Where to Drink in Asakusa? A Top-Rated Spot on Hoppy Street – What It’s Like & My Impressions

＊This article was created in July 2025.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change.

What you’ll find in this article:
I’ll introduce some of the top-rated spots on Hoppy Street in Asakusa, Tokyo, and share our own impressions after visiting them.

Hello! This is Nabe, staff at K’s House Tokyo Oasis.
It’s been a while since my last post (Oops).

I often get asked by both Japanese and international guests: “Do you know any good places to drink around here?”
Usually, I recommend Hoppy Street. But to be honest… I, Nabe, have hardly ever actually drunk there myself.

Hoppy Street is just a few minutes’ walk from our hostel, and every day I see the glow of the red lanterns from a distance. But since it’s so close, I kind of took it for granted. I even had a bit of a bias, thinking, “Isn’t it just a bunch of touristy places?” So I’ve been avoiding it until now.

That’s why this time I decided to finally check it out myself and answer the question: “So, what are the Hoppy Street bars really like?”

Since there are over 20 places along Hoppy Street, I picked some highly rated places on Google and Tabelog, a Japanese restaurant review site.

Also, because I’m on a budget (tears), I’ll report from the angle of how much fun you can have for around 1,000 yen.

Alright then—let’s dive in!

Note: These are just my personal impressions, so please take them with a grain of salt (lol).

What is Hoppy Street?

Hoppy Street is a lively street full of bars and izakaya (a casual Japanese pub) just west of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. In its short 300-meter stretch, you’ll find over 20 cozy spots lined up side by side. The street originally grew out of post-WWII black markets, later attracting small eateries and food stalls until it became what it is today. The name “Hoppy” comes from a beer-flavored drink made by Hoppy Beverage Co., usually enjoyed mixed with shochu (Traditional Japanese distilled spirit). Since many bars on the street serve Hoppy, the area naturally came to be called Hoppy Street.

浅草ホッピー通りについて｜歴史や概要を詳しく解説

浅草ホッピー通りの歴史と概要、おすすめのグルメを詳しく解説。昭和レトロな雰囲気が魅力の飲食街で、浅草の魅力を存分に楽しめる場所。

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Sho-chan

Sho-chan is a small shop located just off the main stretch of Hoppy Street, near the entrance to Asakusa Nishi Sando Street. It seems to be quite a famous spot in Asakusa—apparently even David Bowie visited incognito! I’ve known about this place ever since I first came to Asakusa.

The atmosphere inside

The shop has a charmingly aged, local feel both inside and out. The faded noren (shop curtain) adds to its rustic appeal. Next to the counter, there’s a large pot simmering the specialty beef tendon stew, which is sure to whet your appetite.

The interior of Sho-chan is small, with only a counter and seating for about 10 people. Including the tented outdoor area, the shop can hold around 20 guests at most.

On this day, the weather was nice and the breeze felt great, so we decided to sit outside. The outdoor seating, made with a long table reinforced with duct tape and simple plastic chairs often seen at Asian street stalls, adds even more of a downtown Tokyo vibe. 👍👍👍
The Showa-era Japanese pop songs playing from inside perfectly match the nostalgic atmosphere, making the experience even more enjoyable. (≧▽≦)**

The specialty beef tendon stew and Hoppy

Normally, I would have gone for a beer, but since we were on Hoppy Street, I decided to go with Hoppy instead. The shop is small, so I quickly ordered a black Hoppy set and the beef tendon stew from the staff standing right behind me.

The plastic cup was filled about 80% with shochu so the drink naturally turned out quite strong! (Haha)

After quenching my thirst with Hoppy, I tried the shop’s famous beef tendon stew. The beef tendon had been slowly simmered in the large pot I saw earlier, and the meat was tender, with the fat practically melting in my mouth. The flavor was perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too mild—and it made me want to keep sipping Hoppy.

Connections born from the cozy space

Whether you sit at the counter inside or at the outdoor tables, there’s very little space between you and the next guest, so conversation naturally happens. When I visited, I ended up having a fun chat with the person sitting next to me. This is one of the unique pleasures of a local, downtown spot like Sho-chan—it’s the kind of experience you can only have in a place like this.

Payment

Payment is cash only. For the convenience of foreign visitors, a “CASH ONLY” sign is posted outside.

This time, I ordered a black Hoppy set for 600 yen, shochu for mixing for 300 yen, and the beef tendon stew for 550 yen, totaling 1,450 yen.

In terms of price, it might be around 100–150 yen more expensive than chain restaurants, but that’s understandable for a privately owned shop. More importantly, I got to fully enjoy the atmosphere and the interactions with other customers, which made it well worth it.

My impressions

The atmosphere and taste lived up to the hype—it’s a really great spot. While clean and stylish bars are nice, I personally prefer places like Sho-chan, where the well-worn charm adds to the downtown Tokyo vibe. The beef tendon stew was perfectly seasoned to go with Hoppy, making it easy to keep sipping. Since the shochu portion in the Hoppy mix is generous, I felt pleasantly tipsy by the second drink 👍.

