Hakone
Teahouses like Amazake-chaya were once common sights along the old Edo-era (1603–1868) foot highways that criss-crossed Japan. This one, with a thatched…
Must-see nightlife in Around Tokyo
-
Hakone
Sup on a Gora IPA or a Black Belt stout, among other ales from this stylish brewery venue, run by the folk behind Itoh Dining by Nobu. Grill treats…
-
Fuji Five Lakes
When conditions are just right at this open-air rooftop bar, lights twinkling on the far shore of Kawaguchi-ko and mighty Fuji-san swathed in evening mist…
-
Yokohama
Set over three compact floors, this Baird Brewing Company pub offers at least a dozen of its own beers on tap, from session JPAs (Japan pale ale) to smoky…
-
Around Tokyo
Out of an Airstream caravan on the road to Kominato-kaigan, English-speaking Ku and Yusuke serve thirst-quenching caffeinated drinks, made from beans…
-
Yokohama
Heady with the malty aroma of beer-making, this is Japan's first craft brewery (c1995) in the modern sense , where you can sample around eight beers (¥800…
-
Yokohama
Soak up the old Yokohama vibes at this former trading company building turned cafe-bar and French restaurant. You can join the well-to-do regulars for tea…
-
Yokohama
Gigs, live art shows, DJ events and pop-up vintage shops are held in this psychedelically decorated basement space a short walk north of Yokohama Station…
-
Around Tokyo
Run by a former flight attendant and usually packed with a mix of flight crew and locals, this bar is a lively spot to get your bearings – or lose them…
-
Yokohama
Sup imported cans of American craft beer for just ¥500 at this showroom-turned-bar attached to a beer distribution company. Nerdy staff know their hops…
-
Yokohama
Stacked Marshall amps and a hardcore soundtrack set the scene at this L-shaped dive that pours its own range of 'extreme' beers (full body and high…
-
Around Tokyo
Follow the coastal road east of the main pier towards Okumura for around 10 minutes to find this convivial driftwood bar run by island-born, English…
-
Fuji Five Lakes
A shrine to 'piano man' Billy Joel, this tiny Fuji bar has even sacrificed table space for a grand piano, and the doting owner mixes cocktails (¥600-800)…
-
Kamakura
Run by a couple of relaxed reggae dudes, this louche hang-out has Japanese craft beers on tap, island rhythms on the stereo and a menu of tacos, fried…
-
Nikkō
This century-old rice shop was restyled into a retro-chic cafe serving house-roasted coffee, along with sweets and meals (like Japanese curry). It's…
-
Yokohama
There's a literal elephant in the room at this bright bayside cafe space (elephant is zō in Japanese), a welcome promenade pitstop for bottled beer,…
-
Nikkō
Stop by this cafe before or after visiting the shrines and temples for brewed-to-order coffee and matcha lattes. It's just inside the national park, in a…
-
Yokohama
Pair your nano-brewed 'extreme beer' with a cheese-topped meatball sub or skillet at this heavy-metal-themed craft-beer bar, a (slightly) less divey spin…
-
Hakone
Beside the station, this woodsy cafe and craft shop is a pleasant pit stop for drinks and light meals. You can also soak your toes in the footbath on the…
-
Izu Peninsula
Run by a cool couple who abandoned Tokyo for the slower life of Shimoda, this cafe-bar offers excellent coffee and alcoholic beverages, plus pasta and…
-
Izu Peninsula
Sample some lovely craft beers in a peaceful setting, or take a brewery tour (check the website for tour times). From Shuzen-ji Station, take a Laforet…
-
Izu Peninsula
Halfway along Perry Rd, this atmospheric spot mashes up a traditional residence from the era of the Black Ships with a soul-music bar. Note the ¥500 …
-
Yokohama
Just off the main drag through Motomachi you'll find this convivial cafe and florist with terrace seating and a scrumptious selection of baked goods like…
-
Kamakura
A hole in the wall in the lanes off Komachi-dōri, this tachinomi-ya (drink-while-standing bar) has plenty of old Rolling Stones vinyls and friendly banter…
-
Nikkō
Stave off shrine fatigue with a rich 'cinnamon brown' or a spicy 'ginger pale ale' brewed at this one-person operation along the main drag southeast of…
-
Kamakura
Surprisingly roomy upstairs bar kitted-out in retro vintage decor, with friendly owners, table football and a relaxed vibe. A five-minute walk from the…
-
Around Tokyo
A sprawling British-style pub with beers on tap, pub grub like pies and fish and chips, pool tables, a friendly international vibe and a big downstairs…
-
Kamakura
By day this old house is a whimsical cafe with antiques for sale; after 5pm Milk Hall morphs into a moody bar with a good whisky menu and occasional live…
-
Izu Peninsula
Intimate bar spinning soul and funk vinyl, on the main road towards the station from the Matsukawa.
-
Hakone
This lakeside cafe, open early for those looking to beat the crowds, has great views inside and from the outside terrace. There's a bakery on the ground…
