Tokyo’s Gonpachi Offers Up its Unique Sushi Beer Garden Just in Time for Summer

For beautiful and elegant summer nights, head up the upper level of the 'Kill Bill Restaurant.'

Gonpachi went from a restaurant to an international tourist destination after Uma Thurman became an action icon there in Kill Bill. Of course, this location inspired the restaurant fight scene in the 2003 film by director Quentin Tarantino, yet, most people living in Tokyo don’t know of its beautiful upper level that’s a laid-back spot for a joshikai (girls’ party) under the stars as summer creeps into Tokyo.

A totally different atmosphere from the first two floors.

For summer, Gonpachi is introducing its elegant beer garden that includes hand-crafted sushi. Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone and Ed Sheeran have all dined at this Nishiazabu location, not too far from the heart of Tokyo’s nightlife district in the Roppongi area, which will make a lovely spot to start your Friday night fun.

From now until the end of August, head up to the third floor and dine on sushi along with refreshing Japanese beer and cocktails on their rooftop Japanese-style garden terrace. Its uppermost floor offers a low-key vibe, shedding the gregariousness of the rustic wooden interior of the first two floors for a more tranquil and traditional Japanese setting — complete with a stunning open-air Japanese garden, sushi counter and even a private room with traditional tatami mat seating.

Try the light course while lounging on the roof top.

The beer garden offers Kirin Ichiban Shibori Premium, which has delicate hints of fruitiness, the always-reliable Heartland as well as Kirin Lager, and for fans of light beer, Asahi Super Dry “The Cool”. Of course, if you are not a beer drinker, they also offer an assortment of cocktails to enjoy as you let go of the worries of the day.

Out on the terrace (or inside looking out if you want air conditioning), you can go for the appetizer course that includes 2 hours all-you-can-drink and a light meal of edamame, seasonal veggie chips and juicy karaage (Japanese fried chicken) for ¥4,500.

Delicious sushi and beer (or cocktails if you prefer) are on offer at Gonpachi Sushi in Nishiazabu, Tokyo.

If you’re in the mood for more, try the Sushi x Beer Garden course that includes all the food above, the 2 hours all-you-can-drink, plus an assortment of sushi (rolls, sashimi and nigirzushi), miso soup and dessert for ¥7,000. The sushi, which featured fish sourced from the Toyosu Fish Market, is prepared by a second-generation sushi chef, Sushi-Gonpachi Food Director Yuki Haga.

Offering a cool take on those hot summer nights, try a relaxing night out in Tokyo at Gonpachi.

The Deets

Where: Sushi Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu 3F Garden Terrace) 3F 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

When: Beer garden from now until the end of August

Reservations: Available from parties of two, up until the day before.

Getting there: 10 minutes from Tokyo Metro Roppongi, Nogizaka, Hiroo, and Omotesando stations

Hours: Open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Last order is 1 a.m.)

Tel: 03-5771-0180 (English OK.)