Roppongi is the undisputed capital of international nightlife in Tokyo. For decades, it has been the go-to destination for foreigners, expats, and tourists looking to party until sunrise. While Shibuya is for the youth and Shinjuku is for the adventurous, Roppongi is for those who want to go big.
If you are looking for Roppongi nightclubs, you will find everything from high-end luxury venues frequented by celebrities to chaotic, all-you-can-drink dives. However, Roppongi also has a reputation for being a bit “wild” and sometimes dangerous if you don’t know the rules.
This ultimate guide will take you through the best clubs, the hidden gems, and most importantly, how to stay safe while having the night of your life.
Why Roppongi? The “Gaijin” Hub
“Gaijin” means foreigner in Japanese, and Roppongi is often jokingly referred to as a foreign country within Tokyo.
- Language: English is spoken almost everywhere. You don’t need Japanese to survive here.
- Diversity: You will meet people from every corner of the globe.
- Late Night: Unlike some areas where things close at 5 AM, Roppongi has places that stay open until noon the next day.
Top Nightclubs in Roppongi
1. V2 TOKYO (Tower of Vabel)
V2 Tokyo is arguably the most famous and prestigious nightclub in Roppongi. Located high up in the Tower of Vabel, it offers stunning views of the city, although you’ll likely be too busy dancing to notice.
- The Vibe: Luxury, high-energy, and flashy. This is where the rich kids and celebrities go. The interior is lavish, with chandeliers and VIP tables everywhere.
- Music: EDM, Top 40, and commercial hits. The sound system is top-tier.
- Dress Code: Strict. Men should wear a collared shirt and nice shoes. No shorts, sandals, or visible tattoos. Ladies usually dress to impress in heels and dresses.
- Entrance Fee: Expensive. Men can expect to pay ¥3,500 - ¥5,000 (includes drinks). Ladies often get in free or for a very low price.
- Best For: A premium night out, spotting influencers, and feeling like a VIP.
2. 1OAK Tokyo
If V2 is about Japanese luxury, 1OAK Tokyo is about New York style. A direct import from the famous NYC brand, 1OAK (1 Of A Kind) brings a hip-hop centric vibe to Roppongi.
- The Vibe: Cool, dark, and sophisticated. The design is sleek and modern.
- Music: Primarily Hip-Hop and R&B. They often host international rappers and DJs (Bruno Mars, A$AP Rocky, etc., have been spotted here).
- Crowd: Stylish, international, and music-focused.
- Entrance Fee: Around ¥3,000 - ¥4,000.
- Best For: Hip-hop heads and those who prefer a cooler, less “pop” atmosphere.
3. SEL OCTAGON TOKYO
A newer addition to the scene, SEL OCTAGON is a high-tech club known for its “3D Sound System” and biometric vein authentication for entry (though tourists can use ID).
- The Vibe: Futuristic and intense. The lighting and lasers are some of the best in Tokyo.
- Music: Electronic, House, Techno.
- Best For: Audiophiles and tech lovers.
4. Jumanji 55
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Jumanji 55. This is not a luxury club. This is a jungle.
- The Vibe: Chaotic, sweaty, and incredibly fun. It’s a smaller venue that gets packed.
- The Deal: They are famous for their “All You Can Drink” deals (often ¥1,000 - ¥2,000).
- Crowd: Very young, lots of students and backpackers.
- Best For: Getting drunk cheaply and making random friends.
The Heart of the Action: Roppongi Crossing
Roppongi Crossing is the intersection where the main streets meet. It is the landmark you will use to navigate.
- The Meeting Point: “Meet me at the Almond Cafe” (a pink cafe on the corner) is the standard phrase, although the cafe has been renovated, the location remains iconic.
- The Vibe: At night, this intersection is flooded with people. You will see limousines, party buses, and thousands of revelers.
Pre-Game Spots: Where to Drink Before the Club
Clubs in Roppongi usually get busy after 12:00 AM. You need somewhere to start.
1. Geronimo Shot Bar
A legendary spot. It’s small, loud, and famous for its shots. The tradition is to do a shot, bang the empty glass on the counter, and yell.
- Signature: The “Geronimo Shot”.
2. The Hub (Roppongi Branch)
The Hub is a British-style pub chain found all over Japan. It’s the safest and easiest place to start.
- Why: Cheap cocktails, fish and chips, and no cover charge. It’s a magnet for foreigners.
3. Mogambo
Similar to Geronimo but slightly larger. Great energy and friendly staff.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: The “Tout” Problem
We cannot stress this enough. Roppongi has a dark side. Walking down the street, you will be approached by Touts (Kyakuhiki). These are men (often Nigerian or Japanese) who will promise you:
- “Cheap drinks”
- “Nice girls”
- “Titty bar”
- “Massage”
THE RULE: IGNORE THEM COMPLETELY.
The Scam:
- They take you to a bar you’ve never heard of.
- They spike your drink (make you pass out).
- They run your credit card for thousands of dollars (¥300,000+).
- You wake up on the street with no memory and an empty bank account.
How to stay safe:
- Never follow a tout. No matter how friendly they seem.
- Don’t use credit cards in unknown bars. Cash is king.
- Stick to the places listed in this guide. V2, 1OAK, Geronimo, Hub, etc., are 100% safe and legitimate businesses.
Dress Code and ID
- ID: You MUST have your Passport. Photos of passports are often rejected at big clubs like V2 and 1OAK.
- Dress Code: Roppongi is dressier than Shibuya.
- Men: Avoid shorts, sandals, tank tops, and visible tattoos. Jeans are okay if they are nice.
- Women: Pretty much anything goes, but most dress up.
Conclusion
Roppongi is a place of extremes. It has the most expensive VIP tables and the cheapest all-you-can-drink dives. It has world-class DJs and dangerous street scams. By following this guide—sticking to the reputable Roppongi nightclubs, dressing the part, and ignoring the street touts—you are guaranteed to have an legendary night. The energy of Roppongi at 3 AM is something you have to experience to believe.
See you on the dance floor!
