Take one look at the late-night kick-off times for the next Premier League matchweek and try to tell me Asian supporters aren't some of the most hardcore soccer fans on the planet. Love for football's greatest league is alive and well in Tokyo, a fact easily apparent at Tokyo's boisterous pubs or sports bars.
However, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to watch your favorite team any given weekend. Even if you find a place that might be showing the match, you can't be sure if they're showing your team, or if they'll close before the match is over.
I've written this guide to fix that problem. My own happily sleep-deprived experience as a fan watching Premier League soccer in Tokyo has given me a bit of knowledge on the best spots - both popular and off-the-beaten path. I contacted my favorite pubs, bars, and sports bars to include the most updated, concrete information I can find. Check out the line-up of fine establishments below for match-viewing schedules, how to reserve a seat, how you can contact them in English, and actual closing times. Enjoy the match, and may the Spursiest team lose!
Disclaimer before we get started: There's a British-looking pub chain called HUB infesting most of Tokyo's most popular areas, and you might be tempted to take a look in for some footie. While the place has its uses, it only offers sports viewing on DAZN, which means the Premier League (shown on U-Next) will not be shown at HUB locations for the 2024-25 season.
Recommended Bars and Pubs for Watching Premier League Soccer in Tokyo:
The Footnik (Ebisu, Osaki) - The Classic Football Pub
Sports Bar Fiori (Shinjuku) - The Unsung Hero of Tokyo Sports Bars
The Highbury (Shinjuku) - Idiosyncratic Mecca for Gooners
The Grafton (Gotanda) - Classy Underground Pub for Craft Pints and Football
British Pub 2nd Half (Takadanobaba) - Quintessential Football Pub in West Tokyo
Irish Pub Banshee (Shibuya) - Perfect Football Stop-in for a Night on the Town
The Footnik (Ebisu, Osaki)
The Classic Football Pub in Tokyo
This pub is top of the lists and Reddit comment sections for a reason! The original Footnik in Ebisu has great pints, food, and atmosphere, with a reliable viewing schedule. There's one large projector screen and several TVs throughout the place. Even if you don't make a reservation, there will almost certainly be standing room for you. The only downside to the Footnik is its 24:30 closing time, which means that 23:00 kickoffs are the latest matches you can see.
In my personal experience, the Footnik Ebisu has a much more lively, football-focused energy than Osaki, but both locations offer match viewing according to the schedule linked below. The Footnik is an essential stop for any Premier League fan in Tokyo!
Visit The Footnik in Ebisu
Opening Hours: 15:00-24:30
Phone Number: +81 03-5795-0144 (English OK)
Google Maps Pin: Link
Latest PL Kick-Off Shown: 23:00 (JST)
Match Viewing Schedule: Link
Reservations: OK, not required - Link
Visit The Footnik in Osaki
Opening Hours: 11:30-24:30, closed Sundays and holidays
Phone Number: +81 03-5759-1044 (English OK)
Google Maps Pin: Link
Latest PL Kick-Off Shown: 23:00 (JST)
Match Viewing Schedule: Link
Reservations: OK, not required - Link
Sports Bar Fiori (Shinjuku)
The Unsung Hero of Tokyo Sports Bars
Fiori is a great choice to watch a match for its convenience and reliability. The moderately-sized dining room is flanked by four large screens each capable of showing a different event. This made Fiori a great location for watching Matchweek 38 last season (don't ask me what happened in the game though). The bar has good selection of food and drinks which are brought to you promptly, and each table is essentially made up of groups of fans watching the same match. Fiori has a grown-up but friendly atmosphere that I really enjoyed.
Fiori is a lifesaver for fans because (1) they regularly update the comprehensive event schedule on their website and (2) you can buy tickets to watch a game in advance through their website (see below). In addition to the Premier League, they also show other competitions such as the Champions League and FA Cup. Sports Bar Fiori is my top recommendation for PL fans visiting Tokyo who want a guarantee they'll have a seat, a pint, and good company for the match.
Visit Sports Bar Fiori in Shinjuku
Opening Hours: 15:00-24:00, closed Mondays*
Phone Number: +81 03-3352-7575
Google Maps Pin: Link
Latest PL Kick-Off Shown: 25:30 JST*
Match Viewing Schedule: Link
Reservations: OK, not required - Link
*Some events are shown after closing time (reservation only), so check the schedule above. For example, the 2024 Champions League final was shown at 4:00 JST.
