Duke of Tokyo

Step through the doors at Reguliersdwarsstraat 37 and you’ll find yourself transported from Amsterdam’s historic canal district to the neon-lit backstreets of Tokyo. Duke of Tokyo brings Japan’s beloved private karaoke culture to the heart of the Dutch capital, combining sleek cocktail bars, themed singing booths, and an atmosphere that pulses with energy from afternoon until the early morning hours.

A Tokyo-inspired concept born in Amsterdam

Duke of Tokyo opened its Amsterdam location in April 2018, founded by entrepreneurs Has Peter Sengers, Wessel Kruyt, and their British business partner Ben Warren. The trio drew inspiration from Japan’s karaoke culture, where singing takes place in private rooms rather than on public stages. This authentic approach eliminated the awkwardness of performing before strangers and created an intimate space for groups to celebrate without judgment.

The concept struck a chord with Amsterdam’s nightlife scene. As one of the first cocktail bars in the Netherlands to offer private karaoke rooms, Duke of Tokyo quickly established itself as a destination venue. The success of the Reguliersdwarsstraat location led to expansion—Utrecht followed (funded through crowdfunding), and Rotterdam’s Hofplein venue opened in December 2023 with eight karaoke rooms and a full Japanese restaurant called Izakaya DUKI.

Location: at the heart of Amsterdam’s rainbow street

Duke of Tokyo sits on Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amsterdam’s most famous LGBTQ+ street and a nightlife destination that has welcomed visitors since 1980. The street earned its name from the medieval Regulierenklooster, a cloister of Augustinian canons (reguliere kanunniken in Dutch) established nearby in 1394.

The stretch between Koningsplein and Rembrandtplein transformed into Amsterdam’s “Gay Village” during the 1980s, with bars like April and Havana cementing its reputation as an inclusive, high-energy destination. Duke of Tokyo continues this tradition of welcoming everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, singing ability, or how many cocktails it takes to summon the courage for that first song.

The location offers easy access by public transport. Metro line 52 stops at Rokin station, a five-minute walk away. Trams 4 and 14 stop directly at Rembrandtplein, with the eastern entrance of Reguliersdwarsstraat just steps away. From Amsterdam Centraal, expect a 15-minute journey by tram or a 25-minute walk through the historic center via Dam Square and Rokin.

Inside Duke of Tokyo: the karaoke experience

The venue’s design transforms visitors into another world entirely. Neon signs illuminate narrow corridor-like spaces reminiscent of Tokyo’s Golden Gai district. Murals, 3D art installations, and light-up displays create Instagram-worthy backdrops at every turn.

Eight private karaoke booths of varying sizes form the heart of the experience. The smallest rooms accommodate 4 guests comfortably, while the largest spaces fit parties of up to 25 people—ideal for birthday celebrations, hen parties, corporate outings, or groups of friends ready to belt out guilty pleasures.

Each booth operates as a self-contained entertainment unit. Touch-screen systems allow guests to browse and queue songs, order drinks directly to the room, and control the lighting and volume. The song library contains over 3,000 tracks in multiple languages, spanning decades of pop hits, rock anthems, Dutch classics, and Disney sing-alongs for younger visitors.

The karaoke system includes backing vocals for many songs—a feature that helps less confident singers find their footing. Disco balls, themed décor, and comfortable seating create distinct personalities in each room, from retro arcade aesthetics to futuristic neon wonderlands.

Food, drinks, and Japanese-inspired hospitality

The cocktail program at Duke of Tokyo goes far beyond standard bar offerings. Mixologists craft signature drinks using Japanese ingredients—yuzu citrus, miso, umeshu (plum wine), shochu, and premium sake. The menu includes creative presentations: cocktails that change color, smoke on delivery, or require assembly at the table.

Beyond cocktails, the bar stocks Japanese whisky, a rotating selection of sake, wine, and beer. The drinks menu balances accessible crowd-pleasers with more adventurous options for cocktail enthusiasts.

The Amsterdam location serves Japanese bar bites throughout the evening—small plates designed for sharing between songs. The Rotterdam venue expanded this concept with Izakaya DUKI, a full restaurant hidden behind a replica 7-Eleven door serving dishes like yakitori, takoyaki, salmon tataki, karaage, and agedashi tofu. The Amsterdam bar offers a more casual selection of Japanese-inspired snacks to keep energy levels high during extended singing sessions.

