Want a Unique Party Experience in Tokyo? We Know Just the Thing
Tokyo is a thriving metropolis, and as such it boasts a buzzing nightlife scene. Bars, restaurants, and clubs can be found across the city, especially in locations such as Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ginza. However, most of these spaces are indoors, even underground, closing you off from the magnificence of Tokyo’s urban landscape. That’s where Lumé is stepping in.
Lumé is creating a new way to let loose in Tokyo. By making use of the city’s outdoor spaces, the event company invites you to party surrounded by the twinkling lights of Tokyo’s urban skyline. To discover more, Trip to Japan asked Lumé co-founder, Peter Heródek, 20 questions about this new and exciting project.
20 Questions with Lumé co-founder Peter Heródek
1. What is a Lumé rooftop party?
Lumé is an open-air rooftop experience designed to bring people together through music, sunset, and connection. To us, it’s more than a party — it’s a way to unite locals, internationals, and creatives in a relaxed setting where they can enjoy the city, meet new people, and feel part of something real.
2. How did this concept of starting a rooftop party business come about?
The idea came up during a conversation between friends. One of us said, “Why doesn’t Tokyo have more rooftop events like in Europe or the US?” That simple comment set the wheels in motion.
Rather than let that spark flicker and die, we stoked it. Within a few days, we started planning, scouting rooftops, reaching out to DJs, and designing the first experience. It was all grassroots — driven by passion and a shared love for music, community, and the stunning Tokyo skyline.
3. What’s your opinion of Tokyo’s nightlife scene?
Tokyo’s nightlife is exciting and diverse — from Shibuya’s clubs to Ginza’s upscale bars — but much of it happens indoors. We felt there was a missing link: no one was truly using the incredible cityscape as a backdrop.
There wasn’t a go-to place where people could vibe to music while watching the sunset over Tokyo Bay or Skytree. That’s where Lumé comes in — to create that open, elevated experience.
4. What makes Tokyo such a great city for this type of event?
Tokyo is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. You have people from every corner of the globe living here — students, creatives, digital nomads, entrepreneurs.
We wanted to create a space where they could meet, unwind, and feel inspired. Combine that international energy with Tokyo’s dramatic skyline, beautiful sunsets, and underused rooftops, and you get the perfect setting for events that are both local and global in feel.
5. What can people expect from a Lumé rooftop party?
Curated music, chill vibes, beautiful views, and a welcoming crowd. Whether you want to dance or just relax with a drink, it’s all about creating space for people to feel free and connected.
6. Who is invited to a Lumé rooftop party?
Everyone — Japanese locals, international residents, travelers passing through. If you enjoy music, open-air settings, and meaningful vibes, Lumé is for you.
7. How do you think these events will appeal to international visitors?
For international visitors, it’s a rare chance to really feel part of Tokyo — not as a tourist, but as someone connecting with others. It’s laid-back, fun, and authentic. You can make friends, discover new music, and immerse yourself in a totally unique setting.
8. What kind of interactions can unfold at a Lumé rooftop party?
Lumé is a great place for spontaneous conversations. Tourists chat with locals, people share secret spots around Tokyo, and real friendships can start. For international guests, it’s like unlocking the city in a way that guidebooks can’t offer.
9. Where are these parties currently being held?
Currently in central Tokyo, our latest event was held at the rooftop of Takeshiba Portcity Tower, right by the bay.
10. How did you find the location?
We connected with Tokyu Land Corporation, one of Japan’s leading urban developers. They saw potential in our concept and supported us in securing the rooftop at Takeshiba. It’s an amazing space with harbor views — and having a partner like Tokyu Land gives us access to some of Tokyo’s most exciting and underutilized spaces.
11. How many people can the venue hold?
Our current venues hold up to 250 people comfortably. We like to keep things intimate and intentional.
12. Are food and drinks on offer?
Yes — drinks are available through nearby bars like Cielito, and we’re working on optional all-you-can-drink plans and pop-up collaborations with food vendors in the future.
13. What kind of music is on offer?
Melodic house, chill grooves, and upbeat rhythms. We work with DJs who understand how to build a mood — starting mellow and building energy naturally. It’s music you can talk over, dance to, or just vibe with. For example, Olga Saint played at our last event and really nailed the sunset-to-night transition.
14. Would you consider different themes for different nights?
Yes, absolutely. Beyond that, we’re also already thinking about morning wellness sessions, ambient dinners, boat parties, and even silent discos.
15. How do you want people to feel after leaving a Lumé rooftop party?
Connected, inspired, and recharged. Like they’ve experienced something real and unexpected, and can’t wait to come back.
16. You’ve hosted two events so far. How did they go?
We were nervous at first — would people show up? Would the sound and setup work? But both events went beyond expectations. The feedback was amazing. People stayed until the very end, said it felt fresh and different, and even asked when the next one would be. It confirmed we’re onto something.
17. What have you learned from them?
That people appreciate quality — in atmosphere, music, and energy. We don’t aim for quantity, we aim for curated experiences. Even our ticket price got great feedback for being fair and worth it. The key is making people feel like they got something special.
18. How often do you want to host these parties?
We’re aiming for two to three events per month during spring and summer, then slowly building into a year-round schedule.
19. How are you looking to expand?
More rooftops, more unique spaces, and eventually boat parties, seasonal takeovers, and collaborations with cafés, brands, and venues around Tokyo — and beyond.
20. What is your ultimate goal for Lumé?
To build a global community around music and shared moments — bringing that end-of-week rooftop joy to more people in more places. Whether it’s your first Tokyo summer or your fifth, we want Lumé to feel like home.
You can find more information on Lumé’s events on their Instagram: @lume_japan
Interested in other ways to enjoy Tokyo by night?
Check out these nighttime tours you can book directly through our Trip To Japan website!
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Set out on a captivating exploration of Tokyo's nightlife with the Tokyo Premium Night Drive.