The interior has a cool, rustic feel, but on a sunny, pleasant day, I’d recommend sitting outside to fully enjoy the experience.

You can also check out the shop’s atmosphere on Instagram.
Feel free to take a look! (Tap the image to view)

Asakusa Today on Instagram: "The local bar in Asakusa, Tokyo. (#1) #tokyotoday #asakusatoday #bar #asakusa #hoppy #hoppystreet #浅草 #localbar #asakusabar #izakaya #ホッピー通り #浅草居酒屋"

6 likes, 0 comments - asakusatoday on June 20, 2025: "The local bar in Asakusa, Tokyo. (#1)#tokyotoday #asakusatoday #ba...

www.instagram.com

Totoya

Totoya is located near the center of the liveliest part of Hoppy Street. The restaurant is directly run by a fish shop that has been operating in Tsukiji for 150 years. While its Tabelog rating is respectable, it boasts an impressive 4.7 on Google Reviews! I decided to pay a visit right away.

The atmosphere inside

The restaurant feels relatively new, with a bright blue noren (shop curtain) at the entrance. In addition to outdoor and indoor seating, there also seems to be a second-floor area.

Although it was still a bit warm, the weather was nice, so I chose to sit outside again. Facing the lively street, the open-air setting is really enjoyable. The customer next to me was smoking while drinking, so it seems that outdoor seating allows smoking.

I arrived around 5:30 PM on a weekday, and the restaurant was already nearly full, showing just how popular it is. The space between tables isn’t very wide, so during busy times, you can almost feel the person behind you. Unlike Sho-chan, Totoya has multiple tables, which gives it a slightly more crowded feel.

It might have been a coincidence, but most of the customers were young. I didn’t see many of the older, long-time regulars you often encounter in Asakusa.

Try Red Hoppy Here!

I resisted the urge for beer again and looked at the menu to order Hoppy, when I noticed they had a “Red” Hoppy set! I’ve been drinking Hoppy for a long time, but this was the first time I’d seen Red Hoppy. Even though it cost an extra 50 yen, I didn’t hesitate to order it.

The Red Hoppy arrived along with the shochu  served in an Asahi beer mug. The bottle wasn’t a returnable type but the usual kind you often see in restaurants, so the amount was slightly smaller.

With anticipation, I poured and tasted the Red Hoppy! Honestly, I couldn’t really tell much difference in taste or color compared to the regular Hoppy (haha). I started drinking it while snacking on the grilled cod roe appetizer that came with the order.

Fresh Sashimi from the Fish Shop!

The menu offered a wide variety of grilled and fried dishes, but since the restaurant is run by a fish shop from Tsukiji, I decided to order the sardine sashimi.

The sashimi was served on a cool, summery glass plate. The sardines were fatty and very delicious. The condiments—fresh ginger and myoga (Japanese ginger)—paired perfectly with the fish. The seafood is sourced fresh every morning from Toyosu Market, which really came through in the freshness of the dish.

I’m not sure if the grilled Tarako (cod roe) appetizer was also sourced fresh from Toyosu every morning, but it had a rich flavor that went perfectly with the drinks.

Payment

They accept cash, credit cards, and electronic payments, making it convenient for everyone.

This time, I ordered a Red Hoppy set for 605 yen, shochu for mixing for 275 yen, sardine sashimi for 968 yen, and the grilled cod roe appetizer for 418 yen, totaling 2,266 yen (tax included). Since I ordered sashimi, it wasn’t exactly a “Senbero” experience this time.

My impressions

As expected from a fish shop-run restaurant, the sashimi was delicious. While Hoppy Street is often associated with stews and braised dishes, this spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh seafood with a drink. They also have a wide selection of sake. The interior is clean and welcoming, making it easy for women to visit—and indeed, many female customers were present during my visit.

The prices felt slightly higher than typical Hoppy Street standards. Honestly, I wished the sashimi was either a bit cheaper or served in a larger portion, though the taste was excellent. Since an appetizer (otoshi) is also served, this place might not be ideal for those trying to drink on a tight budget. That said, considering that ramen often costs over 1,000 yen these days, ordering sashimi and drinks for just over 2,000 yen isn’t too bad.

The restaurant has a good number of seats, but being a popular spot, it gets crowded fairly early. It’s probably a good idea to make a reservation if you can. On the day I visited, it was quite busy, so it took some time for the food to arrive—patience is needed during peak hours.

You can also check out the restaurant’s atmosphere on Instagram.
Feel free to take a look! (Tap the image to view)

Asakusa Today on Instagram: "The local bar in Asakusa, Tokyo. (#2) #tokyotoday #asakusatoday #bar #asakusa #hoppy #hoppystreet #浅草 #localbar #asakusabar #izakaya #浅草居酒屋 #ホッピー通り"

4 likes, 0 comments - asakusatoday on July 11, 2025: "The local bar in Asakusa, Tokyo. (#2)#tokyotoday #asakusatoday #ba...

www.instagram.com

 

Izakaya Koji

Izakaya Koji is also located near the center of Hoppy Street, just like Totoya. Known for its stewed dishes, the restaurant has high ratings on both Tabelog and Google, and apparently even some celebrities visit privately. I decided to pay a visit to try their famous stews.

