If you’re planning to be in Japan during a big international sporting event — the Paris Olympics or UEFA Euro Championship, for example — you might be surprised to learn that not every pub will be showing the games.
If you’re new to Tokyo, you also might be surprised to learn that many bars would struggle to fit 10 Japanese contortionists, let alone a group of rambunctious sports fans, inside their walls.
But fear not! If you know where to look, there are plenty of Tokyo sports bars for casual viewers and hardcore fans alike to get their fix.
HUB
All over TokyoWhat sports are on? Soccer and other key sports
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There aren’t that many big chain sports bars here in Tokyo, but this one in particular stands out as a safe, accessible choice. If you’re staying in central Tokyo, there’s a good chance you’ll find a HUB nearby. HUB is designed like a British pub in the mid-90s and while it can seem less polished for some, it does have a few saving graces for sports fans.
Most important are their big screens and projectors up the wazoo, as well as drinks of all kinds at some of Tokyo’s most competitive prices. They’re also usually packed with like-minded individuals, so it’s an obvious choice if you’re looking to make friends and get acquainted with the locals.
Hobgoblin
Shibuya and RoppongiWhat sports are on? Soccer, UFC, and other key sports
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Well known by locals and expats alike, Hobgoblin is one of Tokyo’s more prominent British-style pubs with locations in the lively areas of Shibuya and Roppongi. Hobgoblin deals mainly in beers and real ales, including its namesake, Hobgoblin. It’s well worth contacting the place to book a table in advance — there’s every chance it’ll be heaving with excited fans on match days.
The Footnik
Ebisu and OsakiWhat sports are on? J League and other key sports
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Adding to the pub chains is Footnik, an English-friendly restaurant and bar in both Ebisu and Ōsaki. You can reserve seats easily online, which is very handy if a popular game is on the schedule. Plus, you have all your pub favorites, including burgers, fish and chips, and a number of great beers on tap — just in case you need to drown your sorrows.
Celts
Shinbashi and NihonbashiWhat sports are on? Not announced
As the name suggests, Celts is a typical Tokyo Irish-style pub. There’s not an awful lot to say about Celts — the beer is varied, reasonably priced, and comes in pints (not always a given here), and there’s a good selection of other drinks and foods. There are two locations within a five-minute walk of each other, with a HUB nestled conveniently between them. Nihonbashi a good place to find nightlife and transport connections for after the match.
Hooters
GinzaWhat sports are on? NFL and other American sports
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Is it slightly creepy? Yes. Can you watch the match while eating the dismembered wings of a dozen chickens there? You certainly can. With so many other great bars around it’s a strange recommendation, but if you’re in a larger group and you can’t find anywhere else, Hooters might just be your saving grace.
Rugby Dinner No Side Club
TakadanobabaWhat sports are on? Paris Olympics Rugby Sevens and other rugby games
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So far we’ve named a lot of pubs and bars which have a little of everything, but if your heart and soul belongs to the rugby pitch, you might want to head here for the latest games. Along with regular showings of international matches, they’ll also show the local stuff that you might not get to see outside of Japan. They often hold events and talks here with sports experts, though mostly in Japanese. While they do add a ¥500 seating charge, the food is cheap and the drink list is long.
Kiten!
KōenjiWhat sports are on? J League, Paris Olympics Japan soccer games, and other sports
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Not all sports bars need to be pubs, and this homely Kōenji izakaya challenges that stereotype with a 100-inch TV and four other monitors broadcasting the latest baseball, soccer, and pro-wrestling matches. The downside is there is a seating charge of ¥400 on weekdays and ¥600 on weekends (with added charges for big games). Luckily, the food starts at only around ¥400.
Three Monkeys Cafe Ueno
UenoWhat sports are on? Soccer, rugby, and other sports
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The Three Monkeys Cafe in Ueno knows how to do entertainment. On regular nights, you’ll find patrons shooting darts, sipping a pint, and watching a game or two on the large screen. They show a variety of sports, from kickboxing to soccer, but note that major matches will require reservations. The all-you-can-drink deals are wallet-friendly and often come with various food choices — udon, pizza, pasta, etc. — handmade in-store. Also, because the bar is part of the popular entertainment chain Pasela Resorts, don’t forget their signature dish: Honey Toast — a large, breaded indulgence topped with sweet treats.
If you’re interested in more bars like this one, the chain also has similar bars in Shinjuku (Elephant Lounge) and Shibuya (Los Cabos).
The Public Six
RoppongiWhat sports are on? Not announced
With enough screens to keep any sports fan satisfied, The Publix Six provides a fancier experience. As a gastro pub, it still features pub classics but leveled up — think smoked potato salad and Japan-sourced meats. They also offer beer on tap and a generous amount of screens attached to the walls. The sports schedule isn’t readily available online, so you’ll have to message or call them up to check what they’re playing. Note that there is a cover charge for the tables.
Sports Bar Fiori
ShinjukuWhat sports are on? Soccer, Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, baseball, and other sports
Check the schedule
Fiori is a no-frills sports bar that is purely for those looking to get stuck into a game. They are open at all hours to show broadcasts from around the world. You can find their schedule on their website. For big events, you’ll have to reserve (usually from ¥2,800 per person incl. two drinks) or consider renting out the whole place for you and your enthusiastic mates.
FAQs and tips
Your questions answered.
Should I get all-you-can-drink?
A quick PSA on all-you-can-drink deals. Japanese bars and pubs often offer this option for parties and small groups. Basically, you pay a set fee, and for a limited time (usually around two hours) you can order as many drinks as you like (one at a time). While many Japanese people see this an easy way to split the bill and drink as they usually would, plenty of visitors see it as a drinking challenge. This writer speaks from bitter experience and encourages you not to fall into that trap.
Do I need to reserve a seat?
For big, anticipated sporting events — say a sporting world cup or the finals of a tournament — it is highly recommended you reserve a seat in advance. This is especially the case when Japan is playing in their respective field. You can do this in a majority of the places listed above, although sometimes only in Japanese. You’ll have to pay a seating charge but this usually comes with a few drinks.
Where else can I watch sports in Tokyo?
Bars are not the only place you can catch your favorite team or player play. Broadcasting channels such as NHK and Nippon TV will often show international sporting events if they are large enough. Alternatively, go to the official league’s website to watch online and stream in your hotel or rent out a karaoke room.
This article was first published in 2019 by Felix Wilson. Last update: June 2024.
