAN FOR FANS OF ROCK AND METAL

When the sun sets and the night draws in, Tokyo streets switch gear, filling with office workers looking to have fun after a very long day, students meeting friends, and tourists looking to make memories in this wonderful metropolis. What if you love Rock, Metal and Alternative music? Then where can you go? There are several Bars, live houses and venues spread across Tokyo that you should definitely check out.

Here are some recommendations from Tokyo Noizu:

Wild Side: In the Shinjuku district of Tokyo with its numerous clubs and karaoke rooms. You may miss the entrance to this rock-themed bar and live house between shops and restaurants - but Wild Side is a great spot to see live Rock, Metal and other bands play. You could see a different band or artist play there almost every night of the week!

With a well stocked bar of Beers, Spirits, Shochu and even Cocktails available , Wild Side Shinjuku offers a lively atmosphere any day of the week!

As always, we recommend you check ahead to see what’s happening through the Wild Side website for the live music schedule: Wild Side Site

Rockaholic: is a bar brand that’s probably one of the better known by tourists to Tokyo. With locations in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Shimokitazawa - but we’re concentrating on Rockaholic Shibuya. As they say, Always good rock music since 2010!

Shibuya’s nightlife is buzzing with clubs and hidden bars. Rockaholic is a bar that caters specifically to fans of rock and metal music. It has a wide selection of drinks that are reasonable prices for Tokyo, and you can be sure it will be blasting all subgenres of rock and metal music. They even accept requests.

Due to the number of non-Japanese that visit the bar, if you can't speak Japanese, that shouldn’t be a problem as the staff are used to serving people from all over the world. There’s always someone willing to help you out also around the bar. 

If you’re worried you’re not getting the full authentic Japanese bar vibes though, don’t worry, there’s still enough Japanese local rock and metal fans that drink there as well.

Info: Bar Rockaholic Site

Bauhaus Bar and live house has been rocking for around 40 or so years in Roppongi, an area of Tokyo already known for its vibrant nightlife. Bauhaus was forced in recent years to move to a new place with support from fantastic crowdfunding efforts, after Covid almost closed their doors for good!

The entertainment is supplied with a live performance from The Bauhaus Band, playing from an ever changing setlist of rock and metal classics to keep it fresh. You can even submit song requests for the band to play!

Their bar is stocked with a wide range of Beers, Spirits, Cocktails and even Champagne! A range of different Foods is also available to order in case you get a bit hungry.

Bauhaus is a great night out - but can become full very quickly, so we suggest you get a reservation on the night or nights you want to go! 

See the Bauhaus website for more details

Metal Justice Tokyo - as they say themselves "100% Rock / Metal / Wrestling / Fighting theme entertainment spot in Roppongi the heart of Tokyo." Metal Justice is packed to the rafters with memorabilia, you’ll always find something new to discover, it has everything you need and could want from any rock bar anywhere in the world and more!

With an already well stocked bar, If you like your craft beers, Metal Justice Tokyo will not disappoint with 20 different craft beers regularly available to try (They even have their own Metal Justice IPA!). Not forgetting their famous hot dogs from the food menu. You have to order the “Mega Danger Dog” just for the name alone!

Again, a popular place for visitors from all over the world. Metal Justice still feels like it has that Tokyo vibe and hidden gem that some people are craving for. 

Check Metal Justice website for more details

Rock Bar Godz: Any trip to Tokyo wouldn’t be the same without visiting this long established metal haven, hidden in the basement of a building in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. Godz has just the kind of cosy atmosphere you want from a rock bar in Tokyo, with friendly staff, and it’s fantastic collection of Rock and Metal CDs and DVD visible behind the bar, spanning the full length of it! You can be sure every genre of Heavy Metal and hard rock will be blasting from the speakers. 

With affordable food and drinks available. The bar is stocked with everything you'd need for a great night out. The menu is available in English as well so those of us not so fluent in Japanese, you don’t have to worry, the staff also speak English, so as a foreigner you'll be able to switch back if you're Japanese starts to fade after a few beers,

Check out The Godz Website for more 

These are just a few examples of the many venues, and bars around Tokyo where you can enjoy rock and metal music, and have a drink, or three, until the small hours. 

We also suggest that It's always a good idea to check schedules in advance of any bars and venues to see if any bands or events align with your visit to Tokyo. Also to double check those opening times, just in case.

Where else would you recommend to your fellow Metallers to go? What's the number 1 place on your list? Let us know across our Social Media!

Drew,C 

Tokyo Noziu

Disclaimer: all information was correct at time of writing. All images remain the property of their respective owners and fall under fair use regulations.