Kinshicho / Koiwa / Ryogoku

Stepping out of Kinshicho Station's north exit, you're greeted by a neon-lit entertainment district buzzing with local office workers and tourists. The area has a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere typical of Tokyo's old downtown.

Kinshicho is a major transport hub where the JR Sobu Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line intersect. The main nightlife area is on the north side, while the south side has undergone redevelopment. Koiwa is a local station on the Sobu Line local service, with snack bars and girls bars packed around the station and backstreets. Ryogoku is famous for the Kokugikan sumo arena and Edo-Tokyo Museum, but around the station you'll find old-school snack bars and izakayas.

The nightlife in Kinshicho is dominated by hostess bars (kyabakura) and girls bars. There are over 50 hostess bars, with rates averaging 5,000–8,000 yen per 60 minutes. Girls bars are cheaper, with cover charges of 1,000–2,000 yen for a casual drink. Snack bars are also plentiful, offering a social setting where you can chat with the mama. Koiwa centers on snack bars and girls bars, with slightly lower prices than Kinshicho. Ryogoku mainly has snack bars and izakayas, with only a few hostess bars.

Concept cafes and host clubs are few in Kinshicho; the main draws are hostess bars and girls bars. Most establishments are accustomed to foreign visitors, and many now offer English menus.

Access is easiest via Kinshicho Station, about 10 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Sobu Line Rapid. Koiwa is about 10 minutes from Kinshicho on the local train, and Ryogoku is one stop away. For the best atmosphere, visit on Friday or Saturday night. First-timers may find it easier to enter a small backstreet bar rather than a large hostess bar near the station.

At hostess bars and girls bars, be aware that there may be additional charges for appetizers (otoshi) or cover charges. Always confirm the pricing before ordering. Many snack bars also offer karaoke.