Episodes

Any trip to Japan would not be complete without a taste of some Japanese sake or nihonshu. Where can you do some shopping and then hop into a sake bar with a very knowledgeable host? Where can you see an artsy shop interior and sip milky grape sake? And where can you bring your own nibbles and try 100 types of sake? Find out all we know about sake and what we love about it!

A lot of people come to Tokyo to shop. And a popular destination for trendy clothing is United Arrows. Did you know that United Arrows has a bar? A trendy, dandy bar! Sip a Japanese whiskey cocktail with well-dressed bartenders and clientele. Then mosey on over Hobo Shinjuku, which means “almost Shinjuku” where there are a myriad of neon-lit places to eat and drink the night away. And how do most Japanese finish the night? With a trip to the local karaoke shop of course!

Let loose with salary workers over a selection of hard-to-find sake at Suzuden in Yotsuya. Trek through a Shibuya neighborhood of retro love hotels to enjoy a Danish pint at Mikkeller. And find out how purple potato salts can complement your cocktail at Bar Trench in Ebisu!

Two completely different experiences on opposite ends of Tokyo, but you’ll love them both. Vibrant Bistro Shin will get you excited about eating elk within close quarters of your fellow reveling patrons. Take some time to walk around Arakicho before heading into Yotsuya KokuteIu (‘Cocktail’) for some whiskey and wine… Well, not so much wine, leave the wine list to Bistro Shin!

Explore the history of literary greats drinking at Donzoko in Shinjuku. Taste one of the first craft breweries in Japan – born out of a fish market no less! And pick your favorite bottle of wine and frozen junk food at Yamamoto Shoten in Ebisu – our favorite way to end a night of drinking!

Nearby the Tokyo Tower? Consider back-alley drinking in Tamachi! Feeling the munchies after your first round of drinks? Give one of the ubiquitous Conas a try! Thirsty for a craft beer away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku? Say yes to YYG!

Have you ever visited a Japanese izakaya before? These lively establishments are the lifeblood of Japan’s eating and drinking scene, and provide a peak into the country’s unique social and drinking culture. 1. Irasshai! Irrasshaimase! いらっしゃい！いらっしゃいませ！ Don’t run out by the loud voices welcoming you into the izakaya! This is a typical greeting you will get when entering an izakaya. It often signifies the level of customer service you’ll get. The louder the better! Once the staff greet you, just b...

We’re very excited to be back to drinking Tokyo! And it’s lovely to see so many tourists back in Japan. We hope everyone can enjoy the izakayas, bars, and restaurants Japan has to offer!