A Summer to remember
Get set for a season of good food, good drink and good times

Fifty Seven
Opened in 2007, Fifty Seven is fast becoming an icon of Tokyo nightlife. The kitchen is fashioned on a New York grill, using top-quality seasonal and local produce; the trendy cocktail bar has the largest selection of mojitos and martinis in Tokyo; and the late-night lounge is perfect for an intimate get-together or after-work drinks. Situated near the Midtown complex in Roppongi, this contemporary venue fuses the best of Tokyo’s atmospheric, delicate sensibility with the maturity and confident style of New York.

Fifty Seven can be rented for parties and events, and some upcoming summertime bashes include the Hawaiian Nights “beach party” on July 31; a relaunch of the kitchen, with seasoned chef Fred Bowden from the French Kitchen, on August 6; Triksters Magic Night on August 25, when some of the world’s best magicians will gather for an evening of illusions; the D.I.S.C.O. party on August 28 (bring your wigs and platforms!); and regular events and promotions like the members-only Steak Club, the monthly Jazz Club, free bubbly for the ladies every Friday night and live music with G John Martin on Sundays. For the ultimate bite of the Big Apple, check out the fantastic New York Brunch each each Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

● B1F, 4-2-35 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5775-7857. Email: info@fiftyseven.co.jp. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm & 7pm-2am. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.fiftyseven.co.jp

Advocates CafE Tokyo & Club Exit
Dancing in the street? You will be. Situated in Shinjuku-Nichome, a hotspot for foreigners as well as the local gay community, Advocates Café Tokyo is a landmark club whose DJ booth faces outside, creating a dancefloor on the street corner. From 6-9pm, the bar offers an all-you-can-drink system called Beer Blast (¥1,000), as well as a happy hour where cocktails are just ¥500. The music policy is as diverse and international as the regulars—some nights even feature a surprise show from a group of hot Nichome dancers.

Nearby sister venue Club Exit hosts events and concerts covering a wide variety of genres on two stages, which means you can be sure to experience something new and unique every time you visit. This spacious club gives partygoers plenty of room to dance and enjoy the show, with counter bars near the dancefloor and in the separate lounge. Since both venues bring together artists of wide-ranging styles, who knows: you might unwittingly witness the birth of a new wave of culture and lifestyle—and be a part of it.

● Advocates Café Tokyo: 7 Tenka Building 1F, 2-18-1 Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3358-3988. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-4am, Sun &hols 6pm-1am. Nearest stn: Shinjuku-Sanchome. www.advocates-cafe.com
● Club Exit: Sent-For Building 1F, 2-12-16 Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3341-5445. Check schedule online for opening dates/hours. Nearest stn: Shinjuku-Sanchome. www.hijouguchi.com

ageHa
One of Japan’s largest and most diverse event spaces, ageHa has space for a staggering number of revelers, who pile in on weekends to get sweaty to DJs and live acts from around the globe. Since the nightspot opened in 2002, everyone from Fatboy Slim to Tiësto has graced ageHa’s stages, not to mention locals Ken Ishii, FPM and Fumiya Tanaka. The resort atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot to grind till dawn—after all, how many clubs have their own white-sand beach in summertime, complete with deckchairs, mojitos and a soundsystem?

That’s not all. The outdoor Water Bar features a swimming pool and deck for the ultimate summer vibe, while the Island Bar hosts performances by world champion pole dancer Malibu Beach. Until the end of September, the grassy Park area serves as an outdoor lounge, where you can chill under the stars or wait for the sunrise with a view of the waterfront. And let’s not forget the Arena, ageHa’s main hall, where state-of-the-art lighting and an Ice Jet smoke system perfectly complement the beats. A variety of nonsmoking areas means Tokyo’s most famous club venue offers a space for absolutely everyone.

● 2-2-10 Shin-Kiba, Koto-ku. Tel: 03-5534-2525. Open Fri-Sat & holiday eves midnight-5am (varies depending on event). Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. www.ageha.com

Apollo
Billed as the only onabe venue in Japan—a bar where women dress and act as men—Apollo is a real eye-opener. Offering a fascinating glimpse at a rare transgender subculture—not to mention a rip-roaring twice-nightly stage show that features song and dance, drama and comedy with a gender-based but hilarious twist—Apollo promises a night out you won’t soon forget.

Born as women but living as men, onabe are romantically attracted to other females but strive to be male. The staff at Apollo cover the full spectrum of personalities, and in celebration of the Bon Odori Festival, they will sport yukata from July 30 to August 1. The customers are just as diverse: everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or persuasion.

