Lately there has been lots of talk in the Japanese mass media regarding “fly-jin”, a play on words for the Japanese term for foreigners “gaijin.” Although it’s a fact the tsunami and on-going disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant have caused a number of foreigners to leave the nation, it is also true that a lot stayed just as the Japanese.
My wife is in Tokyo (well she is Japanese), practically all of my foreign friends are still in Tokyo, and significant amount of the mass anxiety I observed at the start of the catastrophe was the consequence of normal concern during a period when little information was available. So now that things have settled down a little, the most sensible thing we can do for Japan is continue to travel, help the recovery, and let everyone realize it is still a secure country to travel to.
There are lots of things to do in Tokyo, but as summer comes closer, and the air conditioning is sure to be in low supply because of energy cuts, it’s time to act just like a native and appreciate a nice cold beer, or two, or three, or….well you understand. I myself will do this as I travel to Japan in June. So this is not idle advice, but a master strategy from a long-term resident of Japan.
I was told just recently that aside from bottled water, batteries, and flashlights, the current greatest shortage in the city is beer. Yes, that’s correct, beer. With the biggest manufactures having their plants in the north their production volume has been affected. But don't worry, I always have a strategy when in involves beer. If you are in Tokyo here are the perfect locations to indulge in a draft while helping to improve the economy.
Our first stop is in April when the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom. This is the easiest of all suggestions, if your timing is right, and fits right in with the Japanese practice of hanami, partying below the cherry blossoms. Grab a couple of beers from a convenience store (yes, they all sell beer) or from a vending machine (yeah, these are available too) and head to your nearest park to imbibe beneath the trees. For especially lively times I recommend Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen or Sumida Park.
If you’re worried about the big beer manufacturers running out of supplies, don’t worry, there is a growing micro beer market in Japan. In June the Great Japan Beer Festival begins at Ebisu Garden Hall. This is your opportunity to taste more than 120 Japanese micro brews. If you do not mind crowded places with lots of beer drinkers (who could dislike that) this is the place for you. There are three sessions scheduled on June 4 (11.30am-3pm and 4-7.30pm) and June 5 (12-4pm) with tickets costing 500 yen each (about $5).
In case you are searching for something just a little less crowded where you are able to sit, it’s time to try out one of the scores of beer gardens which open up around the city in the spring. Let’s face it, Tokyo can get muggy in the summer time so I recommend heading to the river front to satisfy your thirst. TY Harbor Brewery is on the junction of Tennoz and Shibaura waterways and makes good beers right on location. No need to worry about lack of production here. Best of all is the knowledge that 10% of all purchases go to support kids in the tsunami afflicted areas. Sounds, and tastes, fantastic to me!
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