The atmosphere inside

Perhaps because the weather was a bit gloomy that day, I was the only customer when I arrived around 5:30 PM (haha). Considering how highly rated this place is, I guess I got lucky! The staff kindly said, “Since it’s quiet today, you can sit anywhere,” so I didn’t hesitate to choose a seat outside.

I had hoped to enjoy a drink while taking in the view of Hoppy Street, but as mentioned earlier, the weather forecast predicted a storm. Unfortunately, the outdoor seating was enclosed with sheets, so I couldn’t really see much of the street 🙁

Inside, there are counter seats and table seating. Autographed cards from celebrities on the walls hint at the restaurant’s popularity.

“Denki Bran” – A Spirit Born in Asakusa

This time, I decided to try something a little different: “Denki Bran,” a local liquor born in Asakusa. Denki Bran was created at Kamiya Bar, said to be Japan’s first bar, and it’s still widely enjoyed today. Although I had heard of it before, I had never actually tried it.

Since it’s summer, I ordered a “ Kaminari ( It means “Thunder” in English) Highball,” which is Denki Bran mixed with soda.

The Kaminari Highball arrived in a beer mug along with the appetizer. The taste was slightly sweet , and the refreshing soda was very pleasant. I was told that you can order a Kaminari Highball at many places along Hoppy Street, so it’s a fun drink to try as part of your Hoppy Street experience!

Tasting the specialty: beef tendon stew

Since my budget was limited, I decided to order only the specialty: the beef tendon stew.

The stew arrived in a small bowl, but it was filled with large pieces of tofu, which made it feel more substantial than expected. I sprinkled some shichimi (Japanese seven-spice chili) on top before digging in.

The flavor was rich and well-seasoned, slightly saltier than the beef tendon stew at Sho-chan introduced earlier. The slightly sweet Kaminari Highball paired perfectly with it.

What surprised me was the meat hidden in the small bowl! I had imagined the stew would contain finely simmered beef tendon, but this one had three to four chunky, satisfying pieces of meat. By the time I finished everything, I was completely full. The meat was tender and well-cooked, making both my stomach and taste buds very happy.

Payment

This time, I ordered a Kaminari Highball for 650 yen, the beef tendon stew for 800 yen, and the daily appetizer for 400 yen, totaling 1,850 yen (tax included). I managed to keep it within a “Senbero” budget, but honestly, I felt like I could have had a little more to drink.

My impressions

What left the strongest impression on me during this visit was undoubtedly the signature beef tendon stew. I had never eaten beef tendon so hearty and satisfying, and I feel I now understand a little of why this place is so popular. Even though some time has passed since my visit, I still occasionally find myself craving that beef tendon again.

While I was satisfied with the taste, the prices were a bit on the higher side. The beef tendon stew was 800 yen, which isn’t exactly cheap for a single dish. Although I didn’t order it this time, a Hoppy set with extra shochu  can reach around 1,000 yen, so it might feel a bit pricey if you plan to have several drinks. Since an appetizer (otoshi) is also included, this isn’t really a spot for a quick, cheap drink.

The staff who guided me mentioned that due to recent price increases and the impact of inbound tourists, prices have risen compared to the past. Being on Hoppy Street, this pricing is probably unavoidable.

That said, the food and atmosphere were excellent, so if you’re interested, it’s definitely worth a visit.

You can also check out the restaurant’s atmosphere on Instagram.
Feel free to take a look! (Tap the image to view)

Asakusa Today on Instagram: "The local bar in Asakusa, Tokyo. (#3) #tokyotoday #asakusatoday #bar #asakusa #hoppy #hoppystreet #浅草 #localbar #asakusabar #izakaya #浅草居酒屋 #ホッピー通り#japantrip"

7 likes, 0 comments - asakusatoday on July 17, 2025: "The local bar in Asakusa, Tokyo. (#3)#tokyotoday #asakusatoday #ba...

www.instagram.com

 

Impressions from Visiting Hoppy Street

So, what did I think? This time, I visited some of the highly rated spots on Asakusa’s Hoppy Street and shared my impressions.

Even though I’ve been coming to this area for over 10 years, here are my thoughts after exploring Hoppy Street:

It was my first time exploring Hoppy Street, and I really enjoyed drinking amid the rows of red lanterns. Sitting outside was especially refreshing and offered a sense of openness that’s hard to find elsewhere. If you’ve ever visited a bar street overseas, Hoppy Street feels like Japan’s version of that—a place full of atmospheric, charming bars and great spots to discover while bar-hopping.

That said, being in a tourist area, prices can feel a little higher. While each item is only a few hundred yen more, ordering a variety of dishes and drinks can add up, making it feel slightly expensive.

Still, drinking on Hoppy Street is one of the best ways to enjoy the atmosphere of Asakusa. If you think of the slight price difference as an extra fee to enjoy this atmosphere, it’s definitely worth it. For those mindful of spending, consider visiting for your first drink or a final drink of the evening.

So, enjoy Hoppy Street in your own way, and I hope to see you in Asakusa!