Guest Post: When in Tokyo, Do What the Locals Do – Stay and Drink

Today’s guest post is written by Todd Wassel in support of the Blog4Japan, an ongoing blogging campaign to raise awareness and help fund local Japanese organizations working with the survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

When in Tokyo do what the Locals Do… Stay and Drink

There has been a lot of talk in the Japanese media recently about “fly-jin”, a play on words for the Japanese term for foreigners, “gaijin.” While it’s true the tsunami and ongoing disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant have caused a number of foreigners to leave the country, it is also true that a lot stayed, just like the Japanese.

My wife is in Tokyo (well, she is Japanese), all of my foreign friends are still in Tokyo, and much of the mass hysteria I saw at the beginning of the disaster was the result of natural worry during a lack of information. Now that things have settled down a bit, the best thing we can do for Japan is continue to visit, support the recovery, and let everyone know it is still a safe place to visit.

There are a lot of things to do in Tokyo, but, as summer approaches and the air conditioning is sure to be in short supply due to energy cuts, it’s time to act like a local and enjoy a nice cool beer, or two, or three, or…. well, you get the point. I myself will be doing just this as I head over to Japan in June. So this is not idle advice, but a master plan from a long-time resident of Japan.

I was told recently that besides bottled water, batteries, and flashlights, the current biggest scarcity in Tokyo is beer. Yes, that’s right, beer. With the major manufactures having their plants in the north, their production capacity has been affected. But fear not, I always have a plan when it comes to beer. If you are in Tokyo, here are the best places to enjoy a draft while helping to boost the economy.

Our first stop is in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This is the easiest of all suggestions, if your timing is right, and fits right in with the Japanese practice of hanami, partying under the cherry blossoms. Grab a few beers from a convenience store (yes, they all sell beer) or out of a vending machine (yes, these exist too) and head to your nearest park to drink under the trees. For especially lively times, I recommend Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen or Sumida Park.

If you’re worried about the big beer companies running out of supplies, don’t worry, there is a thriving craft beer scene in Japan. In June, the Great Japan Beer Festival kicks off at Ebisu Garden Hall. This is your chance to sample over 120 Japanese micro brews. If you don’t mind crowded places with lots of beer drinkers (who could hate that?), this is the place for you. There are three sessions held on June 4 (11.30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-7.30 p.m.) and June 5 (12-4 p.m.) with tickets costing 500 yen each (about $5).

If you are looking for something a little less crowded where you can sit, it’s time to hit one of the hundreds of beer gardens that open around the city in the summer. Let’s face it, Tokyo can get hot in the summer, so I recommend heading to the riverfront to quench your thirst. TY Harbor Brewery is right on the intersection of Tennoz and Shibaura canals and produces great ales right on-site. No need to worry about lack of production here. Even better is the knowledge that 10% of all sales go to help children in the tsunami-affected areas.

Finally, if you are more of a pub crawling type, but still love the taste of a nice craft beer, then here is a great list of atmospheric bars in the Tokyo and Yokohama area. Just check out the Tokyo Beer Map for a comprehensive list and which train lines serve the bars.

Extra bonus round: Yes, of course there has to be an after party, what kind of beer tour guide do you think I am? If you are in Tokyo in June, July or August, get in touch with me. I’d be happy to let you buy me a beer.

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Todd is a writer and conflict resolution specialist. You can follow more of Todd’s adventures and lifestyle advice at Todd’s Wanderings and/or connect with him on Facebook and Twitter @toddwassel.

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