Every spring Tokyoites look forward to warmer weather (finally!) and the wonderful blooming of the 1000s of sakura trees around the cities. Yet for a large segment of the populace, both Japanese and international residents, spring brings one more great reason to have a bit of fun: St. Patrick’s Day will soon be here again!

 

The History

Events celebrating the Patron Saint of Eire, St. Patrick, have been around for some time with the modern fixture of a St. Patrick’s Day parade getting its start in 18th Century New York City; now home to easily the largest in the world (over 200,000 participants and more than a million spectators!). The Tokyo equivalent was begun in the early 1990s by the good people at Irish Network Japan and has since grown to include 1,000 or more people in the actual parade- and more than a few Irish Wolf Hounds as well!- with thousands more taking in the event as it winds up and around Omotosando-dori.

 

What to Expect

Not only parades but events like live music, St. Paddy’s menus, Irish whiskey specials and most importantly- discounted pints of Guinness, Kilkenny and Murphy’s now mark out St. Patrick’s Day as a day for Irish, friends of Ireland and those who like good food, better beer, great music and excellent times! Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Be sure to check out Tokyo Tower lit up in green as part of the festivities.

 

Where to go

There is obviously no shortage of Irish style pubs in Tokyo but a tour of a few highlights from around the city has to include Paddy Foley’s. A landmark for both the foreign community in Tokyo as well as for many locals, Paddy’s has been a fixture in Tokyo for years and has the distinction of being the first to bring draft Guinness to Tokyo! Sure to be buzzing on the weekend leading up to the 17th expect great live music, big crowds and pints, pints, pints!

Start your festivities off with Paddy Foley's Traditional Irish Stew and a pint of the good stuff. Don’t miss live Irish dancing, the Leprechaun Party and Six Nations Rugby on the around this time. The Paddy’s crew always has a strong presence in the St. Patrick’s Day parade each year and all are welcome to join them and then head back to the pub for the post-parade party.

The ubiquitous Dubliners Pubs are also now legendary for their St. Patrick’s Day festivities with more live music and ever increasing discounts on food and pints the closer you get to the big day itself. Check out their deals on pints and spirits! Dubliners are located all over Tokyo so there is sure to be one near you.

Also, be sure to give the HUB a try. Even easier to find throughout the city than Dubliners and featuring their own St. Patrick’s Day specials, the HUB is sure to be a fun stop over an enjoyable weekend.

Should you find yourself around Shibuya check out the atmospheric Aldgate. Relax and enjoy a Guinness, Jameson whiskey, or Baileys.

There is simply no better time for a pub tour than this!

Slaince!

The EOK Team

 

Pubs in Tokyo

English OK! Pub Listings:

Pub Cardinal
P.C.M. Pub Cardinal Marunouchi, Tokyo
P.C.A. Pub Cardinal Akasaka
Coopers, British pub in Shiodome, Tokyo (Shimbashi)
The Rose & Crown, Victorian Pub in Akasaka, Tokyo
The Rose & Crown, Victorian Pub in Shinjuku, Tokyo
The Aldgate, British Pub in Shibuya, Tokyo
BELG AUBE, Belgian Beer Bar in Roppongi, Tokyo
HUB - The English Pub (Many Locations)
82ALE HOUSE - British Pub in Japan (Many Locations)

 

Irish Pubs in Japan

The Irish Network Japan's List of Pubs

Featured Pubs in Tokyo

HUB - The English Pub (Various Locations)

Come down and enjoy our relaxed atmosphere with great drinks, food and friends at the HUB. Taken from the words 'Public House' - HUB is your home away from home! Our famous internet Jukebox is filled with all your favourite songs! Conveniently located close to the station the HUB is a perfect choice for casual drinks or large parties. We look forward to serving you at the HUB!

HUB English Pubs are located in major centers across Japan. For a complete list of locations with maps and coupons, please visit our HUB Directory Page

Get 10% off your order with an English OK! Coupon
HUB Shibuya

 

The Rose & Crown, Victorian Pub (Tokyo)

An authentic Victorian Pub from England has arrived in Akasaka. The Rose & Crown Victorian Pub combines an authentic Victorian interior and menu that is sure to please all who visit. Whether you and your mates are in the mood for a pint of refreshing Rose Beer, or just for a taste of England, the Rose & Crown Victorian Pub is a perfect place to come. We look forward to seeing you at the Rose & Crown Victorian Pub! The Rose & Crown can also be found in Akasaka & Shinjuku.

Don't forget to print out the English OK! coupon and receive a FREE HALF PINT of draft beer (after 5:00 pm).

 

The Aldgate, British Pub (Shibuya, Tokyo)

With Over 6,000 Rock LP's & CD's on request and 19 kinds of draft beer. (Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen, Jever just to mention a few) The Aldgate is a place that makes you feel right at ease. The friendly (English OK!) international staff will serve you a wide variety of tasty dishes including great vegetarian food and the best fish & chips in Tokyo. Enjoy good times in this traditional British pub! Football fans are welcome: Live games are broadcasted on 4 screens.

300 Yen Food Discount with the order of a Drink

 

P.C.M. Pub Cardinal Marunouchi (Tokyo)

The P.C.M. Pub Cardinal Marunouchi opened in November of 2005. This Marunouchi neighborhood bar is divided into 3 distinct sections of romantic lounge, casual standing bar and relaxing terrace in which you may enjoy any occasion.

The mouth-watering food goes well with any alcohol or non-alcohol drinks. Conveniently located only minutes from Tokyo and Yurakucho stations, P.C.M. is a great meeting place for casual drinks or a romantic dinner.

Pub Cardinal Marunouchi