Tokyo Clubs And Discos. The chameleon-like nature of the city's nightlife, fuelled by an insatiable appetite for new trends, means that Tokyo is one of the most exciting, but also unpredictable places in the world to party. While some clubs weather the vagaries of fashion, it pays to check the media before heading out. Tokyo Classified is a good source and their Web site ( www.tokyoclassified.com ) has even more listings. Tokyo Q' s Web site ( www.nokia.co.jptokyoq ) also has weekly recommendations, but some of their listings are now out-of-date. Also check the Web site of Club Information Agency ( www.ciajapan.com ) and look for their free monthly booklet of flyers at clubs and shops, such as Tower Records. Most major clubs also have their own Web site detailing their monthly schedules.
At all clubs, there'll be a cover charge , typically ¥2500-3000, which usually includes tickets for your first couple of drinks. You can often save a small amount if you pick up a flyer for the club from one of the record shops or boutiques around town. With the exception of Velfare , most clubs don't really get going until after 11pm, especially at weekends, and most stay open until around 4am. There's also a growing scene of recovery parties, kicking off at 6am.
Bed , B1, 3-29-9 Nishi-Ikebukuro (tel 03/3981-5300). Welcome newcomer to Ikebukuro nightlife. A mix of hip hop, reggae, R&B, and the occasional drum'n'bass keeps things jumping until 5am. Also stages live shows. ¥2000-2500, including two drinks. Ikebukuro Station.
Club Asia , 1-8 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku ( www.clubasia.co.jp ). Long-running club in the heart of the Dogenzaka love-hotel district, with several dance floors and an attached alfresco Asian restaurant. Popular place for special events. Shibuya Station.
Code , 4F Shinjuku Toho Kaikan, 1-19-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku ( www.so-net.ne.jp/CYBERJAPAN/contents
/clubzone/code/index.html ). With room for 2000 people, Code is one of Japan's biggest clubs, with three dance floors. Turn up on Fri to see the noted House DJ Ko Kimura go through his paces. Hosts gay nights, often on Sun. Shinjuku Station.
Fai , B2, 5-10-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku ( www.fai-aoyama.com/i ). Cosy easy-listening lounge bar, on the corner of Aoyama-dori and Kotto-dori, where the kids go wild to everything from Abba to Latin, soul and jazz. Food available and no entrance charge before 11pm; ¥2000 with two drinks after 11pm. Omotesando Station.
Harlem , Dr Jeekan's Building, 2-4 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku ( www.harlem.co.jp ). Spacious two-floor club specializing in hip-hop, rap and R&B. Currently one of the hottest options in this club-saturated part of town. Shibuya Station.
Liquid Room , 7F Shinjuku HUMAX Pavilion, 1-20-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku ( www.liquidroom.net ). All kinds of music genres on the decks at this trendy live house and club in the heart of Shinjuku; in the past Massive Attack have played here. Also a favourite spot for various gay club nights. Check local media and flyers for details. Shinjuku Station.
Maniac Love , B1, 5-10-6 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku ( www.maniaclove.com ). Small but happening basement club just off Kotto-dori. Everything from ambient and acid-jazz to hard house and garage. Hardcore clubbers adore its sound system, lighting and early morning raves. Mon-Thurs ¥2000, Fri & Sat ¥2500, Sun am ¥1000 including free coffee. Omotesando Station.
Milk , B1 Roob 6 Building, 1-13-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku. Club and a live house, Milk packs in a lively crowd. If you get bored of the live thrash rock bands, check out the dildos and other sex toys in the cabinet in the kitchen. The regular Britpop nights are worth watching out for. ¥3000-3500 entrance charge Fri & Sat including two drinks. Ebisu Station.
Mix , 3-6-19 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku ( www.at-mix.com ). This long narrow basement space on Aoyama-dori hosts an arty crowd at weekends who don't seem to mind being squashed in like sardines. Perhaps it's got something to do with the music, an infectious mix of soul and reggae. ¥3000 with two drinks. Omotesando Station.
New Pylon Roppongi , Colosseum Hall TSK Building, 7-15-30 Roppongi, Minato-ku ( www.club-pylon.com ). Yet another relocation for this one-time Shibuya-based club. Three floors of music, offering something for practically everyone. Fri & Sat from 9pm only. ¥3500 for men, ¥3000 for women.
Sugar High , 3F Yubun Building, 2-16-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Small but gaijin -friendly DJ bar on the third and fifth floors. Hosts a range of events, which affects the entry charge. Aphex Twin have played here in the past. Happy hour 7-9pm. Shibuya Station.
Velfare , 7-14-22 Roppongi, Minato-ku ( velfarre.avex.co.jp ). Monolithic club, which cost its sponsors ¥4 billion. You'll have to part with ¥5000 (¥4000 for women, ¥4500 for men on Fri & Sat) to get in but this does cover up to three drinks and food, depending on the night. Often packed by 9pm, since it shuts at around midnight. Look out for the recovery parties at the weekends. Roppongi Station.
Yellow , 1-10-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku ( www.space-lab-yellow.com/ ). Look for the blank yellow neon sign and go down to the basement to discover one of Tokyo's most enduring clubs, offering a range of music on different nights. Mainly techno and house at the weekends, when cover charges (including two drinks) can rise to ¥4000. Roppongi Station.