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Top 8 Cocktail Bars In Tokyo

In a city that takes pride in its unique drinking culture and one of the best bar scenes in the world, finding a bar that serves a classic cocktail isn’t quite a challenge. However, even with the plethora of options available around the city, choosing a cocktail bar in Tokyo that’s not just about its glitz and glamour but also has a killer cocktail menu can be a little tricky.

Whether you’re in the mood for a mean drink to overcome the Monday blues or the perfect date night drink to make a lasting impression, don’t go looking anywhere else as we’ve got you covered with our list of eight amazing cocktail bars in Tokyo that take things to the next level with their finest cocktails.

The Top 8 Cocktail Bars in Tokyo

Photo Credit: These Facebook

1. THESE

This quaint library-themed bar is tucked away in the cozy streets of Tokyo’s Nishiazabu area. With over 3000 books scattered all across the bar, THESE is the perfect place to stop by for some relaxing time while you enjoy customized cocktails that are prepared based on seasonal fruits and a base spirit of your choice. 

The old-school glamour, retro furniture and a unique cocktail selection matched with the delicious curry meals on the menu definitely set this library bar apart from the rest.

Address: 2 Chome-15-12 Quartet Building 1F, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0031

Hours: 7 pm- 4 am 

Website: http://www.these-jp.com/

Cocktail Bars in Tokyo
Photo Credit: starbar.jp/star-bar-ginza/

2. Star Bar Ginza

Having made it to the list of Asia’s Top 50 Bars in 2018, Star Bar Ginza has been a favorite of cocktail connoisseurs across the world. 

With unique ideas like their Ninja ice – a cube of ice so clear that it cant be seen inside the glass, and an offering of bold and bespoke Japanese cocktails that aren’t presented on a typical menu, Star Bar offers an unmatched experience that can be best enjoyed with pals who appreciate a good concoction.

A cover charge of ¥1,000 is required in addition to the cost of the drinks, so keep this in mind before you plan to check out this premium cocktail bar.

Address: 1-5-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061 

Hours: 3 pm -8 pm

Website: https://www.starbar.jp/star-bar-ginza/

Photo Credit: tabelog.com/tokyo

3. Mori Bar Gran

Overlooking two iconic landmarks of Tokyo – Tokyo Tower towards the south and Tokyo Skytree towards the north – this swanky bar is perfect to unwind at with some classy cocktails like the Mori Martini and Kamikaze on offer. With the sakura season just around the corner, you can visit the bar to try their special cherry blossom cocktail “Yoshino” while you enjoy the view of the surrounding cherry blossom trees from the rooftop. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll also find the man behind this award-winning bar Mr. Takao Mouri, who’s also a world-renowned bartender himself, making his special concoctions for customers regularly. 

Address: 612 Sakuramarks Ginza, 6-12-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061

Hours: 5 pm-11 pm

Website: https://mori.bar/

Photo Credit: Code Name Mixology

4. Code Name Mixology   

The brainchild of Shuzo Nagumo, Code Name Mixology in Akasaka is an absolute must-visit if you want the bartenders to whip up a dream cocktail based on flavors and spirits of your choice. The foreigner-friendly bar offers unique cocktails that are unheard of, for instance, a Blue Cheese Martini or an Apple Matsutake (an uncommon yet interesting blend of sour apple, pine-mushroom gin, and miso powder).

Apart from their in-house infused vodkas, and a killer cocktail list, they also offer a perfect food menu to match the drinks and a chic ambiance that will uplift your mood.

Address: 2F, 3-14-3, Torin Akasaka Building, Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052

Hours: Weekdays 6 pm-12 am, Weekends 6 pm-4 am

Website: https://www.facebook.com/The-Bar-code-name-Mixology-akasaka-372348026108773/

Cocktail Bars in Tokyo
Photo Credit: princehotels.com

5. Sky Lounge Stellar Garden

Another bar that’s definitely worth a visit is this spectacular sky lounge that offers breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline while churning out crafted cocktails that are mixed with perfection.

With a good mix of classics and few original cocktails on the menu, the bar offers a cozy atmosphere and professional service that wouldn’t disappoint drink lovers who are looking for an intimate setup for a memorable date night. 

Address: 33, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, 4-8-1, Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011

Hours: 5pm-2am  

Website: https://www.princehotels.com/parktower/restaurants/sky-lounge-stellar-garden/

Photo Credit: https://www.300bar.com/en

6. Ginza 300 Bar Next

One of the longest-running standing bars in town, Ginza 300 Bar Next is one of those places that you want to drop by for a fun night of drinking without having to worry about your budget, after all, all the drinks on the menu are for 300 yen each. 

The fuss-free bar has a fun, casual vibe and has on offer about 150 traditional and Japanese cocktails to suit every palette. We recommend checking out this budget-friendly bar for its mojitos that were awarded ‘Japan’s Best Mojito’ by the Cuban Embassy in Japan.

 Address: Purple Building B1 1-2-14 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006

 Hours: 3 pm-8 pm (Reduced timings due to the State of Emergency)

Website: https://www.300bar.com/en

Cocktail Bars in Tokyo
Photo Credit: https://www.barhighfive.com/

7. High Five

Listed as one of The World’s Best 50 Bars in 2020, this legendary Ginza-style bar has a unique charm with its low-lit basement setting, dark wood paneling, and a long counter. With no menu in place, the bartenders will craft a special cocktail for you, after consulting your tastes and preferences in English, Japanese, and/or Mandarin. 

 If you are not in the mood for experimenting with your drinks, go for their classic cocktails, interesting Japanese Old Classics like the “Yokohama” (Dry Gin, Vodka, Orange, Grenadine, Pernod), or ask for their special drink “The Hunter” (Heering cherry liqueur and Bourbon). 

Address: Chuo City, Ginza, 5 Chome−4−15 Efflore Ginza 5 Bldg, 104-0061 Tokyo

Hours: 5 pm-8 pm (Reduced timings due to the State of Emergency)

Website: https://www.barhighfive.com/

Cocktail Bars in Tokyo
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/BarBenfiddich/

8. Ben Fiddich 

It wouldn’t be possible to complete this list without mentioning one of the most impressive bars in Tokyo located in a high-rise building in Shinjuku. Listed as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, Ben Fiddich also follows a no-menu policy, with the skilled bartenders creating bespoke cocktails concocted with homemade infusions, herbs, and spices of your preference. 

The old-world style interiors, an aromatic vibe, and a limited-seating make for an intimate setting where you can also indulge in a chat with Hiroyasu Kayama – the man behind the bar – about his craft, for an experience that would be unlike any other bar in the town. 

Address: 1-13-7 Nishishinjuku | 9F Yamatoya Bldg., Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0023

Hours: 5 pm-8 pm 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BarBenfiddich/


Did we miss any other amazing cocktail bars in Tokyo? Let us know down in the comments.

Written by Nitika Bhatia

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