Nakame Takkyu Lounge: Japanese for ping-pong lounge

Throw a dart and you'll hit a ping-pong bar in Tokyo, but if you're a serious player wary of crowds and have an affinity for the underground side of the table tennis culture, head to the Nakame Takkyu Lounge. For starters, getting there practically takes a PhD in geography as you cross a river,  go through a parking lot, then jaunt up a flight of stairs to the second floor of an apartment building before knocking on one of several nondescript doors. (No to worry, 007, there's no secret knock needed to gain access).

At once a ho-hum apartment, the Nakame Takkyu Lounge has been converted into a bar with cushions, dining table and couches surrounding the centerpiece -- the ping-pong table. The Lounge is all about putting your game face on, but if you're known to berate your opponent at high decibals, scream when you lose a point, or toss your racket in fits of frustration, you'll be kindly encouraged to leave. The neighbors of the Tokyo's Nakame Takkyu Lounge will thank you.

Drinks are around ¥800, with a service change of ¥500 (¥800 after 10pm). Ping-pong table is free.