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Cocktail barHotel cocktail bar
Gold Bar at Tokyo EDITION Toranomon is a Golden Age cocktail room above the city, classic Martini and Manhattan rebuilds, Japanese spirits as the base notes.
DrinkModern Martini variation
FoodBar bites
TipOpen daily 17:00-01:00; window seats face Toranomon Hills and Tokyo Tower.
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Cocktail barCocktail bar
Bar High Five in Tokyo's Ginza is Hidetsugu Ueno's basement cocktail counter, World's 50 Best Bars 2011-2023. Hand-cut ice, custom drinks to your taste.
DrinkCustom-made spec to your preference
FoodReplenished complimentary snacks
TipCover charge is 1,000 yen with snacks. Open Mon-Sat from 17:00, closed Sundays and national holidays; arrive early for a seat at the counter.
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Cocktail barClassic cocktail bar
Star Bar Ginza in Tokyo's Ginza is Hisashi Kishi's pressed-tin temple of classic cocktail technique since 2000. The Sidecar is the order on a first visit.
DrinkSidecar with hand-cut Ninja ice
FoodTinned snacks, charcuterie
TipCover charge applies. Wear smart casual; phone reservations are accepted but the standing space at the counter turns fast.
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Cocktail barScandinavian cocktail bar
Fuglen Tokyo in Tomigaya turns into a Scandinavian cocktail bar after 19:00. Norwegian-trained bartenders, vintage Scandi furniture (all for sale).
DrinkAquavit-based cocktails by Halvor Digernes
FoodNorwegian brown cheese, light snacks
TipOpen until 01:00 Wed-Sun. The aquavit Old Fashioned is the move; Mondays and Tuesdays close at 23:00.
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Cocktail barYakitori alley with bars
Omoide Yokocho in Tokyo's Shinjuku is the post-war yakitori alley north of the west exit, 70 tiny eateries seating six to eight. Highballs and meat.
DrinkHighball and yakitori sticks
Food70 yakitori, grilled offal, ramen stalls
TipMost stalls open from 17:00; weekend nights are tight. Bring cash and a willingness to share a counter.
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Cocktail barTiny themed-bar alley
Shinjuku Golden Gai in Tokyo's Kabukicho is six narrow alleys of 200 themed bars, each seating four to ten guests. Music, film, literature, every micro-genre.
DrinkWhatever the master pours
FoodSnacks, occasional small plates
TipMany bars charge a 500-1,500 yen seating fee. Look for English-friendly signs or guided tours after 21:00.