Coolest Bars For An Evening Out In Tokyo

Tickle your tipsy fancies

As one of the most densely populated cities in the world filled with bright lights and vibrant nightlife, you’d best be sure there are some amazing bars you need to visit on your next trip to the Land of Rising Sun. Read on for our top picks for the best bars to visit in Tokyo.

Another8

Nestled in the low-key neighbourhood of Meguro, this bar is the Tokyo branch of Before9 in Kyoto, both of which are equally hip and stylish with light wood furnishings and clean lines. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing pre-dinner drink if you’re a fan of Japanese craft beers.

Zoetrope

If you want to win brownie points with a whisky-loving partner, a trip to Atsushi Horigami’s establishment is certain to score you some. An early evangelist of Japanese whisky, Horigami can set up vertical and horizontal tastings of Nikka and Yamazaki, or guide you through obscure, limited-production drams.

Star Bar Ginza

What better place for gin than a bar in Ginza. Silly puns aside, this beautiful locale is the training ground to some of Tokyo’s most respected barmen, who honed their craft further under the watchful eye of owner Hisashi Kishida, one of the godfathers of Japanese bartending. Ask for a classic Negroni or a Manhattan and you will end your evening on a perfectly balanced note.

Yata

Calmly floating 10 floors above the craziness of east Shinjuku, Yata is an oasis for sake connoisseurs. Make your way to the counter and request a tasting flight, which allows you to try a variety of brews from their extensive menu. The menu changes daily — an incentive to keep coming back for more.

Lobby Lounge and Bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Overlooking the sparkling metropolis from the 45th floor, it’s the most amazing spot for drinks with a view. Don’t be fooled by the generic name because this location is blessed with an interior of Japanese and Western motifs and is home to skilful barmen who create innovative cocktails to tantalise all the senses.

Ahead, tips on how to enjoy Tokyo as a solo traveller.