Want to get the ultimate Japan travel guide, quick tips & tricks, language course and more?
It’s free! Click here 👋

Flip Guide Logo

Top 5 underground bars for drinks in Nakano

Top 5 Underground Nakano bars to grab drinks

Thinking about going out to Nakano bars for a night out? For something off the beaten-track, stop by this pop culture hub! In the daytime, Nakano is famous for Nakano Broadway Street where you can find anime and specialised character goods, along with tiny taverns and old-fashioned Japanese gourmet food. Be sure to visit a ramen shop and bars in Nakano to experience Nakano nightlife while exploring the narrow, criss-crossing alleys. 

Nakano nightlife is just as fun. There’s a ton of tiny bars with large personalities. Enjoy expertly-crafted drinks and the local, friendly vibes!

Find out more about the different Japanese drinks, Japanese beers, the special strong zero you can get in Japan and how to prepare for a night out in Tokyo.


One of the best ways to explore Tokyo is to visit the local areas and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you want to explore local areas, we have created scavenger hunt adventures personalised to your interests, filled with fun facts, clues and puzzles. If you’re curious, you can check out the games here!

Check out the Flip Japan Games here!

Here’s our top five favourite bars in Nakano, one of the most underrated places in Tokyo.

Bars in Nakano

Juke 80’s

Juke 80's
Credit: Photo by latino from Tabelog

Ideal for anyone who’s a fan of the 80s, hit up this bar and choose from their extensive music list with cult classics like ABBA and Michael Jackson, and a few underground artists as well. Their drinks are reasonably priced, at 350-500 yen during happy hour, a real bargain for Tokyo! 

If you want something more local, then check out Juke 80’s sister bar, J-Juke’s. They play great Japanese hits from their bubble and disco era! 

Bar Dunk

Bar Dunk

You will enjoy this bar for the perfect Nakano nightlife. In an area full of older bars and izakayas, Bar Dunk seems to stand out. Modern and with a hint of Mediterranean class, Bar Dunk’s blue and white tiled walls really make themselves known in Nakano. Enjoy some good food and drinks and imagine you’re summering on the French Riviera!

Daikaiju Salon

Daikaiju Salon

If you’re a fan of Japan’s many mythical monsters, this is the spot for you! The owner here is a horror-film director and has filled the bar with his collection of figurines and plush dolls from all over the Asian mythos. Enjoy a cup of coffee at this unique place while geeking out to vintage anime like Ultraman!

A truly unique bar experience that you won’t get anywhere else while you go drinking in Nakano! How many other places do you know of where your bartender is also a horror director?

Jet Bar

Jet Bar
Credits: Photo by 煉蔵 from Tabelog

This little rock- and disco-inspired bar is here for your entertainment. Nights vary depending on their schedule, but you might encounter live music or even a magic show! Even if you’re not there on a special night, this is a good place to come with friends to have chill drinks and get to know the locals.

VICTORIA

Victoria Bar

Credits: Photo by Owner on Tabelog.

This stylish Japanese whiskey bar invites guests into its classy setting with jazzy tunes. Featuring a selection of around 300 whiskeys from around the world, this bar can accommodate any flavor profile. Luckily, if you decide to taste them all, the bar is only a 2 minute walk from Nakano Stations north exit. While sipping on some alcohol, why not also enjoy some raw chocolate to compliment the flavors? Of course, VICTORIA isn’t limited to just whisky, and also offers selections of sake, beer and other spirits.

Want to check out different underground and local areas of Tokyo? Click on the area you want to explore and let us give you a tour of some of our favourite spots from famous places to underground spots! Tokyo nightlife: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Nakano, Shimokitazawa, Asakusa, Koenji, Akihabara and more!

Stay tuned for more information about Japan travel, Japanese culture, moving to Japan, living in Japan, Japan Nightlife and more. For more, check out Japan Gift Guides, Japan Events and Places in Japan.

We host our own bar tours regularly as well! We take you to all kinds of unique and underground locations around Tokyo, with anywhere between five to fifteen international guests! We’ve also lived in Japan for years and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have, ranging from history, and culture to society and nightlife! Come join us for a great night!

Stay tuned for more information about Japan travel, Japanese culture, moving to Japan, living in Japan and more.

Flip Japan Guide
Got a question? Reach out to us through Instagram or Facebook Messenger
Connect with us: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
Join our Facebook community here!

We’re your local friend in Japan, helping you explore, experience and enjoy the ins and outs of Japan! When we first arrived in Tokyo, we all found this city to be overwhelming, not sure where to begin. During the years that we have lived here in Japan, we have discovered and visited countless famous tourist attractions as well as unique underground places. We are now proud to say that we are experts of Japan and would love to share the knowledge with all of you!

Tag us @flipjapanguide on Instagram and share your adventures with us!

 

FLIP GUIDE TEAM

Hey friend!

Just like you, we are foreigners from all around the world.

When we first arrived in Tokyo, we all found this city to be overwhelming, not sure where to begin.

During the years that we have lived here in Japan, we have discovered and visited countless famous tourist attractions as well as unique and underground places.

We are now proud to say that we are experts of Japan and would love to share the knowledge with all of you!

 

Kumano Kodo Area Guide & Itinerary: Unveiling Japan’s Ancient Pilgrimage Paths

Nestled within the captivating landscapes of the Kii Peninsula in Japan lies a network of ancient...

Koyasan Area Guide & Itinerary: Unveiling the Spiritual and Cultural Enchantment

Nestled amidst the tranquil mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, lies a mystical destination...

Uji Area Guide & Itinerary: Where Tranquility Meets Tradition

Welcome to Uji, a serene and historically rich city nestled in the heart of Japan. This charming...

Japan Do’s and Don’ts: What you need to know when visiting Japan

Welcome to Japan, fellow travellers! If it's your first time exploring this incredible country,...

Wakayama Area Guide & Sample Itinerary: History, Food, and Coastal Charm Converge

Are you ready for a journey that's part history lesson, part culinary adventure, and completely...

Autumn Leaves in Japan: Enjoy Koyo from September to December

The only season in Japan as famous as Spring for its pink cherry blossoms is Autumn, where vibrant...

10-day Japan Itinerary in summer 

Welcome to Japan, a land of captivating traditions, modern innovation, breathtaking landscapes,...

Taito City Ward Area Guide: Best things to do, History, Areas & Hotels

Have you heard about Taito Ward in Tokyo? One of the 23 wards of Tokyo, Taito has various unique...

Free things to do in Tokyo: 30+ Ways to enjoy Tokyo without spending money

Tokyo is a fantastic city, and the sheer amount of activities is endless. However, costs can add...

Hydrangea in Tokyo: 21 Best Spots + Hidden Gems for Ajisai

Are you wondering where to see Hydrangea in Tokyo? Are you in Tokyo during the rainy season and...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *