Fun and entertainment Japan

We don't necessarily stay at the Parc Hyatt, but we can enjoy its bar located in the top floors of the building. The view is exceptional. If the drinks are a little expensive, the game is largely worth the candle. The decoration is sober and the lighting is subdued, so that when the night comes, you can appreciate the lights of the city which extend to infinity below. For a little, one would almost believe in the mythical film of Sofia Coppola...

In April, this small theater is crowded during the Miyako Odori, the Cherry Blossom Dance. Geishasand maiko dance to the rhythm of traditional instruments to celebrate the cherry blossoms. The tradition dates back to 1872. Geishas consider it an honor to participate. The show usually begins with the spring scene, danced to the cries of"yoiyasa". Every year, new dances and music are performed, to the delight of the audience.

Since 2015, Kyoto Brewing has been crafting seasonally inspired craft beers in the heart of Kyoto. A friendly trio (an American, an Englishman and a Canadian) is behind this trendy brewery that opens the doors of its "taproom" and its terrace, on weekends, for the happiness of beer lovers and conviviality. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed. It is possible to buy their products in cans on the spot and to enjoy the food trucks. In case of an event, the taproom can close its doors on weekends.

A sublime illuminée night parade where you can find your favourite Disney characters. It begins at the Haunted House and ends at the level of the Cinderella Castle.

The day in the park ends on a magical musical and aquatic atmosphere at the Mediterranean Harbor. You are transported into the world of the apprentice Mickey magician, where his powers make water dance, launch flashing lasers and stars comets, animate fountains and dazzling stars, fire balls and other wonders. You will also see Disney characters, like Aladdin or Cinderella on huge water screens… This show that multiplies the special effects is a good way to finish the day, but don't hesitate to come ahead because it turns into the door.

Golden Gai's bars are numerous and not always accessible to those passing through, but we recommend this one: La Jetée is one of the bars to discover. It's run by Kawai-san, a Francophile Japanese woman with a passion for Nouvelle Vague cinema, and takes its name from Chris Marker's film La Jet ée. It has become a landmark for cinephiles, actors and directors alike. The list of celebrities who have passed through here is long, and includes Quentin Tarantino, Juliette Binoche and Francis Coppola.

It is a classic in Ginza. The main café opened in 1969, and there are branches all over the district. The atmosphere is western: red carpet, wooden tables, walls covered with impressionist paintings and jazz music in the background. The café fills up mostly in the afternoon, and everyone talks in hushed voices. One comes here above all to taste the Mont Blanc à la japonaise or the mille-feuille, specialties of the house. The rest of the menu is rather banal and expensive. The access to the wifi is free.

Perched on the 8th floor of a building, this cute and trendy café offers an exceptional view of the west end of the city and the river. The view is so clear that you can have fun counting the temples of the Gion district from the terrace! Lighted by loupiottes at dusk and shaded in summer, this one is very charming. The decoration consists of a mix of design objects and a bric-a-brac of vintage furniture and dried plants. A good place at any time of the day: for lunch, coffee or a drink.

On the 11th floor of a tower in the middle of Ginza, the atmosphere of this bar is an ode to mixing. First of all, by its architecture, between contemporary Indian opulence and pure Japanese lines, by its clientele, made of young cosmopolitan couples as well as chic ladies who come to taste the delicious afternoon tea on the terrace, and, above all, by its menu. The cocktails and dishes mix with grace Indian spices and Japanese flavors, like the South Asia, a mixture of arak infused with saffron and yuzu. A delight to be continued at Spice Lab Tokyo, on the floor below.

The famous Norwegian coffee brand, recognizable by its white bird on a red background, has been based in Tokyo since 2012. In this trendy district of Shibuya, the espresso bar has quickly become a landmark for cosmopolitan and international youth, and the backdrop for many instagram photos. During the day, the place serves almost exclusively a fragrant coffee, with the exception of a few croissants or pain au chocolat. In the evening, it turns into a very relaxed bar and groups form outside in the pedestrian alley

Almond opened its doors in Shimbashi in 1946. It quickly became a reference in terms of western-style teas and pastries, especially since the pink and white stripes of its facade made a lasting impression. According to the legend, this tea house is the origin of the Japanese habit of offering small towels to wash your hands upon arrival. The institution boasts "shōwa"-style desserts, i.e. from the post-war period. Cream puffs and other strawberry tarts will delight foodies

The atmosphere is muffled in this basement bar. The brick blocks and the wooden counter give the place a warm and intimate atmosphere. It is a good place to taste excellent whiskeys (Makers Mark), bourbon cocktails, beers or wines, all in a relaxed atmosphere. The bar is frequented as much by groups of friends who come here to celebrate birthdays, weddings and other celebrations in the private room, as by solo revellers who settle down at the counter with their glass of whisky.

The terraces of the bars overflow here in the street. A wooden board placed on boxes serves as a table, and one sits on small stools or barrels to taste a beer or a Hoppy, the emblematic flavored drink of popular Tokyo. The menu of all the bars is more or less similar, often made of grilled food, fried food, and above all, alcohol. The proximity with the neighboring tables and the drink helping, contacts are sometimes made between strangers. Tongues are loosened and the evenings are always lively.

Located in the heart of Kabukicho, this shot bar has existed for more than 20 years. It is known as much by international customers as by Japanese. They all praise the cheerful and unpretentious welcome of the place, and of course, the drinks. They are numerous on the menu (but no sake). Even if you go there alone, you don't feel abandoned, as it is easy to engage in conversation with the other customers or the bartenders. A safe address in Kabukicho.

We know all those pubs where we go with friends to support our favourite rugby, football or baseball teams over a good English beer. Here, the principle is the same, but we come to see the games of kendo, the Japanese sword. Raw or grilled fish replaces fish and chips and sake replaces beer. We settle down around wooden tables in what looks like a real dojo, to watch the competitions on the big screen. It's a change of scenery, while offering a recreational way to get acquainted with this discipline.