LapLap

I can usually manage a staircase or two. The place in Ryogoku would have been gruelling to get to, but not impossible. Managing a staircase when you're at a destination feels less daunting than dealing with them at a station and then having to continue the journey.

The difference is psychological, but it is there. Especially when trying to convince someone else to do all the hard work for you. I'm going to feel far less guilty asking MrLapLap to help me get to a restaurant in Shinagawa in order to eat a very dubious menu item I'm curious about because of some remarks relating to popular culture than with his hauling me over to Ryogoku for same (which I probably wouldn't have done at all).

The Outback I knew about was the one near the MacDonalds and the Wing shopping centre on the West side of Shinagawa Station. Even with the link, I didn't realise there was a second one in Konan, so that's useful.

But thanks very much for your concern. And I do appreciate having another choice.

I've actually noticed a great deal of improvement in the past week, so I'm walking around a bit now. But just a bit. I'm a bit loathe to announce this as I was walking around fine a few months ago... unfortunately, that didn't last

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I'm not a steakhouse visitor - so I've only just found out that you can get bloomin' onions in London. But they are ¥1,600 over here! I7m getting my butt down to that basement in Shinagawa and trying one there (¥950 seemed a bit pricey, but not anymore!)

LapLap

Takara - http://r.gnavi.co.jp/fl/en/g107805/index.htm

Tokyo International Forum B1 Concourse, 3-5-1 Marunouchi,

An Izakaya that serves Japanese micro brews along with sake and shochu

Some of the beers available are shown here (in Japanese)

There's a mention of it in the following article: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-b...0070921rs.html which warns you to focus your attention on the drinks here rather than the food.

As the Tokyo International Forum is a stopping point for many visitors (it is a beautiful building) this should be a convenient place for a glass or two.

Print out this coupon for a complimentary glass of Nihon shu

LapLap

Here's the link showing where you can get tickets from
http://www.tokyorealale.org/pc/ticketlist.php

I'll copy and paste the list of outlets as this gives a good indication of where you can get micro brews and the like

AdaQuonsett

What is your favorite Japanese beer? And can you tell us the main difference you find between Japanese beers and European beers?

prspad

I can say that the Kirin Beer on Draft at the Sakura Lounge at NRT is "lip-smacking good!"

As for differences, I would only assume that the European beer has more hops and hairy legs!

*

LapLap

Do you mean between European-European beers and Japanese-Japanese beers or between European-Japanese beers and Japanese-Japanese beers?

i.e.
Kirin is brewed in Europe for European consumption - it's different from the Kirin brewed in Japan.

aceman

and do you actually mean beer, or are you refering to lager?

msb0b

I am a sucker for gentei (limited time) beers. If there is one I like, I may not be able to get it again.

Traveling Consultant

Always liked Yona Yona ale. The downside only served at certain pubs in Tokyo. For more massed produced beers, Yebisu was always a good choice.

A site that might provide some good info is:
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/breweri...tory-0-105.htm

motytrah

Kirin is contract brewed in the US as well. It does taste better in Japan.

I like Sapporo better. There are some interesting Micro Brews I've tried, good, but usually lacks a little polish. I really dislike Asahi Super Dry. It's like the Bud of Japan.

keihin_242

Sapporo Classic. Wonderful beer - it's the only beer I drink when I visit Hokkaido.

+1

And like Bud, it's everywhere. Although Super Dry is waaay better than the "King of Beers."

abraxis

Yebisu!!

Rich taste and clean finish. Yum yum yum. I've drank three types: Original (gold label), Black (black label) and The Hops (green label). I think there's a nod here to Johnnie Walker...

Compared to most Euro beers (Heinie, Becks, Carls, etc), I like the finish better. Yebisu dun make me feel like I've been gorging myself on schnitzel for hours and hours (translation: Yebisu dun make me feel full).

They only recently began to re-import the Original Yebisu to the states; they stopped for the past 7 years!

valve bouncer

The new(ish) Kirin Stout is pretty nice but for the most part the mass produced beers are forgettable in Japan but, at least where I live, there isn't much choice.

schoflyer

Personally I really enjoy Asahi Super Dry for it's drinkability.
My list:
1) Asahi Super Dry
2) Tie: Sapporo & Kirin Ichiban Shibori

Beers I avoid when I can but drink when that's what's on tap.
1) Yebisu
2) Malts

Frame of reference:
I don't like microbrews. I can drink "light" beers (color not kcal) all day. If I drink one or two amber brews I wind up with a headache before I even get in bed.
In the US I do Coors Light and Michelob Ultra for low calories/carbs so you can understand why I enjoy Asahi.

Cheers,

Scho

CountyHunter

Any examples of uncommon beers that we could try while here in Japan? We are staying exclusively at Hyatt properties in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Hakone, so are there any bars located close by to sample some distinctive (non-mainstream brands) microbrew styles?

Thanks!

Sent from my iPod touch poolside here at the wonderful Park Hyatt Tokyo! We are having a great time!