Drinking should be all about having a blast. Tokyo is no less of having the fun factor.
Tokyo’s bar scene is popular mainly because distinct and gravitating atmospheres are enriched, expert bartenders, and attention to detail. The city offers a myriad of bars, be it sleek lounges or quirky speakeasies.
To top it all off, Tokyo’s bartenders are known for their craft, creating innovative cocktails with local ingredients. The service is top-notch, and the variety of bars ensures there’s something for everyone. Overall, Tokyo’s bars offer a high-quality nightlife experience that's both welcoming and culturally rich.
Get ready for a memorable night out in Tokyo.
Here’s our guide to drinking in Tokyo!
Bar BenFiddich
Hiroyasu Kayama opened BenFiddich in 2013 after years of being the head bartender at Nishi-Azabu’s Amber bar. Now, he’s got the freedom to explore his passion for traditional elixirs and herbal spirits, often using ingredients from his family’s garden in Chichibu. The bar has an impressive whisky collection, but it’s Kayama’s herbal concoctions that steal the show. Picture shelves lined with jars of spices and homemade infusions—he’s just as likely to mix your drink with a pestle and mortar as with a shaker. Hang around a little longer, soak in the cosy faux-Scottish whisky brewery vibe, and wait for those quieter moments to pop up.
Bar la Hulotte
Step into Bar la Hulotte, where a cosy mix of rugged stone, warm wood, and soft lighting invites you to kick back and relax. Nestled in Azabu, this charming spot, named after the French word for "owl," is a favourite for those seeking a quiet drink in a striking atmosphere. Forget about trendy date spots - this place is perfect for solo sippers, cigar enthusiasts, and cocktail lovers. After a trek from Azabu-Juban Station, you'll be treated to drinks crafted by the master bartender. This gem takes some serious loyalty to score!
Geronimo Shot Bar
Want a wild night out? Located in the heart of Roppongi, this lively hotspot is all about shots, shots, and more shots. This is the perfect place to kick things off. With free entry, affordable drinks, and free shots every time the drum beats (which happens a lot), it’s impossible not to get into the party spirit. You’ll find a fun mix of regulars and newcomers, with plenty of foreigners who know how to bring the fun.
Sasa Gin
Tucked into a bamboo-filled space near the train station, Sasagin is a no-frills izakaya adored by businessmen who enjoy a good cigarette alongside their sake. The menu’s a classic, with dishes that pair perfectly with your drink, like simmered cod milt or grilled bamboo topped with miso. The sake list is impressive, and if you need a little guidance, the owner, Narita-san, is happy to help, speaking enough English to make your experience feel just right.
The Bellwood
Step into The Bellwood and feel as if you’ve entered a Taisho-era cafe bar, where sepia-toned photos, wood accents, and stained glass transport you back in time. But the cocktails? Contemporary and inventive; from the fruity Miyako Fizz to the savoury Yaki-Bloody Mary. Indulge in their late-night food menu with dashi-flavoured olives or enjoy a private dining experience where inventive nigiri is paired with exclusive cocktails for a unique twist. It's a sensory journey that’s best experienced with a reservation!
The SG Club
Get ready for a bar experience like no other at The SG Club, where each floor brings a totally different adventure. Start at Guzzle on the ground level, where you can sip refreshing drinks like the Consommé Fizz or Lemons Sour. Head down to Sip for a more intimate, opium-den-inspired vibe with bold cocktails like the Cold Soba Negroni. Or, head upstairs to the cigar room - an elegant retro space where you can pair a fine cigar with a cocktail crafted to complement each stage of your smoke. It’s a multi-level adventure in mixology and relaxation!
Tokyo Confidential
This breath of fresh air in Tokyo’s cocktail scene is a stylish spot that breaks the mould of your typical Japanese cocktail bar. After all, the bar’s motto, "Pull up, fess up," encourages you to swing by whenever you need a break from life’s hustle and bustle. You’ll find a variety of signature cocktails, including low- and no-ABV options for those taking a break from booze. If you're in the mood for something stronger, try the Cheung Fun Old Fashioned, which draws inspiration from the Chinese rice roll dish with peanut and sesame bourbon, soy caramel, and bitters.
Tokyo Whisky Library
Whisky newbies, this one's for you! Hidden in Aoyama’s elegant Santa Chiara complex, the Tokyo Whisky Library is a whisky wonderland where over 1,200 spirits from every corner of the globe line the shelves. Don’t worry about feeling out of place - this bar welcomes whisky lovers of all levels, so you can sip and learn. With 82 seats to choose from, each offering a different view of your drink, you’ll have plenty of angles to admire your whisky and maybe even discover a new favourite with every sip.
Virtù
Virtù is a stylish cocktail lounge perched on the 39th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo in Otemachi. With an art-deco style straight out of The Great Gatsby, this bar is a perfect fusion of Parisian elegance and Tokyo flair. Despite its sleek, modern vibes, Virtù has a deep sense of history. If the library is a place for learning, the bar is an encyclopedia of incredible cocktails, blending French aperitifs and liqueurs with Japanese shochu and whisky. The drinks are as sophisticated as the setting, inviting you to sip in style while soaking in the views.