Welcome to TOKYO BEAT – a special series by your trusty Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. Beer Gardens may not be the first thing you think when someone exclaims ‘Tokyo!’ but this tradition has been quite popular during the hot and sticky summer months, and for much longer than you think. And like with many things appropriated from other cultures, Tokyoites have put their own unique spin on this familiar European activity.
Raise the Roof Since around the time of the first Tokyo Olympics in 1964, beer gardens have, in fact, been a popular Tokyo tradition. But the dominant setting has become the rooftops and terraces of Tokyo’s ubiquitous hotels and department store buildings, which offer have the best views of the city. All you can drink deals are prevalent, like the one at Sky Beer Garden on top of the Hilton in Shinjuku. Here, for 3,500 Yen (a little over $30 USD), you can drink for 90-minutes while noshing on some tasty snacks. Matsuya Ginza Utsukushikunaru Beer Garden is all about getting more beautiful (‘Utsukushii’), so expect healthy foods that will reduce the amount of guilt that’s inspired by drinking copious amounts of beer.
Take it to Nature Mt. Takao is one of Tokyo’s most popular hiking spots, rewarding visitors with sweeping views from its 599-meter summit. But what makes it even more satisfying? Cold, cold beer. Mt. Takao Beer Garden is an all-you-can-eat-drink venue where, for 90-minutes, you can ingest the calories you burned and then some. A cable car offers the perfectly lazy way back down. Meiji Jingu, the premier shrine of the city, has their Forest Beer Garden that allows for one to imbibe while nestled in this urban wonderland’s immersive pocket of nature and spirituality. For luxurious outdoor settings, The Garden Beer Terrace Sekirei at Meiji Kinenkan is currently the one to beat.
Embrace the Theme Many beer gardens feel like a mini getaway. Proprietors know that simply being outdoors is not enough, and they painstakingly create immersive experiences. The Hawaiian-themed Aloha BBQ Beer Garden at the Parco department store in Ikebukuro showcases the Japanese obsession with this tropical getaway. Foodies will appreciate food pairings at places like the Genghis Khan Beer Terrace at Shinjuku’s Odakyu Department Store, where the centerpiece is Mongolian cuisine. Wild Beach Tokyo Sky Resort Shinjuku on top of Lumine EST in Shinjuku recreates the perfect beach day – sand and all – during the summer months.
Crafting Excellence When it comes to craft beers, Japan is in the midst of a renaissance. The top contenders from around the country inevitably make it to Tokyo, at places like Brewin’ Bar MONDE in Ginza where you can find both classic beers and newcomers along with a hand crafted selection brewed by the establishment itself. If it’s a superior meal that you’re looking for, then Restaurant Luke comes highly recommended, with its views of the city skyline and the city’s iconic Tokyo Skytree from its 47th floor location. For 5000 Yen (less than $50 USD), you get a spread of artisanal meat, cheese, and seafood appetizers along with unlimited brews.
Need more information on exercising those ‘Beer Gardening in Tokyo’ muscles? Contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/
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