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With years of experience running the city’s best-known network of guesthouses, the folks at Sakura House know a thing or two about bringing people together. Thousands of international visitors stay at Sakura House residences each year, creating one of Tokyo’s most colorful and lively social scenes.

That same hospitality is on display at Sakura Café Ikebukuro, a casual hangout tucked away on a side street near one of Tokyo’s most bustling stations. The international flavor here is pervasive, from the food and drink to the staff and customers. Opened in 2008 on the first floor of the Sakura Hotel, the café provides an inviting spot for travelers to congregate and mix with the local crowd—and for the locals to relive their backpacking days.

“Sakura Café is really an international place,” says manager Tomoko Kamata. “It’s fun to watch salarymen hang out with travelers. We’ve got staff from different countries, and our menu certainly represents the kinds of guests we’ve welcomed in the past.”

The café’s chef, trained in French cuisine, gets his inspiration from the travelers who have passed through Sakura Hotel’s doors. Whether it’s recipes for home-cooked national dishes or off-the-cuff creations inspired by customers’ adventures, there is a lot to explore here.

Take, for example, the lineup of “World Snacks.” Created by Sakura House residents themselves, these include an Italian-flavored Spanish tortilla (¥280) and the Red Hot Lover Dragon Roll (¥320), a pink maki-zushi reportedly created by a Sicilian traveler out to impress his Japanese girlfriend.

Kamata emphasizes that beer lovers are especially welcome—and will be hugely delighted with Sakura Café’s list of 60 different imported brews from faraway lands like Israel, Peru and Tahiti.

“It’s nice to have a place to come and drink your own country’s beer, and share that taste with the locals too,” she says.

The café boasts a huge terrace, where on warm evenings large groups of sun-kissed holidaymakers can be found relaxing with cold beers. The scene calls to mind street-side cafés in Italy or on the riverfront in Singapore.

For the upcoming World Cup, Sakura Café Ikebukuro has expanded its beer menu to include bottles from all 32 qualifying nations.

“We thought it would be fun for everyone to be able to drink beers from the competing countries while they watch, to maybe let them feel a little closer to the action,” says Kamata. The lineup, available from the end of May, is impressive indeed: Argentina’s Quilmes and Nigeria’s Star Beer will be hitting Japanese shores for the first time, along with classics like Castle from South Africa and Mythos from Greece.

To encourage friendly competition on the nights that games are being played, the café will offer a free beer to the first five customers from the two sparring countries.

“We’re expecting a good turnout for some games, like Argentina versus South Korea (June 12), the Netherlands versus Denmark (June 14) and Greece versus Korea (June 17),” Kamata says. “It would also be a great chance for those who don’t know anything about the sport to learn from those who have come to watch their country compete.”

Café staff and Sakura House guests also brainstormed to come up with a special menu of World Cup nori-maki sushi. While the concept behind some of these creations is downright unusual, the results are tantalizing: the Danish Roll has salmon, dill and cheese, while the Brazilian Roll features beef and onions wrapped in egg.

Whether the reason for your visit is to watch the World Cup, sip coffee on the weekends, or enjoy a beer after work, Sakura Café Ikebukuro promises not only fantastic culinary discoveries, but cultural ones as well. And who knows? A trip here could lead to other adventures.

“A lot of our local guests comment on how visiting here makes them want to head out on their own trip,” says Kamata with a chuckle. “Some end up being so inspired that they do!”

■ Sakura Café Ikebukuro will be broadcasting Group Stage matches both live and repeat beginning June 12; check website for details and viewing schedule.

■ 1F, 2-39-10 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. Tel: 03-5391-2330. Open daily 24 hours. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro, west exit. www.sakura-cafe.asia/ikebukuro

With a ground-central location in the stylish Roppongi Hills complex, newly opened Franziskaner Bar & Grill is Tokyo’s premium venue for fine German beer. The pub features an impressive array of imported brews, both draft and bottle, from brands such as Franziskaner (naturally), Spaten, Flensburger and Veltins, along with German wines and schnapps. During the World Cup, the atmosphere will surely call to mind a German bierhaus, with prize giveaways for customers who correctly call the winners of the day’s matches. Anyone feeling especially lucky can try their hand at choosing the top four teams of the entire tournament; winners receive a complimentary meal voucher after the World Cup is finished. During halftime, Franziskaner Bar & Grill’s roomy terrace makes a fantastic place to recharge for the next round, or belly up to the stylish standing bar counter if you just want a quick pint or two.

