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The sheer diversity of nightlife in Tokyo is breathtaking. Rickety street stands sit yards away from luxury hotels, and wallet-crunching hostess clubs can be found next to cheap and raucous rock bars. Whatever your style, you'll find yourself in good company if you venture out after dark.
Most bars and clubs in the main entertainment districts have printed price lists, often in English. Drinks generally cost ¥800–¥1,200, although some small exclusive bars and clubs can set you back a lot more. Be wary of establishments without visible price lists. Hostess clubs and small backstreet bars known as "snacks" or "pubs" can be particularly treacherous territory for the unprepared. That drink you've just ordered could set you back a reasonable ¥1,000; you might, on the other hand, have wandered unknowingly into a place that charges you ¥30,000 up front for a whole bottle—and slaps a ¥20,000 cover charge on top. If the bar has hostesses, it's often unclear what the companionship of one will cost you, but you can bet a lot. Ignore the persuasive shills on the streets of Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, who will try to hook you into their establishment. There is, of course, plenty of safe ground: in hotel lounges, jazz clubs, Irish-themed pubs, sake bars, and sedate retreats where the social lubricant flows past millions of tonsils nightly.
Major nightlife districts in Tokyo include Aoyama, Ginza, Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinbashi, and Shinjuku. Each has a unique atmosphere, clientele, and price level.
Baird Beer, one of Japan’s leading microbrewers, opened this taproom in 2019. In keeping with Kichijoji’s hip vibe, it’s a small venue, but it packs a big punch with a fantastic line-up of Baird’s year-round and limited release beers. Those include the hop-heavy Suruga Bay IPA, rich Kurofune Porter, and refreshing Wheat King Witte. It all goes well with the American soul food on the menu, such as tacos, burritos, and chili nachos.
This small brewpub produces a frequently changing line-up of craft beers, often including pale ales and white beers. Whatever is on tap on any given day will be scrawled on chalkboards on the walls, as will the list of beer-friendly snacks.
As the name suggests, beers from around the world are for sale, including 300 kinds in bottles and 20 more on tap. The large outdoor terrace with low-key downtown views is quiet and pleasant. The English-speaking German staff, when available, can help you choose the right beer.
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