2 Best Bars in Mitaka and Musashino, Tokyo

Don’t let the name “beer hall” confuse you: this Harmonica Yokocho institution is shoulder-to-shoulder snug, as many of the best yokocho watering holes in Japan are, helping to make it a very convivial place for Belgian beers on tap, as well as sake and spirits. To go with your drinks, try the fish-and-chips. It’s a small portion but done well.

Baird Beer, one of Japan’s leading microbrewers, opened this taproom in 2019. In keeping with Kichijoji’s hip vibe, it’s a small venue, but it packs a big punch with a fantastic line-up of Baird’s year-round and limited release beers. Those include the hop-heavy Suruga Bay IPA, rich Kurofune Porter, and refreshing Wheat King Witte. It all goes well with the American soul food on the menu, such as tacos, burritos, and chili nachos.