■ Roppongi Hills Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza 1F, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5786-6867. Open Mon-Sat 11am-5am (LO 4am), Sun & hols 11am-11pm (LO 10:30pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop10.html

■ Kamiyacho branch: 1F Toranomon ACT Building, 5-11-12 Toranomon, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3436-6949. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-4am (LO 3am), closed Sat-Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Kamiyacho. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop02.html

■ Ochanomizu branch: Imazato Bldg, 3-1 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5283-6846. Open Mon-Sat 11:45am-2:30pm & 5-11pm, Sun & hols 4-10pm. Nearest stn: Shin-Ochanomizu. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop01.html

HOBGOBLIN

With branches in Shibuya, Akasaka and Roppongi—including a new venue that just opened on Roppongi Crossing—Hobgoblin is Tokyo’s most popular British pub chain. During the World Cup, each location is going all out to give their customers a fantastic experience. If you come to watch a live match and are wearing your team’s uniform, you’ll get a free shot for every goal they score. All of the pubs feature multiple large screens, a vast selection of world beers and an extensive food menu created specially for the evening’s matches. All games are shown live, and replays of the late games are screened the next evening.

■ Akasaka: B1 Tamondo Bldg, 2-13-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tel: 03-6229-2636.

■ Roppongi: 1F Aoba Roppongi Bldg, 3-16-33, Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3568-1280.

■ Roppongi Crossing: B1 Unakami Bldg, 3-11-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5775-7781.

■ Shibuya: 3F 1-3-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6415-4244.

Contact each branch for hours. www.hobgoblin.jp

LEGENDS SPORTS BAR

Considered by many to be the best place to watch live sports in Roppongi, Legends is all set for this year’s World Cup. For the big matches, staff will be setting up a BBQ and a beer bar on the large outside terrace, while inside you’ll find friendly staff, ten giant TV screens, a fantastic choice of world beers, and a delicious American-themed food menu. For those who weren’t fortunate enough to visit Legends during the last World Cup, here’s your chance to meet people from all over the world, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and celebrate into the early hours. All games shown live.

■ 1F Aoba Roppongi Bldg, 3-16-33 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3589 3304. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-late, Sat-Sun & hols 2pm-late. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.legendsports.jp

Paddy Foley’s

Irish owned and managed, the renowned Paddy Foley’s will once again be celebrating the World Cup by showing all the games live. Paddy Foley’s is widely regarded as one of the best pubs in town to watch live sports, and customers who supported their teams during the 2002 and 2006 World Cup tournaments will remember the fantastic atmosphere, color and international friendships they made. This time around, the experience will be even richer, with a huge projection screen and 14 TV monitors, plus a second outside terrace bar. With free entrance, special ¥600 beers available throughout the World Cup, and food items based on the “team of the day,” this is the best year yet to head over with friends and colleagues for a legendary night of sports entertainment.

■ B1F Roi Bldg, 5-5-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3497-9900. Open Mon-Wed 6pm-late, Thu-Fri 5pm-late, Sat 1pm-late, Sun 3pm-late. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.paddyfoleystokyo.com

Pizzeria Charleston & Son

Like a bit of Italy that’s been transplanted into the heart of Roppongi, Charleston & Son is the perfect place to tuck into fantastic Italian food and beverages while enjoying Tokyo’s breezy summer nights. And come June 11, the terrace will be a prime spot for halftime beers while watching World Cup action in South Africa on the 55-inch plasma TV. Charleston & Son will be broadcasting all World Cup games with drink specials to heat up the action. From kick off to the final whistle, customers who order two Kirin Ichiban-Shibori drafts get a third one free; after the match, supporters of the winning team each get a shot of tequila. The ¥500 tapas menu and other Italian favorites provide fuel for the fans, and there’s also a full range of tropical drinks and bottled wines from South Africa, Spain and Sicily. With English-speaking staff, classy Mediterranean decor and late-night hours—World Cup or not—Charleston & Son is a fantastic place to enjoy a piece of the action.

■ 1F Reane Bldg, 5-3-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3479-2742. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-5am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-6am. Nearest stn: Roppongi.

