Japan’s No Beer, Beer Garden

Is a beer garden really a beer garden if it doesn’t serve any beer?

We would say no, but the designers of a new garden in Japan are standing by their decision to create the no beer “beer garden.”

The owners of the beer garden, who happen to be in the brewing business themselves, say the no alcohol allowed concept is a first of its kind in Tokyo.  Located in Tokyo’s upscale Midtown shopping complex the only beer on tap is “All-Free,” alcohol content 0.000%  There will also be soda, orange juice and tea.

The company says they hope to target daytime shoppers and office workers who want a “refreshing drink” but can’t get drunk because they “still have things to do.”

The no beer, beer garden is the latest in Japan’s alcohol-free beverage boom.  Japan’s beer giants have been churning out zero-alcohol beverages as a way to counter the shrinking domestic beer market.