Tokyo and Mount Fuji
Credit: tawatchaiprakobkit
If you feel sophisticated, visit one of Tokyo’ s upscale craft cocktail or whiskey bars, often showcasing the artistry of expert bartenders and top-shelf selections. The Ginza district in Tokyo offers many exciting spots, including Tír na nÓg, a fantasythemed bar known for its whimsical ambiance and late-night offerings. Similar to a speakeasy, this cocktail bar is located downstairs and reveals a charming, unexpected atmosphere with subdued lighting. Nearby, there’ s another local favorite: Bar Orchard, an upscale, tiki-themed bar with an interesting twist. Notably, no cocktail is exactly the same, as the bartenders create specialty drinks based on your choice of fruit and spirits. Another popular spot is Bar K6, located in the Kyoto district of Tokyo, featuring a refined upstairs bar with charming seating. Boasting an impressive selection of single malts that pair uniquely with Scottish bites, this bar is truly unparalleled.
AFTER-HOUR ACTIVITIES
Now that you have spent some time getting to know Tokyo’ s bar scene, shake things up with a visit to one of the city’ s many clubs and music venues( the evening doesn’ t end at the bar). In Shibuya, clubs and live venues keep the city moving well past midnight. Head to Music Bar Lion, one of Tokyo’ s most enthralling underground music scenes, attracting creatives and music aficionados. For those seeking a more intimate setting, make your way to Jazz Blues Soul Bar, another great nighttime option that is calmer but still lots of fun. Its format is jazz kissa, which translates to listening bar. With over 11,000 records on hand, there are plenty of tunes to discover and reminisce on. And if you find yourself on the other side of merely enjoying listening to music and would like to sing, visit one of Tokyo’ s several 24-hour karaoke clubs, which are dotted all around the city.
CLOSING RITUAL
After a full day and an energetic night, Tokyo will surely leave a lasting impression on you. End the evening with another bite to eat. Late-night dining and second dinners are common in the city, and since food standards are so high, it’ s normal to enjoy a fancy meal from a late-night ramen bar.
Fukagawa-meshi
Credit: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHERE TO STAY
Tokyo continues to innovate and rethink space concepts, as shown by its diverse hotel options. The city offers a range of hotel types— from sleek business hotels and luxurious boutique stays to traditional ryokans, temple lodgings, and capsule hotels— catering to every traveler’ s preferences and needs.
GETTING THERE
All Nippon Airways( ANA) and United Airlines both operate daily nonstop flights between Tokyo Haneda International Airport( HND) and Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD). This summer, ANA will mark 40 years of service between Washington, D. C., and Tokyo.
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