Do you know about the Japanese beer gardens that are held in the summer? In Japan, beer gardens open all over the country as summer approaches, and there is a culture where people can enjoy drinks and food in a lively atmosphere.

This time, we will introduce six beer gardens that are part of Japanese food culture and are recommended for summer. We have also summarized popular restaurants in eastern Japan and how to enjoy beer gardens.

■Recommended for summer! The charm of beer gardens

Beer gardens in Japan are a summer tradition and have their own unique culture. The event is usually held from April to September, and becomes more popular during the summer. Many restaurants have an all-you-can-drink/all-you-can-eat format with a 2-hour limit.

Each beer garden has its own characteristics, where you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks and food in a lively atmosphere. In addition, the following styles are the main types of beer gardens:

・Rooftop
・Garden
・Hotel/Restaurant
・Event
・Hideout

Enjoy the rooftop beer garden while enjoying the view from the top of the skyscraper. You can enjoy the Japanese seasonal feel in the garden rich in nature. The hotel/restaurant offers high-quality service and food, and the beer garden associated with the event offers a festival-like feel. For those who prefer a calm atmosphere, a hidden restaurant is recommended.

■Introducing how to enjoy beer gardens

To enjoy the beer garden, we recommend making a reservation first. It’s best to make reservations in advance, especially at popular restaurants, as they may be fully booked. By checking the food and atmosphere in advance, you can enjoy the restaurant in a way that suits your purpose. It’s also a good idea to check if the event will be held in rainy weather and if it can be used from noon.

Summer nights in Japan are hot, so it’s best to wear light and cool clothing. It is also important to take sun protection and insect repellent measures. When enjoying alcohol at a beer garden, be sure to follow good manners and take appropriate breaks.

■6 recommended summer beer gardens in eastern Japan

Beer gardens in Japan can be said to be an event to help people survive the hot summer. There are also many attractive shops. Here we will introduce six beer gardens in eastern Japan that are recommended for summer.

【Tokyo/Ikebukuro】I want to enjoy a lively summer! Blue sky craft beer garden

At Aozora Craft Beer Garden, you can enjoy the only foreign beer on tap in Tokyo. We have all-you-can-pour draft beer from the barrel as well as beers from around the world, so it’s also recommended for people who want to drink a lot of alcohol. The barbecue plan, which includes unlimited craft cider, is also popular.

Not only can you enjoy affordable barbecue and delicious meat, but you can also enjoy ramen and other a la carte items. The location is on the rooftop of the Tobu Department Store, which is directly connected to Ikebukuro Station, so it is easily accessible.

【Tokyo/Ginza】Elegant adult time! Ginza Sky Beer Terrace

Ginza Sky Beer Terrace is located on the 13th floor of Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan and offers a panoramic view of the night view from 40 meters above ground. It is run by Tokyo Guest House, which has been in business since 1921, so you can enjoy the taste of a long-established restaurant that has been in business for over 100 years. You will be able to enjoy an elegant moment in the openness of the city center.

There are two-hour all-you-can-drink plans and 1.5-hour all-you-can-drink plans. The food is mainly home-cooked one-plate dishes, but there are also a la carte items such as curry and edamame.

【Tokyo/Ochanomizu】Enjoy the coolness of Japan! Matcha beer garden

Matcha Beer Garden is a restaurant where you can enjoy drinks and meals made with matcha. It is held as a seasonal event of “RESTAURANT 1899 OCHANOMIZU”, which has been featured in the Michelin Guide Tokyo for eight consecutive years. This is a shop where you can experience “eating tea” with alcohol.

The most popular drink is Matcha Beer, which matches the sharpness of beer with the mellowness of matcha. Matcha wine cocktails and matcha non-alcoholic cocktails are also popular.

【Kanagawa/Yokohama】The closest hotel beer garden to the sea! Hama Beer!

Hama Beer is a limited-time beer garden located inside the Yokohama Grand InterContinental Hotel. Enjoy a resort-like atmosphere in a spectacular location closest to the sea. At night, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Minato Mirai from the bayside terrace.

With a wide selection of drinks such as self-service draft beer and cocktails, everyone from adults to children will have a relaxing time here. Meals are buffet style with hot and cold dishes.

【Tochigi/Utsunomiya】Plenty of a la carte options too! Ginza Lion Beer Garden Tobu Utsunomiya store

Ginza Lion Beer Garden Tobu Utsunomiya store is located on the 9th floor of Tobu Utsunomiya Department Store, in the center of Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. This beer garden has an open atmosphere and is familiar to Japanese people. We use local ingredients and offer a wide selection of everything from barbecue to a la carte.

Dishes include meat such as Genghis Khan, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki skewers. Shaved ice, a must-have for summer, is also popular. All course plans come with all-you-can-drink.

【Miyagi/Sendai】Directly connected to the market! East-West Beer Garden

Tozai Beer Garden is a store that evolved from the “Sendai Morning Market” that continued after the war. We sell fresh ingredients from the Sendai Morning Market, which flourished as the kitchen of Sendai. There is a barbecue and a buffet with over 50 types of food, and you can also enjoy the seafood of Sanriku. Yakitori and takoyaki are also popular at the buffet.

There is a wide selection of drinks, mainly malt beer, so even on rainy days you can enjoy a relaxing drink under the tent. There is also a monetary system where you can order additional items.

■Summer-only beer garden! Enjoy Japanese food culture to the fullest

Beer gardens, where you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks and food, are a true part of Japanese food culture. There are many shops with various characteristics, and it is also attractive that you can enjoy it in a way that suits your purpose. Be sure to visit one of the recommended summer beer gardens in eastern Japan and enjoy the seasonal flavors.

【Q&A】
Q: How should I choose a beer garden?
A: In Japan, there are many beer gardens with barbecue and buffet style. If you want to eat well, choose your favorite meal format or genre. If you want to have a light meal, we recommend restaurants that have a la carte or snack menus.

Q: Are there any precautions to take at beer gardens in Japan?
A: Summer in Japan is hot and humid even at night, so it’s helpful to have a handkerchief to wipe your sweat and a handy fan to protect you from the heat. Some stores have regular holidays, so be sure to check their business days in advance.