Although we have seen many foreign tourists drinking on the streets, it has been decided that drinking on the streets will be banned in the area around Shibuya Station. Therefore, we would like to introduce some recommended drinking spots around Shibuya Station. Please take a look at our recommendations, the atmosphere of the restaurants, accessibility, and other information.
■Nighttime street drinking banned for the year.
Street drinking has been banned in the vicinity of Shibuya Station at night throughout the year. The reason for the ban is the increase in the number of tourists and young people drinking on the streets outside of Halloween and the year-end and New Year’s holidays.
Originally, there was a string of problems caused by alcohol intoxication during Halloween and New Year’s holidays. For this reason, street drinking is prohibited only during Halloween and the year-end and New Year’s holidays. However, as drinking on the streets became more noticeable outside of Halloween and New Year’s holidays, it was decided that drinking on the streets would be prohibited at all times during the year in order to prevent problems from occurring.
The following areas are being considered for the drinking ban
・North side of Shibuya Station
・Around the ward office
・Around Miyashita Park
・Maruyama-cho and other areas
The time period between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the next day is being considered for the ban, and the ordinance is scheduled to go into effect in October 2024.
No penalties will be imposed at this time. However, penalties may be imposed if there is no improvement in street drinking.
Although street drinking has been banned, there are many drinking spots around Shibuya Station. Below is a list of ten of them. Please refer to them.
■Nonbei Yokocho, a recommended drinking spot famous overseas
Nonbei Yokocho is located in the center of Shibuya Ward. The buildings in the alley still retain the atmosphere of the Showa period (1926-1989), giving visitors a sense of old Japan.
It is characterized by a series of restaurants with rich individuality, such as oden restaurants and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) where small dishes are served.
■【Izakaya】Recommended Drinking Spots
We will introduce four locations that not only offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, but also a wide selection of food and snacks. We have focused on izakayas that are within walking distance of Shibuya Station, so those who are unfamiliar with Tokyo and anxious can go there without worry.
Popular Sake Bar Sake-no-Maruko, where you can enjoy Japanese food and drinks
Mpopular Sake Bar Sake Maruko is a popular bar that offers not only a la carte dishes but also course meals.
Since the main cuisine is Japanese, many of the dishes are fish dishes, and there is a wide selection of dishes that go well with shochu (distilled spirit). There are also snacks such as quail marinated in lemon soy sauce and bonito chubu.
A wide variety of drinks are available, including natural wines, highballs, and sours.
Thermae Shibuya Dogenzaka Izumi offers a wide variety of food and drinks
Thermae Shibuya Dogenzaka Izumi is a restaurant with a twist faucet drink service.
Drinks are available as single items or as much as you can drink, and the twist faucet service is available for all-you-can-drink. A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are available, including sours, cocktails, shochu, sake, wine, and soft drinks.
The menu is also attractive, and includes a yudofu set, a bean curd set with oboro tofu, terumae skewers, beef hamburger steak, and five specialties of dote-ni.
Gokuraku Shaba Genten” with Flame Halateki as its signature dish
Gokuraku Shaba Genten is an izakaya (Japanese style bar) where you can enjoy drinks in a lively, food cart-like atmosphere.
The restaurant’s motto is to serve delicious food quickly, so you will be able to enjoy conversation and drinks over the food. Signature dishes are the Flame Harateki and Chicken Stew.
Sake-Toku Jutoku offers a wide variety of snacks and drinks
Sake-Toku Jutoku is an izakaya that has been in business for 30 years.
There are banquet courses, Japanese a la carte dishes, and many snacks. Since there are more snacks than main dishes, we recommend this restaurant for those who want snacks with their main course of alcohol.
We have more than 80 kinds of sake, mostly Japanese sake. There are also some hidden sake brands, so if you like or are interested in sake, this is a good place to go.
■【Bar section】Recommended Drinking Spots
The following are recommended drinking spots in bars. We will introduce four locations, ranging from those with a luxurious atmosphere to those with a Japanese ambience, as well as those recommended for solo travelers.
BAR Sugahara Shibuya Honkan, where you can enjoy a bar in a Japanese atmosphere
BAR Sugahara Shibuya Honkan is a bar with a Japanese atmosphere.
The main drinks are whiskey and cocktails, as well as cognac and tequila. The specialty cocktails are originals and birthstone-inspired cocktails that you can ask the master to make for you.
You can have drinks and meals such as pasta in a private Japanese-style room, which is rare for a bar. Smokers can enter with peace of mind, as all seats are smoke-free.
BAR LITTS SHIBUYA, a DJ bar with a luxurious atmosphere
BAR LITTS SHIBUYA is a DJ bar that is not only flashy but also somewhat luxurious.
You can enjoy drinks standing up or sitting down while watching the DJs play. You can choose from several plans, including all-you-can-drink and party plans.
You can also enjoy a meal together as the menu includes satisfying dishes such as pizza and roast beef.
BAR Yagyo, the perfect bar for solo travelers
BAR Yagyo is a cozy bar with a 7-seat counter. Reservations can be made on the day of your visit, so if you are worried about seating, it is recommended to make a reservation before you go.
There are a few food items available, such as chicken stewed in tomato sauce, pickles, and other snacks and food that will fill your stomach.
For drinks, there is a selection of cocktails, sake, and shochu.
BAR IRIE is a classy cigar bar in the basement
BAR IRIE is a cigar bar located underground. The store itself sells a variety of cigars, which can be enjoyed with alcoholic beverages.
For drinks, cocktails incorporating seasonal fruits, whiskey, Japanese sake, etc. are available. Food is only available as snacks, so it is recommended as a place to stop by after finishing your meal.
Wine Tavern Dipunto Shibuya Ekimae Store, with the warmth of wood
Wine Tavern Dipunt Shibuya Ekimae is a wine tavern with a warm wooden interior throughout.
Enjoy wine and conversation with a table full of cheese platters and pizzas. Recommended for those who want to enjoy wine and food in a casual atmosphere.
■Enjoy drinks and conversation at a restaurant near Shibuya Station!
Although street drinking is no longer allowed, there are many drinking spots that offer food, snacks, and drinks that cannot be enjoyed on the street. There are also many restaurants that are a short walk from Shibuya Station, so please enjoy drinking while enjoying Japanese food and unique Japanese snacks.
【Q＆A】
Q.What are the areas around Shibuya Station where drinking on the street is not allowed?
A.The areas being considered include the north side of Shibuya Station, the area around the ward office, the Miyashita Park area, and Maruyamacho. More will be added, so please check when you go there.
Q.Is there a place to have a drink just outside of Shibuya Station?
A.There are many restaurants within a 10 min. walk. As we have introduced here, there are izakaya (Japanese style pubs), wine taverns, and bars, so you can enjoy drinking on a ladder.
