Summer has rolled in alongside the heat wave and summertime treats (like kakigori, Japanese shaved ice), and so have one of Tokyo's most popular summertime experiences: beer gardens. Well known for their nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) option in bars and restaurants, Tokyo elevates the nomihoudai experience by combining it with the beautiful outdoor sights of the Tokyo skyline. Beer gardens will soon dot the rooftops of Tokyo as summer starts to get into gear, so if you're looking to experience Tokyo nightlife make sure to check out one of these Tokyo beer gardens this summer.
New to the world of Japanese beer? Start here:
- Best Japanese Beer Guide
- Toriazeu Beer: Japan's Unique Beer-First Tradition
- The Rich Culture of Beer Gardens in Japan
- Guide to Japanese Snack Bars
- Hidden Beer Garden on Mt. Takao
- Top Tokyo Craft Beer Bars
1. Mt. Takao Beer Mount
After a rewarding hike on Mt. Takao’s scenic trails, the Beer Mount beer garden offers the perfect spot to unwind. Open seasonally at a 488-meter elevation, it provides stunning views paired with freshly tapped beers. With ample seating and organized ticketing, it’s easy to enjoy even during busy times. This all-you-can-eat and free-flow drinks venue has a two-hour time limit, featuring a variety of local dishes. Guests can savor regional Hachioji vegetables, ramen, Hachioji-style Napolitan spaghetti, Japanese curry, gyoza, yakisoba, and classic beer garden fare—an ideal post-hike treat.
Watch: Shizuka climbs Mt. Takao
2. Forest Beer Garden at Meiji Jingu
Found within the Meiji Shrine's outer garden, Forest Beer Garden is a fantastic place to take in the history and beauty of Japan along with some of its best beer. Capable of holding about 1,000 customers, you won't have any trouble getting seating here, but making reservations never hurts. Entry to this Tokyo beer garden costs 4,200 yen for men and 4,000 yen for women and is worth every yen to be able to drink and take in the scenery of Meiji Jingu. While Forest Beer Garden doesn't overlook the high rises of Tokyo like the rest of the Tokyo beer gardens on this list, it still holds a special place among the scenery of trees and the tranquil shrine setting. Open from late May to late September, you're going to want to save a date to visit this iconic beer garden.
3. New Otani Night Pool
With Tokyo's largest outdoor hotel pool, New Otani provides a great venue to stave off the heat this summer with the New Otani Night Pool. Starting in mid-July and lasting till early September, New Otani will open its doors for those looking to spend a lavish poolside evening as it has for the past twenty years. As you sit poolside sipping on drinks, you'll be surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden, an oasis that'll make you forget about the concrete jungle of Tokyo. Filled with bright lights, drinks, and DJs playing some impressive tunes, the New Otani Night Pool is the place to be if you are looking to snag an Instagram-worthy selfie.
4. Wild Beach Tokyo Sky Resort
If you're looking to enjoy the beach without traveling all the way out to the coast then head on over to Shinjuku where they've brought the beach to you. Covering up the rooftop of Lumine EST with 15 tons of sand, you'll be transported to a seaside resort as soon as you step onto the rooftop. Complete with a cafe, barbeque terrace, and beer garden there is plenty here to keep you entertained as you cool down. The beer garden is offered in collaboration with Corona-Budweiser. Prices will vary depending on what you want to experience, but you'll probably want to check out the beer garden as they will be featuring imported beers. This Tokyo beer garden opened in late May and will last until late September, so you're going to want to make reservations to visit this urban oasis while you can.
5. Meiji Kinenkan: Sekirei Beer Terrace
Meiji Kinenkan, set in the Meiji Memorial Hall gardens, is already well-known for its premium restaurants, including sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki at Hagoromo, Japanese kaiseki cuisine at Hanagasumi, and the light snacks and great views of Kinkei. In 2024, Sekirei Beer Terrace also opened, bringing a new beer garden and terrace to the city of Minato. The drinks and dishes may be on the pricier side, but the panoramic views of Tokyo's skyline? Priceless.
Want more Tokyo beer garden recommendations?
Watch Shizuka look for the perfect refreshment on a hot summer evening in the capital.
Check out these 10 unique Tokyo bars, learn more about beer in Japan, or browse bar hopping experiences in Japan!
