Whilst the Japanese might be the masters when it comes to compact design, Tokyo's ageHa is a place where biggest is best. A mammoth monument to Japan's uniquely kitsch surrealism, when it's in full flow the sprawling waterside venue is caught somewhere between New York in the mid-'90s and Manumission on acid - drag queens dancing on the bar, a dancefloor going nuts and DJs spinning in the toilets. Translating as 'butterfly' in English, ageHa unravels itself like no other venue on earth.

"Before building this monster of a venue, the management travelled around the world visiting various superclubs and took notes to see what made them tick," explains Anjunadeep's Jaytech, a huge ageHa fan.

"Then they went back to Japan and established ageHa in the Koto district of Tokyo, a multi-building complex consisting of a bar area and futuristic main room with stellar sound, its own artificial beach, complete with deck chairs, a grass area with chillout teepees and hammocks, a swimming pool and more.

"But possibly the best thing about it is the VIP area - covering two levels backstage, it has its own bar, a loveheart shaped bed and an open air Jacuzzi. Score!"

Musically, ageHa has it all. Past years have seen techno enigma Dave Clarke and 303 pioneers Hardfloor play classic gigs here, whilst Belgian's Marco Bailey recorded a 'Live at ageHa' CD in 2007.

Look back over the past 12 months and the Eastern passion for techno persists with Christian Smith and Luke Slater both appearing, but equally names like Hernan Cattaneo, the unstoppable Deadmau5, trance titan Tiësto, old skool hardcore icons Altern-8, Canadian electro pin-up Tiga and Toolroom's electronic house king Mark Knight all pop up.

UK house label Defected recently celebrated their recent 10th anniversary here and the venue also hosts Tokyo's best gay night in the monthly Shangri-La.

The club runs a free bus service to ageHa from near the east exit of Toyko's Shibuya station between 11pm and 4.30am. It takes 30 – 40 minutes to reach the club, with buses returning every half hour from 11.30pm – 5am.