Watering Hole

Watering Hole is one of the bars that put Tokyo on the craft beer map. Opened in 2012 by Ichiri Fujiura — the first non-American to win Homebrewer of the Year at the American Homebrewers Association — and Michiko Tsutsui, it sits on Meiji-dori in the Sendagaya neighbourhood, a short walk from both Yoyogi Station and Shinjuku-sanchome Station.

The tap list runs to around 20 handles plus two hand pumps, split roughly half Japanese microbrew and half imported — IPAs from Hokkaido, ciders from California, Belgian ales, lagers, and seasonal specials. Fujiura also runs a nano-brewery within the bar itself, so small-batch house beers occasionally appear in the rotation. Menus are available in Japanese and English, and staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the selection.

On weekday afternoons between 3pm and 6pm, Watering Hole runs beer flights — four glasses for ¥1,000 — making it a great way to sample widely before committing to a pint. The food menu is simple but satisfying: gyoza dumplings, fish and chips, buttermilk fried chicken, and mac and cheese. Bottles and cans are also available to take away.

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 3pm – 11:30pm