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…
