Western Honshū
This casual expat-run watering hole is popular with the city's English-speaking population. Alongside Aussie beers such as VB (of course), pub grub is…
Must-see nightlife in Japan
Nara
Fresh fruit smoothies are just what you need on a hot day of temple touring. The seasonal ones (melon in summer or persimmon in fall, for example, are the…
Downtown Kyoto
This fruit-juice specialist in Nishiki Market whips up all the usual favourites plus some exotics, such as dragonfruit juice. Look for the fruit on…
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
Vision is huge – by Tokyo standards – with four dance floors and room for 1000. Each room plays something different, be it house, hip-hop, EDM or J-pop,…
Harajuku & Aoyama
This tinted-glass cube is a calm, dimly lit retreat from the busy streets. It’s perfect for holing up with a pot of tea and watching the crowds go by. Or,…
Western Honshū
The low-ceilinged, wood-and-brick interior of this canal-side caffeine lovers' paradise is thick with the aroma of freshly roasted beans. The menu…
Osaka
In the Rihga Hotel, this warm wooden bar has an interior designed by legendary potter Bernard Leach (who spent significant time in Japan). A few of his…
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
Can't get a ticket to see the 60-strong supergirl pop-group AKB48? Come instead to their official cafe to watch videos of the J-pop phenomenon play on…
Roppongi, Akasaka & Around
This mellow space plays worldwide trance and ambient sounds for barefoot patrons. Mattresses in the middle of the floor provide refuge from the madding…
Kyūshū
Drink a highball at nightfall at this subdued art deco–styled spot with many Japanese malt whiskies to sample and hand-carved ice for cocktails. It gets…
Nagoya
Craft-beer lovers and subscribers to the microbrewery trend will love the atmosphere of this funky brewpub, tucked behind Midland Square. It's an extra …
Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps
Located between Kamishiro Station and Goryū in the south of the valley, this is a favourite night spot for the younger, foreign crowd, with live music,…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
One block south of the train station, this stylish bar offers leather couches, savvy staff, punchy jazz tunes and wasabi-laced complimentary snacks. Go…
Kyūshū
Modern jazz is alive and well in Miyazaki: there are near-nightly jams at this upstairs bistro-bar. Drinks start at ¥500, with coffee, snacks and steaks…
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
This Kagurazaka hideaway has a wide range of Belgian beers on tap (from ¥800 to ¥2600 a glass) and a moody, industrial interior. Look for it above a…
Kii Peninsula
Get coffee (¥300), castella (Nagasaki-style sponge cake; ¥250) and a seat on the terrace, across the street from the Kumano Hongū Heritage Centre.
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
Downright spacious for Golden Gai, always friendly Araku has a sofa and is particularly good if you're hanging out in a group. The ¥700 cover charge is…
Fukuoka
As the name implies, this is one of the original places in Fukuoka for locals and gaijin (foreigners) to connect, in a time warp of red-velvet seating…
Takayama
Come to this authentic, century-old machiya (traditional Japanese town house) to enjoy good coffee, dango (sweet dumplings) and sesame goheimochi (sticky…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Two blocks left from the train station you'll spot the distinctive neon pink flamingo in the window of this cosy retro bar with Guinness on tap. Popular…
Hiroshima
Take off your shoes and unwind while reclining among the cushions, or sip cocktails at the bar. Good pizza and other bar food help you linger. It's on a…
Nagasaki
Cool but friendly, this dark basement bar is a bit of a local icon, cluttered with rock memorabilia. There's a huge collection of tunes on LP and CD, and…
Central Honshū
The friendly staff at this popular and spacious pub near the Meitetsu station will make you feel welcome. Guinness is the beer of choice and simple meals…
Osaka
Running for 70 years, Madura is a glorious time capsule of retro-future styling, with tulip chairs, mirrors and chrome, and also vintage pricing – coffee…
Kanazawa
Smack in the heart of Katamachi you'll find this shiny, welcoming bar. The friendly young owner spent time in Canada and is happy to chat. There's a ¥400…
Matsumoto
A Belgian beer bar overlooked by Lord Ganesha, the Hindu 'God for every man', in the Japanese Alps. Quirky, but it works. It's up the stairs above the…
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
This quirky little place shares space with Studio Uamou and the cartoonish characters of designer Takagi Ayako. On the menu are beer, teas and light pasta…
Hiroshima
A reliable Irish-style pub with a welcoming Irish expat manager, good beer, good food and occasional live music. It draws a mixed crowd of expats and…
Shikoku
Across the alley from the backside of the Richmond Hotel, this is a friendly, American-themed neighbourhood bar. You may get hit with a ¥500 cover charge.
Nagano Region
This casual place on the main street goes off in winter once the lifts are closed for the day. There are big-screen TVs, lots of beer on tap and foosball.
Osaka
This small, long-running gay bar in Dōyama-chō is welcoming to locals and visitors alike. There's no cover charge and drinks are reasonably priced.
Shikoku
This underground reggae and hip-hop club is a hive of after-hours mayhem thanks to the excellent sound system, generous drink deals and young crowd.
Odaiba & Tokyo Bay
Stand for hot dogs (¥550), chips (¥250) and beer (can/draft ¥350/550) with terrace seating on the edge of the bay at Odaiba Kaihin-kōen.
Kanazawa
This decent-size German beer hall has been pulling pints and serving wurst, cheese and pasta to a mix of locals and foreigners since 1968.
Harajuku & Aoyama
This glass jewel box from architect Kengo Kuma sits prettily in the landscaped garden on the grounds of the Nezu Museum. Coffee is ¥650.
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
This branch of the Craft Beer microbrewery chain, with some 30 ales available, specialises in roast chicken on its food menu.
Roppongi, Akasaka & Around
Branch of the microbrew-pub Craft Beer Market with over 30 craft beers on tap (including obscure Japanese brews).
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
Pizza is the speciality at this branch of the Craft Beer pub chain, where there are some 30 ales available.
Hokkaidō
Come here to sample the local microbrew, Ōnuma Beer (大沼ビール), on tap – or get bottles to go.
Kansai
For when you need your latte and wi-fi fix. It's across from Kinosaki Onsen Station.
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