Propaganda

One of the oldest and best-known shot bars in Roppongi, Propaganda is the place to cheer on your team in true Tokyo style. The pub will be broadcasting the World Cup games as they happen on their two large-screen TVs during weekdays and on one screen during the weekend throughout June and July. Propaganda has an extensive beer menu to sate the thirst of its friendly crowd, and the bartenders can pour you that perfect pint of Guinness (¥1,000) or draft Yebisu (¥950). Czech Pilsner Urquell (¥1,000) is one of over a dozen beers available by the bottle, joining a long list of cocktails—some made with fresh fruit. Propaganda’s other passion is shots: the bar awards a monthly and yearly title of “Shot King” to the person who drinks more than anyone else. Winners get their photo prominently displayed at the bar, and the annual champ is awarded with an exclusive personalized table with his or her name, not to mention a claim to eternal fame. If you want to get started early, drinks are only ¥500 until 9pm during the daily happy hour, and ladies get the same deal all night on Wednesdays, as well as until 11pm every Saturday.

■ 2F Yua Roppongi Bldg, 3-14-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3423-0988. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-5am, Sat & Sun 7pm-5am. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.propaganda-tokyo.com

Wall Street Sports Bar

Wall Street Sports Bar provides the best live sports entertainment in Roppongi. Relax in plush seats with a topped-up draft beer and fresh fish and chips, or challenge your friends to a round of free billiards. Well-known and respected guest DJs spin progressive tunes, with a newly installed video request system. To set themselves apart, Wall Street’s bartenders are cocktail connoisseurs, trained to make over 100 different mixed drinks. As if that wasn’t enough, Ladies Night every Wednesday gives female sports fans an opportunity to score a special champagne cocktail at the door. But while the cocktails are nice, Wall Street is truly all about the sport. From June, they’ll be showing all World Cup matches live on their seven screens, making it easy to check out the action over the wild, cheering crowds. In August, don’t miss the start of the new soccer season with La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, J-League, and the English Premier League. Wall Street is always happy to accommodate requests for other games and all sports.

■ 4F Marina Bldg, 3-10-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3478-7659. Open Sun-Thu 7pm-6am, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.wallstreetbar.jp/bar

Ultra Lounge

Located in a quiet backstreet near Roppongi Crossing and Tokyo Midtown, Ultra Lounge is a classy spot to enjoy drinks and food while watching the World Cup with friends. Gorgeous furnishings, a luxuriant atmosphere and friendly staff enliven this spot, which offers a wide range of spirits and cocktails for every taste and budget. Three LCD displays will show all the games live, and with the best sound system in the area, you can enjoy the party after your team plays. Ultra Lounge is the place for fans who are looking to kick back in a stylish, modern interior and comfortable environment.

■ 2F Zeches Baum Bldg, 3-9-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03 5775 3678. For reservations, contact the manager. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.ultraloungetokyo.com

Tokyo Sports CafE

Established in 1996, Tokyo Sports Cafe is Japan’s “original” sports bar, leading the way in live sports broadcasting. South Africa 2010 will be the bar’s fourth World Cup, and for the duration of the tournament, it will be open every day. All games will be aired live with English commentary on the bar’s 14 large screens, and a private viewing room is also available. Enjoy Tokyo Sports Café’s large range of international beers, fantastic cocktails and extensive food menu, all served by soccer-friendly staff. Come experience the unique atmosphere and see why Tokyo Sports Cafe is Japan’s No. 1 destination for the World Cup 2010.

■ Tel: 03-5411-8939. www.tokyo-sportscafe.com

Shibuya
The Aldgate

The Aldgate is a truly traditional British pub in the middle of Shibuya’s bustling Center Gai district. So when it’s time to cheer your team on in the 2010 World Cup after spending the day in town, there is no better or more convenient place. The Aldgate’s four screens will be broadcasting all the games simultaneously, and will show the group stage final matches on split screens. To quench supporters’ thirst after all those screams of delight and anguish, Aldgate offers a whopping 20 varieties of draft beer, including the popular Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and Erdinger Weiss, plus an ever-changing line-up of Japanese craft beer. Come for your favorite, or be daring and try something new. Amid all the fanfare, don’t miss the tasty British grub. The authentic menu includes the best fish ’n’ chips in Tokyo, as well as satisfying vegetarian options.

