Cheap Drinks in Tokyo: Budget Bars, Happy Hours & Money-Saving Tips

Tokyo's reputation for expensive nightlife doesn't tell the whole story. Smart drinkers know where to find ¥200 beers, all-you-can-drink deals, and authentic local bars that won't empty your wallet. This guide reveals Tokyo's best budget drinking options, from standing bars to convenience store strategies.

Standing Bars: Tokyo's Budget Drinking Secret

What Are Standing Bars (Tachinomi)?

Standing bars offer the cheapest drinking experience in Tokyo, with no table charges and minimal overhead costs passed to customers.

Top Budget Standing Bar Chains

Torikizoku

Famous chain with ¥298 (≈$2) pricing on almost everything.

• Drinks: ¥298 (≈$2) for beer, sake, chu-hi
• Food: ¥298 (≈$2) for yakitori, fried chicken
• Locations: Throughout Tokyo
• Hours: Many until 4 AM
• Atmosphere: Casual, local workers
• Best For: Ultra-budget nights

Tsubameya

Standing bar specialist with rock-bottom prices and authentic atmosphere.

• Beer: ¥200-350 (≈$1-2)
• Sake: ¥250-400 (≈$2-3)
• Food: ¥200-500 (≈$1-3)
• Locations: Major stations
• Atmosphere: Working-class, authentic

Akachochin

Red lantern chain bars with affordable drinks and traditional atmosphere.

• Beer: ¥300-450 (≈$2-3)
• Sake: ¥300-600 (≈$2-4)
• Locations: Near train stations
• Style: Traditional red lantern exterior
• Best For: Cultural experience + budget drinks

Independent Standing Bars

Kamiya Bar (Asakusa)

Tokyo's oldest Western-style bar with historic charm and budget prices.

• Signature: Denki Bran cocktail ¥270 (≈$2)
• Beer: ¥350-500 (≈$2-3)
• Established: 1880
• Atmosphere: Historic, authentic
• Best For: History buffs, unique experience

Standing Bar Yokoyama

Local favorite in Shibuya with rock-bottom prices.

• Beer: ¥250 (≈$2)
• Sake: ¥200-400 (≈$1-3)
• Location: Near Shibuya Station
• Crowd: Local workers, authentic atmosphere

Happy Hour Deals and Time-Based Savings

Chain Restaurant Happy Hours

Watami

• Happy Hour: 5-7 PM weekdays
• Deal: All drinks ¥299 (≈$2)
• Includes: Beer, sake, cocktails
• Locations: Throughout Tokyo

Monteroza Group (Torikizoku, Shirokiya)

• Time: 4-6 PM
• Deals: Beer ¥199 (≈$1)
• Additional: Food discounts
• Venues: Multiple chain brands

Hub Pubs

• Happy Hour: 5-8 PM
• Beer: ¥500 (≈$3) vs ¥800 normal
• Style: British pub atmosphere
• Language: English-friendly

Hotel Bar Happy Hours

Conrad Tokyo

• Time: 5-7 PM
• Deal: 30% off cocktails
• Location: Shiodome
• Atmosphere: Upscale at budget prices

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

• Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
• Deal: ¥1,000 (≈$7) cocktails
• Views: Shibuya skyline
• Best For: Cheap luxury experience

All-You-Can-Drink (Nomihoudai) Deals

How Nomihoudai Works

Pay a fixed price for unlimited drinks within a time limit, typically 2-3 hours.

Best Chain Nomihoudai Deals

Torikizoku

• Price: ¥1,500 (≈$10) for 2 hours
• Includes: Beer, sake, chu-hi, soft drinks
• Restrictions: Must order food
• Best For: Budget groups

Ootoya

• Price: ¥1,980 (≈$13) for 3 hours
• Quality: Better selection than budget chains
• Includes: Premium beer, sake varieties
• Food: Japanese home-style cooking

Kirakiraboshi

• Price: ¥2,500 (≈$17) for 3 hours
• Selection: 50+ drink varieties
• Quality: Mid-range venue quality
• Atmosphere: Modern, clean

Karaoke Nomihoudai

Big Echo

• Package: ¥2,000-3,000 (≈$13-20) for 3 hours
• Includes: Room + unlimited drinks
• Best Time: Weekday afternoons for discounts

Karaoke-kan

• Deal: ¥2,200 (≈$15) for 2.5 hours
• Popular: Late-night packages
• Group Size: Better value for larger groups

Convenience Store Strategy

Cheapest Convenience Store Drinks

Beer Options

• Happoshu (Beer-like): ¥150-200 (≈$1-1.50)
• New Genre Beer: ¥200-250 (≈$1-2)
• Premium Beer: ¥250-350 (≈$2-2.50)
• Imported Beer: ¥300-500 (≈$2-3)

Chu-Hi and Cocktails

• Basic Chu-Hi: ¥150-200 (≈$1-1.50)
• Premium Chu-Hi: ¥200-300 (≈$1-2)
• Canned Cocktails: ¥200-350 (≈$1-2.50)
• High-Ball: ¥200-300 (≈$1-2)

Wine and Sake

• Wine Packs: ¥300-800 (≈$2-5) for 720ml
• One-Cup Sake: ¥200-400 (≈$1-3)
• Sake Pouches: ¥400-800 (≈$3-5)

Legal Drinking Locations

• Public Parks: Legal but be discreet
• Train Stations: Outside designated areas
• River Banks: Popular drinking spots
• Convenience Store Seating: Some allow on-site consumption

Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods

Koenji: Alternative Scene

• Atmosphere: Bohemian, artistic
• Prices: 30-50% cheaper than central Tokyo
• Venues: Independent bars, punk rock scene
• Best For: Alternative culture, budget drinks

