Tokyo’s bar culture is thriving. Immerse yourself in exciting bars, with a broad choice ranging from traditional Japanese classic bars to hyper-hip mixology spots. Recently, cocktails incorporating Japanese elements like shochu, sake, and Japanese tea have been on the rise. Level up your Tokyo nights with cocktails featuring Japanese touches at these unique bars.
The Bvlgari Bar- Yaesu（Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo）
The bar features a counter with an elegant mosaic background and a spacious terrace where you can enjoy spectacular views from the 45th floor. The place is perfect for large-scale parties, accommodating up to 100 people. With the theme of craftsmanship, the cocktails by Andrea Minarelli, who is passionate about visiting producers in Japan to source the best ingredients, perfectly complement the bar snacks created by the Chef Nico Romito, One MICHELIN Star Restaurant “Il Ristorante Nico Romito.” Indulge in every moment of Italian elegance.
Virtu- Otemachi（Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi）
World-acclaimed head bartender Keith Motsi grew up in the UK, where a well-established cocktail culture thrives. His witty conversations and the cool, entertaining atmosphere are loved by experienced bar-goers. “Takara” (meaning treasure in Japanese) is his take on a Manhattan, inspired by the Japanese fairy tale “Momotaro,” using French chartreuse and Japanese “Denki Bran,” an old-school Japanese cocktail mix created in Asakusa.
Mixology Salon- Ginza
A tea-themed cocktail bar opened in 2017 by renowned mixologist Shuzo Nagumo. Nagumo has deep knowledge about marrying flavors and aromas. His signature cocktails are six types of ‘tea-tail,’ a series of low-alcohol tea cocktails served in wine glasses to appreciate their aroma and long aftertaste. Over time, the multi-layers of flavors and aromas are unveiled, symbolizing light cocktails that suit modern palates.
BAR HIGH FIVE- Ginza
The advanced techniques and refined movements of Japanese bartenders have established a genre in the bar industry known as “Japanese-style bartending,” attracting global attention. This is the place to experience it. Owner bartender Hidetsugu Ueno is famous for judging cocktail competitions worldwide. The shakes using a three-piece shaker and the elegant stirring movements are masterpieces of craftsmanship.
ST LOUIS BAR by KEI- Ginza
A bar founded by long-established French crystal brand ST Louis, in collaboration with three MICHELIN Starred restaurant Restaurant Kei’s chef owner, Kei Kobayashi. All the glassware, including glasses and chandeliers, are by ST Louis, and there are original cocktails with recipes by ST Louis. Bar manager Riku Suzuki explores Edo-era history, expressing Japanese flavors with cocktails like “Modern ‘Honnaoshi’” shochu and mirin-based on old recipes. The outdoor Japanese garden is a must-see.
Gold bar at EDITION- Toranomon（The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon）
Experience the contrast between the nostalgic atmosphere of the pre-prohibition era in the United States and a futuristic menu themed “duality,” revealing a secret menu under black light. The cocktails, created by bar director Hideyuki Sato, who has rich overseas experience, incorporate Japanese alcoholic beverages, giving them exotic accents.
EUREKA!- Nishi Azabu
Named after the word exclaimed by ancient Greek philosopher Archimedes when he made a discovery, “Eureka!” is led by charismatic owner Marie Chiba and is popular for its unique pairing of Japanese sake and food. For example, pairing blue cheese and ham cutlet with “Doburoku” (unfiltered sake) reveals undiscovered charms. As the name suggests, you’ll discover new ways to appreciate Japanese sake.
The SG Club- Shibuya
The bar has two concepts that span two floors: the basement “Sip” offers quiet cocktails with structured flavors and aromas, while the lively first floor “Guzzle” is perfect for partying and socializing, serving an elevated version of “Oolong Hai” using cold-brewed quality Taiwanese oolong tea.
BenFiddich- Shinjuku
Owner bartender Hiroyasu Kayama has unique titles as both a farmer and a bartender. This bar serves cocktails themed “Farm to Glass.” In Saitama prefecture, two hours by train from the bar, he grows various plants like juniper and absinthe, using what he harvests to create cocktails. He actively travels overseas, researching unique local alcohol and incorporating it into his creations. He also works with the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute in Japan to commercialize wood drinking alcohol, made by extracting alcohol from wood chips.
Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience- Omotesando
Shinya Sakurai, who has researched various ways to enjoy and brew Japanese tea, opened a tea shop in Omotesando in 2014. They offer a wide variety of teas, including in-house roasted tea, “gyokuro” tea, and the rare fermented tea called “Goishicha,” as well as tea cocktails. Enjoy a set of gyokuro, blended tea, and four tea cocktails accompanied by Japanese sweets. The tea cocktails brewed in the quiet ambiance will help you take a deep breath and refresh.
Top Image: ⒸEUREKA!
