Tokyo Nightlife Tips by Quigley215

Nightlife Spot: VANILLA

I was part of a 2 week excursion to Japan as the culmination of a class that I participated in at my University in Philadelphia, USA. We traveled to Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, Shodoshima Island, Meiyajima Island, and of course, Tokyo.

We stayed at a small hostel in Azabu Juban (right next to Roppongi). My group consisted of about 15 students (several of whom are international students from such countrries as Ghana and the Dominican Republic).

Our first night out, the hostel manager walked us to Roppongi. He said we wouldn't have a problem finding anything we could possibly want. I told him that I felt like dancing with cute Japanese girls, and he walked us to Vanilla, nestled in a small alleyway. Just look for the guy in the suit and tie out front - if you're a foreigner he will give you a 1000 yen discount coupon (as opposed to the typical 3000 yen cover). The 1000 yen included 2 drink coupons (at 500 yen each, it is esentially free admission).

Being a 6 foot tall white dude... well, I guess it went this way for my whole group of 'gaijin' - no pat down, no card-checking...

Once up the stairs, there were lockers to the left and a bar/dancefloor to the right. It was playing rap/R&B type stuff. The floor was pretty crowded, as well as the 'seating area' behind it. There were too many people to even notice it, but on another night spent at Roppongi, I discovered another huge room behind this area. If you follow the hallway around, theres another big bar with tons of tables and chairs, as well as another enourmous dancefloor. The DJ is spinning hip-hop/reggae/rap type music. This is where I saw some of the more "ghetto" Japanese people, but everyone was super friendly. I had guys talking to me, inviting me to dance with their girls... *** that would NEVERRRR happen in the US! I had a good time here, but it wasn't really my scene. Upstairs again, on the 3rd floor, is a small bar area at the top of the stairs. There are pictures behind the bar of Japanese people showing off their tattoos - Yakuza?

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Around the bend is the biggest dancefloor in the club. The DJ plays trance/house/rave/techno, and it is an excellent assortment. There is a bar 5 steps away from the dance floor and i never had to wait for a drink even though the floor was COVERED with people. Gorgeous Japanese girls were up on the boxes dancing... just walk up and offer a hand - I can almost assure you that they will climb down and dance with you. I was surrounded in seconds, and it was GLORIOUS.

I met people from over a dozen different countries, but Japanese people made up most of the clinetelle (contrary to popular belief). Drinks were reasonable for the area (500-1200 yen). I bumped into some US military dudes, who actually bough me drinks for introducing them to the "white girls" on my trip, haha.

Check this place out! It won't disappoint! Even if you dont speak ANY Nihongo, you will do just fine!

DRESS:
It was all over the place. Jeans and Tees, up to shirts and ties. I wore nice jeans, a solid color dress shirt, and pennyloafers, and felt just right. Some of the Japanese girls were rocking cut up wifebeaters and short denim skirts with stilettos... amazing. Watch out for the group of hotties on the *** box to the right. They are tattoo'd up and undoubtedly the best looking in the club. Like I said, just offer a hand..........

I'm transferring to Sophia University in Tokyo as a direct result of the amazing time I had in Japan. Vanilla definately added to the fun!
Address: Roppongi Hills
Directions: Just ask... its huge!!!

Look for the alleyway. Its to the left on the right side of the road if you're coming from up the hill (Azabu Juban).