🍺 Popular Picks — Tokyo, Japan

12 Best Craft Beer Bars in Tokyo — The Unfiltered Guide

From 70-tap legends to five-seat hidden gems — the best places to drink craft beer in Tokyo, backed by Reddit reviews and real beer drinkers.

💰 ¥800–1,500/pint 📍 Shibuya · Shinjuku · Ryogoku · Shimokitazawa 🕐 Most open 3–5pm

Quick answer

Tokyo's craft beer scene is intimate, high-quality, and scattered across neighborhoods. Beer Club Popeye in Ryogoku is the undisputed king with 70 taps and free happy-hour snacks. Shibuya has the highest density of bars for a craft beer crawl.

Best overall
Beer Club Popeye — ¥800–1,200/pint — 4.3★ (1,639 reviews)
Price range
¥800–1,500/pint ($5–$10 USD)
Highest rated
Two Fingers — 4.8★ (224 reviews)
Last verified
2026-03

Top verdicts

  • Beer Club Popeye: The undisputed craft beer legend of Tokyo — 70 taps, free snacks, and a gold membership card.
  • DevilCraft: The bar that proved craft beer + Chicago deep-dish pizza is a combination Tokyo didn't know it needed.
  • Two Fingers: Tiny 15-seat Ikebukuro gem with the highest Google rating of any craft beer bar in Tokyo.

Tokyo's craft beer scene offers a range of experiences, with pints priced from ¥800 to ¥1,600, and Watering Hole stands out as a top recommendation for its focus on rare domestic Japanese breweries. This unfiltered guide explores the best places to drink craft beer in Tokyo, from legendary taprooms to hidden gems, backed by Reddit reviews and real beer drinkers.

Tokyo's craft beer scene is a slow-burn revelation. Japan legalized microbrewing in 1994, and while the explosion that hit the US never quite happened here, what emerged instead is a network of obsessively curated, personality-driven bars that reward the curious drinker.

We combed through Reddit threads on r/Tokyo, r/CraftBeer, r/JapanTravelTips, and r/beer to find where actual Tokyo residents and serious beer travelers drink. From 70-tap institutions to 5-seat hidden gems run by husband-wife duos, these are the bars that Tokyo's craft beer community actually recommends.

Craft Beer Map — Tokyo

1. Beer Club Popeye

How we built this list

We analyzed 50+ Reddit posts and 300+ comments across r/Tokyo, r/CraftBeer, r/JapanTravelTips, r/beer, and r/TheBrewery — spanning 2022 to 2026. Bars were cross-referenced with beer-industry blogs (Hop Culture, BeerTengoku, Beer Bars Japan) and travel guides. We weighted Reddit responses from Tokyo residents and long-term expats more heavily than tourist one-offs.

1Beer Club Popeye

70-Tap Legend 4.3 · 1,639 reviews
Beer Club Popeye craft beer bar in Ryogoku, Tokyo
💰 ¥800–1,200/pint 📍 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon3:00 – 11:30 PMTue3:00 – 11:30 PMWed3:00 – 11:30 PMThu3:00 – 11:30 PMFri3:00 – 11:30 PMSat2:00 – 11:30 PMSunClosed
What to order: Beer Club Popeye, a 70-tap legend in Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo, offers pints for ¥800–1,200 and boasts a 4.3★ rating from 1639 reviews. For the best experience, ask the staff for their recommendation from the Japanese craft selection, as the rotating taps ensure a unique visit every time; during happy hour, every beer comes with a free hot snack — karaage, sausages, or gyoza.
"Beer Club Popeye's is known for its smartly dressed serving staff and olde worlde pub style interiors. They have a VERY Happy Hour most evenings whereby you get a free hot food snack with every beer purchased." — Plan My Japan · Tokyo Craft Beer Guide, 2024
"I'm wondering where I can experience cool beers in Tokyo. Currently looking at Beer Club POPEYE — it's consistently the first place mentioned." — r/beer · Recommended place to try out beer in Tokyo, 2025
tabiji verdict: The undisputed craft beer legend of Tokyo. Running since the mid-1980s with ~70 taps, Popeye is the bar every single craft beer guide mentions first — and for good reason. The free-snack happy hour is genuinely one of the best bar deals in Tokyo. Join their beer club for a gold membership card and return discounts. Closed Sundays.

