There's no denying Tokyo is one of the best cities to party in the world—its nightlife is legendary, and one of the most lively and diverse scenes on the planet. Forget New York; Tokyo is actually the city that never sleeps! Let's be honest, what other city's nightlife peaks at 2 am every. single. night?
The options are endless if you're thinking of things to do in Tokyo at night! Whether you're looking to hit up the most famous nightlife district, Shinjuku, or new and energetic areas such as Shibuya, there's no doubt you're going to have the best night of your life.
But what about the morning after? You didn't spend all this money and come all this way just to stay cooped up, sleeping off the night before. Never fear; we've done all the hard work for you, so you don't need to miss a beat (even after a crazy night) and continue on your list of things to do in Tokyo.
Here's our hungover guide to Tokyo—the best cures to keep you going and exploring this vibrant city.
Where to eat?
We all know that food is often the best medicine after a night of drinking. It’s one of the best things to do in Tokyo after a roaring night out. All you’d want to do is dig into some of the most delicious eats to soak up any remnant of the night before. Here are our top food places to try:
1. Oasis Garden in Kioicho - City View Buffet
First things first, the best local buffet with all-you-can-eat food! The Oasis Garden in Kioicho is one to hit after a night out. Enjoy a variety of Mediterranean and Western favourites, all made from scratch before your eyes in the lively open kitchen.
Oasis Garden is also one of the city's six best skyline viewing spots, which means you don't need to leave your seat (or your food) to discover this city.
2. Hinasushi in Tokyo
Did someone say all you can eat sushi and free flowing drinks!? Hinasushi is a delicious 2-hour all you can eat buffet that will cure the hangover from the night before without breaking the bank.
With two convenient locations in Ikebukuro and Nishiginza, you’ll be able to Indulge in a variety of fresh sushi made with over 60 different ingredients, including tuna, shrimp, sea urchin, and more! Complement the meal with a selection of 40 different drinks at your fingertips - both soft drinks and alcoholic drinks such as beer, Japanese shochu, and plum wine.
3. Fumotoya in Shinjuku
We dunno what it is about noodles, but they always seem to be the best cure when you're feeling a little under the weather (albeit from drinking). Fumotoya is definitely one on the list to visit after a long night.
What started as a humble noodle shop in the heart of Shinjuku has now become Futomoya, a full-fledged Japanese restaurant best known for kaiseki-style meal courses. You can choose from one of the classic local spreads, such as the Chiku Set, or if you're craving a variety of things, the Yamanote Sets do-it-yourself hotpot menu has got you covered.
4. Kushiya Monogatari Shibuya
Craving something fried and crunchy? Why not make your way to a skewer buffet where you can indulge in all the fried goodness you can dream of for a solid hour and a half?
Kushiya Monogatari is a must-visit for all things deep-fried. It specialises in deep-fried Japanese skewers, also known as 'kushiage' dishes. They allow diners to choose from an array of meats and greens and create the perfect "morning after" cure, fried to your preference.
5. Japanese Hotpot and Sukiyaki
Did someone say hotpot buffet!? Send your stomach on a party of its own as you indulge in a classic, authentic Japanese hotpot buffet at ShabuZen in Ginza! This local favourite showcases the authentic flavours of Japan as you are served with generous servings of thinly-sliced fine Kuroge Wagyu Beef, freshly delivered seafood, vegetables, noodles, and meat.
Step into the hotpot adventure as you mix and match all the ingredients of your choice to create a rich, flavourful broth that brings out the zest of each savoury entrée on the table.
What to do?
Now we know you're probably thinking, all you want to do after a night out is curl up in bed and nap (trust us, we get it!). Still, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to stay active to make the most of your holiday. Here are our top things to do in Tokyo that are perfect for getting you through hard days:
1. Oedo-Onsen Monogatari
Visiting an onsen (hot spring) in Japan is a must, especially on a day when you need to rest and recuperate. If you have to pick only one onsen to visit, Oedo-Onsen Monogatari should be at the top of your list. This is the largest facility in Japan and hosts a variety of natural hot springs surrounded by some of the most beautiful views of nature!
Pumped up from 1,400 metres deep into the earth, the Oedo-Onsen Monogatari natural hot springs will allow your skin to feel soft and smooth almost instantly afterwards. You can also relax further as you spend time in the rock salt saunas, which can relieve your stress and leave you feeling relaxed from the inside out.
2. Rafting Experience in Gunma
Some like to face their hangover head-on; if you're one of those people, this rafting experience in Gunma is for you. Nothing beats the hangover better than fresh air and a bit of an adrenaline rush! Located about half an hour outside of Tokyo, escape the bustle of the city and conquer the raids of the rapids of Tone River—we guarantee your head won't be hurting after this one.
This region of Japan is famous for its high-quality hot springs and gorgeous mountains. As you journey through the day, you'll not only challenge yourself with the crazy rapids, but you'll also glide over some tranquil waters to admire one of the most scenic views you'll ever see.
3. Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street
Tokyo is fast-paced and often a bit overwhelming after a night on the town, but every now and then, you find a hidden gem in this city like Sunamachi Ginza that is a little slower-paced and relaxing.
Sunamachi Ginza is a famous shopping street in Tokyo known for its roster of family-owned restaurants with scrumptious recipes over 60 years old. Book a half-day tour and explore this nostalgic place as you try dishes passed down from generation to generation. This tour perfectly combines fresh air and good food, making it a perfect morning-after cure.
4. Tokyo Afternoon Tour
We told you Tokyo never sleeps, which means there is no way you can miss out on anything. If you're desperate for a morning sleep-in, why not head on an afternoon tour of Tokyo when you wake?
This tour gives you the highlights of this incredible city without the hassle of trying to figure it out yourself. You can arrange to be picked up directly from your hotel. Then, you’ll be taken to some of the top destinations in Tokyo, like the Seaside Top observatory deck for phenomenal panoramic views, the glittering Ginzam Tokyo's exciting shopping and entertainment district, and a relaxing 40-minute cruise on the Sumida River. The tour ends at Tokyo Station, which means you're in the perfect location to head on to your dinner reservation and start another night in this vibrant city.
5. Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting
Some say the best way to cure a hangover is to just keep going—and why not combine that with a bit of culture as you learn the art of Sake making on a brewery and tasting tour?
This tour takes you to a Sake Brewery in a nearby town called Sawai, where you will learn the intricate process of how to make Japan's national drink. You'll discover everything there is to know about Japan's most celebrated beverages and get to sample a selection of them! Everything is taken care of with this guided tour, including a hotel pick-up and optional lunch, meaning there is nothing you have to worry about except trialling different variations of Sake.
Updated by: Elle David