The ultimate guide to drinking in Tokyo

12.11.2024 - 20:39 / lonelyplanet.com / Anthony Bourdain

Nov 11, 2024 • 8 min read

As the world’s largest metropolis, Tokyo serves up an intoxicating mix of drinking destinations. Whether you’re craving the rowdy atmosphere of an izakaya (a Japanese pub-eatery), the precision of a sophisticated cocktail bar, a perfectly poured craft beer or the mystery of a hidden speakeasy, Tokyo’s nightlife scene delivers endless possibilities. 

Here's our guide to drinking in Tokyo.

While common sense obviously applies everywhere (don’t be that obnoxiously drunk tourist), understanding a few key cultural customs will help you drink like a local. Here’s what you need to know:

Wait until everyone has been served before taking your first sip 

Join in the group "kampai!" (cheers) to start the evening

Keep an eye on other’s glasses – it's customary to pour for your companions 

When someone pours for you, hold your glass with both hands as a show of respect

If you’ve had enough to drink, a simple "kekko desu" (no, thank you) will suffice.

The late Anthony Bourdain wisely advised that hidden gems often reveal themselves during spontaneous explorations of new cities. This is certainly true of Tokyo, but start out with some of these key districts to help you get your bearings.

This energetic district offers a perfect introduction to Tokyo’s drinking scene. Start at Nonbei Yokochō (Drinkers’ Alley), where tiny bars and izakaya have been serving locals since the 1950s. The narrow alleyways preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the Shōwa period, while nearby, modern craft beer bars and sleek sake restaurants line Dōgenzaka Hill. 

For the perfect blend of atmosphere and artisanal cocktails, head to Record Bar Analog. The bar’s vintage vinyl collection and moody lighting create the perfect vibe for unwinding until 3am after (or in-between!) a night out at the clubs.

Once known purely for its wild nightlife, Roppongi has evolved into a more refined drinking area. While the district still pulses with energy after dark, several world-class destinations such as the Mori Art Museum and the Roppongi Hills shopping/dining mega-complex have brought in a more sophisticated crowd. Remnants of the district’s glory days do remain, however, with its numerous bars and dance clubs. Shisha Bar Rakuen Nishi-azabu does a range of drinks along with strategically positioned laser artistry to create otherworldly patterns with your shisha smoke, and an ambient playlist completing the vibe. It’s expensive, but worth it.

Nearby are two glitzy Hills complexes with myriad upscale drinking options. Azabudai Hills – the largest to date – offers a healthy collection of bars amidst its shops, while its enchanting summer beer garden has become a seasonal highlight, with bartenders crafting herb-infused cocktails against the