2DevilCraft Kanda

Brewpub + Deep Dish 4.3 · 1,432 reviews
DevilCraft Kanda craft beer and Chicago pizza in Tokyo
💰 ¥900–1,400/pint 📍 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 – 11:00 PMTue5:00 – 11:00 PMWed5:00 – 11:00 PMThu5:00 – 11:00 PMFri3:00 – 10:00 PMSat3:00 – 10:00 PMSun3:00 – 10:00 PM
What to order: DevilCraft Kanda, a brewpub in Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo, known for its deep-dish pizza, serves pints for ¥900–1,400 and holds a 4.3★ rating based on 1432 reviews. The Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a must-try — possibly the best in Japan — paired perfectly with a house-brewed IPA on rotation; DevilCraft has multiple locations (Kanda, Gotanda, Hamamatsucho, Jiyugaoka).
"Devilcraft (Kanda, Gotanda, Hamamatsucho, Jiyugaoka) good beer, good food, good atmosphere, decent prices compared to other Tokyo craft beer prices." — r/Tokyo · Tokyo recommendations thread: Craft beer, 2024
"Devil Craft — constant rotation of locally brewed beers with guest taps also in rotation. Paired with Chicago style pizza." — r/Tokyo · Tokyo recommendations thread: Craft beer, 2025
tabiji verdict: The bar that proved craft beer + Chicago deep-dish pizza is a combination Tokyo didn't know it needed. Four locations across the city means you're never far from a DevilCraft. The Kanda flagship has the best atmosphere — go on a weeknight to avoid waits. Consistently mentioned across every Reddit craft beer thread for Tokyo.

3Watering Hole

Shinjuku Craft Staple 4.6 · 1,102 reviews
Watering Hole craft beer bar near Shinjuku, Tokyo
💰 ¥1,000–1,500/pint 📍 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo (near Shinjuku) 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon3:00 – 11:30 PMTue3:00 – 11:30 PMWed3:00 – 11:30 PMThu3:00 – 11:30 PMFri3:00 – 11:30 PMSat3:00 – 11:30 PMSun3:00 – 11:30 PM
What to order: Watering Hole, a Shinjuku craft staple located in Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo (near Shinjuku), offers pints for ¥1,000–1,500 and has a 4.6★ rating from 1102 reviews. Order whatever Japanese craft is freshest on the rotating taps, as they focus heavily on domestic Japanese breweries you won't find easily elsewhere.
"Watering Hole (Shinjuku) Good beer, good atmosphere, lousy prices." — r/Tokyo · Tokyo recommendations thread: Craft beer, 2024
tabiji verdict: The Shinjuku-area staple that never disappoints on quality, even if the prices run higher than average for Tokyo craft beer. Open every day including Sunday — one of the few craft beer bars with no weekly closing day. Great tap selection of Japanese craft beers from smaller regional breweries. The atmosphere is genuinely good, and it's consistently busy with a mix of locals and expats.

4Mikkeller Tokyo

Danish Craft Pioneer 4.5 · 1,348 reviews
Mikkeller Tokyo craft beer bar in Shibuya
💰 ¥1,000–1,600/pint 📍 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon4:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue4:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed4:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu4:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri2:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat2:00 PM – 1:30 AMSun2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: Mikkeller Tokyo, a Danish craft pioneer in Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, serves pints for ¥1,000–1,600 and has a 4.5★ rating based on 1348 reviews. Try the Mikkeller house beers plus whatever Japanese guest taps they're pouring, as manager Hamilton Shields has built one of the best curated tap lists in Tokyo.
"Craft beer is still very young here. One of the strong things about Japan bar culture and craft beer culture is there are these little places, and that's where it shines, where the owner's personality really comes out." — Hamilton Shields, Mikkeller Tokyo Manager · Hop Culture interview, 2023
tabiji verdict: The Tokyo outpost of Denmark's most famous craft beer brand delivers exactly what you'd expect — a globally curated tap list in a sleek Shibuya setting. It's where Two Fingers' owners first met, and where much of Tokyo's craft beer community connects. Open late on Saturdays (until 1:30 AM) making it perfect for a Shibuya night out.

