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 Nakano! 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 Buddhist monk?

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.

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!

 

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...

Overnight Itinerary in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa prefecture, located on the western Japan coast. Being one...

1 week Japan Itinerary Featuring Sakura, Cherry Blossoms

Are you coming to Tokyo during peak Cherry Blossom season during March and April, and you want to...

3-day Tokyo Itinerary featuring Sakura Cherry Blossoms

Are you in Tokyo for 3 days between March till May and looking forward to visiting cherry...

10 best spots to see Kawazu-zakura Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

You might think you can only see Kawazu-zakura if you travel south of Tokyo, around the Izu area....

Step by step for planning a trip to Japan

Have you been waiting to travel to Japan and you can’t wait to get your Japan itinerary going? Are...

Plum Blossoms in Japan: When and where to see Japanese plum festivals in Tokyo

In Tokyo, the plum blossoms gradually come into blossoms from late January. Here are some spots...

Coming of Age Day 成人の日: What is it & How to Celebrate

Coming of Age Day, which falls on the second Monday of January, is a significant milestone for...

Chou-you-no-Sekku 重陽の節句: What is it & How to Celebrate in Japan

Are you looking to dive into traditional Japanese celebrations? We've got you covered 🤗  The...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published.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