Bottoms Up: Cheers to a Great Trip at These Rooftop Bars in Tokyo

Heaps of tourists head to Japan yearly for exquisite cuisine, intriguing history and culture, and scenic experiences, but did you know it's also popular for its vibrant nightlife? Locals are especially fond of meeting with clients over drinks or unwinding with a night out after work. For tourists, though, it's the best way to mingle with locals, have fun, and learn more about Japanese culture.

Each city offers a unique experience you can discover as you bar-hop around the country. But if you've only got time for one city, locals and experienced tourists know that Tokyo has the best of the best.

In the daytime, the city offers tourists a variety of experiences, but since the nightlife is a little treat for the grown-ups, you can have some family-friendly fun first:

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter is a must-visit for everyone! It's the world's largest indoor Harry Potter attraction, so you can spend some time here before the rooftop bars in Tokyo open.

Potterheads will love the quintessential wizard experience of boarding the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 3/4, seeing the costumes and props from the movies, and reliving iconic scenes at the realistic sets of the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest. You'll also get the chance to learn about and experience the behind-the-scenes movie magic, like flying on your own "magical" broomstick! Plus, you can claim your Hogwarts house and shop your own wands and robes to match.

Exploring the Tokyo Disney Resort will deffo take up your whole day—or maybe even two—because there are two magical parks to experience in this Tokyo location!

Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park outside of the USA. It has seven themed areas with classic rides and attractions from the US versions, such as the Space Mountain coaster in Tomorrowland, Splash Mountain in Critter Country, and the New Orleans-themed Adventureland. There are also some unique additions to the park, like the World Bazaar area, Cinderella's Castle at Fantasyland and an area called Westernland.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, visit Tokyo DisneySea, the only DisneySea park there is. There are seven themed areas, or "ports of call", with shows and attractions based on maritime myths and legends. Mysterious Island is especially interesting because it holds the park's centrepiece, which would usually be a princess' castle, but, in this case, is a giant volcano called Mount Prometheus. Instead of a light show and fireworks, the volcano actually erupts during the day! The park also has an area dedicated to The Little Mermaid called Mermaid Lagoon, which resembles King Triton's palace and houses heaps of children's rides. But for thrill-seekers, they should head to the Lost River Delta for adventurous rides, such as the Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull and the Raging Spirits Roller Coaster.

After a long day of exploring the city, you'll probably wanna sit down and crack open a cold one, but you don't have to do it any other old bar. Check out these recommendations so you can sip with a view at five of the best rooftop bars in Tokyo:

Every rooftop bar in Tokyo will give you a great view, but perhaps none as great as the unobstructed city views from all the way up to Tokyo Bay! The 52nd floor of Toranomon Hills is the site of the Andaz Tokyo's rooftop terrace bar. They serve up fruit and tea-based cocktails, along with beer, champagne, and nihonshu (sake) to help you unwind and enjoy the view. Plus, the Andaz Tokyo is only a 10-minute taxi ride from Tokyo Station, so it's easy to find.

Klook Tip: The rooftop bar is even better in the Springtime when perfectly pink cherry blossom trees surround it.

Undoubtedly, the Shibuya Crossing is already on your itinerary, so while you're in the area, why not go for a drink or two at Cé La Vi Tokyo? It's a stylish spot for brunching with drinks, enjoying the sunset, or dancing the night away. The bar's location provides a great nighttime view of the iconic crossing—perfect for pics! Cé La Vi consists of two floors of the Shibuya Fukuras Mall's rooftop: the cafe-bar Bao by Cé La Vi and the outdoor Cé La Vi Club Lounge on the 17th floor, and the luxurious Cé La Vi Restaurant & Sky Bar on the 18th floor. The restaurant and sky bar has a Contemporary Asian cuisine menu and a view of the Shibuya skyline to keep you company.

If you're already visiting Cé La Vi, we recommend barhopping and checking out The Roof at Shibuya SKY—the highest rooftop bar in Shibuya. The Shibuya Sky observation deck is one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo because of its 360-degree views of the city and the bird's-eye view of the crossing below. From 230 metres above ground, sink into one of the cosy lounges overlooking the city with snacks, cocktails and mocktails, and relish the views of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day! The Roof only opens for a limited time, and this season, it's from April 28 until November 30, 2023, so make sure to get your tickets ASAP.

Visit Shibuya SKY and more of Tokyo's best attractions without the high costs and hassle of tickets when you use the Klook Pass for Greater Tokyo. Take advantage of being able to visit up to seven top attractions in Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Disney Resort, Sanrio Puroland and more, so you can make sure there's an attraction for everyone on your itinerary.

Since you're on vacation, you have to live it up with a classy night at the Two Rooms Grill & Bar. This rooftop bar in Tokyo is located in the city's fashion district at Omotesando's Ao complex—very close to Shibuya Station. You can view the Tokyo cityscape from their indoor lounge or their outdoor rooftop terrace. Though the bar is most popular for its large selection of delicious Mojitos, it also has a menu of notable modern fine dining dishes, from premium steaks to teppan-grilled seafood, as well as signature cocktails, craft beers, and an excellent wine list.

Although hotels don't usually have a 13th level, you'll find a pleasant surprise on this level of The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon. The R Restaurant & Bar offers fantastic views of eastern Tokyo, with the Tokyo Skytree as the highlight. Treat your tastebuds to their French bistro-style menu, which is perfectly paired with their fine wine and champagne. The rooftop terrace's ambience is made even better with live music that will surely make you feel recharged for the next day.

Speaking of Tokyo Skytree, it's probably on your itinerary and the Tokyo Tower. Either offer a unique viewing experience, but if you only have time for one, we've got a quick comparison guide to help you decide between the Tokyo Skytree and the Tokyo Tower.

Now that your day and nighttime plans are in order, make sure your accommodations are also set. If not, here are some choice hotels in Tokyo:

Find yourself in the city's heart at the Tourist Hotel and Cafe in Akihabara. It's an ideal option for big groups and families as they offer connecting rooms. The Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Dome, Tokyo Skytree and other local attractions are also nearby. Plus, the Akihabara Station is only a 5-minute walk away!

The Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main puts its guests comfort first with an ideal location, spacious rooms, and massage chairs available in the lounge for guests to use—just what everyone needs after a day of Tokyo adventures. You can find grilled Japanese specialties, along with a view of Shinjuku's skyline at their restaurants, but Shinjuku's shopping and dining district is only five minutes away if you're craving something else. It also helps that the hotel is directly connected to the Shinjuku Station.

The &And Hostel Asakusa Kappabashi is a smart, budget-friendly choice for tourists who wanna experience Tokyo city, while saving their money for souvenirs and attractions. The hostel is within walking distance of temples, parks, local restaurants, as well as Asakusa Station and Tawaramachi Station. Tokyo Skytree, Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Dome are just five minutes away.

Whether you're into barhopping or prefer a relaxing night at a rooftop bar in Tokyo, you can easily have fun getting to know Japan through its cuisine, nightlife, and scenery! If you still want more ways to see the Tokyo skyline, here are the best places to visit for pics or simply to take it all in.