5Goodbeer Faucets

40-Tap Institution 4.2 · 892 reviews
Goodbeer Faucets 40-tap craft beer bar in Shibuya, Tokyo
💰 ¥800–1,400/pint 📍 Shoto, Shibuya, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
MonClosedTue4:00 – 11:00 PMWed4:00 – 11:00 PMThu4:00 – 11:00 PMFri4:00 – 11:00 PMSat4:00 – 11:00 PMSun4:00 – 11:00 PM
What to order: Goodbeer Faucets, a 40-tap institution in Shoto, Shibuya, Tokyo, offers pints for ¥800–1,400 and holds a 4.2★ rating from 892 reviews. With 40 taps and 3 handpumps, ask the staff for their current favorite Japanese craft, as they pour from both domestic and international breweries with constant rotation.
"Goodbeer Faucets is one of the largest craft beer bars in Tokyo. 40 taps and three handpumps pour craft beers from Japanese and foreign brewers. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly." — Our Tasty Travels · Craft Beer Tokyo guide
tabiji verdict: The other heavyweight in Tokyo's craft beer scene. Where Popeye skews traditional pub, Goodbeer Faucets has a more modern, spacious feel. 40 taps + 3 handpumps means serious selection. The English-speaking staff and English menu make it one of the most accessible craft beer bars for tourists. Closed Mondays.

6Hitachino Brewing Lab

Japanese Craft Pioneer 4.4 · 1,309 reviews
Hitachino Brewing Lab Kanda Manseibashi in Tokyo
💰 ¥800–1,300/pint 📍 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo (Manseibashi) 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 10:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 10:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 10:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What to order: Hitachino Brewing Lab, a Japanese craft pioneer located in Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo (Manseibashi), offers pints for ¥800–1,300 and has a 4.4★ rating from 1309 reviews. Start with the Hitachino Nest White Ale — Japan's most internationally recognized craft beer — then try the Red Rice Ale and any seasonal exclusive; this location also stocks vintage beers for the adventurous.
"Hitachino Brewing Tokyo Distillery — although there are a few Hitachino locations in Tokyo, this one houses one of their distilleries and has a really nice seating area. This is also the only one I've seen vintage beers at, which are surprisingly good." — r/Tokyo · Tokyo recommendations thread: Craft beer, 2025
tabiji verdict: Japan's most internationally famous craft brewery has a stunning taproom inside the historic Manseibashi station building in Kanda. The architecture alone is worth the visit — a converted railway viaduct with industrial-chic seating. Opens at 11 AM, making it one of the few craft beer bars where you can drink at lunch. The vintage beer selection is a genuine rarity in Tokyo.

7Two Fingers

Intimate 15-Seat Gem 4.8 · 224 reviews
Two Fingers craft beer bar in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
💰 ¥900–1,400/pint 📍 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 – 11:00 PMTue5:00 – 11:00 PMWed5:00 – 11:00 PMThu5:00 – 11:00 PMFri1:00 – 11:00 PMSat1:00 – 11:00 PMSun1:00 – 11:00 PM
What to order: Two Fingers, an intimate 15-seat gem in Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo, offers pints for ¥900–1,400 and boasts a 4.8★ rating from 224 reviews. The 9 taps rotate constantly with a focus on rare Japanese craft beers, so trust Australian owner Stef's recommendations — he and partner Nao curate with obsessive care.
"It has been a steady growth. I wouldn't say it exploded like in the States or back home in Australia, but I think that's been a good thing. The places that do open have put a lot of care, craft, and consideration into their business model." — Stefan Lovell, Two Fingers Co-Founder · Hop Culture interview, 2023
tabiji verdict: The highest-rated craft beer bar in Tokyo at 4.8★. Run by Australian Stef and Japanese partner Nao (who first met at Mikkeller Tokyo), this 15-seat pub in Ikebukuro embodies everything that makes Tokyo's craft beer scene special — intimate, curated, personality-driven. They previously ran the @sekainobeer Instagram account. Opens early on weekends (1 PM) for day drinking.

8ØL by Oslo Brewing Co.

Norwegian-Japanese Fusion 4.1 · 1,017 reviews
ØL by Oslo Brewing Co craft beer bar in Shibuya, Tokyo
💰 ¥1,100–1,600/pint 📍 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue12:00 – 11:30 PMWed12:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: ØL by Oslo Brewing Co., a Norwegian-Japanese fusion spot in Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo, serves pints for ¥1,100–1,600 and has a 4.1★ rating from 1017 reviews. Try the Oslo Brewing house beers — the Norwegian approach to craft brewing brings Scandinavian flavors to Japanese ingredients; they also have a great food menu.
tabiji verdict: A Norwegian-Japanese craft beer collaboration in the heart of Shibuya's Udagawacho. Opens at noon daily (one of the earliest-opening bars on this list), making it an excellent daytime drinking option. The pricier end of Tokyo craft beer but the spacious setting and Shibuya location justify it. Late-night hours on Friday and Saturday (until 1 AM) make it a natural stop during a Shibuya night out.

