In Japan, you're never too far from a good drink! This place loves its booze so much that you can find alcohol almost everywhere—from fun bars and cosy restaurants to the shelves of your neighbourhood supermarket and even the corner convenience store. Fancy a beer on the go? No problem. There are vending machines that dish out beer and sake at the push of a button!
Now, if you're hunting for the real action in Tokyo, where the nightlife pulses with energy and the drinks flow like rivers, you're in for a treat. To help you navigate through the maze of places to drink in Tokyo, we’ve whipped up a fun guide spotlighting the top 8 drinking experiences in the city.
Ready to rub elbows with the locals at the best bars for foreigners, indulge in some fancy whiskey or cocktails, or just bask in the vibes when you go bar hopping? This guide to the best places to drink in Tokyo, Japan has you covered, keeping your spirits soaring as you toast to the night with a hearty "Kanpei!".
Must-Visit Places To Drink In Tokyo - Your Ultimate Bar Crawl Guide
Drinks with Geisha
Meeting a geisha in Japan is on many travellers' bucket lists, but it can be pretty expensive. After all, geishas are highly trained in traditional Japanese arts like music, dance, and poetry, serving as esteemed entertainers and hosts.
However, if you're looking for a more wallet-friendly way to meet these iconic figures, why not join an experience where you can enjoy drinks with a geisha? This unique experience offers a rare chance to sit down with these iconic figures of grace and artistry in one of the most intriguing places to drink in Tokyo.
As soon as you book your spot, you're in for an unforgettable evening at a traditional teahouse. Here, you'll share traditional drinks with real geisha, delve into the deep cultural roots of their ancient art, and even snap a few memorable photos.
If you love history and Japanese culture, or if you're looking for an extraordinary adventure, drinking with a Geisha in an informal setting is a phenomenal way to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating aspect of Japan's heritage.
Luxury Tokyo Sake, Cocktail, Whisky and Pairing Tour
Can it get any better than savouring a luxurious drinks pairing tour through Tokyo's illustrious nightlife? Dive into hidden gem bars, bustling standing sake bars, spots pouring craft beer, and venues serving top-tier cocktails and whisky.
Known globally for its dynamic bar scene, there are many premier places to drink in Tokyo, and the best way to dive into its nightlife is by going on an alcohol pairing tour.
For those looking to explore the best bars in Tokyo for foreigners, this tour offers an exceptional introduction.
Start your night at a lively bar with casual yet festive cocktails accompanied by delicious bar snacks. Wrap up your adventure with a nightcap featuring world-renowned Japanese whisky and innovative cocktails at some of the most original bars in town.
This tour will also whisk you past notable sights like Fuji Soba, the Karasumori Shrine, the Panasonic Living Showroom Tokyo, and the chic streets of Ginza, adding a dash of cultural flair to your night of indulgence.
Bar Hopping in Kichijoji’s Harmonica Yokocho
Kichijoji's Harmonica Yokocho is a network of alleyways filled with 56 tiny bars, each small enough to host just a handful of patrons. While Shinjuku’s Golden Gai has become more popular and pricier, Harmonica Yokocho remains a cherished spot for locals. You'll find bartenders laughing and catching up with regulars who pop in a couple of times a week. It might feel a bit intimidating to just walk into one of these places and join in the chatter if you're not from around there. But that's where a bar hopping tour in Kichijoji's Harmonica Yokocho comes in handy.
You get to tag along with a guide who’s practically a local legend, knows everyone, and can introduce you to the bar owners and regulars. This bar hopping tour is essential if you’re planning a pub crawl in Tokyo, offering a fantastic way to dive into some of the best bars in Tokyo at night. It's a fantastic way to dive into some of the best drinks Japan has to offer and really get a slice of life like you’ve seen in 'Midnight Diners: Tokyo Stories,' right there in Kichijoji’s Harmonica bar district.
Sake Tasting Seminar with All Types of Sake
Educational seminars usually sound a bit boring, right? But what if you could learn about Japan’s most beloved brew—sake? Mastering the world of sake isn’t just about drinking; it’s about pairing it perfectly with food too. While there are tons of Sake Tours in Tokyo, a Sake Tasting Seminar really kicks things up a notch. Join a fun sake-tasting seminar with all types of Sake where you'll learn all about choosing and enjoying sake with different dishes.
Led by a sake sommelier, you'll taste all kinds of high-quality sakes—from the bubbly and cloudy to the robust Yamahai and fresh unpasteurised kinds. You'll get to sniff out the aromas, figure out the flavours, and learn how each type pairs best with various appetizers. Your sommelier will break down the characteristics of each sake and suggest the best pairings for a range of Japanese foods.
If you're just starting out or already diving into the world of sake, you'll definitely come away with a greater appreciation and knowledge of it. It’s the perfect way to mix some learning with your drinking fun!
Japanese Whisky Collection Courses
Japanese whisky is really making waves among whisky enthusiasts, all thanks to its unique charm rooted in Japanese culture. The buzz around Japanese whisky has gone global, and it shows—back in2011, there were only 9 distilleries in Japan, and now there are over 20! If you're just starting with whisky or you're already a connoisseur, getting into the Japanese Whisky collection courses at Captain Bar's in Hilton Tokyo Odaiba is a must. They've got one of the biggest Japanese whisky collections around.
