Tokyo After Dark - Tokyo - page 256

256 http://stb139.co.jp. ¥4,500-¥7,350 for most shows. Station: Roppongi (3 min.). From Roppongi

Crossing, take the road downhill from the left side of Almond Coffee Shop; it will be on the
right.
DANCE CLUBS & DISCOS
Discos lost popularity after their 1980s heyday, but with the rise of almost cult-figure
DJs, dance clubs have witnessed a resurgence in recent years, with Roppongi still boast-
ing more dance clubs than elsewhere in the city. Sometimes the set cover charge includes
drinks, which makes for an inexpensive way to spend an evening. Keep in mind, however,
that prices are usually higher on weekends and are sometimes higher for men than for
women. Although clubs are required by law to close at midnight, many of them ignore
the rule and stay open until dawn. You must be at least 20 years old (the legal drinking
age in Japan) to enter most clubs.
In addition to the recommendations here, many bars bring in DJs and become mostly
dance clubs later in the evening, especially on weekends, including New Sazae, Gaspanic,
Enjoy House, Quest, Tokyo Sports Café/Lime, and Arty Farty. See “The Bar Scene” and
“Gay & Lesbian Bars,” later.
El Café Latino All the smooth Latin moves make their way to the tiny dance floor of
this happening club. It's fun to watch, even if you don't know how to perform salsa,
rumba, merengue, or dance to reggaeton (Latin reggae), but if you want to get in the
groove, show up for one of the free 30-minute classes at 7pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and
Friday. Open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 6pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday
6pm to 5am. 3-15-24 Roppongi. & 03/3402-8989. www.elcafelatino.com. Cover (Fri-Sat only)
¥1,500, including 1 drink. Station: Roppongi (4 min.). From Roppongi Crossing, walk down
Gaien-Higashi Dori in the direction of Tokyo Tower, turning left after passing McDonald's on
your right, and then turning right at Gaspanic.
Sam & Dave This Osaka import is party central in Akasaka, with its disco ball, palm
trees, black interior, video screens, and events that range from swing night on Wednes-
days to DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Open daily 7pm to 5am. 4-3-6 Akasaka. & 03/3585-
0325. www.samanddave.org. Cover ¥1,000-¥2,000, depending on the event. Station: Akasaka
(3 min.) or Akasaka-mitsuke (4 min.). On Hitotsugi Dori.
Tokyo Loose Young Tokyoites who work in Shinjuku come here after-hours to hang
out and to dance to trance, hip-hop, techno, soul, R&B, and house music spun by local
DJs. Things don't get hopping until after midnight, and even when the sun comes up it's
night at this small basement club that attracts a good mix of Japanese and foreigners,
most in their 20s. Happy hour is until 11pm Monday to Thursday, when drinks cost
¥500. Open daily at 8pm, closing when the crowd thins out (about 10am on weekends).
2-37-3 Kabuki-cho. & 03/3207-5677. www.tokyoloose.com. Cover (Fri-Sat only) ¥1,000, includ-
ing 1 drink for men, 2 drinks for women. Station: Shinjuku (east exit, 10 min.). North of Koma
Stadium, on Hanamichi Dori.
Velours Every guest is a star, or at least, that's how every clubber is supposed to feel
at this posh venue for adults, complete with imported French furniture and a 19th-cen-
tury Baccarat chandelier. It all might ring a bit pretentious for some, but after the DJ gets
things rolling and the drinks kick in, celebrity wannabes might find they're having fun
just being who they are. Popular with foreigners and Japanese alike. Open Wednesday to
Saturday from 9pm to 5am. 6-4-6 Minami Aoyama. & 03/5778-4777. Cover ¥2,500 for men,
¥2,000 for women, including 1 drink. Station: Omotesando Roppongi (8 min.). Off Kotto Dori,
near Blue Note (see above).

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