Tokyo Bar Scene! Plan a Night on the Town at the 9 Best Pubs & Izakaya

If you’re looking for the best bars in Tokyo for a fun night on the town, then you’re in luck. The Tokyo bar scene just so happens to be one of the best in the world. Many of Tokyo‘s top bars and restaurants are found in the ward of Shinjuku, but areas such as Shibuya, Minato, Chuo, and Setagaya are also known for their eating and drinking establishments.

1. Ben Fiddich

To experience the art of mixology at its finest, head to Ben Fiddich in Shinjuku. This small, 15-seater cocktail lounge has a laid-back atmosphere. It first opened its doors in 2013 and quickly became one of the top go-to bars in Tokyo . The unique decor resembles in part an old European bar and a traditional Japanese apothecary, and the classical music and dim lighting make it easy to relax as you enjoy a made-to-order cocktail. To order, you simply select your preferred base spirit and your unique cocktail recipe will be created on the spot using local spices and herbs. The owner, Hiroyasu Kayama, is a true cocktail wizard and a particularly big fan of the potent spirit absinthe, so make sure you try at least one of his signature absinthe cocktails.

Ben Fiddich is located at 1-13-7 Nishishinjuku, 9F Yamatoya Bldg., Shinjuku 160-0023.

2. What the Dickens!

You wouldn’t expect an authentic British pub to be one of the best pubs in Tokyo, but that is the most accurate way to describe What the Dickens! This lively pub where you can enjoy classic British pub food in Tokyo – such as pie and chips or chicken and chips – is located only minutes from Ebisu Station. You’ll also find a selection of British beers on tap, including Stella Artois, Guinness, and London Pride, as well as numerous other lagers, stouts, and ales. There is even cider on tap! Local cover bands provide live music every night without cover charge, making this a fantastic spot to grab a beer and sit back and listen to some tunes. Some nights also feature stand-up routines.

What the Dickens! is located at 1-13-3 Ebisunishi, Shibuya 150-0021.

3. ALBATROSS G

Albatross opened in 1997 and is considered today to be one of the hippest bars in Tokyo . It is located in Shinjuku‘s Omoide Yokocho alley, just by Shinjuku Station. This small area is home to numerous popular bars, so what makes ALBATROSS G so special? Well, for starters, it boasts an incredibly wide selection of drinks and it’s a great place to find reasonably priced sake. The charming interior is also a large draw. The space is quaint and seats only around 30 people at a time. Albatross is also home to an eccentric collection of chandeliers and the second floor doubles as a small art gallery. Upper-floor patrons often receive their drinks through the stairway railing. If the weather permits, the rooftop opens up to guests as well.

Albatross is located at 1-1-7, Goldengai 5bangai 1F to 2F, Kabukicho, Shinjuku 160-0021.

4. High Five

For classic cocktails with masterfully innovative twists, head to High Five in the bar and shopping district of Ginza. This popular bar opened in the summer of 2008 and has since moved to a new, larger location to allow for even more patrons. The top shelf of the beautiful wood-paneled bar is reliably stocked with over 200 scotch and whiskey bottles, and the bar itself is worked by true cocktail craftsmen, including head bartender Kaori Kurakami and owner Hidetsugu Ueno. Don’t expect a menu at High Five. Instead, the bar staff will ask for your tastes and preferences and suggest the perfect drink for you. They are usually right on the mark with their selections.

High Five is located at 5-4-15 Ginza, Efurore Ginza 5 Bldg. B1F, Chuo 104-0061.

5. Roof Top Bar & Terrace G

For pubs in Tokyo with an incredible view, look no further than Roof Top Bar & Terrace G. This bar and restaurant on the 13th floor of the Shinjuku Granbell Hotel offers panoramic views of the surrounding city. You can indulge in delicious cocktails and order a complete dinner to go with them. Menu options include pastas, curry, deep-fried foods, grilled foods, and roasted foods. If you’re not too hungry, an extensive snack menu is also available. The terrace at Roof Top Bar & Terrace G is a great place to have drinks outside during the summer. This lively spot is also the go-to bar if you’re looking to meet new people or to just spend a night mingling with locals and tourists.

Roof Top Bar & Terrace G is located at 2-14-5 Kabukicho, 13F Granbell Hotel Shinjuku, Shinjuku 160-0021.

6. Bar Pond

Bar Pond is not quite as well known as the other Tokyo bars on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less worth the visit. Located in the Sangenjaya neighbourhood of Setagaya, Bar Pond is a relaxing place with large, comfortable leather seating lining the bar. As you enter Bar Pond, you’ll see hundreds of different bottles on display, many of them rare whiskey and bourbon. The abundance of bottles translates to an abundant drink menu that features fantastic seasonal cocktails. You’ll also find rare bottles of scotch that were exclusive to the Japanese market, making this one of the few places you’ll get a chance to try them.

Bar Pond is located at 4-22-14 Taishido, Koda Building 2F, Setagaya 154-0004

7. Zoetrope

Home to the best whiskey selection not only in Shinjuku but in all of Tokyo , Zoetrope is a true whiskey lover’s paradise. The owner has amassed a collection of some of the most elusive domestic Japanese whiskeys some 300 bottles large. Rare finds include several Ichiro’s Malt card series items and Chichibu bottlings. You’ll find a great selection of beer, brandy, and rum as well. The bar itself is quirky and welcoming, with dim atmospheric lighting and an array of sci-fi and fantasy film memorabilia used as decor. Zoetrope is easily one of the coolest and quirkiest bars in the city. Though usually quite busy, it’s definitely worth the visit.

Zoetrope is located at 7-10-14 Nishi Shinjuku, 3rd floor, Gaia Building #4, Shinjuku 160-0023.

8. Gen Yamamoto

Gen Yamamoto is a minimalist cocktail bar located in Azabujuban, near the popular Akasaka and Roppongi areas. The unadorned space encourages visitors to focus all of their senses on the masterfully prepared cocktails in front of them. What’s even more unique about this bar is that, rather than a full menu, patrons are provided with a tasting menu of four to six drinks prepared by Gen Yamamoto himself, the bars eponymous owner. The drinks are made from fine liquors and fresh seasonal produce that has been locally sourced. Each drink at Gen Yamamoto is served in its own unique glassware and accompanied by a flower.

Gen Yamamoto is located at 1-6-4 Azabujuban, Anniversary Building 1F, Minato 106-0045.

9. Star Bar Ginza

Another well-known Ginza district bar, Star Bar Ginza also places the cocktails front and center. At the helm of this popular bar is bartending celebrity Hisashi Kishi, who broke onto the bartending scene after winning the International Bar Association world championship in 1996. In true Tokyo style, cocktails are specially crafted for you based on your personal likes while you relax on a comfortable leather sofa. They are served with a handcrafted ice cube called ninja ice that melts slowly enough not to dilute the drink. Star Bar Ginza also offers a great selection of snacks to enjoy with your drinks, such as salted soy nuts, cheese florets, and salmon mousse.

Star Bar Ginza is located at 1-5-13 Ginza, B1f, Ginza, Chuo 104-0061.