Japan Guide
Around Tokyo
Nightlife
1 Beer Next 3F, Akarenga 2, 1-1-2 Shinkō Stylish beer hall and restaurant in this warehouse conversion. Their own-brew Spring Valley beer (¥550) is refreshing, and they also have Guinness on tap. Opening time: Daily 11am–11pm
2 Motion Blue 3F, Akarenga 2, 1-1-2 Shinkō 
045/226-1919 
www.motionblue.co.jp Located in the renovated Akarenga buildings, this cool jazz club attracts top acts – for which you'll pay top prices (around ¥3500–8000). There's no charge, though, to park yourself at the attached Bar Tune's long counter and soak up the ambience. It also hosts several free performances each month. Opening time: Mon– Sat 5–11.30pm, Sun 4–10.30pm; closing days vary
3 Namo Bar 2F, Cross Gate, 1-1-67 Sakuragi-chō Sleek, modern izakaya offering over three hundred types of shōchū (distilled liquor) and around forty plum wines. The food menu features Nagoya-style cuisine. Opening time: Mon– Thurs 5pm–1am, Fri & Sat 5pm–4am, Sun 5–11pm
4 The Tavern B1F, 2-14 Minami Saiwai-chō www.the-tavern.com This British-style pub, popular with local expats, is a good place to kick off an evening in the nightlife district west of Yokohama Station; turn left out of the station, behind Takashimaya department store, to find it opposite the Daiei store. It serves the sort of bar food that will appeal to homesick Brits, including an all-you-can-eat roast lunch on Sun (¥1500). Opening time: Mon– Thurs 6pm– midnight, Fri 6pm–5am, Sat noon–5am, Sun noon– midnight
5 Why Not? B1, 1-31 Motomachi 045/663-2955 www.clubwhynot.com Surprisingly spacious basement bar-cum-dance club with DJs on Fri and Sat nights (entry ¥1000–2000) and occasional salsa nights. The rest of the week it's a regular bar. All-night happy hour on Tues. Opening time: Daily 7pm–5am