What it is: In 2012, Ichiri Fujiura and Michiko Tsutsui opened Watering Hole near Yoyogi Park, helping launch Tokyo’s then-nascent beer scene with one of the first craft-beer bars in the city. The space is casual, cozy, and chock-full of beer options from around the world. These tend to pair nicely with the small, rotating menu of pub favorites such as gyoza and mac ‘n’ cheese. Menus are available in Japanese and English, and while some of the imported bottle prices aren’t cheap, they are typical for the area.
Why it’s great: In 1998, Fujiura was the first—and still one of the few—non-Americans named Homebrewer of the Year by the American Homebrewers Association, despite the fact that homebrewing remains illegal in Japan to this day. His early dedication to the craft means that when you grab a stool at Watering Hole, you’re guaranteed a robust selection of hand-picked brews that range from IPAs from Hokkaido’s Oni Densetsu and Dublin’s Whiplash to ciders from California and pilsners from Yakima. Tsutsui estimates that of the 19 taps and two hand pumps, about half are domestic and the other half from abroad, leaving tourists and locals equally satisfied.
Details
Hours: 3 p.m.–11:30 p.m., daily
Address: Sendagaya 5-26-5, Shibuya, Tokyo
Web: wateringhole.jp