Just sneaking in at the bottom of this list, with a population of 37 million, Tokyo is the largest city in the world. But, they didn’t make this list based on the sheer and insurmountable amount of beer they consume. Tokyo has a wealth of beer halls, beer gardens, a beer museum, and is home to some familiar macro-breweries. However, if you want a beer and all of the stores are closed, you’re in luck, because beer is available from vending machines, which sit right out on the street (no ID required). The beer is available in both can and draft form (yes, you can get a freshly poured beer by a machine).
The craft beer scene is also taking off in Tokyo. Prior to 1994, breweries could not obtain a license unless they were producing over 2,000,000 liters annually. When this ruling was amended, it opened the doors to micro-breweries that are beginning to sprout up around the city. Beer flows like water in Tokyo. It’s consumed more than sake, whiskey, and cognac combined. There may not be the rich history compared to some European cities, and their craft beer scene may not hold a candle to some cities in the US, but make no mistake about it, in Tokyo they are passionate about beer.
Tokyo is a great beer city. Good choice. Despite starting out behind, the craft beer scene has taken off, and with the quality and eccentricity that one expects in Japan. Coedo beer is excellent, and Popeye’s, Beer Horn, and Devil Craft are excellent stops for taps. The beer selection tends to be more “sessionable” than in the USA (where strong beers are starting to predominate).
Asahi is one of Japan’s great beers. The Asahi vending machines were a welcome site while visiting there many years ago. Brewed in Tokyo I believe, it’s one of the most popular beers in Japan.
Nice list of most American cities, a token city from most countries, and a couple obvious choices.