Hop Scotch Tokyo : The Bottom Line
If this had been eight years ago, on my first trip to Hop Scotch Tokyo, then it would have been highly recommended to get here. And while time does change things, I’d still say get along to this place when you’re in the vicinity as the tap list can be pretty damned good. The atmosphere also helps things, especially if you’re into rock music and heavier stuff as well. The whole place is non-smoking, and has some free WiFi as well.
Hop Scotch Tokyo : Background
Hop Scotch Tokyo opened up in July 2015 and I had gotten over their for the opening party. Yet, I was a tad drunk – no surprise – and the pictures from that day were all blurry. On subsequent times I’ve been back there, I’ve not written up about it as I thought I already had done. Guess what – I never bothered to check. It was only when I came back here, and thought hang on, I’ve not written about this place, that I felt it was time. Better late than never I guess, and 10 years is a long time in the craft beer world for a beer bar.
The bar was founded by an Australian husband and wife team, Luke and Jules, who lived in Tokyo at the time of opening, though moved overseas a few years later. They were supported by a manager, Yusuke Koike, who brought about 15 years of whiskey experience to the venture. Located in the Iidabashi area, Hop Scotch Tokyo, taking its name from hops for beer and the Scotch whiskey, is less than a five minute walk from Iidabashi station.
Hop Scotch Tokyo : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach Hop Scotch Tokyo, it’s easy to miss it as the only real sign that there is a bar in the building is a small sign out the front. Entering the bar, you’re greeted by the small standing area that is covered in beer labels – see how many you can spot from breweries no longer in operation. The bar is a standing bar, with space for around 15 people at various tables and wall counter options, so of course, there is no table charge here. Moreover, the bar is non-smoking and there is also some free Wi-Fi to use.
The atmosphere in Hop Scotch Tokyo is casual and friendly; suitable for after‐work drinks, solo visits, small groups. On the day we went, there was around 6 other people in the bar, all relaxing over some beers as some rock and heavy metal music was playing in the background. Any bar that has Tool playing is alright by me.
Hop Scotch Tokyo : Beer & Tap Information
There are usually eight taps of craft beer on at Hop Scotch Tokyo, with the taplist being split between imports and domestic craft beer. The beers come in three sizes : half pint (260 ml) from ¥1,000, pint (473 ml) from ¥1,400, and then mass (1000 ml) from ¥2,800. This makes Hop Scotch Tokyo towards the pricier end of places in Tokyo, but then we’re in the centre of Tokyo and the beers are usually pretty hard to come by. There is no beer flight option; however, there is a happy hour option where between opening and 19:00, all pints are ¥200 off.
There are also some bottled beers that can be bought to be drunk in-store and also to takeaway, with the menus displayed on the TVs around the place.
Hop Scotch Tokyo : Food & Menu Information
I didn’t eat anything when I went to Hop Scotch Tokyo for this write up, but in the past, I have eaten the sliders, and also some of the gyoza and found the food to be pretty good. The menus are in Japanese, though there is enough English on them to order, and the staff do speak some English. If you’re vegetarian, then there’s a few snacks you can order, but not enough to get a full meal. Finally, all of the prices do include tax, so there’s no surprise at the end.
Hop Scotch Tokyo : Bar Details
- Open : Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 16:00 – 00:00 Wed 12:00 – 14:00 16:00 – 00:00 Sat, Public Holiday 15:00 – 23:00 (L.O one hour before closing)
- Closed : Sundays
- Happy Hour : Opening to 19:00 – All pints are ¥200 off.
- Phone : 090-9772-5959
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://www.hopscotchtokyo.com/
- Social Media : Facebook / Instagram
