(from Nov. 96)
Going out in Japan is expensive... correction ... going out drinking in Japan in expensive. Eating out is quite reasonable in some places and the food is good. It's not all sushi, rice and noodles either much as I love all three.
In one bar there are beer vending machines for quick service. There is also a lucky can recycling machine. When you put the empty in and pull the handle the fruit machine runs and often prints you a free drinks ticket. For the desperate you can go clearing tables of empties and try to make your fortune. In unprecedented circumstances one night I won 6 free beers (of which 3 came with 3 pulls of the handle). Beer vending machines in the street and 24 hour convenience stores (7-11, Circle K, Family Mart etc) also offer a cheap alternative for those desperately seeking inebriation.
As for dancing, there are no shortage of places open till the sun rises and the trains start running. To stay out all night is the only way to stay out past 11.30 when my last train leaves me stranded.
Music is lagging quite far behind that at home and anything with a bit of a theme or some kind of routine hand clapping, arm waving or feet shuffling seems to go down a treat. Any originality or overlty energetic dancing can result in you being left standed in the middle surrounded by everyone else who promptly starts hand clapping, arm waving and feet shuffling.
I have attended one event advertised as a "rave" which was more of wee get together with a few friends. They played a lot of good jungle although the mixing didn't go down to well. By the end of the night our group of westerners almost exceeded the number of Japanese (the 2 DJs and two barmen). To be fair it was a decent club with some decent tunes - just lacking in people and atmosphere. Elsewhere chart music and "The Scattman" seem to reign supreme.
The Japanese Toilet Experience
Japan Information A Good source of general information on Japan
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