Tokyo looks to kick start nighttime spending by tourists but transportation remains an obstacle

Businesses in Tokyo are continuing to look for ways to get foreign visitors to spend their time and cash on the capital's wide-ranging nightlife options.

But while efforts are being made to boost the "after-hours" economy, the lack of late-night public transport remains a major obstacle for tourists looking to get a taste of what Tokyo has to offer — especially when their only options after 1 a.m. are to wait for the first train in the morning or to take an expensive taxi to their hotel.