Tokyo isn’t just a foodie’s paradise; it’s also a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. From classic Manhattans to outrageous smoked martinis, the city boasts a vibrant bar scene that caters to every taste. Whether you’re looking for rare Japanese whisky or a funky natural wine, Tokyo has something for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite spots to help you navigate this exciting city’s drinking landscape.
A Cocktail Odyssey
The SG Club is a two-in-one bar, offering a casual upstairs space called Guzzle and a more elegant downstairs spot called Sip. The cocktails here are a delightful blend of imagination and precision, crafted by the talented barman, Gokan. His global travels inspire his creations, like the refreshing Agean gimlet or the exotic Amazon to Kagoshima, which combines guava and vetiver with sweet-potato shochu. The SG Club regularly hosts guest chef dinners and themed food events, so there’s always something new to experience.
Le Bonheur is a chic little spot founded by husband-and-wife team Guillaume and Chloe Duperier, offering a haven for natural wine lovers. With its airy space, Yves-Klein blue walls, and large windows, this bar exudes a relaxed yet sophisticated charm. It attracts a diverse crowd, from local French chefs to executives of European luxury brands, all drawn to the organic and biodynamic wines from France and Japan. The bar fare is equally impressive, featuring meaty housemade terrine, thick-cut fries, and a selection of French and domestic cheeses. Weekend brunch is a delightful treat, featuring organic dishes from local farms and an option for free-flow sparkling wine.
Hidden Gems and Luxurious Retreats
Tucked away behind a sliding wooden door beside Udatsu Sushi, Ferri’s Tequila Den is a true tequila lover’s paradise. This luxurious den houses a treasure trove of top-shelf tequila, including vintage bottles from Ferri’s personal collection and artisanal mezcal. The vermillion backlit bar shelves display limited-edition ceramic bottles of Clase Azul tequila like colorful sentinels. Indulge in a Clase Azul highball or a seasonal-fruit margarita, all while enjoying delicious Peruvian cuisine from chef Ivalu Acurio. He crafts delectable plates like hamaguri clam ceviche, handmade corn empanadas, and spicy pulled-pork sandwiches, all prepared in a shoebox-sized kitchen. For a truly special experience, book a tasting menu paired with tequila and featuring wagyu steak from Kagoshima.
Kakao is a cacao-themed bar that feels like a medicine-man-meets-mad-scientist’s lair, with dried flowers, botanical infusions, and cacao pods. Shuzo Nagumo‘s innovative recipes incorporate every part of the Amazonian fruit, creating drinks like the cacao pulp fizz or the chocolately cacao Negroni. He collaborates with Cacao Hunters and Maison Cacao, who work with indigenous growers in Colombia. Seasonal fruits and local flowers make it into tipples like the pepper leaf tonic and lemon, rose and geranium cocktail. The bar also offers a selection of fair-trade chocolate and spiced sweets, perfect for pairing with your chosen beverage.
Sophisticated Cocktails and Spectacular Views
Ginza Lounge, led by the pioneering female bartender Yukiyo Kurihara, evokes a Bond villain lair with its natural stone walls, wide leather chairs, and overstuffed cow-print cushions. The wrap-around windows offer stunning views of the glittering Ginza skyline. This bar attracts a steady stream of ladies who lunch and after-work crowds, all drawn to the South Asian-inspired cocktails. The signature Mumbai Tonic made with anise-infused gin and rosemary is a must-try. Seasonal sippers like the mango daquiri made with Darjeeling-flavored rum or the saffron-scented French 75 are equally ingenious. The food here is a highlight, featuring Japanese-inflected Indian snacks like octopus-stuffed paniyaram and deep-fried shiso chaat, a perfect match for the spice-based cocktails.
Orchard, a seventh-floor hideaway in Ginza, is a fresh fruit cocktail haven. Husband-and-wife team Takuo and Sumire Miyanohara will present you with a basket laden with seasonal fruits in lieu of a menu. They excel at classic cocktails with a modern touch, employing liquid nitrogen and a carbonation machine for unique flavor profiles. The salmon-toned walls, comfy white chairs, and glassware chilling in a refrigerated cabinet create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Classic Cocktails with a Modern Twist
The SG Bar is a swanky watering hole that blends modern retro touches with a classic Japanese coffee house aesthetic. The stained glass panel, featuring the bar’s name, Mount Fuji, and a martini under the moon, sets the stage for a memorable experience. The main space is perfect for after-work drinks or late-night tipples, while the glass-encased private room offers a space for food-and-cocktail pairing experiments. The bar serves witty twists on classic cocktails, like the Kome Tonic made with rice-based shochu. Explore the seasonal menu for creations like the Tango Mule made with gin and Fernet Branca laced with roasted mate or the Okushibu Fashioned with bourbon, kinako soy powder, and a hint of bitter mugmort.
Bar High Five is a theatrical space with art deco-inspired fixtures and platform seating, creating a perfect spot for people-watching. Joshua Perez, the head barman, brings his flavor science expertise from New York’s Booker and Dax to create seasonal expressions like the velvet-smooth Christmas eggnog spiked with Remy Martin 1738 or a summertime frozen margarita made with Lillet Blanc and fresh white peach. The signature Takara is a compelling blend of Japanese whisky, chartreuse, and Denki Bran, a brandy-like spirit originating in Tokyo in 1893.
A Toast to Tokyo’s Diverse Bar Scene
Tokyo’s bar scene is a diverse and exciting landscape, offering something for every taste and preference. Whether you seek classic cocktails, innovative creations, or a cozy atmosphere, this city has you covered. So grab your friends, explore the hidden gems, and raise a glass to Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife.
