What's on the bill?? Yes, I mean what events are going on around the city! Simply put, here you'll find a selection of beer-related and other events; hopefully something you'll find as interesting as I do.
And hey, if you know of an upcoming event I'd love to know about it! Yoroshiku!
Upcoming Events
Events this weekend in Shibuya
Shibuya will be hosting two Japanese festivals, the Shibuya Nebuta Festival on September 12-14 and Shibuya Matsuri on September 14-15. The Nebuta Festival will feature a large float parade along Center-gai, while the Shibuya Matsuri will include cultural performances at Konno Hachimangu shrine and a mikoshi parade through Shibuya Crossing.
Both festivals will offer a lively atmosphere with food trucks, dance performances, and traditional music. The festivals provide a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions in the vibrant district of Shibuya, making it the perfect time to visit and enjoy the late-summer festivities.
Events 2024
Aug 10
BrewTones Acoustic Live
Tokyo Beer Cellar
Komae
Like live music? Nick Giarratani and friends are putting on a show from 4pm.
Tokyo Beer Cellar is a 10-minute walk from Komae station in west Setagaya, Den-en Toshi line. 12 rotating taps of beer and cider, plus a lot of bottles & cans to choose from! Enjoy!
8
August
2024
Aug 8
TELL Japan August pub quiz
Hobgoblin Shibuya
Who likes a pub quiz? Well, alone or in a team, 1,000 yen gets you into the game on Thursday Aug 8 at Hobgoblin Shibuya, 8:00pm.
TELL Japan is an organization providing mental health counseling services to Japan's international community.
Aug 8
Downtown Drinks #49
Omotesando
The folks at Tokyo Cheapo will have their drinking shirts on and welcome people for an evening of schmoozing and boozing!
Held at the ever-popular B-Flat Commune, they'll get together from 6 and go to closing (L.O. is at 9pm).
Be warned that many vendors in the area use IC cards and don't accept cash.
Check out the link on Facebook.
Aug 5
Stand-up Comedy: Anthony Jeselnik
Shibuya, Yamano Hall
Okay, so this doesn't count as a beer event in any way, I Know!
But, I Do love stand up comedy and Anthony Jeselnik is coming to Tokyo for the first time, and as for myself, I would LOVE to see him live.
Sadly, I won't be able to make it, I'm sure...but maybe You would like to, hmm? :)
1
August
2024
Aug 1
The Aldgate 29th Anniversary
Shibuya
This year on a Thursday, my favorite English style pub in Tokyo is celebrating their anniversary!
As usual, a live band will be in the house, some celebratory foodstuffs available, and drink coupons (for a later date!) given out.
Let's enjoy a pint or more--see you there! :)
July 27-28
Hop-Scotch 9th Anniversary
Iidabashi
Their 9th anniversary is on this weekend--bring your own snacks if you like; beer will be served in plastic cups according to their event page.
From 1-9pm both days. Enjoy!
26
July
2024
July 26-28
Ant'n'Bee Ryudocho 5th Anniversary
Roppongi
The wonderful Ant'n'Bee celebrates its 5th anniversary this weekend...or rather, their Ryudocho location, tucked along Ryudocho Bijutsukan-dori street.
Open from 5 on Friday, from 2pm on the weekend...until 12 Fri/Sat, and 10pm Sunday. You Know the beer to be great quality, so come and celebrate!
18
July
2024
July 18-21
Chuo Line Beer Festival
JR Musashisakai station, Sakaiminami Fureai Hiroba Park
The Chuo line Beer Festival is on again this year, one stop past Mitaka, with beer tickets on sale via IC cards at the venue at 700 yen per beer, 650 yen if paid for in advance (food stalls will use cash only). Visit the website here.
This year, nineteen brewers will be there: Vertere, Fat Barley Brewing, Oga Brewing to name a few...come and support Chuo line/Tama area brewers!
12
July
2024
July 12-15
iBrew Ginza 12th Anniversary
Ginza
12 years since iBrew opened their first pub in the city! They'll celebrate over the weekend, Friday-Monday, so be sure to go and enjoy the Mugi Hazy IPA.
Open 13:00 - 23:00
25
June
2024
June 25
Hobgoblin Roppongi 22nd Anniversary
Roppongi
British pub Hobgoblin is celebrating its 22nd anniversary on Tuesday...with pints at a discounted rate and live music.
Oh, I do have memories of drinking Hobgoblin ale after work ... can't believe it's been so long!