■ 3F Shin-Iwasaki Bldg, 30-4 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3462-2983. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-2am, Sun & hols 5pm-2am. www.the-aldgate.com

German Farm Grill

German Farm Grill in Shibuya sets itself apart thanks to a cozy atmosphere and some of the best brews in the area: Spaten and Franziskaner are offered on tap, along with bottles from brands like Veltins and Flensburger. Authentic German food runs the gamut from imported sausages and leberkäse pâté to freshly baked pretzels—a perfect complement for beer. As the name suggests, German Farm Grill is a homey spot—think sofas and fireplaces—making for a relaxing venue to enjoy World Cup games with friends and colleagues. Before you get settled-down, though, don’t miss a chance to win some prizes: guess the outcome of the current match, or correctly predict the top four finishers of the entire World Cup for a chance to win a free meal when the games are finished in July.

■ 8-1 Shinsen-cho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5457-2871. Open daily 5:30pm-4:30am (LO 4am). Nearest stn: Shinsen. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop06.html

Failte

With a spacious terrace that offers a bird’s-eye view of Shibuya’s hustle and bustle, Irish pub Failte is a true Tokyo original. From June 11 to July 11, World Cup fans can watch every second of every game involving the Japan national team, as well as all matches involving other teams that start prior to 11pm. Also on offer is a limited-time menu created just for the tournament. Mind you, Failte’s normal food menu is nothing to shrug off, including as it does a range of creative dishes prepared by an experienced chef. Head outside for the view and dine on smoked salmon salad, fried mushrooms, beef & Guinness stew or oyster sausages. Failte also offers a worthy selection of bottled and draft beers from Ireland and England, including London Pride (¥1,000); monthly guest beers are always on tap. From Monday through Friday, Failte’s happy hour sees pints of Heineken and The Premium Malt’s discounted to ¥500 until 7pm.

■ 5F Sede Bldg, 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3476-7776. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun & hols 3-11pm. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.failte.jp

Dining Tumiki

Dining Tumiki, a quiet Italian restaurant in Shibuya, renovated its upper floor into a party space last year—and it’s now the perfect spot to catch all the World Cup action. Watch the first-round matches on June 12-13, 16-17, 18-19 and 20 on Tumiki’s four screens while tucking in to the home-style fare that makes this restaurant a local favorite. Fans just looking for a place to imbibe will enjoy the all-you-can-drink plan (¥2,000 for two hours), which includes draft beer, wine cocktails, whisky and snacks. A ¥5,000 special World Cup course is also available (reservations required), with three hours of all-you-can-drink served up with a menu of ten food dishes. And don’t miss the South African wine, on offer especially for the tournament. Groups of 15-30 are welcome to rent out the entire floor for a private World Cup celebration, and various meal and drink plans are available on days without games; call for details.

■ B1&2, 1-19-6 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3477-5599. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-1am (LO midnight), Fri-Sat 6pm-2am (LO 1am), Sun & hols 5-11pm (LO 10pm), closed Mon. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://tumiki.in/

Tap Borrow

Opened since October, Tap Borrow is the most exciting new pub in Shibuya—and one you won’t want to miss during the World Cup. All group stage games that kick off at 8:30pm will be shown, as well as all finals regardless of start time. Fans will be given colored stamps upon entering the pub, which entitles them to take part in Tap Borrow’s World Cup drink specials. For the 5 minutes after a team scores a goal, all fans sporting that team’s colors get drinks at ¥500. The same deal extends to one hour after the game for supporters of the winning team. Regardless of what country you’re cheering for, if any player pulls a hat trick, the entire pub gets a free round! Located just 30 seconds from Shibuya station, this classy second-floor watering hole is a fantastic place to grab some real pub grub or down a few beers after work. Not to be missed are the fish and chips (¥1,200), without a doubt the biggest and best in Tokyo.

■ 2F Wada Bldg, 3-18-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3486-8141. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-2am (LO 1am), Fri 6pm-4am (LO 3am), Sat 6pm-4am (LO 3am), Sun 4-11pm (LO 10:30pm). Nearest stn: Shibuya, east exit. www.tapborrow.jp

Shinjuku
Asgod

There are, unfortunately, few spots in Tokyo to enjoy any soccer game while reclining in a green, grassy field, but Shinjuku’s Asgod wants to give fans a chance to experience the next best thing. From June 11 to July 11, head down to this virtual driving range and park yourself on the “lawn” in front of their massive projection screen for a different kind of World Cup experience. Asgod is offering two special plans for avid soccer fans: ¥4,500 gets you two hours of all-you-can-drink draft beer, wine and cocktails at seats along the sleek bar counter, while “lawn seats” are up for grabs for only ¥4,000 for the same deal. Free homemade popcorn will be available to sate those hunger pangs, but people looking for more sustenance can enjoy the authentic Brazilian snacks whipped up by the bartender, including ham and one piece of cheese pastel (¥600) and beef rissoles (¥900). Reservations are required, and the intimate space—plus darts game in the back—make this the perfect place for a “home away from home” World Cup party.

