Talk of nightlife in Japan naturally turns to the massive metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, but wait! Other regions across the country also offer nighttime attractions found nowhere else. From those who enjoy a drink to family-friendly outings, here’s a guide to some of Japan’s must-visit night spots!
More than ten oden shops line this festive laneway lit by red lanterns.
Shizuoka’s oden is like none other, served in a black soy sauce-based broth, simmered with beef tendon and topped with “dashi powder” (dried sardines). Although great any time of year, savoring them in the winter after seeing Mt. Fuji is a cut above!
| Access | JR Shizuoka Sta. north exit → 10 min walk |
| Business hours | 16:30–24:30 (varies depending on the store) |
| Regular holiday | most closed on Sundays (varies depending on the store) |
Bamboo lanterns light this laneway lined with 18 shops serving a vast variety of cuisines. 
Taste Kumamoto’s local dishes and rediscover the pleasures of beer at an “antenna shop” (a store promoting local products). In the middle is a “Liquor Sample Vending Machine” offering “Kuma Shochu” from 27 breweries at 100 yen per glass. Steps away, the illuminated Kumamoto Castle shines in the night! 
| Access | Torichosuji Sta. (Kumamoto City Tram) → 1 min walk |
| Business hours | 12:00–23:30 (varies depending on the store *all stores open from 15:00) |
| Regular holiday | Wednesdays |
| URL | https://kumamoto-yataimura.com/ |
Take in a 360-degree view of the endlessly scintillating Osaka from the observatory on the 39th, 40th, and rooftop floors of Umeda Sky Building.
Ascend from the 35th to the 39th floor riding an escalator in a transparent tube into the sky.
The ground beneath your feet sparkles on the rooftop promenade, “Lumi Sky Walk,” giving you the sensation of walking in space!
| URL | https://www.skybldg.co.jp/en/ |
From 333 meters high, the panorama from Mt. Inasayama has been selected as one of the World’s New Three Most Spectacular Night Views. The sight of city lights glimmering from Nagasaki Port to the mountains is breathtaking.
Enjoy 360-degree views while riding the cable car up to the summit (Inasadake Station).
The walkway joining Inasadake Station to the observatory is a tunnel of lights that changes its theme each season.
| Access | Get off at Ropeway-mae stop (Nagasaki Bus) → 3 min walk to Ropeway Fuchijinja Sta. →5 min by ropeway |
| Business hours | 9:00–22:00 |
This aquarium in Sapporo’s bustling Susukino district, stays open ‘til late at night. In this modern setting, from 5PM enchanting lights illuminate the night-time behavior of animals like penguins.
Have a seat in front of your favorite aquarium tank and enjoy pastries and drinks from the attached “Shirokuma Bakery &.”
| Access | Tanuki koji Sta. (Sapporo Streetcar) → 1 min walk / Odori Sta. (Namboku Line, Tozai Line, Toho Line) → 3 min walk |
| Business hours | 10:00–22:00 ( admission until 21:00) |
| Regular holiday | Open 365 days |
| URL | https://aoao-sapporo.blue/ |
Tokushima’s annual August Awa Odori dance festival can be enjoyed all year round at this complex. See the choreography of famous dancing teams, with different performers every day.
After watching the authentic and picture perfect dances, get on stage yourself and dance!
※ image is of the hall’s exclusive troupe “Awa no Kaze” (daytime show).
※ for the latest on fees and performance schedules, check the official site.
| Access | JR Tokushima Sta. → 10 min walk |
| Business hours | 9:00–21:00 (varies depending on the facility) |
| Regular holiday | Dec. 28–Jan. 1, second Wednesday of February, June, September, and December |
| URL | https://www.awaodori-kaikan.jp/ |
