Asakusa Hoppy Street Guide | Best Izakayas & Drinking Tips in Tokyo
🗼 Step into Retro Tokyo: What is Hoppy Street?
In the heart of Tokyo’s old town, Asakusa, where temples and tourists collide, lies a lively little street with a different kind of spirituality—Hoppy Street (ホッピー通り). Just a short walk from Sensoji Temple, this alley transforms every evening into a nostalgic pocket of Tokyo’s post-war era.
Plastic stools, glowing lanterns, the clink of beer mugs, and the buzz of laughter—it’s the kind of atmosphere that feels like a neighborhood block party every night. If you want to experience authentic Japanese drinking culture, this is where you go to get a little tipsy like the locals.
🍺 Why It’s Called “Hoppy” Street
The street gets its name from the iconic Japanese drink Hoppy—a low-alcohol, beer-flavored beverage originally created in post-war Japan when beer was expensive. Locals mix Hoppy with shochu (Japanese distilled liquor), creating a smooth, drinkable combo that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly strong.
✅ Hoppy = Shochu + Hoppy (beer-flavored soda)
🪑 Served ice-cold, usually in a frosty mug
🔥 Stronger than it tastes—so pace yourself!
🏮 What to Expect on Hoppy Street
Hoppy Street is lined with about 10–15 izakayas (Japanese pubs), many of which spill into the street. Most bars offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and tables fill up fast in the evening.
Atmosphere:
- Casual, loud, and friendly
- Mix of locals, tourists, salarymen, and sometimes regular old-timers
- Expect small tables, shared space, and great people-watching
What Locals Do:
- Order Hoppy sets or highballs
- Snack on yakitori, motsu nikomi (beef stew), and grilled skewers
- Hop from bar to bar (yes, Hoppy Street is made for hopping)
🍢 What to Eat: Must-Try Izakaya Dishes
Here are some popular dishes you’ll find at most spots on Hoppy Street:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Motsu Nikomi | Simmered beef or pork tripe stew with miso or soy |
| Yakitori | Grilled chicken skewers (try liver or skin!) |
| Gyoza | Pan-fried dumplings, crispy on the bottom |
| Karaage | Japanese fried chicken, juicy and flavorful |
| Edamame | Simple salted soybeans, great drinking snack |
| Nasu Dengaku | Grilled eggplant with miso glaze |
Most dishes cost between ¥300–¥700, and drinks range from ¥400–¥600.
Motsu Nikomi
Yakitori
Gyoza
Karaage
Edamame
Nasu Dengaku
🍶 How to Order Like a Local
Even if you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry—many izakayas have photos on their menus or handwritten signs. If you see “ホッピーセット” (Hoppy Set), you’re golden.
3 Tips:
- Start with a “Hoppy Set” → comes with one bottle of Hoppy + a glass of shochu
- Say “Naka” when you want more shochu, “Soto” for more Hoppy
- Cash is king—most bars don’t accept cards
🕰️ When to Go
- Evening (5 PM – 9 PM) is the best time—when the area really comes alive
- Weekends are more crowded but festive
- Early weekday evenings are perfect for getting a seat and chatting with locals
📍 How to Get to Hoppy Street
- 🚇 Station: Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line)
- 🚶 Walk: 5 minutes from Sensoji Temple, near Denpoin Street
Just plug in “ホッピー通り” or “Hoppy Street” into Google Maps—it’s easy to find once you’re in the Asakusa area.
🧠 Tips Before You Go
- Go with an open mind—it’s loud, smoky, and delightfully imperfect
- Bring cash—many places are small and old-school
- Solo travelers are welcome—bartenders often chat if you’re alone
- Try more than one place—bar hopping is part of the fun
- Take photos respectfully—but feel free to capture the neon and smiles
🍻 Final Thoughts
Hoppy Street in Asakusa is not just a place to drink—it’s a time machine to old-school Tokyo. It’s where community, chaos, and cold drinks mix in the best possible way.
So next time you’re temple-hopping around Asakusa, skip the tourist traps and head to Hoppy Street. Grab a stool, order a Hoppy, clink glasses with a stranger, and raise a toast to Tokyo’s timeless izakaya spirit.
Kanpai! 🍶✨
