NIGHT LIFE LISTINGS
ed. Phil Miller
Being There
by Phil Miller
The right place at the right time--luck out on this formula and you're in for a great night's debauchery.
In Nishi Azabu, renowned interior designer Masami Matsui held his annual birthday party at Red's, previously Red Shoes. It has just reopened as a DJ bar, but don't count on hitting much hot music here yet--unless Wings (retch) is your scene. At least Matsui knows how to party. After letting everyone throw pies at his face, he stripped down to his underwear and let us spray him with champagne as he danced on the bar. I guess those pies just weren't enough. I don't know if the bartenders liked him too much, but we sure were entertained.
Down the street at Java Jive, Denzel Washington was rubbing shoulders with the likes of famous TV cop Hiroshi Tachi to promote his new movie, Crimson Tide, and to do a little late night partying.
Owner and veteran Roppongi party-man Haru pulls in a wild crowd at Rip, especially on Thursdays. Ladies get their first drink free and all drinks after for Y300! If you like models, J-Foxx dancers, One Eyed Jack hostesses and rock stars like Slash, Rip is the place for you. If you don't, then what are you doing in Roppongi?
Of course, the biggest change in Roppongi would be the opening of Bar Isn't It?, hot out of Kansai on the wings of its phenomenal success there. With its raucous atmosphere, beer vending machines and own-brand beer, I wonder how Tokyo people will react. After all, we are so much more sophisticated than our Kinki friends. Maybe we'll just end up calling it Bar It Isn't, but still go there anyway--everything they offer is a flat Y500, and we dig that huge panorama window with the view across the graveyard. Pity about the music the nights we were there: Techno, anyone? Early Judas Priest? "My Sharona"?
If surfing the Internet is your scene, don't bother with Dug, on the corner of Killer and Meiji doris. The room is done out in a pretty cool '60s style with oil projectors and mirror balls, but the high-tech touch falls dead flat--a huge wide-screen monitor shows Internet sites on the World Wide Web--but it's all controlled by a single staff member doodling with her mouse! Absurd. We got out of there quick, but not before they slugged us with a Y7000 bill--for four drinks.
Back in Roppongi, things weren't so exciting at Tatou. A party they were having upstairs had everything going for it--good DJ, nice interior, friendly staff--except for one thing: the people! Either I got there too late; they forgot to tell everyone that they were having a party; or everyone just saw me coming and left . . . Nahh--that only happens much later, when I start having my lapses and doing strange things. Sometimes it's tough being a Prince of Darkness.
| SPECIAL EVENTS | |
| Roppongi | Shibuya & Area |
| Nishi Azabu | Others |
The Nightlife listings are updated every month.
* denotes editor's picks.
The Tokyo Party Tour Six hours of non-stop partying in Tokyo's hottest nightclubs, pubs and aboard the hottest fun bus in Tokyo. Tour starts 6pm, every Sat. in front of Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi. Y5000 (Y1000 discount per two people, direct booking only). For more info, call Night Life ystery Tours (3454-5434).
Tamayo Presents stand-up comedy direct from Hollywood. 9/29 & 30, 8pm, Jiyu Gekijo, Roppongi Sta. (Hibiya Line). Y3800 (with one drink). For tickets information, call (5256-8360).
The Ring Everybody-knows gay/mix party. 9/30, 11pm, Speakeasy. Tokyo's best house DJs including Emma. Special men's only and ladies' only rooms. 10/28, 11pm, Speakeasy. Tokyo's most fabilous Helloween party. It's gay and it's fun. Y3500 (with two drinks). (5410-0356)
* Club Venus Excellent party. 10/7, 10pm, Y4000 (Y3500 in adv.). DJ David Holmes. Liquid Room (3200-6831).