Kanda: Office Worker District

• Happy Hours: Extensive after-work deals
• Pricing: Budget-friendly izakayas
• Atmosphere: Traditional salaryman culture
• Best Time: 5-7 PM weekdays

Akabane: Local Drinking District

• Prices: Significantly cheaper than central areas
• Atmosphere: Authentic local experience
• Venues: Traditional izakayas, standing bars
• Language: Limited English, authentic experience

Jujo: Hidden Gem

• Pricing: Among Tokyo's cheapest
• Atmosphere: Off-the-beaten-path
• Best For: Adventurous budget drinkers

Money-Saving Strategies

Pre-Drinking (Nomi)

• Convenience Store: Buy drinks before going out
• Hotel Room: Pre-drink in accommodation
• Parks: Social drinking in appropriate areas
• Savings: 50-70% less than bar prices

Strategic Venue Selection

• Start Cheap: Begin at standing bars
• Happy Hours: Time arrivals for deals
• Chain Venues: Predictable pricing
• Avoid Tourist Areas: Shibuya/Roppongi tourist traps

Group Savings

• Nomihoudai: Better value for groups
• Bottle Sharing: Split large bottles
• Karaoke Packages: Group discounts
• Table Sharing: Split cover charges

What to Avoid: Budget Traps

Expensive Tourist Areas

• Roppongi: International pricing
• Ginza: Luxury district pricing
• Golden Gai Tourist Bars: High cover charges
• Hotel Bars: Unless during happy hour

Hidden Costs

• Table Charges (Otoshi): ¥300-800 (≈$2-5) per person
• Service Charges: 10-15% at upscale venues
• Cover Charges: ¥1,000+ at some venues
• Minimum Orders: Required at some bars

Overpriced Drinks

• Import Beer: ¥800-1,200 (≈$5-8) at bars
• Cocktails: ¥1,500+ (≈$10+) at trendy venues
• Wine by Glass: Often overpriced
• Whiskey: Japanese whisky premium pricing

Weekly and Seasonal Deals

Weekday Specials

• Monday-Wednesday: Many venues offer discounts
• Ladies' Nights: Usually Wednesday or Thursday
• Student Discounts: Various venues, ID required
• After-Work Specials: 5-7 PM deals

Seasonal Promotions

• New Year: January drinking deals
• Cherry Blossom: April outdoor drinking
• Summer: Beer garden promotions
• Year-End: December party packages

Budget Night Planning

Sample Budget Night (¥2,000 / ≈$13)

1. 6:00 PM: Convenience store pre-drinks ¥400 (≈$3)
2. 7:00 PM: Happy hour at chain restaurant ¥600 (≈$4)
3. 8:30 PM: Standing bar drinks ¥600 (≈$4)
4. 10:00 PM: Torikizoku for food/drinks ¥400 (≈$3)
5. Total: ¥2,000 (≈$13) for 4+ hours

Ultra-Budget Night (¥1,000 / ≈$7)

1. 6:00 PM: Convenience store drinks ¥300 (≈$2)
2. 7:00 PM: Park social drinking ¥0
3. 8:00 PM: Torikizoku only ¥700 (≈$5)
4. Total: ¥1,000 (≈$7) for evening

Cultural Context and Etiquette

Standing Bar Culture

• Quick Turnover: Don't linger too long
• Cash Only: Most don't accept cards
• Order Frequency: Order drinks regularly
• Social Aspect: Chat with other customers

Budget Venue Etiquette

• No Splitting Bills: Pay individually
• Order Food: Required at many izakayas
• Respect Staff: Budget doesn't mean poor treatment
• Local Customs: Follow lead of other customers

Plan Your Budget Tokyo Night

Ready to experience Tokyo nightlife on a budget? Start with our Tokyo nightlife guide for overall planning, then explore specific districts with our Shinjuku nightlife and Shibuya nightlife guides.

For food options, check our late-night food in Tokyo guide, and plan transportation with our Tokyo last train guide.

Compare budget options with premium experiences in our best bars in Tokyo and luxury nightlife Tokyo guides.

Discover more money-saving tips and Japan nightlife culture with our comprehensive Japan nightlife guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest way to drink in Tokyo?

Standing bars (tachinomi) offer the cheapest experience with drinks from ¥200-500 (≈$1-3). Convenience store pre-drinking is even cheaper at ¥150-300 (≈$1-2) per drink.

Are all-you-can-drink deals worth it?

Yes, if you drink 4+ drinks within the time limit. Most nomihoudai deals break even at 3-4 drinks compared to individual pricing.

Can I drink alcohol from convenience stores in public?

Yes, drinking in public is legal in Japan. Popular spots include parks, river banks, and outside train stations (but not inside).

What time are the best happy hour deals?

Most happy hours run 5-7 PM on weekdays. Some venues extend to 8 PM or offer weekend deals, but weekday early evening offers the best savings.

How much can I save by avoiding tourist areas?

Expect 30-50% savings by drinking in local neighborhoods versus tourist areas like Roppongi or central Shibuya. A ¥1,500 drink in Roppongi might cost ¥500 in a local standing bar.

Do budget bars accept credit cards?

Most standing bars and very cheap venues are cash-only. Chain restaurants usually accept cards, but always carry cash for budget venues.

Is the quality poor at cheap drinking venues?

Not necessarily. Japanese convenience store alcohol is high quality, and many budget bars serve the same brands as expensive venues, just with lower overhead costs.

What's the average cost for a budget night out?

A strategic budget night can cost ¥1,500-3,000 (≈$10-20) including 4-6 drinks and light food, compared to ¥8,000-15,000 (≈$53-100) at tourist venues.