RSSTokyo Summer Guide to Drinking Beer
Apr 25
Fairly recently there has been a debate in the Japanese mass media regarding “fly-jin”, a play on words for the Japanese word for foreigners “gaijin.” Though it’s a fact the tsunami and continuing tragedy at the Fukushima nuclear plant have triggered quite a few foreigners to leave the country, it is also true that a large number remained just like the Japanese.
My wife is in Tokyo (well she is Japanese), many of my foreign good friends are still in Tokyo, and significant amounts of the mass hysteria I observed at the start of the disaster was the consequence of common fear during a period when very little information was available. Now that things have settled down somewhat, the most sensible thing we can do for Japan is continue to visit, support the recovery, and let everyone realize that it is even now a secure country to go to.
There are plenty of things to do in Tokyo, but as summer and spring approaches, and the air con is sure to be in tight supply on account of energy cuts, it’s time to react just like a local and enjoy a nice cold beer, or two, or three, or….well you understand. I personally will do this as I head over to Japan in June. So this is not idle advice, but a master strategy from a long time resident of Japan.
I was told just recently that other than bottled water, batteries, and flashlights, the current most common lack in Tokyo is beer. Yes, that’s right, beer. With the leading companies having their plants in the north their production ability has been impacted. But have no fear, I always have a strategy when in involves beer. If you’re in Tokyo the following are the perfect venues to indulge in a beer while helping to improve the economy.
Our first stop is in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This is the simplest of all the recommendations, if your timing is right, and fits right in with the Japanese custom of hanami, partying below the cherry blossoms. Grab a couple beers from a convenience store (yeah, they all have beer) or out of a vending machine (yup, these exist also) and visit your nearest park to imbibe under the sakura. For especially lively times I suggest Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen or Sumida Park.
If you are panicking at the thought of the big beer suppliers running out of supplies, don’t worry (well maybe you should worry about getting so emotional over it), there is a thriving micro beer market in Japan. In June the Great Japan Beer Festival kicks off at Ebisu Garden Hall. This is your chance to taste around 120 Japanese micro brews. If you don’t care about crowded places with a ton of beer lovers (who could hate that) this is the event for you. There are three sessions held on June 4 (11.30am-3pm and 4-7.30pm) and June 5 (12-4pm) with entrance tickets costing 500 yen each (about $5).
In case you are hoping for something a bit less crowded where you are able to sit, it is time to hit one of the scores of beer gardens that open throughout the city in the summer months. Let’s face it, Tokyo can get sweltering in the summer so I recommend going to the river front to satisfy your thirst. TY Harbor Brewery is on the intersection of Tennoz and Shibaura waterways and makes excellent ales right on location. No need to get worried about lack of production here. Better still is the fact that 10% of all sales go to assist kids in the tsunami affected zones.
Looking to find fun activities in Tokyo? Visit thingstodoin-tokyo.com to find great advice on travel to Tokyo
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