Koyasu/Shin-Koyasu

When you step off the Keikyu train, you'll see small restaurants and snack bars lit up along the tracks. Koyasu and Shin-Koyasu are quiet nightlife areas tucked away in a residential district a bit removed from Yokohama's bustling centers.

The area centers on Koyasu and Shin-Koyasu stations on the Keikyu Main Line, with shops scattered along the shopping street and back alleys. It's only a 5-minute train ride from Yokohama Station, but there are almost no tourists—it's known as a place where local regulars drink quietly.

The nightlife consists mainly of snack bars and girls bars. Many snack bars are small, run by a single mama, where you can relax and sing karaoke. There are a few girls bars, which are drink-focused and easy to enter. There are almost no kyabakura or host clubs, and no concept cafes.

Prices are reasonable: snack bars cost around 3,000–5,000 yen per hour including cover charge, and girls bars charge 1,000–1,500 yen per drink. There's no flashy service, but the homey atmosphere makes it comfortable for foreigners who can speak a little Japanese.

Access is easy: get off at Koyasu or Shin-Koyasu station on the Keikyu Main Line. From Yokohama Station, it's about 5 minutes on a local train. Most places open from 8 PM to around midnight, and weekends can be busy but reservations aren't needed.

Note that this area is entirely local-oriented, so English is not expected. Karaoke is a big part of snack bars, so singing a song can liven things up. There are also convenience stores and chain izakayas near the stations, so it's a good idea to eat before bar-hopping.