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Once the rainy season ends and the temperatures begin to soar, beer gardens will pop up just about everywhere in Tokyo. Some of them already have! There’s something about drinking ice cold beer during a hot summer night/day that resonates with the Japanese consciousness. Then again, maybe just because people here love drinking too much? Even though the general term is “beer garden” (ビアガーデン), there’s more than just beer available. Here are just a few places where people will be gathering at to throw back a few drinks with friends.
Tower Records Shibuya Sky Garden
Located on the rooftop of Tower Records Shibuya, this open space is technically open year-round as it is used for release events but also doubles as a beer garden during the warmer months. With barbecue sets available at 3,500 yen and a variety of drinks available, it’s kind of a “two birds with one stone” scenario. Just be aware of the event schedule or you might find yourself in the midst of some hot-blooded fans waiting for an event to start.
Weekdays – 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Weekends/Holidays – 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Tower Records Shibuya Roof, Jinnan 1-22-14, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tower Records Shibuya Sky Garden Official site: http://www.towerrecordsskygarden.com/
Tower Records Shibuya Event schedule: http://tower.jp/store/kanto/Shibuya/event
Roppongi Beer Garden (April 15 – September 23)
This rooftop beer garden located in the middle of Roppongi offers up more than just night views of the city lights, the female staff wear swimsuits (and shorts) as well to add to the festive mood. With the stations for the Oedo and Hibiya lines nearby, getting home is relatively easy (crowds notwithstanding). Just remember to behave yourself! No touching and no secret photography!
5:00pm – 11:30pm
Roppongi ROL Bldg 5F, Roppongi 5-5-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Roppongi Beer Garden Gurunavi site: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a027603/
Mori no Beer Garden (May 19 – September 24)
One of the most popular beer gardens in Tokyo, Mori no Beer Garden is located near Meiji Jingu Stadium and boasts an affordable and delicious all you can eat/drink plan which includes barbecue (beef, sausage, etc) and Genghis Khan (mutton)! Within a short walking distance to stations on the JR and Metro, it’s like visiting the country while being in the middle of Tokyo.
Kasumigaokamachi 14-13, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Mori no Beer Garden Official site: http://mbg.rkfs.co.jp/
Asagaya Beer Kobo
The second of four “workshops” (kobo is Japanese for “workshop”) along the Chuo-Sobu line in Tokyo, Asagaya Beer Kobo is open year round but the rooftop offers the atmosphere of a beer garden during warm weather in addition to a variety of in-house brews for those with more discerning tastes. Better yet is that that prices are about the same as the mass-produced stuff and the food is quite good as well. While technically not a summer beer garden, Asagaya Beer Kobo is a decent little chain of brewpubs which warrant a visit.
Weekdays – 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Weekends/Holidays – 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Asagaya-Kita 1-31-5, Suginami-ku, Toyko
Asagaya Beer Kobo Official site: http://beerkobo.web.fc2.com/asagayaindex.html
Takao Beer Mount (June 15 – October 15)
Located on Mount Takao (高尾山) in western Tokyo’s Hachioji（八王子）suburb, this beer garden allows for breathtaking views thanks to being at an elevation of 500 meters. On a clear day, you can see as far as Yokohama. With events happening every month and a varied selection of Japanese, Chinese, and Western food available, it’s worth taking a trip out west. For those worried about making your way back down the mountain after a few drinks, the cable car can take you to and from Takao Beer Mount with no problem as long as you make it back before the last one leaves at 9:15pm.
Weekdays – 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Weekends/Holidays – 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Takao Beer Mount Official site: http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/beermnt/
Meiji Kinenkan Sekirei (May 25 – September 14)
Located near Meiji Jingu Stadium, home of the Yakult Swallows baseball team, Meiji Kinenkan is where the Japanese Imperial constitution was drafted in the 19th century. Today it mostly serves as a wedding hall but during the summer months, it is also a popular upscale beer garden. Don’t expect to simply walk in with a group of people and get a table. This place is fancy! The food is gourmet class and there is live music and dance performances to go along with the luxurious surroundings. If you’re looking for a break from the crowds of usual summer beer gardens and want to feel rich for a few hours, make a reservation early and save up your money.
5:00pm – 10:30pm
Moto-Akasaka 2-2-23, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-3746-7723
Meiji Kinenkan Sekirei Official site: http://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/restaurant/company/sekirei/
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, this is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to beer gardens that will be open this summer. There are probably enough that a person could go to a different one every day and not get to them all (please drink responsibly)! What are your favorite beer gardens in Tokyo? Then again, as long as you don’t get too crazy, anywhere in Japan can become a beer garden?
Related Links
Tokyo Beer Garden site: http://www.tokyobeergarden.com/
Enjoy Tokyo Beer Garden site: http://www.enjoytokyo.jp/feature/beer/
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