1
June
2024
June 1-2
Neutral Case Craft Beer Fest Setagaya
Shimokitazawa
Drop by Shimokitazawa this weekend for a showcase of 12 brewers and importers!
29
May
2024
May 29-June 2
Oedo Beer Festival
Nakano Shiki no Mori Park
"Season 2" of the spring Oedo beer festival continues with some of the same, and some alternative breweries, bringing the total list to 35 brewers.
Same system, same locale as Season 1!
22
May
2024
May 22-26
Oedo Beer Festival
Nakano Shiki no Mori Park
The Oedo spring beer festival kicks off with "Season 1", this time by Nakano station, Chuo/Sobu lines, in Nakano Central Park.
As usual for Oedo B.F., you'll find free entry, pay-as-you-go drinks, supplied by 27 breweries during this session.
25
May
2024
May 25-26
Keep Pouring Nippon
Royal Danish Embassy
Dogenzaka
Mikkeller is putting on an event, bringing together 20 brewers for a weekend of tasting!
There will be two sessions each day, three and a half hours each, to sample 40 selections.
Tickets are on sale via their Instagram link, though the information may get updated as we near the date.
13
April
2024
April 13
20th Anniversary - Clann Irish Pub
Jiyugaoka, Meguro
Who doesn't love an Irish Pub, and especially where live music is played? Well, if you're in the Jiyugaoka area on Saturday, you're in luck!
Clann is celebrating its' 20th anniversary, starting at 8pm. With live music on the roster, expect a cover charge but I couldn't find out how much at time of writing. Anyway, slainte!
13
April
2024
April 13
Japan Cider Cup
Tokyo Tama Mirai Messe
Nearest Station: Hachioji (JR Chuo line)
Following last year's success, this cider festival is being held this Saturday in western Tokyo!
Entry to the event is completely free (!), so come and enjoy a great selection of this awesome apple drink.
The event only goes from 11:00-18:00, so get there early and don't miss out!
5
April
2024
Apr 5 - 7
Shimokitazawa Beer Festival
Shimokitazawa
Returning this year, the Shimokitazawa Beer Festival features a multitude of favorite brewers, including local brewpubs Ushitora and TDM 1874, plus other popular Tokyo pubs Devilcraft, Tokyo Aleworks and more.
Free entry--they're taking over an empty lot, after all, plus there will be some live music. Look next door to the Shimokita police box. Enjoy!
30
March
2024
Mar 30-31 SakeFes
Near: Nakameguro station
24th Washu Festival
According to the website, "Washu Fes is a sake festival where you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sake, food, and culture.
Washu Fes supports sake breweries that continue to take on challenges in the region, sake that is popular among local people, and sake lovers."
It's a great chance to enjoy a great variety of Japan's signature alcoholic beverage!
Feb 10-12
Japan Brewers Cup
Yokohama
Hammerhead CIQ Hall
Date and time: 2024
Saturday, February 10th 12:00-21:00
February 11th (Sunday/Holiday) 11:00-21:00
February 12th (Monday, Shinkyu) 11:00-19:00
Advance ticket: 1000 yen, same-day ticket: 1200 yen
Jan 11
TELL Pub Quiz - Shibuya Hobgoblin
Hobgoblin Shibuya British Pub
Who likes a pub quiz? Well, alone or in a team, 1,000 yen gets you into the game on Thursday Jan 11 at Hobgoblin Shibuya.
TELL Japan, which is an organization providing mental health counseling services to Japan's international community, is organizing this event, held monthly. Do hope to see you there!
Jan 12-14
Shiga Kogen Tap Take Over
Beer Cafe HOPMAN
Chigasaki
Shiga Kogen brewery is having a new year tap takeover at this Kanagawa venue for these three days. Always great products from Shiga Kogen!
Beer Cafe HOPMAN features 36 taps and is just 5 minutes from Chigasaki Stn. You'll find both US and Japanese brews available.
Events 2023
Dec 6-10
Belgian Beer Weekend - Shinjuku
Shinjuku - Shinjuku Sumitomo Building
Running down the year, the very popular Belgian beer festival hits the Shinjuku area, and welcomes more that 50 breweries for you to enjoy.
Advance ticket books are from 3300 yen; otherwise from 3500 at the venue.
Sept 15-24
Oktoberfest - Shiba Park
Shiba Park
Japan's Oktoberfest moves to Shiba to bring in the autumn season.
German food, beer, and music will keep you entertained throughout the whole week, with a low entry fee of 500 yen.
Sept 14-18
Belgian Beer Weekend - Roppongi
Roppongi Hills
Second-last BBW of the year, in the stylish environment of Roppongi Hills, running from 4PM Thursday.
