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Summer leading into early fall is Tokyo's outdoor drinking season -- and there are lots of places to choose from. Here's a round-up of our favorite Tokyo beer gardens, organized by the best views, date spots, group venues, and fun local experiences. We've included a mix of summer-only and year-round beer gardens around Tokyo, so there will be somewhere to go no matter when you're wanting that pint. Best Tokyo beer gardens with a view Relax with a cold one in your hand and something pretty to look at. Beer Mount, Mount Takao June to October 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Official site Beer Mount is definitely the highest beer garden in Tokyo, 500 meters up Mount Takao. From your terrace, garden, or hall seat, you can enjoy the views from Takao day or night. There are four main types of Japanese beers with occasional festivals bringing added surprises. Apart from beer, you can also choose highball, wine, shochu, and cocktails. All are part of an unlimited drink plan. But this garden isn't just for drinking; the all-you-can-eat buffet includes an array of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. In 2024 there is also an option to add a grill-at-your-table BBQ option for per person (meat included). General prices start at for a two-hour free-for-all. Eki Beer, Asakusa June to September 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays; 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays Official site In Asakusa, you can sip your brew while gazing up at Tokyo Skytree. This beer garden, right on the Sumida River, sits on the rooftop of the Ekimise Building at Asakusa Station. With seating for 170, they offer a 90-minute all-you-can-drink course, plus a barbeque set, for , with a few other plans available too. À la carte beers start at a glass. Keio Asahi Sky Beer Garden, Shinjuku June to September 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays; 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays Official site Lord your pint over the workers of Shinjuku while lounging on the rooftop of Keio Department Store. The Keio Asahi Sky Beer Garden has an extensive menu, so enjoy your sparkling surroundings with a choice of over 30 types of drinks — of course, this includes Asahi Super Dry. Everything is self-serve, so thankfully you don’t have to wait around for your beer (a shortcoming of many beer gardens). If you go early between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (last entry 6 p.m.), you can get unlimited drinks for two hours, including snacks, for . The classic courses -- with all-you-can-drink and various food -- start at . Best Tokyo beer gardens for a date Cuddle up with a pint ... and your partner, of course. Garden Island, Shiba Park July to September (restaurant open year-round) 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Official site Woo your boo with the romantic backdrop of Tokyo Tower at Tokyo Prince Hotel’s very own beer garden. While the restaurant is open year-round, its indoor and outdoor seating fills with thirsty punters and BBQ enthusiasts in the summer. They also offer various seasonal food plans including unlimited drinks from . Sekirei, Motoakasaka May to October 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays only Official site, with reservations here For a flashy, more intimate beer garden, take yourself to the 19th-century building Meiji Kinenkan (a popular wedding venue) and spend the evening at Sekirei. The open-air restaurant gets pretty busy, so reservations are advised -- this starts at for a terrace or garden seat. There is a beer hall inside, which also happens on some weekends in August -- this area is considerably cheaper, starting at for an all-you-can-drink plan. Note: This place is not far from Forest Beer Garden, which is also on our list. Best beer gardens for a large group Planning a party or large gathering? You'll need a beer garden that can put bums on seats. Forest Beer Garden, Shinjuku April to September 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays Official site, with reservations here This almost 1000-person capacity beer garden is held in the Meiji Shrine Outer Grounds. The garden runs daily from late April to late September every year, and is open weekday evenings, as well as afternoons and evenings on weekends. Get an all-you-can-eat-and-drink option for that lasts two hours. This spot is a great pick for the sheer size and lovely location. Note: During the high season (July 20–August 31) the hours change to 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Korean BBQ Beer Garden, Ikebukuro April to September 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays; 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays Official site, with reservations here Held on the rooftop terrace of the Seibu Ikebukuro Department Store, this Tokyo beer garden is right next to the train station and seats close to 400. Their two-hour Korean BBQ and nomihōdai (all-you-can-drink) set is . On some days, there is hula dancing. Best beer gardens for a "local" experience Get off the tourist track and say kanpai with the salarymen. Citabria Baypark, Toyosu All year 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wed–Fri and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays in summer; closed on weekdays in winter Official site While this waterside venue may be a little out of the city center, you are rewarded for your efforts with a beautiful and alternative view of Tokyo. Citabria Baypark has only outdoor seating -- come rain or shine -- with rows of benches that sit under umbrellas. It is one of the locations for the Belgian Beer Festival, so it is set up nicely for a boozy evening out. A Heartland draft beer will cost you and a small pitcher . They also do a mean mojito and their oven-baked pizza and fish and chips aren’t too shabby either. For those who enjoy a bit of luxury, there are tents to rent, as well as add-on BBQ plans. Petit Garden, Shimokitazawa All year, except winter Times vary but generally, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends and holidays Official site Not all beer gardens are built for hundreds. What Petit Garden lacks in size, it makes up for in character and greenery. It has its own appointed gardener, and you can rent out the space for your very own BBQ beer garden parties. They have an à la carte menu including snacks, and serve beer from . Check out their opening times and occasional beer discounts on their Instagram. This article was first published in August 2014 and authored by Selena Hoy. It was extensively rewritten and updated by the editorial team in July 2024. While we try to make sure our information is accurate, details may vary. Reservations are strongly recommended for all of these venues. Note that public holidays follow a weekend schedule.

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