You can taste and compare a couple of Nikka whiskies or go for the SUNTORY Premium Selection. It's the perfect spot to chat with the bartenders and soak in the ambience of a top-notch Tokyo whiskey bar. Chill at their cool emerald pearl counter and shoot the breeze with the bartenders while you're at it.
Shibuya Scramble Hidden Pub Crawl
If you want to see a different side of Shibuya nightlife, slip into the role of an invisible tourist on a hidden pub crawl just a block from the world's busiest intersection, the Shibuya Scramble. Tucked away are pedestrian-only backstreets, bursting with shops and low-key izakayas (Japanese pubs).
This is where a Tokyo bar hopping tour really shines, allowing you to spend your evening mingling with some of the city's most colourful locals at these off-the-beaten-path bars. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dive into some classic Japanese dishes at the neighbourhood gastro pubs. You’ll get to try everything from Japanese fried chicken and tempura to yakitori chicken skewers and fresh sashimi.
During this 3-hour adventure, you’ll visit several of the best bars in Tokyo Japan. Experience the best food and drinks and catch the contagious energy that draws locals back every weekend. This 3-hour bar hopping tour in Shibuya comes complete with an English-speaking guide to help navigate through these hidden gems.
Sake Tasting Tour in a 300-year-old Brewery in Tokyo
Imagine stepping back in time to uncover the unique secrets of sake, Japan's iconic beverage, at a centuries-old brewery. This can be your reality when you book a spot on a Sake Brewery Tour in Tokyo at a 300-year-old Brewery. This is where you can witness how the tiniest variations in rice, kōji (rice mold), water, and yeast can create wildly different flavours of this cherished rice wine. This journey into the world of sake is not just a tasting; it’s a full Sake Tour Tokyo, allowing you to dive deep into the rich history and culture of sake-making.
You’ll be guided by Ryuta, a knowledgeable guide trained by a master sake sommelier who is the 23rd generation owner of one of Japan’s oldest and largest breweries, a cornerstone of the Tokyo sake brewery scene. As you explore the scenic surroundings of the brewery, tucked away from Tokyo's bustling center, you'll have the chance to sample a variety of sakes.
Discover regional flavours in this Sake brewery in Tokyo that are starkly different from the sake you might find abroad, including fragrant and fruity varieties that are smooth and floral. Let Ryuta know your alcohol preferences in advance, and she’ll tailor the selection to suit your palate perfectly, turning you into a true sake enthusiast by the end of the tour.
Explore the Hidden Local Bars in Tokyo
Shinjuku is buzzing day and night, known for its wild nightlife with a plethora of bars and pubs at every turn. However, the best bars in Tokyo? They're the hidden gems tucked away from the usual tourist trails, places mostly known by locals and revered as some of the best places to drink in Tokyo.
Go on a bar hopping tour to uncover these secret spots across Shinjuku, from the busy areas around the station stretching from west to east. During this Tokyo Bar Crawl, you'll hop between three Izakayas, where you can savour authentic Japanese food and drinks, experiencing the real flavours and spirits of the region. Along the way, learn about the rich Japanese culture and history from a guide who knows all the ins and outs, as a part of the Tokyo bar hopping night tour in Shinjuku. It's the perfect chance to dive deep into the local life and customs in this vibrant district, making it a must-do activity for those interested in bar hopping in Tokyo.
Wrapping up
Tokyo's nightlife is an intoxicating blend of tradition and modernity, a true paradise for any drink enthusiast. You can weave through the hidden alleyways of Shibuya to discover quaint izakayas, learn about the delicate art of sake in a 300-year-old brewery, or indulge in the sophisticated flavours of Japanese whisky - the possibilities are endless!
Each tour around Tokyo is more than just a chance to try different drinks; it’s a deep dive into the local culture, revealing the history and stories behind every sip. It's not just about what you're drinking, but also about understanding the art and craft behind it, making every evening out both fun and insightful.
To make navigating Tokyo’s bustling nightlife a breeze and to ensure you hit all the best places to drink in Tokyo, Pelago has got you covered with a bunch of insightful tours. They're tailored to help you discover those hidden gems and enjoy some truly memorable nights out. These tours are the perfect way to soak in Tokyo's vibrant bar scene and make the most of your nights in this dazzling city.
Commonly asked questions
Can you drink alcohol in public in Tokyo?
Yes, you can drink alcohol in public in Tokyo without any legal restrictions.
How much is a drink at a bar in Tokyo?
The cost of a drink at a bar in Tokyo typically ranges from 500 to 1,500 yen, depending on the type of drink and the bar's location.
Where to go in Tokyo for drinks?
Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza are popular areas in Tokyo known for their vibrant drinking scenes.
Can tourists drink alcohol in Japan?
Yes, tourists can legally drink alcohol in Japan if they are aged 20 years or older.
Do you tip at a bar in Tokyo?
No, tipping at bars in Tokyo is not customary and is generally not expected.