The best beer bars Japan

Since 2015, Kyoto Brewing has been crafting seasonally inspired craft beers in the heart of Kyoto. A friendly trio (an American, an Englishman and a Canadian) is behind this trendy brewery that opens the doors of its "taproom" and its terrace, on weekends, for the happiness of beer lovers and conviviality. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed. It is possible to buy their products in cans on the spot and to enjoy the food trucks. In case of an event, the taproom can close its doors on weekends.

Golden Gai's bars are numerous and not always accessible to those passing through, but we recommend this one: La Jetée is one of the bars to discover. It's run by Kawai-san, a Francophile Japanese woman with a passion for Nouvelle Vague cinema, and takes its name from Chris Marker's film La Jet ée. It has become a landmark for cinephiles, actors and directors alike. The list of celebrities who have passed through here is long, and includes Quentin Tarantino, Juliette Binoche and Francis Coppola.

Located above the Darumaya restaurant, 3 minutes away from the Spiral Garden, this café, which has been in existence since 1976, gives the impression of having been installed in the attic of a western country house. Once you climb the small staircase, you find yourself in a timeless place, where you could spend the whole afternoon chatting with friends. On the menu, we find all the classics of a Japanese café: small sandwiches with bread, tasty cakes and coffee served in nice cups. One of their specialities is the "au lait glacé".

A typical Irish pub located on the ^2nd floor of the building, appreciated by Japanese as well as Westerners. The house regularly organises events and entertainment to highlight Irish and even European culture. On the menu: many beers of course (at reasonable prices for Tokyo) but also something to eat. Among the international standards: hamburger pizzas, pasta ... rather successful. Not very typical, but nice. Tokyo has several other The Dubliners' pubs.

This café and bar located in the basement of a house dating from 1928 evokes the squat with dilapidated walls or the urban trash style. It is of course a meeting place for young hipsters. You can find cheap beers, and many small Spanish snacks. Tapas, ajillo, paella, the menu is rather exotic. The atmosphere is resolutely young, bohemian and without fuss. If you speak Japanese, you can easily mingle with the conversations and remake the world. We like it a lot. The address is also nice for a simple lunch based on curry or burger.

It's a cheerful and relaxed bar, where people stand around tables and counters. This facilitates exchanges and we are sure to meet other travellers or Japanese people who come for a drink after work. Ideal for a beginning or an end of evening, the bar is lively 7 days a week. Avoid if you want a quiet conversation. Beer is particularly cheap, as are the other alcohols on the menu. Sports matches are broadcast live at major events. Atmosphere guaranteed!