Cross Over Prepare yourself for excessively ecstatic conditions. Techno, laser lighting and the Master Blaster sound system. 10/7, 11pm, Speakeasy. Y3500 (with two drinks). (5410-0356)
Liquid Sky Dance Hall Featuring DIP, Friction, Audio Active, Pragues, DJs: Marine, Tomo Hirata, Hiroshi Kawanabe, DJ Krush, Moog Yamamoto. 10/14, 9pm, Liquid Room. Y3800 (in adv.). Liquid Room (3200-6831).
Odyssey Trippy, trancey, techno. Very popular. 10/14, Speakeasy. Y3500 (with one drink). (5410-0356)
Inner Ring Jr. Ring--small-scale version of The Ring party. Gay/mix. 10/20, 9pm, Delight. Y2500 (with one drink). (3352-6297)
BARS
Bali High New bar opened by Baccara group. Just down the street between Almond and Café Miami, on the right. (3746-2598)
Black Velvet A jazz & blues bar on Roppongi Crossing. The new concept from the Mogambo/Geronimo group. Yamamuro Bldg., 3F, next to Seishido Bldg. (3479-1191)
Gas Panic Flying glasses, fists and skirts. Leave a tip . . . or else. 7pm-5am. Near Hamburger Inn. 3-14-13 Roppongi (3405-0633).
* Orange Bizarre bar combining '70s rock, fab '60s furniture and table dancing. Y3000 (with one drink, extra for exotic dance). 7-2-5 Roppongi (5410-6060).
Rip Rock & roll bar located behind McDonald's on Roppongi-dori. The new model hangout. (3423-0715)
Salsa Caribe Latin bar/club playing from salsa & merengue to cumbia. Reine Roppongi Bldg., 2F, 5-3-4 Roppongi (3746-0244).
Salsa Sudada Libidinous Latin rhythms and a friendly multinational crowd. 7pm-6am; Fri. & Sat. from 6pm. 30m down the street between Almond and Café Miami, on the left. Sure Bldg., B1, 5-9-22 Roppongi (3405-1967).
Tatou Tokyo A restaurant that changes into a bar from 10pm. Live jazz, R&B, black contemporary, and acoustic bands. 9:30pm-2am; Sun. 6-11pm. Y1000, Y1500 (Thur., Fri., Sat. & the day before hol.). 1F, 7-6-2 Roppongi (5411-4433).
Ultra Vivid Scene Came and went with our favorite hostess. Cozy hangout nonetheless. 7.30pm-5am. Closed Mon. & Tue. ITO Bldg., 4F, 7-14-6 Roppongi (5474-4366).
CLUBS
Breakfast Club Grooving after-hours for Roppongi types. House and garage. Membership restriction on weekends. 100m down Roppongi-dori next to Cosmo Gas Station. Togensha Bldg., 9F, 2-4-8 Roppongi (3588-8177).
Buzzzz Cavernous hall and predictable Roppongi crowd. All kinds of music except Eurobeat. Tue.: Ladies' Night. 6pm-5am. Square Bldg., 5F, 3-10-3 Roppongi (3470-6391).
Fontana Touted as sexy and stylish, and featuring DJs Snezana, Shige, Yugoslav food and a balcony for a sophisticated chill-out with a cappuccino or a cocktail. Midnight-5am, no cover. Aroo Bldg., 2F, 3-14-7 Roppongi (3405-0677).
Gas Panic Club Rock, rap and MTV dance. 7:30pm-5am; Fri. & Sat. until 6am. 3-10-5 Roppongi (3402-7054).
Geoid/Flower Hard after-hours beats and every anthropological specimen you could ever fear. From 12:30am on weekends. Y2000/members, Y3000/non-members. (3479-8161)
Java Jive Square Bldg.'s world beat with models identifiable by their attitudes more than their looks. Reggae & house. 6pm-5am. Square Bldg., B1, 3-10-3 Roppongi (3478-0087).
Lexington Queen Strike a pose, there's nothing to it. 6pm-4am. 3-13-14 Roppongi (3401-1661).
