As numerous guidebooks have already pointed out, famous restaurants abound in this metropolis, attracting devoted gourmets eager to sample the delicious fare on offer.
But where to go for a quiet drink or a pint, to watch a sports game or to mingle with the locals? What if you feel like watching a concert or just going dancing?
First, why not start with a stop at a Tachinomiya, or standing bar, that have become an increasingly favorite drop-in for Tokyoites at the end of the working day. Popular for their relaxed, friendly atmosphere and more reasonable prices, Tachinomiya are lively places to hang out, enjoy a drink and sample some good food. Start your search at one of the many Tachinomiya along the JR Yamanote Line tracks between Yurakucho and Shimbashi Stations, Golden Gai in Shinjuku or Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji.
Wanting to sit down and soak up the atmosphere instead? The Izakaya, or Japanese style pub, is a Japanese institution. These lively establishments are many Japanese employees’ first stop after work. Start your Izakaya tour along and under the JR Yamanote Line tracks from Yurakucho to Shimbashi, particularly at the outdoor tables set up when the weather warms up.
http://www.eok.jp/content/articles/lists/izakaya-in-japan.php
Summer in Tokyo brings with it high temperatures and humidity but also the beer gardens! Located where space allows, from building rooftops to mountaintops, beer gardens are a popular places to cool off in the summer and unwind after a long day.
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/agent/citypromotion/
mailnewsletter/mn_16.html (See Featured Theme - Beer Gardens)
http://www.eok.jp/content/articles/beer/
If you would prefer a properly poured pint and traditional pub menus, Tokyo has a wide variety of International pubs and bars offering all your favorites as well as wide screen tvs for sports and stages for live music!
http://www.eok.jp/content/articles/lists/pubs-in-japan.php
Tokyo is also home to one of Aisa’s more vibrant live concert scenes. Central Tokyo (Yurakucho, Ginza, Hibiya), Roppongi, Shibuya and Omotesando all host some of Japan’s most famous live venues while the energetic streets of Shimokitazawa, Koenji and Kichijoji are home to some of Tokyo’s finest small live clubs.
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=events.
location&loc_id=149573
http://www.eok.jp/content/articles/lists/live-jazz-in-japan.php
Shibuya (along with Ebisu and Daikanyama) has also become the latest centre of Tokyo’s clubbing scene. International and Japanese DJs are regular features at these clubs and keeping track of what is on where can be a bit daunting. Check the links below for more information:
http://www.cyberjapan.tv/
http://www.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/recent/listings.asp#clubbing
http://www.eok.jp/content/articles/lists/clubbing-in-japan.php
Follow the links below to find more information on some of Tokyo’s best clubs, concert venues and pubs. Kampaii! (Cheers!)
Night Life and General information About Tokyo
http://www.tcvb.or.jp/english/plan-your-visit/article04.php
http://en.wa-shoi.com/?page=100649
http://www.eok.jp/
Dining Search
http://www.tcvb.or.jp/english/plan-your-visit/where-to-eat.php
http://www.gnavi.co.jp/en/kanto/
http://www.bento.com/tf-rest.html
|