Tickets, as always, available on the website or you can purchase a book of drink tickets at the venue.
Sept 14-18
Keyaki Beer Festival
Saitama Super Arena
Nearest Station: JR Saitama-Shintoshin
Free entry, pay-as-you-go with standing, sitting, and reserved seating available.
Nearly 50 breweries from all over Japan and overseas...plus food, and a great vibe!
25
August
2023
Aug 25-Sept 20
Oktoberfest - Toyosu
LaLaport Toyosu Seaside Deck
Japan's Oktoberfest returns to the Daiba area to end the summer season.
German food, beer, and music will keep you entertained throughout the whole month, with a low entry fee of 500 yen.
Jul 21-Aug 16
Giant Sapporo Beer Garden
Sapporo, Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, or planning to visit soon?
Sapporo's Odori Park holds an annual beer festival and it is now on, running until August 16th, 2023. Over 100 beers are available with 13,000 seats provided, making this Japan's largest beer garden.
This is a large part but not the only part of the Sapporo Summer Festival, where you can also enjoy Bon Odori dancing and other highlights.
7
July
2023
July 7-17
Oktoberfest - Hibiya Park
Hibiya Park
Japan's Oktoberfest continues in 2023, back to Hibiya to celebrate the summer season.
German food, beer, and music will keep you entertained throughout the whole week, with a low entry fee of 500 yen.
May 27-28
Neutral Case 2023
Neutral Case, ShimoKitazawa
Local beer lovers are putting on a little beer festival, with beer selections from CraftRock Brewing, Inkhorn Brewing, Mikkeller, and more--enjoy the weekend and say good bye to spring and hello to summer!
19
May
2023
May 19-28
Oktoberfest - Hibiya
Hibiya Park
Japan's Oktoberfest continues in 2023, back to Hibiya to end the spring season.
German food, beer, and music will keep you entertained throughout the whole week, with a low entry fee of 500 yen.
May 18-21
Belgian Beer Weekend - Yokohama
Yamashita Park, Yokohama
Nearest Stations: Motomachi-Chukagai (Minatomirai line)
This long-running Belgian beer festival kicked off in Toyosu this year, and continues in Yokohama in May, featuring dozens of beer selections, and offering Belgian yummies and musical entertainment as always.
Tickets start at 3500 yen, though cheaper advance purchases are available on the Belgian Beer Weekend website; be sure to check for local dates & times.
May 17-21
Keyaki Beer Festival
Saitama Super Arena
Nearest Station: JR Saitama-Shintoshin
Free entry, pay-as-you-go with standing, sitting, and reserved seating available.
Nearly 50 breweries from all over Japan under one roof, so you're pretty much guaranteed to find something to your taste.
May 13-14
Suka Beer Paradise
JR Hiratsuka
Shonan Beach is a main go-to for surfers and sunbathers and, while a bit too early to enjoy the summer sun, you might consider a beer event instead.
Yggrasil Brewing is pairing up with French bistro HxM for a terrace event, providing beer and food, and presenting beers from other brewers: click here for details.
May 3-7
Oedo Beer Festival
Ariake Garden 1F Sports Entertainment Square, in Daiba
Nearest Station: Ariake, Ariake-Tennis-No-Mori (Yurikamome line)
Continuing during Golden Week, some of the same breweries and a few new ones will showcase their products for your enjoyment.
Again, this looks to be a free-to-enter, outdoor event, though it looks like they'll be under a tent.
Even so, check the weather report to be safe!
April 28-May 7
Oktoberfest
Odaiba
Nearest Stations: Daiba / Tokyo Teleport
Japan's Oktoberfest continues in 2023, beginning in Daiba during Golden Week.
German food, beer, and music will keep you entertained throughout the whole week, with a low entry fee of 500 yen.
April 26-30
Oedo Beer Festival
Ariake Garden 1F Sports Entertainment Square, in Daiba
Nearest Station: Ariake, Ariake-Tennis-No-Mori (Yurikamome line)
Just in time for Golden Week, and being held near Daiba in Ariake, twenty-ish breweries will showcase their products for your enjoyment.
You'll see a few familiar names there, like Edo Tokyo, T.Y. Harbor Brewery, and Ise Kadoya, but quite a lot of lesser known brewers from around Japan, and importers will be there.
This looks to be a free-to-enter, outdoor event, though under a large tent.