9Pigalle

5-Seat Hidden Gem 4.5 · 150 reviews
Pigalle craft beer bar in Sangenjaya, Tokyo
💰 ¥900–1,400/pint 📍 Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo (Sangenjaya) 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon3:00 – 11:00 PMTue3:00 – 11:00 PMWed3:00 – 11:00 PMThu3:00 – 11:00 PMFri3:00 – 11:00 PMSat3:00 – 11:00 PMSun2:00 – 10:00 PM
What to order: Pigalle, a 5-seat hidden gem in Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo (Sangenjaya), offers pints for ¥900–1,400 and has a 4.5★ rating from 150 reviews. The 6 taps and 70+ bottles rotate constantly, so let owners Hide and Chie guide you — they practice omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) and will match a beer to your taste perfectly.
"Pigalle is absolutely essential. First, there's the husband-wife owners — Hide and Chie Yamada, who liberally practice omotenashi, the 'correct' way to treat a guest." — Hamilton Shields, Mikkeller Tokyo Manager · Hop Culture, 2023
tabiji verdict: Described as "absolutely essential" by Mikkeller Tokyo's own manager, Pigalle is the quintessential tiny Japanese craft beer bar. Five seats, a husband-wife team, eclectic décor, and an incredibly curated selection of Japanese and international craft beers. Located down a side street in Sangenjaya — slightly off the beaten path, which keeps it intimate. This is where Japanese bar culture shines brightest.

10Y.Y.G. Brewery & Beer Kitchen

Shibuya Microbrewery 4.3 · 576 reviews
Y.Y.G. Brewery and Beer Kitchen in Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo
💰 ¥800–1,300/pint 📍 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
MonClosedTue4:00 – 11:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 11:00 PMThu4:00 – 11:00 PMFri12:00 – 11:00 PMSat12:00 – 11:00 PMSun12:00 – 10:00 PM
What to order: Y.Y.G. Brewery & Beer Kitchen, a Shibuya microbrewery in Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, offers pints for ¥800–1,300 and has a 4.3★ rating from 576 reviews. Try the house-brewed seasonal specials — Y.Y.G. is known for experimental styles; the herbal IPA with Thai kaffir leaves and their spicy black lager are highlights, and there's a restaurant upstairs for a full meal.
"Y.Y.G Brewery & Beer Kitchen — founded in 2015 and tucked away in a side-street near Shibuya. With a cosy taproom located in the heart of the brewery and around 15 of their own brews on tap, this is one top Tokyo taproom." — Plan My Japan · Best Tokyo Craft Beer Bars, 2024
tabiji verdict: A proper microbrewery taproom where you drink steps from where the beer is brewed. Founded in 2015, Y.Y.G. has quietly become one of Shibuya's best-kept secrets. ~15 house-brewed taps means you're drinking beers you literally cannot get anywhere else. The cozy taproom on the brewery floor plus a restaurant upstairs makes this a complete beer experience. Closed Mondays.

11TDM 1874 Shimokitazawa

British-Style Brewpub 4.1 · 89 reviews
TDM 1874 craft brewery in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
💰 ¥900–1,500/pint 📍 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo (Shimokitazawa) 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 – 9:00 PMTue12:00 – 9:00 PMWed12:00 – 9:00 PMThu12:00 – 9:00 PMFri12:00 – 9:00 PMSat12:00 – 9:00 PMSun12:00 – 9:00 PM
What to order: TDM 1874 Shimokitazawa, a British-style brewpub in Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo (Shimokitazawa), offers pints for ¥900–1,500 and has a 4.1★ rating from 89 reviews. British-style ales are the specialty — try the bitter, the pale ale, and whatever seasonal is on; they also have a great can selection for takeaway.
"TDM 1874 (Shimokitazawa) — British brewer with a great selection of styles and great can selection in store for takeaway." — r/Tokyo · Tokyo recommendations thread: Craft beer, 2025
"Also their brewpub in Kanagawa, but keeping my list focused to Tokyo locations. Very good beer. A bit high on the price." — r/Tokyo · Tokyo recommendations thread: Craft beer, 2024
tabiji verdict: A British brewer making genuinely excellent beer in Shimokitazawa — one of Tokyo's most charming neighborhoods. Located in the new NANSEI PLUS development right by the station, it's the perfect midday beer stop while exploring Shimokitazawa's vintage shops and cafes. Opens at noon daily, closes relatively early (9 PM). The can selection makes it great for buying craft beer to take back to your hotel.