Best times to visit Duke of Tokyo Amsterdam

The venue operates on a schedule designed to accommodate different crowds throughout the week:

• Weekday evenings (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday): Doors open at 5 PM and close at 1 AM. These nights tend toward a more relaxed atmosphere, with shorter wait times for booths and easier access for walk-ins hoping to snag a room. Perfect for those who want to explore the venue without competing with weekend crowds.
• Friday: Opens at 5 PM and runs until 3 AM. The weekend energy kicks in, with the bar area filling up and DJ sets taking over the main floor later in the evening.
• Saturday: The busiest night, opening early at 2 PM and running until 3 AM. Afternoon slots appeal to families and groups who prefer a more subdued environment before the nightclub atmosphere takes hold after 10 PM. Advance booking is essential for Saturday evenings.
• Sunday: A middle ground between weekday calm and weekend excitement. Doors open at 2 PM and close at 1 AM, with a more laid-back vibe than Friday or Saturday.

The venue transforms on weekend nights. After the karaoke sessions wind down, the bar area becomes a vibrant dance venue with live DJs spinning house, disco, and pop tracks. This dual identity allows visitors to combine private karaoke with a proper Amsterdam night out, all without changing venues.

Practical information for visitors

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 37, 1017 BK Amsterdam

Contact: [email protected] | +31 20 777 93 32

Reservations: Book karaoke booths online at dukeoftokyo.com. Prices vary by day, time slot, and room size rather than by the number of guests. Minimum booking is 2 hours per room.

Dress code: None. Wear whatever feels comfortable for a night out.

Age policy: Guests under 16 require parental supervision (at least one adult aged 18+ must be present). Ages 16-18 can attend without supervision but cannot be served alcohol. Afternoon time slots on weekends work best for families with children.

Accessibility: The venue includes gender-neutral restrooms.

Payment: Card payments accepted throughout the venue.

Why Duke of Tokyo stands out

Private karaoke remains relatively uncommon in Amsterdam compared to Tokyo’s thousands of karaoke parlors. Duke of Tokyo fills this gap with production values that rival dedicated karaoke venues in Japan—professional sound systems, extensive song libraries, and themed rooms that make each booking feel special.

The location on Reguliersdwarsstraat places the venue within walking distance of Amsterdam’s best-known nightlife areas. Rembrandtplein’s bars and clubs sit directly to the east, while Leidseplein’s entertainment district lies to the west. This positioning makes Duke of Tokyo an ideal starting point for a night out or a destination in itself for groups celebrating special occasions.

The combination of Japanese cocktail culture, private singing rooms, and weekend DJ sets creates something distinct from Amsterdam’s traditional café and club scene. Groups who might feel self-conscious singing at a public karaoke night find freedom in the private booth format, while serious cocktail enthusiasts appreciate the Japanese-influenced drinks menu.

Frequently asked questions

How much does karaoke cost at Duke of Tokyo Amsterdam?

Booth prices depend on the day of the week, time slot, and room size. Each booth has a fixed price regardless of how many guests you bring (up to the room’s maximum capacity). Check the booking page on dukeoftokyo.com for current rates. Some visitors report costs around €14 per person for a 2-hour session when splitting a booth among friends.

Do I need to book in advance?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Walk-ins may find availability during weekday evenings, but popular time slots fill up quickly. Book through the website to secure your preferred room and time.

What songs are available?

The karaoke library contains over 3,000 songs in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, German, Spanish, and more. The collection spans pop, rock, R&B, dance, and classic hits from multiple decades. Disney tracks are available for younger singers.

Is Duke of Tokyo family-friendly?

Yes, during afternoon hours on weekends. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). The venue recommends booking early time slots (Saturday or Sunday afternoon) for families, as the atmosphere becomes more adult-oriented later in the evening.

Can I just come for drinks without karaoke?

The bar area welcomes guests who want cocktails without singing. On weekends, the space transforms into a club atmosphere with DJ sets after the main karaoke hours wind down.

What is the dress code at Duke of Tokyo?

There is no specific dress code. The venue asks only that guests wear something comfortable and suitable for a night out.

Getting to Duke of Tokyo

• From Amsterdam Centraal: Take tram 4 or 14 to Rembrandtplein (approximately 15 minutes). Alternatively, take metro line 52 to Rokin station and walk 5 minutes east.
• From Schiphol Airport: Take the train to Amsterdam Centraal, then transfer to tram 4 or 14 toward Rembrandtplein.
• By bicycle: Free indoor bike parking is available nearby at De Munthof building (entrance at Reguliersdwarsstraat 52) with 250 spaces.
• On foot: From Dam Square, walk south along Rokin, continue past Muntplein, and turn right onto Reguliersdwarsstraat. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.