All the walking and touring in Tokyo can get you weary and itching for a drink. It`s natural! That said, bar hopping in Tokyo can take the edge off and let you relax after a long day of exploring.
Tokyo’s drinking scene should be at the top of your itinerary if you’re a fan of touring local bars and soaking in the nightlife. The city offers everything from hidden alleys to trendy districts for every taste and style, so you`ll never run out of options!
The Best Districts for Bar Hopping in Tokyo
Tokyo’s nightlife is divided into various neighborhoods, but here are the four best areas you need to check out!
Shinjuku’s Golden Gai
When talking about bar hopping in Tokyo, perhaps no other district is as iconic as Golden Gai in Shinjuku. It`s known as a tiny area containing over 200 bars tightly packed into narrow alleys.
The bars are so small they could accommodate just a single small friend group at a time! However, this size is what gives these bars their unique charm. Each bar has a theme as well, making them even more perfect for the `Gram.
Shibuya
Another equally iconic district (mostly for its world-famous scramble crossing), Shibuya also has a nightlife well worth experiencing.
Because it`s located on a major thoroughfare, Shibuya has everything when it comes to nightlife. High-end cocktail bars, casual standing bars, traditional izakayas–you name it, Shibuya`s got it. You can drink almost anything at these places too, from sake to Japanese whisky and your tried-and-tested local beers.
Roppongi
In a previous post, Roppongi was established as one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Tokyo with equally fancy nightlife. However, that also means that watering holes in this district have a more international vibe to them! This makes them perfect for anyone visiting the city on holiday!
Roppongi has a lot of foreigner-friendly bars and clubs, so no need to worry much about language barriers here! Not only that, but you could also expect a mix of sleek lounges and fun, upbeat pubs fit for every taste.
Ebisu
All the high-end stuff in Roppongi can get tiring for some people. Aside from that, areas like Golden Gai can be a little too touristy. But don`t fret, for Ebisu will offer a more laid-back experience.
This district is popular among locals and offers a range of cozy bars and gastropubs. It’s the perfect area for a quieter night of bar hopping in Tokyo while still enjoying excellent drinks and company. If you`re looking for something more “home-y” and relaxed, then Ebisu is your spot!
How Truly Enjoy Your Bar Hopping in Tokyo
Tokyo’s bars are famous for their creativity and craftsmanship, but also their still relatively traditional vibe. And by traditional, we mean that bringing enough cash is absolutely critical! A lot of these bars will not accept credit or debit cards, and some of them will also have a few more extra charges on top of your drinks. So always remember that!
Lastly, there are three main drinks you need to try during your bar-hopping adventure:
- Highball: A mix of whisky and soda, the Highball is a staple drink in Japan.
- Sake: You can have hot or cold sake at almost any bar, which makes it worth a try! Either way, Japan won`t be what it is without sake.
- Craft Cocktails: Many bars in Tokyo specialize in craft cocktails, blending Japanese ingredients with innovative techniques.
Go out and have fun, but drink responsibly!
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