The Highbury (Shinjuku)
Tokyo's Idiosyncratic Gooner Mecca
As you'll imagine from the name, The Highbury is Tokyo's most well-known Arsenal bar. It draws a lively crowd of Gooners for matches throughout the season. The pub prides itself on its craft brews and iconic Arsenal decor. Don't miss the Arsene Wenger shrine or the bathroom packed with early-Emirates era memorabilia.
The Highbury usually charges a flat rate (3000yen) for a viewing after normal bar hours, and reservations are usually only necessary for big matches. This also includes "all-you-can-drink" draft beer and soft drinks, but the deal seems to be there's one keg until it runs out (and it usually runs out in about 30 minutes). Make full use of the BYOB policy - the fee is essentially just for the viewing. That said, I fully recommend a night at the Highbury for an unforgettable Gooner experience.
Visit The Highbury in Shinjuku
Opening Hours: 17:00-23:00, irregular holidays
Phone Number: +8103-3491-9696
Google Maps Pin: Link
Latest PL Kick-Off Shown: Anytime for Arsenal matches (reservation only)
Match Viewing Schedule: See X/Twitter below
Reservations: Highly recommended, via X/Twitter DM (see below)
The Grafton (Gotanda)
Cozy, Quiet Pub for Craft Pints and Football
I recently enjoyed my first visit to the Grafton, a classy little underground pub near Gotanda Station. Though it's not a sports-focused venue, the pub shows sports on the large projector screen behind the bar every weekend, conveniently posting the schedule each morning so you can be sure the game you want to watch is on. The owner speaks English and takes requests, so feel free to shoot them a message on Instagram if you have a game you'd like to watch! The Grafton is a great, cozy pub with lots of craft pints on tap. Give them a visit if you're in the area and looking for a quiet place to watch the match!
Visit The Grafton in Gotanda
Opening Hours:
Phone Number: +81 03-3491-9696
Google Maps Pin: Link
Latest PL Kick-Off Shown: 2:00*
Match Viewing Schedule: Updated daily; see Instagram page below
Reservations: Not necessary but available - link
*The owner told me he usually closes up around 4:00, so matches which end before then should be fine!
British Pub 2nd Half (Takadanobaba)
Quintessential Football Pub in West Tokyo
(picture coming soon!)
2nd Half is a great football-oriented pub with great beer in Takanadanobaba, located close to Shinjuku, Shin-Okubo, and Ikebukuro. I had the pleasure of watching Arsenal's 3-2 last-gasp winner over Aston Villa here in 2023 and would love to visit again soon. The bar's atmosphere is friendly and has decent screens for watching the game. I remember the pints being top-notch before things got a bit hazy and we were all bellowing over a Jorginho (???) screamer.
Although they don't have much in the way of an updated match schedule, early games should be on at the 2nd Half each weekend. The bar has English-speaking staff, so give them a call if you'd like to confirm a match is being shown before you visit.
Visit British Pub 2nd Half in Takadanobaba
Opening Hours: 18:00-23:30
Phone Number: +81 0368862190
Google Maps Pin: Link
Latest PL Kick-Off Shown: 21:00 or 23:00 - call in advance
Social Media: Instagram
Irish Pub Banshee (Shibuya)
Perfect Football Stop-in for a Night on the Town
Banshee's tiny dining room lies right in the middle of Shibuya nightlife, making it a great stop for a match before, after, or while partying in Shibuya. I visited a couple of years ago after seeing their very well updated match schedule on Instagram. The vibe is raucous for derbies and big matches, and you're sure to find new friends around the tightly packed tables or standing room areas. Banshee's food and drinks are solid if not anything to write home about. If get a kick-off notification on the dance floor, dash on over to Irish Pub Banshee to keep the party going.
Visit
Opening Hours: 14:00-24:00*
Phone Number: +81 03-6809-0580
Google Maps Pin: Link
Latest PL Kick-Off Shown: 25:30*
Match Viewing Schedule: See Instagram below
*These are the posted opening hours, but Banshee does often show late matches (i.e. 2024 Champions League final at 4:00 JST).
Conclusion
And there you have it, my list of the best places where you can watch the Premier League in Tokyo! If you have questions or suggestions, please drop them in the comments below, and thank you for reading!
Read More from Your Friend in Tokyo
Hi! I'm a Tokyo local, and I started this blog to share helpful tips that only a local would know and tell some stories of the city's authentic culture. I'd hope you'll take a look around the site and find something that makes your Tokyo experience even more memorable!
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