The kitchen serves over 50 Italian and French dishes created by Apollo’s talented chef, and a wide selection of alcohol will be augmented by beers from 12 different countries during a beer festival in August. English menus are available, and by simply saying “Metropolis” upon entry, you’ll get your first draft beer for free.

● Ebisu S2 Building B1F, 1-4-4 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3461-6808 (from 5pm). Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am, closed Mon & 2nd Sun each month. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.show-apollo.com

Bar Six
If you’ve never visited Asakusa’s Amuse Museum, now is the time—and not just for the exhibits about the making of traditional Japanese crafts. Nestled on the sixth floor is the aptly named Bar Six, a chilled-out, modern space boasting the city’s best view of the iconic Sensoji Temple lit up at night. And if you’re planning to work up a sweat at the Asakusa Samba Carnival on August 28, you’re in precisely the right spot: Bar Six opens just as the carnival ends (at 6pm, natch).

But that’s not all: with another two spaces on separate floors, each boasting their own unique atmosphere, you can enjoy three nights out in one. Gallery Bar Cinq on the fifth floor displays photography by Jim Marshall, famed for his iconic shots of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and Johnny Cash; the exhibition is soundtracked by music from the ’60s through ’80s. And over the summer, the rooftop lounge on top of the museum plays host to one of the city’s best beer gardens, serving up fantastic Belgian brews along with draft Asahi (¥800) and snacks.

Heading back inside, Bar Six also offers a large selection of Belgian beers, from Hoegaarden White (¥1,000) to the punch-packing Barbar (8 percent alcohol; ¥1,500). Seasonal fruit cocktails are also on offer (from ¥1,300), and the food menu includes everything from pâté and rillettes to curry, or steaming hot pies dished directly from the dedicated pizza oven.

● 2-34-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku. Tel: 03-5806-5106. Open daily 6pm-2am. Nearest stn: Asakusa. www.amusemuseum.com

Cafe Hohokam
Opened in June 2010 and named after one of the major native tribes of the American Southwest, Cafe Hohokam is a Harajuku eatery with a tented second-floor terrace—which means you can enjoy the beer-garden vibe whatever the weather. The cafe sports a nostalgic theme inspired by desert and tribal themes, complete with cacti, vintage ’70s furniture and a blues soundtrack.

The food menu, devised by the chefs at nearby restaurant The Great Burger, is of a Californian bent, featuring 25 types of burgers starting from ¥950. The signature Cafe Hohokam burger (¥1,450 with fries) is filled with chili and jalapeno peppers and served with a light brown bun that’s intended to recall the desert sand. There are ten other sandwiches, each served with fries; six varieties of hot dogs with onion rings; and a selection of homemade pizzas. Lighter fare includes the popular Hohokam Salad (¥1,200), with ham, shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, tuna, chicken and more, drizzled with blue cheese dressing—perfect for sharing.

Diners can wash down their food with one of 30 world beers. And with seating for 50 people and a total capacity of 70, Hohokam is a fantastic venue for a summertime party—call for details about their all-you-can-drink plans starting from ¥3,500 per person.

● 3-22-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5775-5708. Open daily 11:30am-11pm. Nearest stn: Harajuku or Meiji-Jingumae. www.cafe-hohokam.com

The Dubliners’
Offering a truly authentic Irish pub experience in all the best Tokyo neighborhoods, The Dubliners’ provides beer lovers with oodles of fun this summer. The pubs are continuing their popular summertime Beer Hall promotion on August 4, with ¥500 pints all day. Each of the six Dubliners’ locations also has a slightly different food menu, but all of them serve up traditional Irish pub fare like fish ’n’ chips and baked mussels with garlic butter. Happy hour (until 7pm at all locations; check website for details) is the best time to get acquainted with this Tokyo favorite, when all pints are only ¥800 and ¥500 cocktails are also available.

And the bargains don’t stop there; as part of Beer Hall Week, customers will receive a coupon with every pint they purchase between July 28 and August 3, valid for a discount to the tune of ¥100 each after August 5. In other words, the more you drink, the more you save.