■ 4F Ayusawa Bldg, 1-19-12 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-6304-5621 (Call during business hours for English). Open Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight (LO 11:30pm), closed Sun. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.asgod.jp

Steinhaus

With its sophisticated atmosphere and deep selection of German wines, Steinhaus is a step above the average Tokyo bierhaus. Yet the mature, subdued ambience will turn festive on June 11 with the start of the World Cup. Like its sister pubs from Zato Trading Co. (Franziskaner, Franz Club, etc.), Steinhaus will be celebrating with a little friendly competition, offering special prizes to those who predict the winner of the evening’s match. If you’re feeling especially confident, guess the top four teams of the tournament and receive a complimentary meal voucher after the games are over in July. Stop by on the night of your big game and enjoy one of many premium German draft beers from Franziskaner and Spaten, or sample a glass or bottle of carefully selected German wine.

■ B1 Ida Bldg. B1, 1-4-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5908-3558. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-4am (LO 3:30am), Sun & hols 5:30-11:30pm (LO 11pm). Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop05.html

■ Ginza Branch: 8F Ginza Velvia-kan 2-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tel 03-5159-4200. Open daily 11:30am-2pm & 5-11pm. Nearest stn: Ginza. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop09.html

Zum Bierhof

Cheer on your team while enjoying the feel of an authentic German beer garden at Zum Bierhof in Kabukicho. The specialty of the house is Hofbräu draft (¥550), which fans can quaff while watching World Cup excitement on the 120-seat bar’s large-screen projector TV. Hofbräu Weisse and Dunkel varieties are available on draft and by the bottle, along with other rare-in-Tokyo German beers (from ¥550). Authentic German food complements the drinks, and all Zum Bierhof customers can take part in the free competition: correctly rank the tournament’s top four teams, and you’ll receive a voucher for a free meal after the games are finished in July. For better odds, go often—everyone who correctly predicts the winner of the day’s match gets a special gift. Zum Bierhof will stay open late-night during the tournament so fans can enjoy all the action.

■ 5F Imamiya Bldg, 1-16-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5155-0908. Open Mon-Sat & hol eves 5pm-5am (LO 4am), Sun & hols 5-11:30pm (LO 11pm). Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.eyema-ent.co.jp/shop/shop01.html

Hamamatsucho, Tokyo
Franz Club

Hamamatsucho is not a neighborhood usually associated with sports, but come World Cup time, German beer hall Franz Club will start a new trend by broadcasting the action on its large-screen TV. Even if you’re not a supporter of Germany, you can enjoy the selection of premium imported beers, including Franziskaner Hefe-Weissebier (¥980/glass) and three varieties of Spaten draft (from ¥600/glass). Franz Club also serves up German food favorites like Eisbein and imported sausages. But starting June 11, everything will be about the footy, and Franz Club is upping the ante by giving anyone who correctly ranks the top four teams of the tournament a chance to win a complimentary meal after the games are finished in July. Customers who head over often will have a better chance at winning the pub-restaurant’s other challenge: predict the winner of the evening’s match correctly to win a special prize. With a comfortable space that can accommodate up to 45 fans, Franz Club is the best spot to enjoy World Cup action in true German style.

