by Marian Antony
Being an ALT in Japan is not just about studying Nihongo or getting stared at like a circus freak. It's also about going out and having a good time. During your time here, you should try and kick an all-nighter with some of your pals. So, go out, explore and shake what your momma gave ya! Disclaimer: These are just my experiences, so if I'm wrong, don't blame me aiight???
Harlem: Hip Hop, Y3000 with 2 drinks, Shibuya.
Harlem is the spot for Hip Hop lovers. It has been named in some American magazines as one of the hottest clubs in Tokyo. The dress code is casual so jeans, sneakers, etc are daijobs. Harlem usually attracts a good mix of NJ (not Japanese) and J (Japanese). Make sure you brnig your gaijin card or some form of ID with you, because they always check! There are 2 dance floors. The bottom one is pretty big, but gets packed and very smoky around 1 o'clock. This floor plays the newest hip hop, and also features any guest DJ who might be spinning or special live performances.
If you want a more intimate setting, the second floor has a smaller dance room, with some tables and chairs to chill at. The music on this floor depends on the DJ; sometimes it's more mainstream stuff and not all hip hop. The second floor usually is not as crowded as the bottom one and is a good place to shake yo thang.
Yellow: Music varies, cover varies, Roppongi.
Yellow plays all varieties of music, depending on the night. When I went, the cover was a bit expensive (maybe Y3500 or more) but that is because Laurent Garnier was spinning. Check the Metropolis to see who is there and how much cover will be on the weekend you want to go.
While I'm not a fan of the type of music they played that night (euro house), it was still a good time. The music was very chill and there were different rooms (about 4) to listen to music, dance and sit at the bar. The people at the club were also very chill, i.e. they don't come up and harrass you, so if you want to go out and listen to some upbeat music, I would recommend Yellow.
Logos: Hip Hop, Y2500 with 2 drinks, Yokohama.
Another good hip hop club, Logos, is smaller than Harlem and closer to home. They play the same music as Harlem, but the club is a bit more intimate. Half the club is a dance floor, and the other half has tables and chairs to chill. The crowd is mostly J. When I went, I had a great time! I would definitely recommend this club, if you want a chill place to dance or hang out with your peeps.
Club Asia / Vuenos: Music varies, cover varies, Shibuya.
Located next to Harlem, Club Asia is also another fun spot. They have different floors that play different kinds of music, but check the Metropolis because sometimes they have special events or special DJs. When I went, we paid Y3000 to get in, but that included a drink ticket and entrance into Vuenos, which is across the street. Vuenos played more dance, house, and trance music. At Club Asia, we also saw a live Japanese reggae performance by Lady Q and others. It was a hot show, and a very good time.
Lexington Queen: All mix, Y2500, Roppongi.
This club is good if you like all kinds of music and listen to the popular stuff. They play some old school favorites, R&B, hip hop, rock, 80s, etc. Since it's in Roppongi, the club brings in a large NJ group, with lots of military men there. If that's not your scene, just be prepared to fight them off. The cover charge sometimes includes nomihodai. They are on the Internet, so go to their homepage to find info about each night and also print up some discount tickets.
Castillos: 80s mix on Saturdays, free, Roppongi.
If you want some 80s music, this club was pretty good. The dance floor was a bit small, but you can push people around so you have room to dance. On Saturday nights, it is a fun chance to reminisce about some of the old favorites while dancing or chilling at the bar. The crowd is a mix of J and NJ, but tends to be a more mature crowd than the other clubs (mature in terms of age, not how they act). You can make requests to the DJ easily, and you will be sure you hear hits from my husband (Bon Jovi), Madonna, The Bangles, etc.
Game: Hip Hop, Y2500 with 2 drinks, Shibuya.
Game has one bar and one dance floor. They play most of the popular hip hop and R&B stuff, with some reggae mixed in. The club was OK, but I would recommend Logos or Harlem if you want some hip hop sounds.
Gas Panic: All mix, Free, Yokohama, Roppongi, and Shibuya.
I have been to the Roppongi club, and it was a horrible experience. If you like people literally grabbing you and trying to kiss you as a way to say, "Hello nice to meet you," then go there. If not, I would suggest staying far away. It might be OK with a large group of people, but really it's a meat market. There is no cover charge, and you could probably walk in naked and they would not care. You have to constantly have a drink in your hand or close by. There are 2 dance floors, each as nasty as the other. The music they play is the most popular stuff: a mix of pop, dance, hip hop, and trance.
Pure: Club mix, Men Y3500, Women Y2500 with nomihodai, Yokohama (Kannai Stn).
Do you really expect me to remember anything about this club? You can ask anyone who went to the Kanagawa-Yokohama JETs party ... anyone who was somewhat sober at least. They will have more insight. Tabun ...
Well, that's it for my club reviews. Wherever you go, make sure you wear comfy shoes, dress warm if it's cold outside, bring your ID, enough yens, and get ready for a long night. I love clubbing, but hate the 5am train ride back to Ebina. Lastly, if you go clubbing, you better call me so I can shake my booty with you!