Metro

When it opened in 1990, Metro was the only choice for serious clubbers in Kyoto or Osaka. These days, it has bigger and more central rivals, but it’s still the best. Musically, anything goes, but current favourites are drag queen disco Diamonds are Forever and club jazz night Cool to Kool, which has been running since the venue opened. Friendly staff and a just-industrial-enough interior makes this the highlight of the city’s nightlife.