Despite being one of the most talked about cities on the planet, Tokyo remains a far-flung, never to be visited mystery to many Westerners. With relatively high prices, a tricky language to conquer and an at times formidable cultural barrier to cross, it often remains on people’s 'to visit’ list indefinately. However, its club scene is one of the freshest and most up-and-coming in the world, and it is fast attracting the attention of party-seekers from far and wide.
Ahead of the release of Defected In The House Tokyo ’11, we thought we’d shed a little light on the city. Here we present our Guide to Tokyo, taking in some of the major hotspots you’d be advised not to miss…
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Midori Sushi
If the closest you’ve been to Japanese cuisine is Yo Sushi, this restaurant chain is a great place to start. Expect high quality food at a very reasonable price with an easy to understand English picture menu perfect for first-time visitors.
Address: Ginza, 7-108, Ginza Korida-dori 1F
Midori Sushi
Lime
Popular Balinese style bar and restaurant with a twist – ask to be seated next to the delightful aquarium home to over 2,000 tropical fish so that if the conversation at the table bores you, the décor will not. VIP area available.
Address: 2F Ginza Corridor, 7-2 Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 104-0061.
Mado Lounge
Located on the 52nd floor of the Maori Tower, this fancy lounge bar will be sure impress with its trendy art projections its panoramic view of the City. This also doubles up as the occasional music venue, and if the view doesn’t get you tipsy then the cocktails certainly will.
Address: Tokyo City View 52F, Roppongi Hills, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Teyandei
Hidden away down a small alley, this little treat is well worth the trip through the backstreets. Serving food from a traditional charcoal grill, this cosy restaurant offers a mouthwatering menu including farm raised pork and fresh seafood. Sit on the tatami mats on the floor to immerse yourself head first into the ways of traditional Japanese culture.
Address:8-19 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Gonpachi
A safe haven located in the bustling heart of Roppongi. Widely known for being the inspiration for the film Kill Bill, this chic eating space decked with bamboo and lanterns is highly popular with the tourists and certainly makes for a novel place to eat out downtown.
Address: 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Roppongi or Hiroo.
Gonpachi
Peter (Bar/Restaurant)
If you’re looking to be a little flash with your cash, grab yourself a seat at Peters. Majestic designs and ceiling-to-floor windows looking onto infinity you can assume this place has grandeur. Hit this place if you fancy cracking out your finest black tie garms and splashing out on some expensive bubbly.
Address: 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyodaku, Tokyo.
AMRTA
This laid back basement bar is the perfect stop-off for a few beers come night time. The art gallery/bar combo keeps this place fresh and interesting, with regular music nights including local DJ talent and live jazz. A hit with the locals.
Address: 2-13-15 Nishi Azabu Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Amrta
CLUBS
Womb
This dance-floor fashions a ceiling that reaches yonder, a revolutionary lazer system and light show to boot, and a giant mirror ball spanning 1.5m which will be sure to propel you into clubbing wonderland. Often ranked as one of the best clubs in the world.
Address: 2-16 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
ageHa
One of Tokyo’s super-clubs which boasting four dancefloors, a pool, and a secret outdoor jacuzzi for the more VIP clientele. Equipped with 38 taylor-made speakers across the dancefloor, this is by far Tokyo’s largest and most established clubbing venue.
Address: 2-2-10 Shin Kiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Eleven
Formerly known as Space Label Yellow, this club was one of the first basements in town to cater for the underground house music scene. Now continuing its legacy under the name of Eleven, it now hosts some of the most forefront music nights in the City.
Address: Thesaurus Nishiazabu B1-B2F, 1-10-11 Nishiazabu. Minato-ku Tokyo
Warehouse 702
This warehouse space located in trendy Azabu-jaban proposes to “keep the spirit of 90’s DIY rave culture alive” by hosting some of Toyko’s top underground parties in a more intimate surrounding.
Address: B1F Fukao-bilding, 1-4-5, Azabu-juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Club Air
If you’ve ever seen Lost In Translation, you will recognise this as the films prime party location. A proud host to many a Defected In The House party since its opening in 2005, this club attracts an impressive and diverse line-up of events making this dance floor an essential visit.
Address: B2 Hikawa Bldg, 2-11 Sarugaku, Shibuya, Tokyo.
Club Air
HOTELS
Conrad Tokyo
Tokyo is home to thousands of hotels, and this is no doubt one of the more luxurious hotels of choice. Providing a shuttle bus service from Narita airport and only a short walk from Ginza, but you won’t need to stray afar – these are the most spacious hotel rooms in Tokyo, each equipped with their own plasma screen television, DVD player, and en-suite bathrooms with rain-effect showers. Home to one of Gordon Ramsey’s highly regarded brasseries.
Address: 1-9-1, Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
Grand Hyatt
If you want to pick a hotel based on location, this would be it. Situated in the heart of Rappongi, this is where to be if you want to immerse yourself in the thick of the City’s nightlife. Go out clubbing to the early hours safe in the knowledge you can return to relax in your oversized bathtub and collapse onto your deluxe mattress that contours especially to fit your body.
Address: 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
Park Hyatt
This 5 star luxury stop-over is located on the top half of the 52 storey Park Tower skyscraper in one of Tokyo’s major shopping districts, Shinjuku. Away from the hustle and bustle in a sky-top haven overlooking Mount Fiji, this is often regarded as one of the best hotels in Japan. Heavily featured in the film Lost In Translation.
Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
A short walk away from Shibuya Square and home to 411 guest rooms including 2 Japanese themed suites, this hotel promises comfort and convenience with luxurious pool and gym facilities plus high-speed internet in every room. The tower bar on the top floor is also a welcome touch.
Address: 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Defected In The House Tokyo '11 is out 25th October - click to listen & pre-order
Catch Tokyo's Studio Apartment playing for Defected In The House at Ministry of Sound on the 30st October - click here for you chance to win a VIP package for you and your mates!
