Tower Records Beer : The Bottom Line
Tower Records Beer is an unusual little addition to Tokyo’s beer scene, and its biggest appeal is probably the novelty of having a beer-focused space attached to one of Japan’s most recognisable music retailers. The selection of beers gives you enough choice to make a visit worthwhile, particularly if you enjoy trying something different rather than sticking to the usual suspects. For me, it works best as a convenient stop when you’re already in the area, particularly if you’re browsing Tower Records. It’s quirky, easy-going and worth checking out, but probably not a destination beer bar in its own right.
Tower Records Beer : Background
Tower Records Beer is a project from Tower Records, the Japanese music retailer that has been part of Japan’s music scene since the 1980s. The company opened its first Japanese store in Shibuya in 1981 and went on to develop a nationwide network of stores, becoming particularly well known for its distinctive yellow branding and large selection of music. The project has involved collaborations with established Japanese breweries, allowing Tower Records to use its own branding and creative identity while working with specialist brewing partners for production.
Tower Records Beer : Atmosphere & Interior
The interior is fairly simple, with the grey and black colour scheme providing most of the visual character. Music-related details and familiar graphics are worked into the space without making it feel overly themed or gimmicky. The result is modern and functional, with the limited space used efficiently. With no tables or chairs taking up room, the standing layout leaves the counter as the main focus. It also makes the venue easy to use for people dropping in on their own or meeting friends for a quick drink. There is a steady, informal quality to the space that suits its location and purpose.
For me, the main thing to know before visiting is simply that this is a standing bar. Once you know that, the setup makes sense. It’s small, straightforward and quite different from a conventional pub, with enough music-related character to make the connection obvious without overwhelming the space.
Tower Records Beer : Beer & Tap Information
Tower Records Beer has 12 taps, with the selection made up of craft beers from breweries around Japan and a rotating mix of collaboration beers. Rather than having its own permanent house range, the bar uses the taplist to showcase different breweries and projects, so what you find on the day can change considerably. The original lineup launched in February 2026 with four beers made with breweries from Kawasaki, Yokohama, Saitama and Kobe. Since then, further collaborations have included Turntable with Teenage Brewing, Ten Days After with TDM 1874 Brewery, and more recent releases such as Urban Oasis with Cycad Brewing and Dream Hop with Caghiya Brewery.
The beers come in two sizes, though it does depend if you’re going to be standing drinking in the bar, or walking around the shop, perusing at records. The small size, which is 240 ml in a glass, and around 200 ml for a plastic cup, starts at ¥750 and the large size, which is 470 ml in a glass or around 400 ml for a plastic cup, starts at ¥1,300, including tax. I wasn’t planning on spending much money here, though with a beer in hand as you look at second hand records, I did end up spending a lot more than I expected to so you’ve been warned!
Cans and bottles are also available, including some of the collaboration beers, making it possible to take something home rather than relying entirely on your ability to stand upright after working through the taplist.
Tower Records Beer : Food & Menu Information
When I visited, I didn’t see a substantial food selection available, so I’d treat this as somewhere for a drink rather than somewhere to come hungry besides some small portions of nuts and crackers for ¥500. There may be occasional events or collaborations where food is offered, but these appear to be separate from the regular operation rather than part of a permanent menu. Finally, this is a cashless place so you will need to bring some form of digital or card payment with you. I even stupidly asked if they accepted cards on my third beer here, so yes, it’s a good idea to eat before coming here.
Tower Records Beer : Bar Details
- Open : Daily 12:00 – 22:00 (L.O 21:30)
- Closed : –
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone :
- Homepage (in Japanese) :
- Social Media : Instagram
