If you think izakayas (japanese tavern) are pricey, then you clearly haven’t read this guide yet! 😎💸 Tokyo is full of hidden gems where you can enjoy cold drinks 🍺 and tasty bites 🍢 without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this manual will show you where the locals go to eat, and drink—all on a budget! 🎉🍶 Ready to save some yen and have a blast? Let’s dive in! 🎊
Shinjuku area
Medaka (めだか）
Opened in March 2013, this place started a beer revolution 🍺💥 with pint glasses priced at just 30 yen! (Yes, that’s not a typo!) 🎉 By April, it was 40 yen 🍻, May hit 50 yen 🍺, and by July, the wild ride stopped at 150 yen—still cheaper than bottled water at some places! 💦😂
Other drinks 🍶 and food 🍢? Also ridiculously cheap, so your wallet can relax while you party. 💸😎
Smack in the heart of Kabukicho’s Red Light District 💡🌆, this spot is perfect for an epic night out. Cheers to budget-friendly fun! 🥳✨
Address:1 Chome-3-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021
| Monday | 5PM–3AM |
| Tuesday | 5PM–3AM |
| Wednesday | 5PM–3AM |
| Thursday | 5PM–3AM |
| Friday | 5PM–3AM |
| Saturday | 4PM–3AM |
| Sunday | 4PM–3AM |
Alps (アルプス）
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Another gem in Kabukicho’s lively streets 🌆 is Alps (アルプス)—an izakaya full of surprises! 🍺✨ The beer price plays its own little game, fluctuating between 100 and 180 yen depending on the day (weekdays vs. weekends) 🗓️🍻… or sometimes, just because it feels like it. 🤷♂️🎲
The food? It’s just as wallet-friendly as Medaka 🍢💸, so you can feast without fear. Perfect for those who love good deals and a little unpredictability! 😄🎉
Address: ２丁目-35-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021
| Monday | 5PM–4AM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5PM–4AM |
| Wednesday | 5PM–4AM |
| Thursday | 5PM–4AM |
| Friday | 5PM–4AM |
| Saturday | 5PM–4AM |
| Sunday | 5PM–11PM |
Yamato (やまと）
This is one of the oldest cheap izakayas in Tokyo—practically a legend! 🏯🍻 Since ancient times (or at least it feels that way 😅), the beer price has always been 180 yen. Talk about consistency! 💪🍺
Located in West Shinjuku, it’s a bit more chill compared to the bustling Medaka and Alps 🌆🍶, making it a great spot to relax without the crowds.
Once upon a time, it was open 24/7 ⏰🍢, but sadly, not anymore. 😢 Still, it’s worth a visit for budget-friendly drinks and a nostalgic vibe! 🥳✨
Address: Here
| Monday | 11AM–3:30AM |
| Tuesday | 11AM–3:30AM |
| Wednesday | 11AM–3:30AM |
| Thursday | 11AM–3:30AM |
| Friday | 11AM–3:30AM |
| Saturday | 11AM–3:30AM |
| Sunday | 11AM–10:45PM |
Otantosan (おたんとさん)
Looking for a serene escape in the chaos of Kabukicho? 🌆 Otantosan is your answer! This izakaya is a much quieter option compared to the usual noisy spots, so you can actually have a conversation without shouting 🍺🗣️. The beer? Just 150 yen 🍻—a steal for a peaceful night. The food isn’t the cheapest, but honestly, we’re here for the drinks and good vibes, not a full meal, right? 😂🍴 So, relax, sip your drink, and enjoy some calm amidst the Kabukicho madness. 🍶✨
Address: Here
| Monday | 4PM–12AM |
| Tuesday | 4PM–12AM |
| Wednesday | 4PM–12AM |
| Thursday | 4PM–12AM |
| Friday | 4PM–5AM |
| Saturday | 4PM–5AM |
| Sunday | 4PM–12AM |
Shibuya area
Sumire (すみれ）
Another super cheap izakaya in the heart of Shibuya 🌆 (just a 7-minute stroll from the Hachiko exit 🐕✨). Beer is a steal at 130 yen on weekdays and 180 yen on weekends 🍺💸. And the food? Also budget-friendly, so your wallet can breathe easy! 🍢💰
The fun twist? It’s hidden in a narrow alley that screams “secret spot,” and the entrance looks like it belongs to a fancy, pricey izakaya. 🕵️♂️🎭 Don’t let that fool you—it’s all about cheap drinks and good vibes inside! 🥳🍻
