The Best Places To Drink In Tokyo

High Five, Ginza

This slick walk-in bar in Ginza honours the time-old tradition of charging guests entry for a seat at the bar. For JP¥1,000 (around £5), you can watch the bartenders at work and order cocktails like the ‘Japanese Garden’ made with J’s Whisky, Midori and green tea liqueur; and the ‘Bamboo’ featuring fino sherry, dry vermouth and orange bitters.

Visit BARHIGHFIVE.COM

Bar Trench, Ebisu

This speakeasy-style bar celebrates classic cocktail culture, with its dark wood furnishings and dim lighting that set the retro vibe. There are numerous absinthe cocktails to try, as well as drinks made with homemade herbal liqueurs. 

Visit SMALL-AXE.NET

Star, Ginza

Owner-bartender Hisashi Kishi is a legend in the Tokyo hospitality scene. His intimate, wood-panelled bar exudes old-world glamour, where each drink is tailored to guests’ preferences, with an emphasis on balance and precision. Numerous bartenders have cut their teeth here and it’s easy to see why – everything is done with precision, from perfectly made martinis to hand-carved ice-cubes. 

Visit STARBAR.JP

Apollo Bar, Ginza

If you’re after authentic Japanese highballs, Apollo Bar is famous for them. Here, it’s all about attention to detail – sodas are homemade with natural water (the team make their own ginger ale and tonic water), and even the lemons are sourced from select farms across the country. There’s a strong collection of Japanese whiskies on offer, too.

Visit APOLLO-BAR.NET

Ginza Music Bar, Ginza

This bar, born out of a collaboration between music producers and coffeehouse specialists, is one of the coolest spots on this list. With cobalt blue walls and seating, an eclectic collection of artwork and a killer Hi-Fi system with a 3,000-strong vinyl collection, guests come here for whisky highballs and live music. On any given night, expect everything from jazz and soul to rock classics and dance anthems. 

Visit GINZAMUSICBAR.COM

Lobby Bar at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon

This slick bar on the top floor of one of the city’s best hotels has been designed to look like a typical Japanese forest, with sprawling greenery and dim lighting. With views of Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Tower, this spot features a wrap-around bar where guests can enjoy classic cocktails with a Japanese twist, like plum and yuzu margaritas. It also serves afternoon tea during the day. 

Visit LOBBYBAR.TORANOMONEDITION.COM

Golden-Gai, Shinjuku

You’re more likely to see tourists than locals here, but Golden-Gai is a must-visit for first timers. This nightlife district is home to alleyways lined with tiny bars, some seating as few as four people. Each one has a different theme and vibe — some have live jazz nights whilst others have an off-menu approach where any kind of drink goes. Neon lights, tight alleyways and the buzzy atmosphere adds to the experience. 

Wineshop Lulu, Meguro

This small wine bar and shop is known for its carefully curated selection of natural and organic wines from around the world. The laidback atmosphere, with its rustic wooden shelves and soft lighting, invites guests to explore new flavours and relax over a glass or bottle.

Follow @WINESHOP_LULU

Grandfather’s, Shibuya

After stopping at a ramen or tempura bar, visit Grandfather’s to sit back with cold beers or a glass of wine while DJs set the tempo on vinyl nights. This bar hasn't changed much in the 40 years it’s been open, though the music ranges from 70s soul to more contemporary classics. There’s also a small snack menu featuring dishes like dried squid, pickled in soy sauce and grilled. 

Visit GRANDFATHER.JP

Winestand Waltz, Ebisu

This natural wine bar only seats about ten guests at its standing-only counter in Ebisu. Owner Yasuhiro Ooyama is passionate about Japanese wines, so ask for his recommendations as the list of bottles continually rotates. You can also order small plates from the tiny kitchen out back.

Visit WINE.STAND_WALTZ

Blue Note, Aoyama

If you visit one jazz bar during a trip, make it Blue Note in Minamiaoyama, the Ronnie Scott’s of Tokyo. This iconic live music venue regularly hosts renowned jazz musicians from around the world. Guests sit at its famous blue lacquer tables while pianists, saxophonists and singers work the room and waiters serve cocktails and sake. Its sister venue Cotton Club, which has more of a NYC vibe, is also worth a visit. 

Visit BLUENOTEJAPAN.JP

Jazz Blues Soul Bar, Shibuya

This no-nonsense jazz bar is where real music heads go to discover small, indie musicians and listen to under-the-radar Japanese albums. There are over 10,000 records on the walls, with a mixture of jazz, blues and soul. Drop by for sake and an hour-long listening session.

Herbie, Machida

This small bar may seem unassuming from the outside, but its basement houses an impressive collection of jazz records, from 50s classics to modern British jazz by artists like Ezra Collective. There’s an extensive whisky selection, with over 75 bottles from Japanese producers, with cocktails named after the jazz greats. 

Visit JAZZBARHERBIE.COM

Jazz House Alfie, Roppongi

You’ll find locals quietly listening to music and sipping on sake at this intimate jazz bar in Roppongi. With its cosy, low-lit setting and vintage furniture, Alfie has a relaxed, unpretentious vibe that welcomes locals and tourists alike. It’s the perfect place to unwind with live jazz from local musicians. 

Visit ALFIE.TOKYO

Off Coffee Stand, Minami-Aoyama

For specialty coffee, this small coffee shop in Minami-Aoyama regularly has a queue outside for its cappuccinos, custard tarts and egg sandos. Other sweet treats include banana bread, canelés and milk gelato. 

Follow @OFFCOFFEESTAND

Dotcom Space, Shibuya

With its sleek, minimalist interiors, this cool coffee shop has a spacious dining area with communal workspaces plus an outdoor courtyard. The shop is kitted out with some serious coffee-making equipment, including bespoke taps that pour out perfect espressos. You can also buy its own range of drinkware and cafetieres. 

Visit DOTCOMSPACETOKYO.COM

Kitasando Coffee, Sendagaya

After you’ve visited the Meiji Jingu temple, walk to this coffee shop to try excellent lattes, juices and sweet treats. The team carefully sources its beans from Central and South American nations, ensuring workers there receive a fair price for their labour. During the autumn months, you’ll find a selection of sticky financiers. 

Visit KITASANDO_COFFEE

Little Nap Coffee, Shibuya

There are two outposts of this coffee chain in the city, but we like the Shibuya site, housed in a hut-like shop with just four seats. As well as classic coffee options, there’s a small selection of homemade cakes and ice-creams.