Misterio Overheard that models were sponging around here for a while. House and hip hop. Across the street from the Porsche dealership toward Tokyo Tower. Phoenix Bldg., B1, 1-4-3 Azabu-dai (3586-6518).
One Eyed Jack (Casino) Gambling, guzzling and groping in one stop. Young foreign staff and a relatively festive atmosphere. 6pm-2am. 7-15-31 Roppongi (5411-2926).
Seventh Heaven Topless/bottomless "cabaret" featuring "live Playboy & Penthouse magazine centerfold dance models from Las Vegas." Mon.-Sat., 7pm-3am. One min. from Roppongi Crossing. Hosho Roppongi Bldg., 2F, 7-14-1 Roppongi (3401-3644).
Speakeasy Underground dungeon space with sporadic events worth attending. Off Roppongi-dori, towards Shibuya, 3rd right from Roppongi crossing. (5410-0356)
Tatou Tokyo An executive members' club. No membership fee, but membership is limited, so hurry up and sign yourself in at reception. Y1000, Y1500 (Fri., Sat. & the day before hol.). 8pm-2am; Fri. & Sat. until 4am. Closed Sun. 2F, 7-6-2 Roppongi (5411-4433).
Velfarre The new Juliana's, and in Roppongi. Corporate clubbing perfected. Y7000 entrance. Closes at midnight. Whoopee. Next to One Eyed Jack and Velvet. 7-14-22 Roppongi (3746-0055).
* Velvet (formerly Jungle Bass) Big venue. Reggae, rap, and serious dance events. Call for schedule info. 7-13-8 Roppongi (3796-4745).
BARS
Acarajé Small Brazilian bar with a big heart. 8pm-3am; Fri. & Sat. until 5am. (3401-0973)
* Acarajé Tropicana Bigger heart, better food. 6pm-2am. B1, 1-1-1 Nishi Azabu (3478-4142).
DJ's Pizzeria Restaurant-cum-happening groove space. On TV Asahi-dori. 11am-11pm; Fri. until 3am; Sat., noon-3am. Takekawa Bldg., 1F, 6-4-5 Roppongi (3479-5711).
Pigeon Skankin' little reggae bar. 1-4-49 Nishi Azabu (3403-2962).
* 328 (San-nippa) Funky DJs, deconstructed decor and a laid-back crowd. At the corner of Nishi Azabu Crossing next to the police box. 8pm-5am. 3-24-20 Nishi Azabu (3401-4968).
Sapphire New little sexy bar produced by Masami Matsui. Behind Nishi Azabu Almond. B1, 2-25-12 Nishi Azabu (5466-3954).
Soul Sonic Boogie Groovin' funky DJ à la '70s-'80s. 8pm-2am. 1-2-26 Nishi Azabu (3404-6388).
Sunset Strip Cozy gathering hole for the cool crowd. 1-8-4 Nishi Azabu (3404-9988).
CLUBS
J.Men's Tokyo An all-gaijin male strip revue; shows 7, 8:30 & 10pm. Reservations required. From Y4000 (free drink). 4-2-4 Nishi Azabu (3409-7607).
* Yellow The city's most progressive events and the sleepiest, most packed-in flock of adolescents. 1st & 3rd Fri.: Zero (techno). 2nd & 4th Fri.: Jazzin' (jazz/soul/funk). Sat.: World Connection (house). Others: X-Stasy (reggae), Jamaican Night (reggae), etc. Drop by for their complete calendar of events. 8pm-midnight. Turn left off Roppongi-dori three streets up from Nishi Azabu Crossing towards Roppongi. B2, 1-10-11 Nishi Azabu (3479-0690).
BARS
* Apollo Funky, funky. Featuring James Vyner's "The Right Touch" on Saturdays (acid jazz, Brazilian, hip hop). Y2500 (with two drinks). Aoyama NH Bldg., B1, 3-2-4 Kita Aoyama (3478-6007).
