Sendai
A music-loving father-and-son team runs this lounge-room-vibe 'rock' bar. Dad provides the soundtrack with his extensive, alternative-rock vinyl…
Must-see nightlife in Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Sendai
When there's a global trend, like craft beer, the Japanese are never far behind. This small Craftsman outlet (a few are popping up around Japan) combines…
Iwate Prefecture
Sleepy Tōno is a surprising home for this hip, friendly taproom, but it's a welcome addition to the city's drinking landscape nonetheless. Locally brewed…
Sendai
Gallo is a tiny basement bar that keeps the tempo low and slow and mixes fruit-infused cocktails with a Japanese twist. Our pick is the lemon-and-ginger…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Tucked away on a corner near the bend in the river (next to the orange post box, hence the name), this petite coffee shop is the perfect spot for a post…
Aomori Prefecture
This is an excellent Japanese rendition of a British pub. It's intimate and there's no cover charge (except sometimes when bands are playing), frequent…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
In business for decades, Kerun is run by an octogenarian Japanese man who whisks up frothy whisky sours from a well-stocked bar that's surrounded by…
Aomori Prefecture
Hirosaki's students head to Cembalo to sip strong coffee and munch on cinnamon and honey toast while they type ostentatiously on their laptops. Light and…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Excellent coffee and delicious baked goods – such as Earl Grey scones with lemon butter – are the standouts at this hip cafe, which also hosts a lending…
Iwate Prefecture
Perfectly placed to catch caffeine addicts as they tumble off their train and out into the bustle of Morioka, this cosy, dark-wood coffee shop has great…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
On the road to Onegawa Onsen, this hip cafe offers excellent filter coffee, as well as iced drinks and waffles (from ¥250). It also has a side trade in…
Sendai
The best coffee in Sendai is brewed at this super-hip, one-room cafe at the edge of the entertainment district. A small rotating menu of baked goods and…
Niigata Prefecture
This charming sake shop on the concourse just outside the train station sells hundreds of different types in the kikizake style, where you can purchase…
Aomori Prefecture
This rather hip complex features a cider brewery and food hall (meals from ¥600) alongside a lovely market space selling high-quality Aomori souvenirs…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Your one-stop shop for convivial pre- and post-ski rendezvous, Oto-chaya begins with coffee in the mornings and powers right through to sake and beer,…
Niigata Prefecture
By the south exit of Niigata Station is this fun little stand-up beer bar at the forefront of the city's craft-beer renaissance. Forty-odd beers are on…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Halfway up the stone stairs of Haguro-san, as your calves are burning and your heart is pumping madly, this charming teahouse appears like a mirage. Here…
Aomori Prefecture
DJs and dance crews mix it up at this hip-hop concept bar (drinks from ¥600), which attracts a young and very enthusiastic clientele. Regular parties are…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
One block south of the train station, this stylish bar offers leather couches, savvy staff, punchy jazz tunes and wasabi-laced complimentary snacks. Go…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Two blocks left from the train station you'll spot the distinctive neon pink flamingo in the window of this cosy retro bar with Guinness on tap. Popular…
Niigata Prefecture
Grab a slice of fluffy chiffon cake and an iced coffee at this cafe and gallery in a restored merchant's house. The views and sea breezes from inside or…
Sendai
At this intimate venue, hip Japanese bartenders serve rum in jars filled with crushed fruit and ice, while nostalgic hip-hop beats play to a warm crowd…
Sendai
See Japanese club music in all its bouncy, uptempo brilliance. Lots of MCs, drum machines and glow sticks, and frenetic clubbers hidden under hoodies.
