When it comes to summer traditions in Tokyo, beer gardens are a must. There’s nothing quite like sipping an ice-cold beer and enjoying grilled food in an open-air setting, where even the muggy heat feels like part of the charm. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the background and appeal of Japan’s beer garden culture, along with five standout spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy this seasonal experience in 2025. Whether you’re taking a break from sightseeing or planning a casual night out, these venues offer unforgettable summer memories.
What Is Beer Garden Culture in Tokyo?
While beer gardens originally hail from Germany, the concept has been fully embraced in Japan, especially since the postwar economic boom. Rooftops of hotels and department stores became popular venues, and today, beer gardens are a staple of Japanese summer. Running from May through September, they pop up in all sorts of urban locations: rooftop terraces of skyscrapers, lush courtyards of historic parks, and even at the foot of iconic landmarks. In Tokyo, the unique combination of cityscape and natural beauty creates an atmosphere where modern life blends with tradition—and where a cold beer feels especially rewarding.
Forest Beer Garden (Meiji Jingu Gaien)
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/UCEYL5p6jhLftZzS9
Since opening in 1984, Forest Beer Garden has been a beloved oasis in the heart of Tokyo’s summer scene. Located within the verdant grounds of Meiji Jingu Gaien’s Niko Niko Park, this venue offers an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink BBQ buffet that’s especially popular. For 2025, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, they’ll be adding a special commemorative menu to the regular options, making it even more festive. Open from spring through fall, it’s perfect for creating memories with family or friends. You can reserve up to 60 days in advance, and with easy access from Shinjuku, it’s a hidden gem for international visitors.
TOKYO TOWER “ROOF TOP” HIGHBALL GARDEN
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVtZ2woNjbYVPPru9
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1314/A131401/13185715/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Located on the rooftop of Foot Town, right beneath the iconic Tokyo Tower, this beer garden offers an unbeatable setting for drinks and dinner. Gaze up at the tower while enjoying all-you-can-drink highballs and plates of grilled lamb (Jingisukan style). The 2025 season kicks off on March 20th (Spring Equinox) and runs through the October holidays, offering a long window to enjoy the venue. When the tower is lit up at night, the scene turns magical—like something out of a movie. It’s a quintessential Tokyo night for both locals and tourists.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1314/A131401/13185715/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1314/A131401/13185715/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Hoshizora Beer Garden & BBQ Sky Terrace (Ueno)
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13304255/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
After a day exploring Ueno, this rooftop venue is the perfect place to relax. Just a 2-minute walk from Ueno-Okachimachi Station, it offers a starry night BBQ experience with city views. The menu features high-quality meats and fresh vegetables grilled over charcoal, and the three-hour all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan is a fan favorite. Japanese-style twists like roast beef sushi and garlic shrimp add a cultural flair, making it especially appealing to overseas visitors. With a covered area to protect against sudden rain, it’s a safe bet for any summer evening.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13304255/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13304255/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Oasis Garden Rooftop Beer Garden (Shinjuku)
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/gTaM2bcYQQTD7pjo9
(Source.1:https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ004026547/photo/)
For something with a Korean twist, check out Oasis Garden in Shinjuku. This rooftop beer garden offers an order-style buffet with around 50 varieties of Korean small plates, from samgyeopsal to cheese dak galbi. It’s a feast that pairs perfectly with beer and creates a vibrant, international vibe. There’s also a “no-prep” BBQ area where you can grill meats without any hassle. Once the neon lights come on at night, the whole place feels like a slice of Seoul right in Tokyo. It’s easily accessible from Shin-Okubo, Shinjuku, and Seibu-Shinjuku stations—no wonder it’s so popular with tourists.
(Source.2:https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ004026547/photo/)
(Source.3:https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ004026547/photo/)
Private Bar Hilltop (Shinjuku)
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/dbQLCVGhcVmSNwzb9
(Source.1:https://hilltop.favy.jp/menus/185250)
Tucked away on a rooftop in Shinjuku, Hilltop is a weekend-only private bar perfect for small gatherings. With no visible signage, it feels like a secret hideaway in the city. Groups of up to 20 can reserve this spot, where a party-style BBQ plan includes hearty shared dishes like grilled pork skewers and beef skirt steak. Toasting under the stars in this secluded space creates a romantic, one-of-a-kind experience. It’s ideal for those looking for an upscale, off-the-beaten-path night out—and with online reservations, it’s easy to plan ahead.
(Source.2:https://hilltop.favy.jp/photos/42723)
(Source.3:https://hilltop.favy.jp/photos/42730)
Final Thoughts
Beer gardens in Tokyo are more than just places to eat and drink—they’re seasonal escapes that capture the essence of Japanese summer. Whether you’re cooling off under the trees in Meiji Jingu Gaien, gazing up at Tokyo Tower with a highball in hand, or immersing yourself in Korean-style rooftop vibes, each spot offers a different flavor of Tokyo’s summer magic. All of these locations are easily accessible and welcoming to foreign visitors. So this summer, why not let the Tokyo sky be your ceiling and toast to new adventures beneath the stars?
What is Beer Gardens?
Search Restaurants by Destination
Search Restaurants by Popular Cuisines
