The Weekender website is one of the most popular sources of information if
you're looking for entertainment while in Tokyo:
http://www.weekenderjapan.com
Cafes/Bars/Pubs
Saké, or rice wine, is Japan's traditional
alcoholic beverage. It is clear in colour, is a little less alcoholic than regular
wine, and can be served hot (the traditional way) or chilled. Almost every Japanese
town has its own saké producer so there are literally hundreds of labels.
Beer is also extremely popular in Japan, and is usually
lager. The most famous names are Kirin, Asahi, Suntory and
Sapporo.
An isakaya is a traditional pub, something between
a restaurant and a bar: Hibiki is well-known for its excellent views and great
food and is worth a try; the nearest station is Shiodome station on the Yurikamome
or Toei Oedo lines (address: Caretta Shiodome 46F, 1-8-1 Higashi-Shinbashi,
Minato-ku).
Other watering holes that are worth checking out are Kagaya with its country-themed
drinks (B1F, 2-15-12 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, take the Karasumori exit at Shinbashi
JR station), Ieyasu Hon-jin (1-30 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Jinbocho station),
and the art deco Lion Beer Hall.
Restaurants
There are an estimated 300,000 places to eat in Tokyo, so whether you’re looking
for stylish European cuisine or the pleasures of traditional Japanese food you’re
sure to find what your heart desires. If you’re running on a tight budget the
“conveyor belt” sushi restaurants are a good option.
Here two or three sushi chefs are hard at work in the centre of a continually
rolling circular conveyor belt. You just take what you want and the waiter or
waitress will add up the coloured plates at the end of the meal (the colour
indicates the price of the dish). There is often green tea on tap. Such eateries
are popular with students because they’re cheap, but frozen fish is often used
to prepare the sushi.
A popular restaurant is Hyakunincho Yataimura in the financial and shopping
district of Shinjuku (2-20-25 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Shin-Okubo station).
It has a fun atmosphere and offers fine Asian cuisine. If you want to sample
something more authentic then consider the “Zen” restaurant Daigo (2-4-2 Atago,
Minato-ku, Kamiyacho station) , or one of the small, cheap and entertaining
open-air eating places such as Yurakucho Under the Tracks (2-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku,
Yurakucho JR station, Hibiya or Ginza exit). Two other excellent outdoor restaurants
are Roti in the lively international neighbourhood of Roppongi (1F Pyramid Bldg,
6-6-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Roppongi station), which offers high quality western
style cuisine and is favoured for its weekend brunch menu, and the appropriately
named Terrace Restaurant, at Hanezawa Garden (3-12-15 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku).
If you're in the mood for something more sophisticated you might want to go
to Afternoon Tea Baker & Diner (2-3-6 Ginza, Chiyoda-ku, Ginza-Itchome station,).
The menu was created by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver and is appreciated
for its original fusion of Japanese ad western influences. The Daidaya restaurant
serves traditional Japanese cuisine with a touch of modernity and it's impressive
interior makes it worth a visit (8-5 Ginza Nine No.1 Bldg 2F, Ginza-Nishi, Chuo-ku,
Shinbashi JR station).