Lush gardens, riverside terraces and sidewalk patios are some of Tokyo's best places to eat and drink al fresco
Be it on a warm and sunny spring day or on a balmy summer night, outdoor dining is one of the very best ways to enjoy Tokyo. But as every city resident knows, not all terraces are created equal. To make sure you don't squander your special moment languishing in a cramped courtyard or taking in a view of the traffic, we've picked out the city's very best al fresco cafés, restaurants and bars, from fancy dinner spots to waterfront hangouts. Try them all this summer, and make sure to also check out our pick of Tokyo's best bars with a view. However, if you prefer to stay shaded away from the sun, take your pick from these top indoor activities in the city.
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Temporary opening hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-8pm, Sat & Sun 11.30am-4pm, 5.30pm-8pm
Nothing says premium outdoor spot like a view over the water. Head to Tennozu Isle for some tasty canal-side dining, washed down with a range of Californian-style ales that are brewed on site. TY Harbor underwent a significant facelift in 2015, adding a bunch of seats in the upstairs area and spicing up the food menu.
Temporary opening hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am-8pm, Sat-Sun & hols 8am-8pm
You can't beat the location of this spacious 350-seat restaurant located on the first floor of Tennozu Central Tower Canal Garden. Suffice to say, it makes the most of the situation, boasting cosy terrace seats with great views along the canal. The menu focuses on chargrilled dishes with an Italian influence, which pairs perfectly with the view (although, what wouldn't).
Walk through Futako-Tamagawa's monstrous new shopping complex and head east to find this lone four-storey house hidden out by the Tama River. The third and fourth floors of the French restaurant have terrace seating with nice views of the gently flowing river and the passing Den-en-toshi line. The out-of-the-way location ensures tranquility, with most patrons arriving on foot. Rooftop barbecue is available during the summer months.
Temporary opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat & Sun 9am-7pm
Walk a few blocks north from Harajuku's busy Takeshita-dori and you'll spot this little wooden café on a calm back street. As the name suggests, house-roasted Joe and homemade pies are the main attractions here. Whatever your choice, the café's terrace is always nice for a quick stop on a sunny day.
Temporary opening hours: 6.30am-8pm.
The main restaurant at Roppongi's impeccable Grand Hyatt boasts an expansive terrace bathing in bright light during the day and cosy breeze at night. It opens early for breakfast before moving on to a lunchtime buffet and continues on to tea and then dinner.
Temporary opening hours: 11.30am-4pm, 5.30pm-8.45pm (L.O.)
Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in a resort-like setting at Cicada in Aoyama, which is set in a mansion built over 50 years ago by the famed Japanese architect Yoshinobu Ashihara. The terrace is expansive and elegant, with a section of lounge seats above a pool. To start, try a mezze plate or a selection of tapas, then move onto vibrant main dishes from Moroccan, Portuguese and Italy.
Temporary opening hours: 11am-8pm
The Royal Garden Cafe chain's flagship outpost sits pretty along Jingu Gaien's ginkgo-lined main avenue, pulling in the crowds with its expansive terrace and views of the surrounding greenery. The menu options range from light café fare to heartier dinner meals, and include fresh-from-the-oven bread and pastries made by the in-house bakery.
Temporary opening hours: 11.30am-8pm
Channelling the spirit of Paris with its mammoth steak frites, frosty beers and excellent street-side terrace, Aux Bacchanales Kioicho brings a bar full of continental bonhomie to the Kioicho area. The outdoor seating – some of it covered – looks out over Shimizutani Park, providing an enviable view of the beautiful double-flowered cherry trees for its springtime patrons.
Temporary opening hours: 11am-4pm, 5pm-8pm
Nirvana has two things that make any dining experience great – a top-notch lunchtime curry buffet, and a magnificent terrace on which to enjoy it. The outdoor patio even comes equipped with sofas for you to lounge around on as you feast – though good luck getting up out of them when you awaken from your feeding frenzy of curry, pickles and garam masala potatoes.
Temporary opening hours: 11.30am-8pm
Surrounded by canals in the Shibaura area, this spacious and dog-friendly restaurant boasts a tranquil terrace and lush lawn area, which is open to patrons' pooches. Decorated in a resort style with paraphernalia brought in by the owner from Bali, Bagus offers a range of light, appetising dishes: think fresh spring rolls and pasta. After your meal, you can head to the nearby pier and board the water bus for Odaiba and the Toyosu area.
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