● Shinjuku branch: 2F Shinjuku Lion Hall, 3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3352-6606. Nearest stn: Shinjuku (east exit).
● Shibuya branch: 2F Dogenzaka Center Building, 2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5459-1736. Nearest stn: Shibuya (Hachiko exit).
● Other branches: Shinagawa (03-6718-2834), Ikebukuro (03-5951-3614), Akasaka (03-3539-3615) and Toranomon (03-5501-1536). Call for addresses and hours. www.dubliners.jp

fbar
Offering a unique fusion of food and fashion, Azabu-Juban’s fBar was designed as a stylish hangout for models, stylists, photographers, makeup artists and the like. But you don’t have to be in the fashion industry to enjoy yourself—fBar’s open terrace, restaurant, lounge and private rooms provide a luxurious setting, whether you’re looking for a night of hedonism, networking or romance. The sparkling decor is almost as gorgeous as the clientele, helping create a refined atmosphere with prices that won’t cripple your wallet. Indeed, course meals are priced between ¥3,000 and ¥5,000; add all-you-can-drink options for ¥3,500-¥5,980.

fBar has several dazzling VIP rooms available for private parties, whether it’s a sophisticated meal with colleagues or a drinking session with friends. Summer events include the two-day J-Wave Night party August 20-21 with surprise guests, and a three-day anniversary party on August 26-28. And with regular promotions like Martini Mondays, Fashion Fridays and Single Saturdays, you can bet that fBar is always en vogue.

● 1F Fukao Building, 1-4-5 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3586-6383. Open daily 6-11pm (restaurant), Mon-Sat 11pm-5am (lounge). Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban. www.fbar.jp

Fette Panissa
For an unusual yet evocative taste of the Mediterranean, you can’t beat fette—crispy, French fry-like snacks made from chickpeas. Although these treats have over 500 years of history in Northern Italy, they’re almost unheard of in Japan. In fact, the only place you’ll find this simple yet addictive snack is at Fette Panissa in Asakusa, where they’re served alongside a similar dish called panissa: thickly sliced chickpea paste drizzled with salt, pepper and olive oil. Both are priced at ¥250.

But Fette Panissa isn’t just a one-hit wonder—diners can also enjoy authentic delicacies like Italian salami and Montasio cheese. All these dishes go fantastically well with the restaurant’s eight varieties of Italian wine (¥500/glass), imported directly by the shop to ensure prices stay low and quality high. There are also some fantastic Japanese beers, such as the award-winning Premium Malt’s (¥500). Fette Panissa’s street-level dining affords fantastic people-watching opportunities with an Old World atmosphere, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from all the action of the Asakusa Samba Carnival on August 28.

● 2-5-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku. Tel: 03-3845-6695. Open Wed-Mon 11:30am-10pm (last orders 9:30pm), Tue 6:30-10pm (last orders 9:30pm). Nearest stn: Asakusa. www.fette.co.jp

IBEX Tokyo
Known for its friendly atmosphere and fresh selection of hip-hop, R&B and reggae, this Roppongi hotspot draws regulars and newcomers from the world over. The spacious fourth-floor club enjoys an incognito vibe thanks to an unassuming entrance that belies the bumping bar inside—though clearly it wasn’t enough to trick out-of-towners Boyz II Men, who dropped in for a tipple during a Tokyo visit.

You can guzzle a full selection of cocktails at the long bar, with all drinks ¥500 during the 8-10pm happy hour. But more likely you’ll end up grinding the night away, as Ibex’ DJs spin a mix of floor-fillers that range from the hottest new tracks to old skool classics. Add to this a complement of friendly staff and a cosmopolitan clientele of party people, and you can be sure you’re in good company as you soak up one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets.

● 4F Aries Building, 3-15-24 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 090-5756-4226. Open daily 8pm-midnight. Nearest station: Roppongi. www.ibex-tokyo.net

Tantra
As one of Tokyo’s premier gentlemen’s clubs, Tantra is renowned not only for its beautiful international entertainers, but also for balancing simplicity with luxurious elegance for guests on business or leisure.

Every night, more than 35 dancers from all over the world captivate a high-class crowd, while special shows on Mondays and Saturdays feature ethnic costumes. A friendly environment lets you relax with your executive friends as you take in the show, enjoying scrumptious food from in-house Italian restaurant Sala Ferrari and supping delicious cocktails. And who knows—you might end up rubbing shoulders with the stars. Celebrity guests have included Jackie Chan, Steven Seagal and Avril Lavigne.

Tantra prides itself on customer care, guarding its patrons’ privacy and even offering a car service. Present your business card at the entrance on Monday or Saturday, and you’ll get free entry and a drink on the house. Packages start at ¥5,500 for two hours, and bookings are accepted for bachelor/bachelorette parties and corporate gatherings of any budget.

Indulge yourself for a night to remember with Tantra’s delightful entertainers. This is the place of your fantasies, the place where sometimes you can play with fire.

● B1 Zeches Baum Building, 3-9-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5775-6533. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.tantra-tokyo.com

Vanity Lounge
There’s no other way to put it: Roppongi’s newest restaurant and lounge is truly breathtaking. Opened in July on the top floor of the iconic 13-story ROI Building, Vanity Lounge affords an almost 360-degree panorama of the city, taking in the twinkle of Tokyo Tower and the glow of Roppongi Hills. And with a plush interior designed for maximum style and comfort, there’s plenty to draw your gaze inside, too.

