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Tokyo 20th Anniversary Meetup

I fully intend on taking all the credit here. (though, yeah, thanks for posting it, I'd have been too lazy to follow through) That weekend, out in Maihama, there's the Ikspiari Craft Beer Collection going on. It's a small beer festival that takes place in the little courtyard in Ikspiari, the mall outside of Tokyo Disneyland. It's an interesting assortment of beer companies that just happen to all be really good friends with each other, as well as making some great beer (though I know not… [more]
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:32 AM on May 22, 2019

I apologize for suggesting the place, but it's really not all that far from Tokyo Station, and while I understand that it's a holiday weekend, I've been to that event for probably the past three years or so, and Ikspiari is separate from both of the parks, if that's giving anyone pause. While it will likely be a little more crowded than usual, pretty much everywhere will be just as bad, but at least Ikspiari will have (excellent) beer! As far as leaving Tokyo, it's… [more]
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 8:50 PM on June 24, 2019

Gen, it was great to see you on Saturday, and a complete surprise as well. Thank you so much for coming, and I hope you can make it on the 14th, too.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 8:50 PM on July 1, 2019

I'm hoping to be there by noon or a little earlier, and will do my best to secure a decent enough space for people, but trying to hold ten or twelve seats alone is something I'd like to avoid doing, if someone else happens to be around at noon, that'd be keen. The courtyard should be lined with tents and tables, with the beer booths forming an outer ring, and yeah, I was planning to head straight there to do the whole 'get seats' thing, so maybe meet there?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 1:59 AM on July 11, 2019

Bugbread, the standard set up is tents over the tables. With that space, if it was sunny, you’d need the tents, too, so either way, we’re, uh, covered.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 5:34 PM on July 11, 2019

I just stopped by the space a little while ago (Mrs. Ghidorah is helping at one of the brewers today, but will be off tomorrow, thought I’d say hello). The, uh, space is set up differently than in past years, unfortunately. Rather than tents covering tables radiating out from a stage in the middle, well, there’s a tent in the middle, covering a limited number of tables. Around that are uncovered tables, and then there are other tables under the roof around the edge. I’ll do my best to… [more]
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 11:42 PM on July 12, 2019

I’m sorry to hear that, I hope it passes soon, feel better.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:42 PM on July 13, 2019

So, I’m here, and the central tables have a good deal More tents now, which is nice, but they don’t open the inner courtyard until noon on the dot. I grabbed one of the out tables, over by the Gap, which I figure is good enough, though we’ll have a good deal more passersby wandering through the mall at the end of the table.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:59 PM on July 13, 2019

I’m at a table right by the Gap. There are long tables and benches, I’m the foreigner trying to keep an entire table to myself as people are starting to file in. As far as food goes, it seems to be perfectly acceptable to get take out and eat it here, as a good number of people were doing that yesterday. Guzman y Gomez is just down the hall, as is (really long line) Ku Aina, and there’s a food court downstairs.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 7:55 PM on July 13, 2019

Tokyo MeFites: You are overdue for a meetup

I might be able to meet up after work on the 2nd or 3rd, but the 9th is pretty impossible for me. I'd be able to stay out a bit longer on the 3rd than the second (early shifts Saturday and Sunday, late shift Monday means later nights on Sunday are doable). There aren't as many places open on Sundays and Saturdays though. Tama is a bit too far to this child of Chiba, though. I might know several fun and exciting places to try delicious Japanese craft beers, if you might be interested.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 7:46 AM on May 30, 2018

If that's okay, then just off the top of my head, there's iBrew in Shinbashi, which is exclusively domestic craft beer, and has 30 taps. There's the Kanda branch of Craft Beer Market (a small chain of beer bars) which has a similar number of taps, slightly more in the way of food, though not exclusively Japanese beer. Both are on the less expensive-r side of beer in Japan. Minato is a pretty big area, any idea what station you'll be closest to?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 8:53 AM on May 30, 2018

I, too, work right around there, near Daimon and Hamamatsucho stations. Small world.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 5:44 PM on May 30, 2018

Wow. Uh. Yeah. My reading comprehension might not be what it once was. In my defense, both June and July are four letters long, and both start with... this isn't really going to work, is it? Damn. Most Mondays and Tuesdays I work, and almost certainly those Mondays and the Tuesday. I was wondering why there was such a sudden meet up. While I'm probably unable to go, I do recommend Kanda CBM's tasty lamb food. The menchi katsu (think deep fried breaded meat loaf, but here it's meat loaf made… [more]
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 7:44 AM on May 31, 2018

Wow, I'm actually off tomorrow, but I need to be in narita all day. Darn. Have a great time, Umami Dearest is good people to drink with.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 8:16 AM on July 2, 2018

Celebrate Golden Week in Tokyo at a yakitori theme park!