April 22
Japan Cider Cup
Tokyo Tama Mirai Messe
Nearest Station: Hachioji (JR Chuo line)
A new event, the planning starting last year, the rise of cider as a popular drink has indeed come to Japan. The very first cider festival is held this Saturday in western Tokyo!
Entry to the event is completely free (!), so come and enjoy a great selection of this awesome apple drink. The event only goes from 11:00-18:00, so get there early and don't miss out!
April 21-23
Bakuto Tokyo Beer & spirits Festival
Tennozu Isle
BAKUTO is an annual beer and spirits event where multiple Tokyo craft beer and spirit makers come together with beer, food, and music.
This year, BAKUTO returns to Tennoz on the Boardwalk as part of the Tennoz Canal Festival. Several beer and spirit makers will gather to offer their signature beverages and food, including DevilCraft, Far Yeast Brewing, Craftrock Brewing and more!
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy some great-tasting craft beer and spirits alongside the Tennoz Canal. Entry is completely free.
April 14-16, 21-23
Belgian Beer Festival - Toyosu
Citabria Baypark
Nearest Stations: Shin-Toyosu, Shijo-mae (Yurikamome line)
This long-running Belgian beer festival kicks off in Toyoso this year, featuring dozens of selections.
Purchase a starter set (including beer tokens and a re-use glass for yourself) and select from any beers that take your fancy.
Belgian foods and live music performances add to this lively and tasty event!
Tickets start at 3500 yen, though cheaper early-bird purchases are available on the website.
Events 2022
Nov 12-13
American Craft Beer Experience 2022
Waters Takeshiba Outdoor Event Space
Nearest Station: Hamamatsucho
After a two-year haitus, the Brewers Association-sponsored ACBE is back, with amazing brewers showcasing their imported and local stock. Admission is free--see you there!
Sept 30-Oct 3
Czech Festival
Adrift Shimokitazawa
Nearest Stations: Shimokitazawa (Keio Inokashira line, Odakyu line)
Arts & crafts, galleries, food stalls and beer to feature Czech culture--just a 4-minute walk from the station and admission is free!
Sept 15-19
Keyaki Beer Festival
Saitama Super Arena
Nearest Station: JR Saitama-Shintoshin
90-ish brewers from all over under one roof! You will be able to meet the brewers while getting your buzz on; believe me, for the entry charge of give-or-take 2000 yen plus beer tickets, it is a not-to-miss annual event!
Sept 16-17
Belgian Beer Weekend - Toyosu
Citabria Baypark
Nearest Stations: Shin-Toyosu, Shijo-mae (Yurikamome line)
This year marks the 13th year of this festival collection of Belgian beers, featuring over 80 selections across 11 types.
BBW is held at various locales in Japan throughout the year; be sure to check out their website for other venues and dates.
Aug 1-2
The Aldgate's 27th Anniversary
The Aldgate, near Shibuya station
6PM-11:30PM
Twenty-seven years in business, wow! One of the first smoking-free British-style pubs in Tokyo is having a special anniversary event over Monday/Tuesday.
Management has skipped their annual celebration the past couple of years due to Covid, but this year intend to make up for it with a couple of evenings of food and drink! It'll be an IPA for me!
July 27-Aug 7
Oedo Beer Festival
Japan's biggest beer festival kicks off in July!
A multitude of Japanese craft beer makers -- come enjoy the beer, and get to chat with the brewers as well!
July 24
Hop Scotch 7th Anniversary
Hop-Scotch Tokyo, near Iidabashi stn.
Pretty self-explanatory! The owner is celebrating their 7th year and invites anyone and everyone to partake in their quality beer selection: ¥1000 pints, ¥800 for half-pints.
July 23
Magical Animal, Farewell!
Titans Craft Beer Taproom, by Otsuka stn. (JR Yamanote line)
3PM-10PM
A favorite for foodies, Magical Animal has given Tokyo pork lovers some satisfaction with their amazingly delicious pulled pork sandwiches and other smoked meat products.
Sadly, the owners are ending their operation in Japan, and having a huge bye-bye party. Do come! Good brews, T-shirts, and Jeremy's most excellent foodstuffs will be available.
July 18-31(?)
TL Pierce Gin Deput Event
カクウチベース (Kakuuchi Base) Popup Stand, 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, 150-0002 [the Google Building, by Shibuya station]
Long-time Japan resident Michael Pierce is launching his brand of gin, available for tasting and for sale (e-payment only) at this Shibuya popup: https://goo.gl/maps/gXrErQQcmysCDrLT9
After years of sampling his recipe at various events, I wish him a hearty congratulations on finally getting his delicious product out into the public!