Tsudanuma

Tsudanuma's nightlife buzzes with students and local office workers. Step out of the station rotary and you'll see neon signs lining the streets.

JR Tsudanuma Station serves both rapid and local trains on the Sobu Line. The entertainment areas spread from the north and south exits, but the main action is on the north side. It's a compact area you can explore on foot.

The nightlife is dominated by hostess bars (kyabakura) and girls bars. Dozens are packed into buildings near the station, with touts calling out from doorways. Snack bars are also plentiful, many run by veteran mamas. Prices are about 20% cheaper than central Tokyo: kyabakura 5,000–8,000 yen per 60 minutes, girls bars 3,000–5,000 yen.

True to its student-town character, concept cafes and karaoke are also popular. Friday nights are especially crowded with young people. Saturdays are quieter as students go home, and many places close on Sundays.

Access from Tokyo is 30 minutes by rapid train. Last trains are around 11:30 PM, so watch your drinking. There's a taxi stand at the station, but waits can be long late at night.

First-timers should check out the large kyabakura buildings near the station. Always confirm prices before entering and don't trust everything a tout says. Many places don't accept credit cards, so bring plenty of cash.