■ 1-2-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6430-0128. Open Mon-Fri lunch 11am-3pm (LO 2pm), dinner 5-11:30pm (LO 10:30pm), Sat 11am-11pm (LO 10pm), Sun & hols noon-10pm (LO 9pm). Nearest stn: Hamamatsucho. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop08.html

■ Shin-Marunouchi Bldg branch: 5F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5224-8678. Open Mon-Fri 11am-4pm & 5pm-4am, Sat 11am-5pm & 5pm-4am, Sun & hols 11am-4pm & 5-11pm. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.zato.co.jp/shop/shop04.html

Meguro
The Meguro Tavern

The Meguro Tavern is a family-run, London-style pub that’s as authentic as they come—right down to the faded upholstery on the seats, the jangly bell at the door and the out of order payphone in the corner. Known for its wonderful atmosphere and outstanding Sunday carvery, the pub will be operating on extended business hours during the 2010 World Cup. The games will be broadcast on their three flat-screen TVs and their 100-inch projector, ensuring none of their merry pub-goers miss any of the action. The Meguro Tavern stocks seven beers on tap (from ¥950), plus all your favorite bottles, cocktails and 48 kinds of whiskey. Don’t miss happy hour from 5:30-8pm weekdays for ¥200 off pints and ¥300 off cocktails. Along with a Sunday roast, The Meguro Tavern serves up some of the most authentic comfort food in Tokyo, including “the best fish & chips in town” (¥1,200) and Guinness-beef pie (¥1,200). Details on game schedules can be found on their website and in the pub.

■ 2F Sunwood Meguro Bldg, 1-3-28 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3779-0280. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-1am, Sat 5pm-1am, Sun noon-11pm. Nearest stn: Meguro. www.themegurotavern.com

Seamus O’Hara

Located 15 minutes by foot from Meguro station (or just a couple minutes by cab), Seamus O’Hara offers the atmosphere of a little pub in the Irish countryside—right in one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods. The owner earned her stripes working in a pub in Ireland, so this is the real deal. Along with Guinness, the menu includes a wide variety of Irish whiskeys like Paddy, Powers and Tyrconnell, as well as other Irish drinks like pint bottles of Magners Pear Cider, Murphy’s and Magners Irish Cider. During the World Cup games, Seamus will (of course) be showing the action live, with specials that any fan, rabid or not, won’t want to miss. Drinks will be available for happy hour prices during the 5-minute period after a team scores a goal—but only for supporters!—and for everyone during halftime. After a game, one free drink per person awaits those who were lucky enough to come backing the winners. Check Seamus’ website for game schedules.

■ B1 Matsuda Bldg, 3-12-3 Meguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3760-6179. Open Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri 6pm-4:30am, Sat noon-4:30am, Sun & hols noon-midnight. Nearest stn: Meguro. www.seamus-ohara.com

Yokohama
Bar Why Not?

Asking that all-important question, Bar Why Not? is located in the heart of the famous Motomachi shopping area of Yokohama—and is the best venue in the area to support your team during the 2010 World Cup. Starting June 11, all games will be broadcast live and in English on four big screens, and a bit of friendly competition will take place inside the bar as well: prizes will be awarded to those who guess the outcomes of the games correctly. On non-WC weekends, Bar Why Not? is still all about sports, broadcasting events ranging from English Premier League to NBA, boxing and Aussie rules football. Draft beers include Asahi (¥600) and Bass Pale Ale (¥850), with bottles of Stella, Singha, Guinness Stout and others all at ¥700. The menu of cocktails includes a whopping 200 varieties, and during the 6-8pm happy hour, all drinks are just ¥400. Heading up the kitchen is a Thai chef who can whip up a large repertoire of Thai, Western and Chinese cuisine. Don’t miss the nachos and cheeseburgers!

■ B1 La Spega Motomachi, 1-31 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-663-2955. Open daily 6pm-late (until games finish). Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai. www.clubwhynot.com

Yotsuya
Three Thread

For a chest-thumping World Cup experience, head to Yotsuya’s Three Thread and watch all the main games live on six TVs, including a massive 100-inch screen. While the action is so in-your-face you’ll feel like you’re on the pitch, the drinks menu is a definite step up from stadium fare. Seven varieties of draft beer are on offer, including South Africa’s own Castle Lager. Three Thread’s food menu features a long list of pub grub like Guinness stew (¥900) and cottage pie (¥1,100), plus bar favorites like buffalo wings and nachos. For the World Cup, the pub is running a special “one coin” offer, with all shots only ¥500 while the matches are being screened. Make a reservation to ensure you get the best seats in the house—check the homepage for game schedules, and don’t be afraid to put in a request if the match you want to see isn’t on there.

■ 2-4-11 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3353-1450. Open Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm & 5pm-2am, Fri 11:30am-2:30pm & 5pm-5am, Sat 5pm-2am, closed Sun. Nearest stn: Yotsuya. www.threethread.com