When the days start to get warmer and the rainy season has been and gone, there’s no better way to soak up the lively energy of the city than getting out and about for some alfresco drinking and dining.

While Japan isn’t really well known for its craft beer scene - due to the prominence of big-name major label lager brands and high taxes on beer - that’s all starting to change thanks to local upstarts and industry stalwarts who have launched breweries showcasing their unique personal flair.

Typically more spacious than an izakaya, Tokyo’s terraced breweries are a great way to explore an innovative culinary side of the city and a delightfully easy place to lose an afternoon.

TY Harbor Brewery Restaurant, Tennozu Isle

A renovated sprawling warehouse sitting on the waterfront of Tennozu Isle, TY Harbor Brewery Restaurant is a tranquil brewery that features plenty of open space and impeccable interior design. So it’s no surprise this is Tokyo’s most loved brewpub. It’s more upmarket than your regular brewery, but still relaxed enough for an impromptu visit.

On the menu, you’ll find bar and pub classics like pizza, steaks, Kansas-style BBQ pork spareribs, and beer snacks, made with a more sophisticated consumer in mind. Perfect for a relaxed dinner date or a lovely lunch location with the family, it’s popular for guests of all occasions. But with a capacity of 350, there’s always room for one more. Ask for an outdoor table for stunning views of Tennōzu Isle.

Address: 2 Chome-1-3 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0002
W: https://www.tysons.jp/tyharbor/en/

When the days start to get warmer and the rainy season has been and gone, there’s no better way to soak up the lively energy of the city than getting out and about for some alfresco drinking and dining.

While Japan isn’t really well known for its craft beer scene - due to the prominence of big-name major label lager brands and high taxes on beer - that’s all starting to change thanks to local upstarts and industry stalwarts who have launched breweries showcasing their unique personal flair.

Typically more spacious than an izakaya, Tokyo’s terraced breweries are a great way to explore an innovative culinary side of the city and a delightfully easy place to lose an afternoon.

Spring Valley Brewery, Daikanyama

Taking up residence inside a former warehouse, a rare find in Tokyo, especially in a neighbourhood as metropolitan as Daikanyama is Spring Valley Brewery, major beer brand Kirin’s foray into the craft beer world. The interior is spacious and effortlessly stylish, clearly taking design cues from successful international craft breweries and making the scene their own, it’s slick and modern, but the ambience remains open and relaxed.

Perfect for lazy afternoon drinks and easy dinners, the highlight of this hangout has to be the outdoor wooden outdoor tables where you can share a pizza and knock back a few famous jazzberry-infused beers while soaking up the city’s glorious sun. Can’t choose what to drink? Sample the brewery’s entire lineup in 120ml portions with the famous beer flight.

Address: Shibuya City, Daikanyamacho, 13−1 LOG ROAD DAIKANYAMA, Tokyo 150-0034
W: https://www.springvalleybrewery.jp/

Part of the ever-expanding Vector Brewing family, which now includes six bars and a brewery, this Shinjuku outpost is arguably the best, and the breeziest. This craft beer-centric brewery is loved locally for being one of the most affordable craft beer hangouts in the city.

With interior partly inspired by the classic izakaya, it’s a fantastic blend of Japanese and international aesthetics and the perfect place to while away a lazy afternoon in the city. Grab a seat on the wide, open outdoor terrace and marvel at the wide selection which includes ten in-house and domestic beers covering all varieties including stouts, IPAs and fruit beers. If you want to try a few, go for the tasting set or nomihodai (all you can drink) option.

Address: Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 1 Chome−36−7 Kawamoto Bldg. 1F, Tokyo 160-0022
W: https://lina-brand.com/vectorbeer-shinjyuku/