I think I'll be there, I'm working in Hamamatsucho in the morning, so I should be all right. Probably no nijikai for me, as I'm working again the next morning.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:54 AM on April 14, 2017

Sorry, Flapjax, Otsuka is a haul for me. It's a great place, and I would love to get up to Titans there a lot more often, but the connections back to Chiba from there are pretty rough, and like I said, I have to be back at work early the next day.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:00 AM on April 15, 2017

Hey all, I'm sorry but something came up last minute, and I won't be able to make it. I'm looking forward to the May/June meetup. And if there's any Fukuoka style tori-kawa yakitori there, I highly recommend it.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 1:34 AM on April 29, 2017

Lazy Tokyo Meetup 2: Electric Hanami Boogaloo

Thanks for jumping on this. The only thing that I would be concerned about would be weather. Is it going to be warm enough by then? Is the 26th out? I know it's a bit later, and pretty much in the middle of the projected flower worshipping, but chilly hanami weather is a bit nicer than frigid early March weather, especially for outside stuff.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:15 AM on February 15, 2017

And yeah, I think it'd be keen if we had a more family friendly thing, blankets, park, potluck, that sort of thing gets my vote.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:16 AM on February 15, 2017

We have a couple blankets, some cooler like things, and I'm definitely willing to bring snacks. For me the question is where? I don't know hanamiable parks in Tokyo aside from Ueno (crazy crowded), Yoyogi (see Ueno), and Shinjuku Gyoen (no booze allowed). Granted, there's not likely to be a secret awesome hanami spot in Tokyo that isn't known by half the city, but what options are out there?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:41 PM on February 15, 2017

Wait, uh, I've been dumb. The 26th is no good for me, Punkspring calls. Sorry for the confusion.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:39 AM on February 19, 2017

So, uh, even if I can't make it (and really, I feel pretty bad about suggesting the 26th and then remembering that I can't make after almost a week had gone by), Mrs. Ghidorah (who worked in Nakameguro last spring) had to suppress a shudder when I asked her about Nakameguro in Hanami time, in that it's one of the more popular/shoulder-to-shoulder Hanami spots around. For the close to Ebisu thing, Yoyogi is also pretty close, though likely just as crowded. Aoyama Cemetary is gorgeous, though yeah,… [more]
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 5:12 PM on February 21, 2017

I'm willing to bet Gotanda is mostly busy with work stuff, but it would be a shame for this to die on the vine. I have a sneaking suspicion that if this event manages to come together, it will make it that much easier to get something lined up for golden week or summer. On the other hand, I can see it being harder to get that running if this fizzles. So, well, I can't make it on the Sunday, but who can? Sunday, Nakameguro, potluck lunch, head over to see Sam play after sounds like a pretty… [more]
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 11:17 PM on February 27, 2017

The meet up must live! I'll be free in the evening, and intend to find a group of mefites who have been admiring hanami, and drink with them. Barring that, I'll just randomly go up to people in parks and make mefite jokes, leading to horrible embarrassment. Please, save me from this, even if it's only just a small handful of us getting drinks from a conbini.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 8:52 PM on March 13, 2017

I'm in. Any interest in the Shinagawa Atre fancy schmancy food court? There's an Antenna America satellite shop and Guzman y Gomez shop as well. Failing that, something izakayaesque? Conbini beers and walking through Ueno Park?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 4:35 PM on March 18, 2017

I'll be there, but my shift has changed, and I'm working to 11-7, so I'll be a bit late. If you guys have moved on from Atre, just post in thread, I'll come find you.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:37 AM on March 20, 2017

That works fine for me. Even if we don't actually meet up, let's act like we did and concoct crazy tales of adventure so everyone else feels bad about missing out!
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 1:31 AM on March 22, 2017

Wwell, Gotanda, it looks like it might just be the two of us. Drop by Hamamatsucho around 7, drink with me while I polish off my staff beer, and we'll head off to taco land. How's that sound?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 7:16 AM on March 24, 2017

You've got the patience of a saint. I'm wondering if there's ever been a meetup as heavily modified as this one. This has gotta be pretty record breaking for two people to meet up and get some drinks, right?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:07 PM on March 24, 2017

Well, that was a lovely evening of discussing Wittgenstein over a game of backgammon. Thanks, Gotanda, for setting up such a lovely evening.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 8:09 AM on March 25, 2017

