Danke
Danke is a German-style beer hall near Shinobazu Pond in Ueno that offers an alternative to the izakaya-dominated drinking scene in the area. The interior features long wooden tables, beer steins on shelves, and a menu of German sausages, pretzels, and schnitzel alongside Japanese bar staples. Draft beer includes German imports like Erdinger and Warsteiner alongside Japanese lagers, with half-liter steins starting at 700 JPY. The space seats about 40 people and has a relaxed, European feel that contrasts with the cramped standing bars under the nearby railway arches. The crowd is a mix of Ueno locals who appreciate the change of pace, German beer enthusiasts, and tourists from the nearby hotels. Staff speak limited English but the menu has photos. The atmosphere is calm and convivial, with conversation at normal volume instead of the shouting required at busier Ueno drinking spots.
Where to stay near Danke
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A warmly lit German-themed beer hall with wooden tables, imported drafts, and sausages. The pace is slower and the volume lower than Ueno's standing bars.
Warm, relaxed, and European in spirit. A calm oasis near the chaos of Ameyoko.
Quiet background music, occasionally German folk or jazz
Casual. No expectations.
Beer lovers, anyone wanting a sit-down drink in Ueno, couples looking for a calm bar
Cash and credit cards accepted
Price Range
Half-liter draft 700-1,000 JPY, sausage plate 900 JPY, pretzel 500 JPY, schnitzel 1,200 JPY
Half-liter ~$4.50-6.50/~4-6 EUR, sausage plate ~$6/~5.50 EUR
Hours
16:00-23:00 daily, Fri-Sat until 00:00
Insider Tip
The Erdinger wheat beer pairs well with the sausage plate. Sit at the communal table for a social experience. Happy hour (16:00-18:00) offers 100 JPY off all drafts.
Full Review
After an evening of standing at counters in Ameyoko's tachinomi bars, walking into Danke feels like entering a different country. The wooden interior, the shelf of beer steins, the smell of grilling sausage: it's a credible German beer hall transplanted to Ueno.
The space is divided between a long communal table in the center and smaller tables along the walls. I chose the communal table and was soon seated across from a Japanese couple who were regulars. The husband recommended the Warsteiner, which arrived in a proper half-liter stein, cold and properly poured.
The food menu balances German and Japanese options. I went German: a sausage plate with three varieties (bratwurst, weisswurst, and a smoked pork sausage) served with mustard and sauerkraut. At 900 JPY it was generous and well-prepared. The sausages had good snap and the sauerkraut was tangy rather than vinegary. A pretzel (500 JPY) was warm, salty, and satisfying.
The atmosphere was notably different from the standing bars just five minutes away. People sat, talked at normal volume, and took their time with their drinks. Nobody was rushing to finish and make room for the next customer. On a Tuesday evening, the room was about half full, comfortable without being empty.
Two half-liter beers, a sausage plate, and a pretzel came to 2,900 JPY. For a sit-down meal with good beer in central Ueno, that's competitive. Danke won't change your life, but it fills a gap in the neighborhood between the ultra-cheap tachinomi bars and the more expensive restaurants near the park.
The Neighborhood
Danke is on a quiet street near Shinobazu Pond, a short walk from Ameyoko market and Ueno Park. The pond area has a few other restaurants and a peaceful evening atmosphere.
Getting There
JR Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit, walk west toward Shinobazu Pond, about 5 minutes. The beer hall is on a side street near the pond's southern edge.
Other Venues in Ueno
HUB Ueno
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Warrior Celt
Irish pub near Ueno station serving Guinness and pub grub. One of the few international-style bars in the neighborhood.
Pasela Resorts Ueno Koenicho
Upscale karaoke chain with themed rooms, cocktail service, and a large English song library. Open late on weekends.
Big Echo Ueno-Hirokoji
Major karaoke chain branch with affordable rates during off-peak hours. Popular spot for after-work groups and late-night singing sessions.
Bar Rage Ueno
Compact standing bar near Ameyoko with rotating craft beer taps and highballs. Draws a mix of salarymen and backpackers from nearby hostels.
Tachinomi Takioka
Legendary standing bar near Ameyoko where dishes start at 100 JPY and drinks from 200 JPY. Cash only, no seats, and perpetually packed with locals after 5 PM.