Also known as gakugei-university-/-metropolitan-university
Located along the Tokyu Toyoko Line in a quiet residential area, Gakugei University / Metropolitan University is an off-the-beaten-path nightlife spot with snack bars, girls bars, and concept cafes.
Around Gakugei University and Metropolitan University stations, the quiet residential area transforms at night as local snack bars and girls bars light up. Unlike large entertainment districts, the atmosphere here is homey and intimate.
This area lies between Nakameguro and Jiyugaoka on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. Small eateries cluster in alleys a few minutes from the stations. The north side of Metropolitan University station and the south side of Gakugei University station are particularly lively after dark.
The nightlife scene centers on snack bars and girls bars, with over a dozen each. A few concept cafes also draw a younger crowd. Hostess bars and host clubs are rare; most venues are small, independently run operations.
Prices are reasonable: snack bars charge a cover of ¥1,000–2,000, and girls bars run ¥3,000–5,000 per hour. Regulars outnumber tourists, and English support is limited, but basic Japanese will get you by.
Access is about 10 minutes by express from Shibuya. The nearest stations are Gakugei University or Metropolitan University. Friday and Saturday nights are busiest. Many snack bars open early (from 7 PM), making them great for second parties.
Note that many places are cash-only, so bring yen. Also, since it's a residential area, keep noise down late at night.
Gakugei University / Metropolitan University runs on table-service venues: kyabakura (hostess clubs), girls bars, and snack bars. You pay a set fee by the hour, with nomination (shimei) and drink charges on top, so check each venue’s all-in price before you sit down.
Gakugei University / Metropolitan University is generally fine for a night out. The main risk is bottakuri, a padded bill at the end. Stick to venues that post their prices, skip street touts steering you into ‘free’ bars, and confirm the set fee plus any nomination or bottle charges before you order.
Popular services in Gakugei University / Metropolitan University include girls bars (flat drink charge, conversational setting), karaoke snack bars, and hostess clubs with shimei nomination options.
Where Gakugei University / Metropolitan University is and how to get there.
Visa / Mastercard / JCB accepted at most venues
Editor-curated · 4 slots per month
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