Lazy Tokyo Meetup

Not to break confidentiality, but I would be that other time-pressed Mefite. I've been working at the Hamamatsucho branch of DevilCraft since the summer, and for the most part, I'm working the early shift. I don't have my schedule for the rest of the month yet, but usually I'm done by four or five (and then I sit at the bar and enjoy my staff beer, which is a pretty awesome perk). I'm up for most anywhere, though as is traditional, I'm a big fan of eastern Tokyo because somehow I ended up living… [more]
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 11:22 PM on January 12, 2017

28th is better for me, too, depending on my schedule, which I should find out soon.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 12:56 AM on January 13, 2017

Armage, the last couple times I've been, it's been pretty empty on Saturdays. Is it starting to pick up there? By the way, your name just autocorrected to Armageddon. Thought you should know.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 12:58 AM on January 13, 2017

I just found out my schedule for the last half of the month, and unfortunately I'm scheduled for 9am on the following day. If it's at all possible to get started at an earlier hour (say, 6?) so I can scamper before I've had too much delicious beer, that would be pretty great. What are folks thoughts on time? If we need to make reservations, let's try to get this hammered out. after all, Tokyo meet up!
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 3:21 PM on January 13, 2017

Woodblock, you just posted on the site using your login and member name. You're an official member, and I'd be thrilled to see you even if you weren't.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 1:32 PM on January 14, 2017

I'd go for ten, just because I'm feeling optimistic, and it's easier for them to open up more space if we have fewer people than to make more space. If it wasn't so stupidly cold, from about November, they've had a discount for sitting outside, but yeah, stupid cold (they have blankets though).
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:23 PM on January 14, 2017

Lesser weasel, craft beer market does have non beer and non alcohol options. And don't pay any attention to join dates. Members are members, regardless of how long ago they joined, and socialization is good. Sorry to hear you're maybe'd Misozaki. I hope you can make it out.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:48 AM on January 17, 2017

And GoingtoShopping, they have all sorts of stuff. A friend from Texas gave the enchiladas a solid thumbs up.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:49 AM on January 17, 2017

So, uh, who wants to make a reservation? I still think start with a high number and scale down as we get closer (like aim for ten, then let them know we'll only be like five or six a couple days in advance) to the 28th. /screams "not it," puts thumb to forehead, runs away
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 6:36 PM on January 18, 2017

Well, let's make a decision, and I can call today or tomorrow. Ten people, at 6, for the 28th? If we do get more than ten, people who maybe'd can have an interpretive dance battle to decide the seating!
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 9:31 PM on January 19, 2017

Thanks for calling. Shame about the no seats thing, but it won't kill me.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 2:57 AM on January 20, 2017

If standing is the problem, I'm pretty sure I can reserve a table at Devilcraft Hamamatsucho. I mean, I'd just have to sit here once I finish my shift, waiting for everyone to show up. Whatever would I do to pass the time? (Hint: staff beer)
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 11:57 PM on January 20, 2017

I kinda work there. I can probably swing something. I'm working tomorrow, I'll ask if there's space. We'd definitely need to have a set number, so if people could let me know, I'd appreciate it.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 4:26 AM on January 21, 2017

I've made a reservation for 6pm for ten people.They don't require them, but they do offer party plans, at ¥2000/person for fries & onion rings, salad, chips and dip, and (for ten people) three large pizzas. For ¥2500/person, there's wings and dessert. Personally, I would go for the ¥2000 plan if we want to do that, but again, not required.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 11:33 PM on January 21, 2017

Oh, and if we end up with more than ten, that should be okay, but if we can figure that out by, say, Wednesday, that would probably be good.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 11:38 PM on January 21, 2017

Wow, this is going to be the biggest meet-up in ages! That's ten people now, Jusu, Strutter, GTS, and brappi, any chance you can let me know in the next 24 hours or so? If we're going to be more than 10, I need to let them know as soon as I can. Thanks. As for pizzas and such, are there any food issues? Vegetarians, issues with cheese, anything like that?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 4:27 AM on January 25, 2017

Two bottles of C1000, STAT! It's poor form to post a meet up and not, you know, meet up. Seriously, though, feel better. Hope to see you tomorrow.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 4:10 AM on January 27, 2017

No problem, Woodblock! Since no one got back about pizza, how does 1 sausage mushroom, 1 sausage pepperoni, and either a cheese or a veggie deluxe sound?
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 7:13 PM on January 27, 2017

Maybe sort of weird, but if you just tell them you're with "Jeremy's party" it'll be easy for the staff to figure out.
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 12:19 AM on January 28, 2017

It was great to see so many people out tonight. If we're going to aim for the quarterly thing, this just popped up. It looks like Tokyo is supposed to be all Hanami'd up around 3/22. Potluck hanami! I've got blankets, I can bring snacks!
posted to MeFi IRL by Ghidorah at 7:03 AM on January 28, 2017