NRT: The Cage

The Cage is a virtual icon in Narita nightlife.

Karaoke is alive and well in Japan, and if you want to try out your pipes, pop on over. The Cage is really easy to get to. If you're staying at the Mercure, if practically stumble out of the hotel, you'll wind up at The Cage. If you're staying at the Hilton by the airport, follow the map below. Basically after exiting the Kensai train station, hug the left hand sidewalk, and after it turns left, the entrance to The Cage will be in front of you on the left.

Here's a map...

(link to Google satellite image)

The music selection is very large, and you'll be sure to find something that you'd like to belt out. The accompanying videos are, of course, very asian, and sometimes they don't quite go with the song, but who cares.

The Cage does not start to get hopping until after 10:00pm. It goes on into the wee hours of the night, but for us Hilton guys, that means a cab ride back to the hacienda. You'll pay about 20,000¥, or about $20, so best to carpool with some of your buds if you can. The last free bus back to the Hilton leaves at 11:15, so it's pretty much not an option unless you're a sing 'em and leave 'em kind of guy.

There is only one unisex bathroom, so women might want to have someone stand guard if you're shy.

It can also get very hot in there in the summer, so don't bundle up too much.

There is not much room for dancing, but after a while, you'll see everyone kickin' dust around.

The mic cords are pretty long, and if you're lazy or timid, you can actually sing from one of the booths.

If my memory serves, beers were about 700¥, but they were pretty big bottles. If you plan ahead, you'll remember to bring your own bottle of water, cause you'll want to stay hydrated with all the singing going on.

When you wanna head back, just go to the taxi stand around the corner. You may see taxi's right in front of The Cage, but they're in the queue. Go to the front of the queue by the train station to get the next taxi in line.

Enjoy!!

Tim

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American Idol in training...

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Booth singing: lame but effective...

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That's me with my goofy dance (apparently the only one I know)