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Home Bar Review Tsukinowaguma in Gakugeidaigaku, Tokyo

Tsukinowaguma in Gakugeidaigaku, Tokyo

by Rob
2 comments

Tsukinowaguma The Bottom Line

If you’re in Gakugeidaigaku, and you’re desperate for some craft beer, then you can get the train to either Nakameguro or Jiyugaoka, as it is hard to recommend Tsukinowaguma over anything else that’s close by. While there are some taps of craft beer, the place is pricey for what you get both in terms of beer and food. While the owner is friendly and the atmosphere is chilled out, I couldn’t help but think that I was paying more for location rather than for actual drinks and food. The upsides are that Tsukinowaguma has no table charge, prices include tax, and there is some Wifi going on too.

Tsukinowaguma Inside・ツキノワグマ店内

Tsukinowaguma The Full Review

I got lost trying to find Tsukinowaguma. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been to Gakugeidaigaku, or felt the need to visit it, during my time in Japan. Tsukinowaguma was pointed out to us by a friend and I thought I could find it. Nope, walked around the block, walking into different shops asking for directions, but noone seemed to know what I was talking about. Not surprising though as Tsukinowaguma opened in May 2018 and was dead quiet on the day and time we went.

Tsukinowaguma is located about 2 minutes from Gakugeidaigaku station, on the second floor of what appeared to be a big food and drink complex – yakitori, wine bars, izakayas, and the such were dotted around the various floors. There was no sign on the ground floor either to indicate where the bar is. However, once you get inside, it’s chilled out atmosphere is immediately apparent, with some light jazz music, and airy feel. There is space inside for about 20 people, with 10 seats around the main bar, and also two standing tables for about 10 people. The whole place is non-smoking and also does not have any table charge either.

Tsukinowaguma Beer 1・ツキノワグマビール1Tsukinowaguma Beer 2・ツキノワグマビール2Tsukinowaguma Beer 3・ツキノワグマビール3
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When we went to Gakugeidaigaku, the tap list was dominated by IPAs, and when you’ve got three taps of the stuff, it can be a bit disappointing. There’s nothing with IPAs, but some variety would have been nice. The owners did mention there is more variety throughout the year, but recently, IPAs have been popular and sell well. The beers come in two sizes: tasting (230ml) for ¥830 and glass (350ml) for ¥950 – not cheap by any means but the prices do include tax. You can ask for your beers to be topped up, and it is strongly recommended you do so.

Tsukinowaguma Food 1・ツキノワグマフード1Tsukinowaguma Food 2・ツキノワグマフード2

The food at Tsukinowaguma is simple and straightforward, but also pricey for what you get. While it’s all freshly made in front of you, I did feel a bit let down getting some like 10 nachos and a dollop of guacamole on a slate plate. A shame as it did taste really good. There’s plenty of vegetarian choices too as well but I’d say make sure you’ve eaten beforehand.

Tsukinowaguma Details

Open: Monday to Saturday 17:00 – 24:00 (L.O Food 23:00 Drink 23:30)

Close: Sundays

Happy Hour: None

Phone: 03-6452-2320

Homepage (in Japanese): https://mgm17fkd.wixsite.com/tsukinowaguma

Social Media: Facebook / Instagram

How to Get to Tsukinowaguma

The closest station to Tsukinowaguma is Gakugeidaigaku on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. The bar is about a 2 minute walk from there.

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2 comments

Rob September 24, 2019 - 7:29 am

Don’t hold back – tell us what you really think. 😉

Reply
pudgym29 October 17, 2019 - 12:35 pm

Tsk, tsk. I flash to a bit by a North American comedian who thus described his visit to a craft beer bar.
Upon asking what taps were on offer, the bar staff replied, “We have an India pale ale, an American pale ale, a hazy India pale ale, a northeast hazy India pale ale, a brut India pale ale, a double pale ale, a single-hop India pale ale, and an Imperial pale ale.”
Upon requesting of bar staff if it had anything in a Porter, Stout, or Lager, he was given the deer in the headlights facial response.

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