Japan's state of emergency has dealt a huge blow to the nightlife scene in Tokyo. However, some fast-thinking bars and pubs have adapted quickly, now offering takeout booze to make up for the fall in drink-in customers.
In Japan, drinking in public isn't prohibited, hence some bars have started offering takeaway cups while others are even selling beer by the litre. So even if you're quarantining at home, treat yourself to some takeaway booze the next time you're out on a food or grocery run. It's also a good way to support your favourite local.
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A cosy space for sipping craft beer – there are 20 taps in total – Mikkeller Tokyo is a wonderful addition to an offbeat neighbourhood where sex shops co-exist with stylish restaurants and even a Shinto shrine. The bar is now offering craft beers for takeout and delivery.
Takeout from Friday 4pm-8pm, Saturday 12noon-6pm
Night Owl is one of the few liquor stores in Tokyo where you can purchase alcohol by volume. Here you can take home craft beer, cider, wine and even kombucha in growlers, which are reusable containers that can hold up to two litres. You can either choose to bring your own, or purchase one at the store. If that's too much to drink, you can also take a cup of beer to go (400ml or 600ml).
Takeout from 3pm-8pm
Watering Hole is a craft beer pub not far from Shinjuku Station; it even has its own 'nano' brewery. Check out its official website for the latest beer menu, and enjoy up to 21 microbrews from Japan and overseas, at prices that compare favourably to other beer joints in town. Bring your own container (growler, cup, reusable and plastic bottles) or purchase a can to go.
Takeout from 3pm-9pm
This homely British pub sits between Roppongi and Roppongi-itchome stations, serving up classic pub grub like fish and chips, pork pies and bangers and mash, alongside a solid selection of draft beer and cider. The staff all speak English, but best of all, you can now you can get the beers at Roppongi Hobgoblin to go.
Takeout from 12noon to 11pm
Coaster Craft Beer & Burger stocks 15 beers on tap from all over the world, served in half- and full-pints ranging from ¥600 to ¥1,400. Wine, spirits and soft drinks are available, too. Whatever you choose, we recommend pairing your drink with one of the American burgers and sandwiches.
Takeout from 12noon-7pm
This is an old-school English pub with a menu designed to comfort any expats – its Sunday lunch of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding is a crowd pleaser. A pint usually costs ¥1,000 when you drink in, but now you can take home a litre of beer (roughly double a pint) for the same price.
Takeout from 5pm-8pm
This Shibuya bar offers more than 100 different beers to quench your thirst, all hand-picked by the two owners themselves. There are an additional six varieties of beer on tap. Swing by and pick up a few cans for the weekend.
Takeout from 5pm-11pm
Located right outside Yoyogi-koen station, Tamsang Tokyo serves coffee, Thai tea and about 15 craft beers on tap. You’ll mostly find Japanese craft beer here, and drinks come in two sizes – small (270ml) and large (400ml) – costing anywhere from ¥700 to ¥1,300. Grab the Thai-style tacos to go, filled with your choice of chicken or pork.
Takeout from 12noon-6pm
Just as its name suggests, all the beer at Brewin' Bar Monde is made in-house. You’ll find this cosy underground brewpub in the backstreets of Ginza, offering around ten craft beer options on tap. While the bar is closed for the time being, 500ml takeout bottles of beer are available at ¥800 each.
Takeout from 3pm-11.30pm
Domestic firewater, from sake and shochu to umeshu and Okinawan awamori, lines the shelves at this cramped neighbourhood liquor store. You'll find products from a wide variety of breweries and distillers; head to the back of the store and you'll find a refrigerator filled with a vast selection of takeout-ready 'one-cup' sake.
Takeout from 10am-4pm
Skip cooking and support your local venues with a takeaway meal
Stock up on coffee beans from these local cafés and roasters, and get your caffeine fix without leaving home
Enjoy your favourite restaurant meal from the comfort of your home – eating in has never tasted so good
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