* Bar Aoyama Groovy, arty hang-out with a diverse mix of DJs. 8pm-4am; Sun., 7pm-2am. About 8 min. up Roppongi-dori from Shibuya Sta. Daikyo Bldg., 4-5-9 Shibuya (3498-4415).
China Rose Ebisu's newest DJ bar. Ajima Bldg., 1-12-5 Ebisu (3280-4436).
Colors Excellent neighborhood dive in Ebisu. Fri.: Neo-acoustic guitar. Sat.: Reggae. 8pm-2am; Fri. & Sat. until 4am. From Ebisu Sta., turn right at Meiji-dori, then turn right at the first signal. B1, 1-15-6 Hiroo (3448-0317).
DJ Bar Inkstick World-famous space, recently renewed energy and acid jazz nights. 6pm-2am. Kanpari Bldg., 4F, 1-6-8 Jinnan (3496-0782).
D-Zone Small bar with nice vibes and nice DJs. Thur.-Sat. Vision Network Complex, 5-17-6 Jingu-mae (3407-6845).
* Feel New little club in Shibuya. Best night is Toby's techno gig on Thur. Y2000 (with one drink). Etowaru Bldg., B1, 3-13-9 Shibuya (3797-3338).
Grass Little dive emphasizing hip hop, reggae and house music. Cute midweek hangout. 3-25-12 Jingu-mae (3497-0303).
Jirocho Boogaloo and ethnic music in Ebisu. 7pm-2am; Sun., 6pm-midnight. Sat.: Shin'ichi Ito. Sato Bldg., 2F, 2-8-7 Ebisu Nishi (3477-2600).
Kaba Hangout for the DJ union near Ikejiri-Ohashi Sta. (Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line). 9pm-5am. Toya Bldg., B1, 3-21-29 Ikejiri (3418-1996).
Kiss New expresso bar located on 246. 1 & 2F: bright expresso bar. 3 & 4F: bar (Y2000 entrance). 3-11-13 Minami Aoyama (3401-8165).
Pylon Aoyama's newest club now only open on Sat., 10pm-5am. DJ "Dazzle-T" Komiya from J-Wave & guest DJs playing soul, funk, hip hop, jazz funk, reggae, etc. Y2500 with two drinks (Y2000 with Tokyo Journal). For more info, call M-Plan (3465-1525). Omotesando Sta. In the same buildings as Wendy's, Le Deco, B1, 3-5-11 Kita Aoyama (3478-1870).
* Sad Cafe Almost 24-hr. café with DJs on Fridays and Saturdays and inexpensive if unremarkable food plus drinks the rest of the time. 11am-5am. Kind of behind Condomania. Asaina Bldg., 2F, 6-28-3 Jingu-mae (3406-6692).
Shinkukan Cozy club with a cool bar. Y2500 (with one food dish & two drinks). Harajuku FS Bldg., B1, 4-4-14 Jingu-mae (3478-4946).
Silk Bring-your-own-music DJ place in Shibuya. 5pm-midnight. Fri. & Sat.: Eurobeat. 1-17-7 Jinnan (5458-1507).
* Web Stylish little mingling space. At the Mishuku Crossing between Ikejiri-Ohashi and Sangenjaya stas. (Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line). 3-30-10 Ikejiri (3422-1405).
CLUBS
* Blue Art and acid jazz. Intimate club with weekly Johnnie Walker exhibitions and parties. On Kotto-dori. 6-2-9 Minami Aoyama (3797-1591).
* Cave Worth the one-hour search for the front door. Energetic and enthusiastic young crowd. Near Tokyu Honten Dept. Store. 34-6 Udagawacho (3780-0715).
Club Maruyama Small split-level basement dance hall, located in the love-hotel district. From 6pm. B1, 7-9 Maruyamacho (5489-1600).
Crazy Moon Another gaijin male strip revue. Dai-ni Toho Bldg., B1, 1-22-10 Shibuya (3407-6229).
