Tsuitachi Beer : The Bottom Line
Tsuitachi Beer is a fun little place to pick up some obscure beers that you might not come across in other bars in Tokyo. While the pours do depend on your own ability to pour a beer, it’s that part that makes it kind of fun to try. Just make sure you don’t mind sitting shoulder to shoulder with others though as this place is small – probably rivalling some of the places on this site for the smallest bar in Japan.
Tsuitachi Beer : Background
Tsuitachi Beer opened in October 2024, and is located in an area of Tokyo that’s not really associated with craft beer. Instead, the area around the bar is better associated with the behemoth of a university – The University of Tokyo. With students not known for having lots of disposable income for craft beer, it’s an interesting place to open up a self-service bar. The reason for the bar existing here is that the owner once studied at the university and wanted to create a connection to the university and the bar.
The bar itself is less than a five minute walk from the nearest station which is Todaimae on the Namboku Line.
Tsuitachi Beer : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach Tsuitachi Beer, you’re probably thinking who would open a craft beer shop here of all places? Well first of all, the bar is located in an old fish storehouse , and the design utilized both the exterior and interior – lots of white tiles on the inside, all up the walls and along the seating area. The fish store still exists though in a much newer form across the road from the bar. A little more about that fish store in a bit.
There’s space for around 6 people inside – and that’s pushing it. If you’re sitting down, then be prepared to share the communal space. There’s only one tiny table to perch your beer on, so make sure you don’t grab someone else’s beer when you go to reach for yours. Tsuitachi Beer is non-smoking and there is also some free wifi in the area. Finally, there’s none of that dreaded table charge here either.
Tsuitachi Beer : Beer & Tap Information
Tsuitachi Beer uses the “Pour My Beer” system, which we’ve seen at other places such as Tap & Tumbler. Just grab a card from the front and use that to pour the beer. If you want a pint glass, go ahead and get one, or grab a smaller glass and use that instead. If you’ve never used the system before, the staff on the day will explain how it works, and are on hand to help you if you forget. With glass washers installed, you can use the same glass over and over.
There are usually 12 taps of craft beer, with a range of styles on tap, so you’re not getting IPAs across the board. One of these taps is dedicated to an in-house made ginger beer that’s non-alcoholic. Moreover, on the times that we’ve been here, there have also been a range of breweries from Japan across the taps – with some that I’ve not seen on tap anywhere. The idea behind this is to allow customers to try new breweries – both old and new – with a focus on supporting them. The beers can be bought to takeaway if you have a suitable container.
The prices are based on fl oz, so 1 fl oz is about 30 ml. As you pour, there is a message on screen that gives you a rough amount, but every little bit counts. The cheapest beer we saw was priced at ¥110 per 30 ml, so it’s not the cheapest place to drink at if you’re looking to get pints of beer.
Tsuitachi Beer : Food & Menu Information
There are some basic snacks here, with some flavour popcorn, some nuts, and finally some chips. However, going back to the fish store across the road, you are able to pop over there, watch them cut up some fresh fish to make some sashimi or sushi, and eat it in the bar. Finally, there is enough English on the menus to help you decide what to drink and all the prices do include tax as well. And a word of warning – no cash payments here so make sure you bring a credit card or have some form of electronic money.
Tsuitachi Beer : Bar Details
- Open : Weekdays 18:00 – 23:30 (L.O. 23:00) Saturdays and Sundays 13:00 – 23:30 (L.O. 23:00)
- Closed : –
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : –
- Homepage (in Japanese) : –
- Social Media : Instagram