The lounge area offers ample seating for 220 people, while a set of karaoke rooms provide more intimate environs for a private party; in total, the venue can accommodate 700, and can be rented out for functions—just call or drop in for details. The soundtrack is an eclectic cross-genre mix, with appearances from famous DJs and celebrities—on August 19, for instance, former NBA star Dennis Rodman will represent at a special all-night party in his honor.

If you’re packing an appetite, Vanity’s menu features a fusion of Italian, French and Japanese dishes, which the chef likes to call “Tokyo cuisine.” This is sure to go perfectly with a flute from the full Veuve Clicquot range or one of many delicious cocktails. Mention Metropolis as you hit reception and enjoy your first drink on the house.

● ROI Building 13F, 5-5-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5474-0091. Open Mon-Sat 11pm-5am (Aug 19 11pm-5am). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.vanitylounge.jp

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Summer love
Keep the good times rolling with fashion, film... and romance!

Exeo Speed dating
From conbini to vending machines to robot vacuum cleaners and standing noodle bars, Japan is undoubtedly the land of convenience. So why shouldn’t that apply to dating too? As one of Japan’s largest speed-dating agencies, Exeo knows a thing or two about throwing a singles party. It hosts events in 47 prefectures and 87 cities across the nation, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. And best of all, Exeo organizes international speed-dating parties geared towards foreign men and Japanese women, so you can feel right at home as you search for your ideal partner.

Entry is just ¥1,000 for everyone holding an alien registration card, and there are no hidden charges and no hassle. Simply enjoy your three-minute private chat with each lady, mark the provided card with your top three, and hope for a match.

Exeo holds regular speed-dating parties on two Fridays each month in Ginza (and also in Osaka), starting at 9:20pm on August 6 and 20, and September 3 and 17. More details are available online, where you can also fill out the mandatory registration. Is summer loving on the cards for you?

● www.internationalspeeddating.jp

Principessa-Couture
The concept started when Singaporean fashionistas Gladys and Shirley began shopping trips together in Asian cities such as Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Hong Kong. Perhaps as a means of pacifying their consciences after each spending spree, they would bring home a couple of extra items for family and friends, until eventually the girls hit upon their big idea: to create an online walk-in closet stuffed with fabulous, adorable, alluring ladieswear. Principessa-Couture was born.

The clothes are inspired by the runways of Paris, London, New York and Milan, handpicked with individuality and elegance in mind. Principessa-Couture is based in Akasaka, but sources its garments—a selection of everyday dresses, party gowns, blouses, tees, jackets and accessories—from Korea, Singapore and New York. Prices are reasonable, with free shipping on orders over ¥15,000, and you can pay by credit card, bank transfer or PayPal; Metropolis readers can receive a 15 percent discount by entering the code “15offspecial.” Handily, the website is entirely in English, so you can now find the pick of the world’s boutiques without having to trawl them yourself.

● Email: contact@principessa-couture.net. www.principessa-couture.net

Tokyo Film Center School of Arts
Ever dreamed of becoming an actor or working in the film industry? Tokyo Film Center School of Arts (FC Tokyo), known as “a road to Hollywood,” will be sponsoring a free event for those interested in direction, camera work, art, acting, editing and special effects makeup. Participants will re-shoot a scene from a well-known film, which will be screened at the end of the day at the FC Tokyo student theater. To reserve a place in this free program, simply contact FC Tokyo by phone or email.

The school’s three-year program features courses structured for high school graduates, though middle school grads can enroll as well; the student body also consists of foreign-exchange students and those working full time. Partnered with the Los Angeles-based New York Film Academy, Studio Arts and Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, FC Tokyo’s curriculum includes a week’s training at one of these schools.

Courses cover directing, camera work, lighting, fine arts, makeup, editing, computer graphics, distributing/advertising and acting. Students learn how to work as a team and independently, as well as how to write a screenplay. Hands-on industry experience comes from outside projects, including movies, commercials, TV series, anime, promotional videos, editing and acting.

FC Tokyo’s campus houses a 200-seat theater, film studio, CG room, editing room, 5.1 surround-sound studio, fine arts room, hair/makeup facilities, dance studio and lots more. Facilities are open 24 hours and can be reserved for private use.

● The film production workshop takes place daily Tue-Sun through Aug 31. 3-14-9 Nishikasai, Edogawa-ku. Tel: 03-5675-2009. Email: info@movie.ac.jp. Nearest stn: Nishikasai. http://www.movie.ac.jp/event/trial/english.html