Going out for a beer after a long day here in Tokyo can be more expensive than getting a meal. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to some of the city’s most affordable watering holes. No need to thank us – you can just get the next round.
1. The Hub
These pubs are sprinkled throughout the city. Unlike their counterparts back in the UK , they boast an extensive cocktail list, which makes Hub the place to go for cheap drinking. Prices start at 190 yen for the basics, and rarely go above 500 yen before the clock strikes 7. Happy hour starting time varies by location, as does the clientele. Most have a smoking and a non-smoking section, which is nice if you want to minimize your laundry load. You can also eat on the cheap. See their happy hour menu and times here.
2. Dragon Men
Dragon men is a mixed gay bar in Shinjuku’s 2 Chome district, and it boasts the best deal in town if your mission is getting drunk on a budget. For 1 000 yen you can drink as much as you want between 6 and 8pm. Not all cocktails are included in the all-you-can-drink selection, but the usual suspects are, and you can mix and match. This place has a friendly atmosphere and is a great spot to hang out with friends. It’s pretty spacious too, so if you want to dance to the songs that are probably popular back home at the moment, go right ahead. Also, on weekends the bar is full of muscly waiters walking around in their underwear. You’re welcome.
3. Beer Saurus
This gem in Ikebukuro combines what are probably three of the best things in the world: sexy posters, booze and dinosaurs. Don’t be frightened away by the 300 yen table charge. It is a necessary price to pay for half-price drinks every day from 6 to 8pm. The staff are super friendly, and they have some decent food too. A definite must for beer (and dinosaur) lovers out there.
4. Ku Kon
If your answer to the world’s problems is, “Here, have some wine!” then this is the place for you. Arrive between 5 and 7:30pm for some half-price champagne. This would be a sweet place to take your wine-loving date on the cheap without being obvious about it, as everyone loves a classy hotel bar. After the happy hour finishes, you can venture up to the nearby Tokyo Metropolitan Government building observatory, which is completely free, for some great views of the city.