FFD Warehouse space on Dogenzaka featuring sporadic events. (5489-5459)
* Maniac Love It's lost that comfortable sleazy quality since the re-modeling but still come if you're fierce. Mon.: Ambient & New Age. Tue.: Mellow & lovers. Thur.: Gorgeous deep-house groove. Fri.: Garage. Sat.: Pure chunky techno grind until 5am (Sublime Records night). Then hard-house and happy-techno after hours until 10am. Just off Kotto-dori. 5-10-6 Minami Aoyama (3406-1166).
The Room Acid jazz and hip hop ricochet off the concrete walls of this popular shoe-box size club. Funk, hip hop, reggae. From 9pm. Jinwa Bldg., B1, 15 Sakuragaoka (3461-7167)
A.M.B. The first Asian music bar in Shinjuku. Toho Kaikan, B1, next to Shinjuku Koma Gekijo. For more info, call A.M.B. (3209-4871).
Arty Farty Young, sexy gay crowd clashes with Santa-Fe-at-Christmas decor. Shinjuku-nichome. Mixed on Sun. 2pm-5am. 2-4-17 Shinjuku (3356-5388).
* Atomage One floor under Automatix, Clockwork Orange-styled weirdness and lounging. No cover week-nights. Y1000 (with one drink). Fri. & Sat. 2-15-26-Shinjuku (3358-2256).
* Automatix Hard dancing, techno and grooviness on two floors. Recommended: Tue.: Fine Time, DJs Shinkawa and Yamamoto. Wed.: FAB, DJs Patrick and Nao. Fri.: Hard house and techno with Wada, Yama and others. Y2000 (with one drink). 2-15-26 Shinjuku (3358-2256).
B-Vibe Tiny, genki, friendly gay bar in Shinjuku-nichome with nightly DJs. (3959-3633)
Catalyst Funky, intimate club in Shinjuku with young crowd and fresh mix of DJs. 8pm-5am. Dai-roku Tall Star Bldg., 5F, 1-16-6 Kabukicho (3209-4102).
Danceteria Funk and soul in Shirokane. 8pm-2am; Fri. & Sat. until 4am. 1-29-13 Shirokane (3444-0097).
* Delight Fresh, mixed clubbers. House and garage. Men only on Sat. Women only 3rd Thur. Just next to the cruisy park in Shinjuku-nichome. Dai-ni Hayakawaya Bldg., B1, 2-14-6 Shinjuku (3352-6297).
Fine Line Bar/gallery space recently opened in Akasaka. Produced by the team behind Maniac Love. B1, 8-12-15 Akasaka (3402-4441).
G-Spot Formerly Giger Bar in Shirokane. Very interesting building with a cool multi-level interior. Located past Hiroo Sta. before Meguro Tunnel. 5-10-15 Shirogane-dai (5424-1171).
Kinsmen Established favorite in Shinjuku-nichome where boys and girls, gay and just happy hang easy. 2F, behind BYGS Bldg. (3354-4949)
Kinswomyn Women-only bar for gorgeous gay women and their friends. (3354-8720)
* Liquid Room Mainly a live venue but also featuring the fabulous Club Venus and other one-off club specials. Check schedule for details. Shinjuku HUMAX Pavilion, 7F, 1-20-1 Kabukicho (3200-6831).
* Plug New, funky, jazzy club space for the genuinely groovy. Latin, funk, roots and soul. Sun.-Wed.: no charge. Thur.-Sat.: Y2000 (with two drinks). 3rd Sta.: live. Nakano Sta., N. Exit under the Kuishinbo Steak House near Broadway Center. (5380-2488)
Rolling Stone Cool dive in Shinjuku. A tribute to you-know-who. DJ dishes 'em out by request. 6pm-4:30am; Sat. & Sun. from 5pm. 3-2-7 Shinjuku (3354-7347).