
My Tokyo Guide
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Updated: July 5, 2023
Office workers and tourists alike, flock to Tokyo's many rooftops and outdoor restaurants to enjoy summer nights in the fresh air. The season generally runs from Mid-May through the end of September.
Department store rooftops are usually quiet spaces with kids' play areas, but on summer nights they come alive with fairy lights and lanterns, the scent of BBQ and carousing office workers. Each has a different atmosphere, from the raucous but fun atmosphere of Ikebukuro's Tobu Department store to the Korean stylings of Parco Ikebukuro. Tokyo's trendy young locals head to Lumine Est in Shinjuku, which turns its rooftop into a beach resort, complete with glamping options.
There's a lot of green in this modern city, so make the most of the natural surrounds on a summer afternoon. Hibiya Park has its "Hibeer Garden," with craft beers and live music, along with various food stalls. Head to Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi to relax in the spacious park, surrounded by world-class art museums, and enjoy a cocktail or two, with gourmet food.
Hibeer Garden: This event will not take place in 2023.
There are outdoor drinking options from cheap and rowdy, through to truly elegant. For a stylish take on the traditional beer garden, head to Meiji Kinenkan, a beautiful restaurant within Meiji Jingu Shrine. The Beer Terrace Sekirei opens on the grand lawns during summer, offering a mix of Japanese and western dishes. Many hotels offer their own take on the concept, such as Andaz Tokyo Rooftop Bar, which offers sweeping views of the city and cocktails made with seasonal fruits and teas.
Drinks Up High at Tokyo's Rooftop Beer Gardens
Mt. Takao is a popular hiking destination which is also home to the "Beer Mount" beer garden, 500 m above sea level. It's typically open for business from late June to mid-October, and is a great place to enjoy buffet-style food and drink while gazing out at Tokyo's cityscape and the night sky. In addition to the major Japanese beers, several local craft beers are also available.