Address: Here
| Monday | 5PM–12AM |
| Tuesday | 5PM–12AM |
| Wednesday | 5PM–12AM |
| Thursday | 5PM–12AM |
| Friday | 5PM–4:30AM |
| Saturday | 5PM–4:30AM |
| Sunday | 5PM–1AM |
Tanto (たんと）
Welcome to Tanto, an izakaya in Shibuya where the beer is an absolute steal—100 yen (well, 110 yen with tax, but still a bargain!) 🍺💸. And guess what? The food is just as cheap! 🍢🍴
It’s the perfect place to grab a quick drink and bite while you soak in the Shibuya vibes 🌆✨. Plus, if you’re planning to stay out late, Tanto is a great spot to keep the fun going until 4:30 AM, right before the first train 🕓🚉! So, no rush to leave—you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy without worrying about the clock ticking. 🥳🍻
Address: Here
| Monday | 11:30AM–4:30AM |
| Tuesday | 11:30AM–4:30AM |
| Wednesday | 11:30AM–4:30AM |
| Thursday | 11:30AM–4:30AM |
| Friday | 11:30AM–4:30AM |
| Saturday | 5PM–4:30AM |
| Sunday | 5PM–11PM |
Katsuo (勝男）
Say hello to Katsuo (勝男), open a couple of years ago, an izakaya right in the heart of Shibuya 🌆. Unlike the hidden gems we’ve talked about, Katsuo is hard to miss—just look for the huge signs with its name glowing brightly! ✨
The beer is 180 yen, so it’s still a super affordable option 🍺💸. Whether you’re just passing by or ready to stay for a while, this izakaya’s got you covered with great drinks and a lively atmosphere! 🍻🥳
address: Here
| Monday | ５PM–4:30AM |
| Tuesday | ５PM–4:30AM |
| Wednesday | ５PM–4:30AM |
| Thursday | ５PM–4:30AM |
| Friday | 3PM–4:30AM |
| Saturday | 3PM–4:30AM |
| Sunday | 5PM–11PM |
Nakanishi (中西）
Welcome to Nakanishi, a popular and affordable izakaya in the stylish Omotesando area 🌿🌆—not quite Shibuya, but close enough for a quick adventure! ✨
Known for its mouthwatering Udon Sukiyaki, this spot also offers a wide menu to keep your taste buds happy 🍢🍲. The beer has recently gone up to 210 yen, but don’t worry—if you’re looking for a steal, the highball and other drinks are just 130 yen! 🍹💸
With its distinctive large wooden building and lively vibe, Nakanishi is the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal and drinks! 🍻🍜
Address: Here
| Monday | ５PM–11:30PM |
| Tuesday | ５PM–11:30PM |
| Wednesday | ５PM–11:30PM |
| Thursday | ５PM–11:30PM |
| Friday | 5PM–11:45AM |
| Saturday | 5PM–11:45AM |
| Sunday | 5PM–11:15PM |
Roppongi Area
Macchan （松ちゃん）
Here’s another gem, this time in Roppongi—the go-to party area for foreigners 🕺🌆. Beer is just 180 yen, except on Fridays when it jumps to a still-reasonable 260 yen 🍻💸.
Tucked away in a small alley, it’s a bit of a treasure hunt to find 🗺️🔍. But that’s the charm—since it’s not easy to spot, it’s usually not overcrowded. Perfect for a more laid-back vibe in the middle of party central! 🎶🍺
Address: Here
| Monday | 5PM–12AM |
| Tuesday | 5PM–12AM |
| Wednesday | 5PM–12AM |
| Thursday | 5PM–12AM |
| Friday | 5PM–1AM |
| Saturday | 5PM–1AM |
| Sunday | off |
Ikebukuro Area
koike （小池）
Here’s another cheap izakaya, this time in Ikebukuro 🌆—the ultimate hangout for female otaku 🥰📚 (if Akihabara is for the guys, this is their counterpart!). Beer prices? Still a steal at 210 yen (only Friday is 250 yen) 🍻💸. The food? You guessed it—super cheap again! 🍢🎉
Just 2 minutes from Sunshine Building 🌞🏢, it’s the perfect escape if you’re feeling a bit “Shinjuku-ed” or “Shibuya-ed” out. 😂🌟 Affordable, chill, and a great change of scenery! 🥳🍺
Address: Here
| Monday | 5PM–1AM |
| Tuesday | 5PM–1AM |
| Wednesday | 5PM–1AM |
| Thursday | 5PM–1AM |
| Friday | 5PM–2AM |
| Saturday | 5PM–2AM |
| Sunday | 5PM-11:30PM |