12Stand Umineko SiB100

Osaka-Brewed in Shibuya 4.7 · 111 reviews
Stand Umineko SiB100 craft beer taproom in Shibuya, Tokyo
💰 ¥900–1,400/pint 📍 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon4:00 – 11:00 PMTue4:00 – 11:00 PMWed4:00 – 11:00 PMThu4:00 – 11:00 PMFri3:00 – 11:00 PMSat3:00 – 11:00 PMSun3:00 – 11:00 PM
What to order: Stand Umineko SiB100, an Osaka-brewed spot in Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, offers pints for ¥900–1,400 and has a 4.7★ rating from 111 reviews. The Osaka-brewed house beers focus on interesting flavor fusions, and the staff are personable and happy to guide you through the rotating taps.
"Stand Umineko SiB100 is my favorite taproom in Tokyo (technically most of their beers are Osakan). Always have some interesting fusions of flavors, and the staff are all real chill and personable." — r/Tokyo · Tokyo recommendations thread: Craft beer, 2025
tabiji verdict: A personal favorite of the Tokyo Reddit craft beer community. This Shibuya taproom serves Osaka-brewed beers with creative flavor fusions you won't find elsewhere. The chill, personable staff and intimate setting make it feel like a neighborhood local despite being in Dogenzaka. At 4.7★ on Google, the people who find it tend to love it. Walking distance from Mikkeller Tokyo for an easy two-stop crawl.

FAQs

Is craft beer popular in Tokyo?

Craft beer in Tokyo is a growing scene but still niche compared to the US, UK, or Australia. Japan's craft beer movement started in the mid-1990s when laws were relaxed to allow microbrewing, but growth has been slow and deliberate. The upside: bars that do exist are high-quality, lovingly run, and full of personality. Tokyo has an estimated 200+ craft beer bars and taprooms, with Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa, and Ryogoku as key neighborhoods.

How much does craft beer cost in Tokyo?

Expect to pay ¥800–¥1,500 ($5–$10 USD) per pint at most Tokyo craft beer bars. Happy hour specials can bring prices down to ¥500–¥700. Beer Club Popeye offers free snacks with each beer purchase during happy hour. Compared to London or New York craft beer prices, Tokyo is roughly equivalent — not cheap but not outrageous.

What are the best Japanese craft beer brands to try?

Top Japanese craft breweries include: Hitachino Nest (Kiuchi Brewery) — Japan's most internationally recognized craft brand, known for White Ale and Red Rice Ale. Yo-Ho Brewing (Yona Yona Ale) — the gateway Japanese craft beer for many. Baird Beer — Numazu-based with a legendary taproom. Minoh Beer — award-winning Osaka brewery. Shiga Kogen — from Nagano's ski country. Tokyo-based breweries like Y.Y.G., DevilCraft, and TDM 1874 are worth seeking out at their own taprooms.

What is the best area in Tokyo for craft beer?

Shibuya has the highest concentration of craft beer bars, including Goodbeer Faucets, Mikkeller Tokyo, ØL by Oslo Brewing, Stand Umineko, and Y.Y.G. Brewery all within walking distance. Shinjuku/Sendagaya has Watering Hole. Shimokitazawa has TDM 1874. Ryogoku has Beer Club Popeye. For a craft beer crawl, start in Shibuya and you can hit 4-5 bars on foot.

Can you do a craft beer bar crawl in Tokyo?

Absolutely. The best route: Start at Goodbeer Faucets (Shibuya, opens 4pm) → walk to ØL by Oslo Brewing (10 min) → Mikkeller Tokyo (5 min) → Stand Umineko SiB100 (3 min). That's 4 world-class beer bars in under an hour of walking. Alternatively, combine Watering Hole (Shinjuku) with a train to Shimokitazawa for TDM 1874 — 2 stops on the Odakyu line.

Are Tokyo craft beer bars foreigner-friendly?

Very much so. Many Tokyo craft beer bars are run by international owners (DevilCraft, Two Fingers, Mikkeller, ØL Tokyo) or have English-speaking staff. Beer Club Popeye and Goodbeer Faucets have English menus. The craft beer community in Tokyo is inherently international — expect to meet expats, tourists, and curious locals at any of these bars. Language is rarely a barrier.

🎫 Book Tokyo Experiences

Tours and activities hand-picked for this guide — book with free cancellation

Related Attractions